Have you ever considered planning a trip around family-friendly festivals? When traveling, some of my most memorable moments have been times when we have stumbled upon cultural events.
Most of the time these cultural festivals haven’t been a planned part of the trip while other times we planned the visit around the festival dates. We’ve experienced parades, fun concerts, and other cultural celebrations.
When we were in the Galapagos, every Friday evening the town of Puerto Ayora puts on a show for the tourists. We were visiting over Halloween and the town had set up a small haunted house, a bouncy house and a couple of people, dressed as dinosaurs, were handing out candy to the kids. We even walked down a side street that evening and stumbled upon a community event complete with a pig roast and homemade desserts being sold. It was fantastic!
Other times, we have planned our trip around it. We visited New Mexico at the same time as the hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque. The balloons were the main event, but we also explored the natural areas around the city as well. The festival added an extra element to that trip and made it extra special.
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Why You Should Visit A World Cultural Festival?
What I enjoy most about attending a cultural festival is that you get to immerse yourself in the culture. It is not always easy to do this when you are visiting new places, but it’s easy with a festival. Everyone is invited.
The other reason to go is that it is so much fun!
When we were in our 20s we partied at Carnaval in Panama. It was a crazy time. We hadn’t had our kids then, and we celebrated in, let’s say, a not so family-friendly way. We had a lot of fun. Maybe too much fun!
I’m sure it is possible to attend a Carnaval event with kids, we just haven’t been to one with ours yet. I mean, I remember plenty of kids spraying me with water guns!
In the last couple of years, we have celebrated King’s Day in the Netherlands. This day celebrates the King’s birthday and is a crazy day of drinking, concerts and fun games. It is similar to celebrating Carnaval with a Dutch twist. It is celebrated in every city in the Netherlands and there are ways kids can enjoy themselves, so we do it every year.
Below I have put together an exciting list of the best family-friendly festivals in the world to attend. I created the list using my own personal experiences and a few that are on my bucket list!
What better way to kick start a family vacation than going to a festive, fun world cultural festival?
Important Considerations When Booking Your Trip
Because all of these family-friendly festivals and events are popular, there are a few things you need to consider before attending.
Book Your Flight And Hotel Early
All of these child-friendly celebrations are fun, but that also means they are going to be busy!
Booking your lodging and flight early will give you more options and hopefully save you a little money. Search for a flight using Momondo or Skyscanner to find a great deal!
I like to use Booking.com or Agoda.com to find the best options for hotels and apartments to stay in while traveling.
Purchase Event Tickets
Do research on the cultural event and find out if you need to get a ticket or not. If so, buy your tickets well in advance.
Also look at popular attractions in the area that you want to visit. Trips to family-friendly festivals should be planned out, so that you can go to the celebrations and other tourist attractions in the area without problems.
It is one of the few times I don’t mind visiting a location when there’s a crowd.
For specific tours and attractions in the cities, find highly-rated tours through Viator or Get Your Guide or buy tickets to specific attractions or city passes through Tiqets.
Make Dinner Reservations
Whenever you travel, making dinner reservations is advised. It is harder and harder these days to just stumble into a great restaurant and get a table.
When there is a festival in town, there most likely will be some street food that you can eat, so you won’t starve. However, if you are looking for a high-quality, sit-down restaurant, booking a reservation in advance is essential.
Another option is to look into EatWith where you can dine with locals that love to cook in the community. They only have dining options in certain cities, so check out if there’s an option where you are visiting.
Familiarize Yourself With Local Culture And Customs
Many festivals revolve around religious ceremonies and traditions. Even if they aren’t religious, being aware of a country’s customs and culture before arriving is always a good practice.
Making sure you know what is frowned upon is important, so that you don’t offend the culture. Remember that you are participating in THEIR festival, and that you should always be respectful.
Stay Safe And Healthy
There will be crowds at these family-friendly festivals and with crowds come pickpockets. Be sure to keep your valuables close to the front of your body and not in your back pocket, preferably in a pocket with a zipper.
Follow all local regulations. For example, some places you can’t drink in the streets and others you can. Also, stay hydrated and have fun!
You May Also Like: 6 Essential Tips For Your First Time Traveling Internationally or for more specific advice on How To Stay Safe In A Crowd click here.
Now Onto The Family-Friendly Festivals! (Updated For 2026)
These family-friendly festivals are in order by date. I updated this post which originally posted in 2024 and added a few more kid-friendly festivals for 2026!
Snow Festival – Japan
When: February 4-11, 2026
Where: Sapporo, Japan
What is the festival all about?
The Snow Festival Japan started in 1950 when a small group of students created six snow sculptures in Odori Park. Today it is celebrated in 3 locations around the city of Sapporo.
This kid-friendly festival is great for adults and children alike. It combines artistic beauty through the snow sculptures, cultural immersion and winter fun.
This is a bucket list item for me. My family and I love being in the snow, and we don’t get enough snow in the Netherlands in our opinions. Combining a ski trip to Japan with this festival sounds like an awesome trip. I would love to see the amazing ways people can shape snow into art.
Why is it good for kids?
Families can explore massive snow sculptures, enjoy snow slides, and participate in snow-themed activities like ice skating and snow tubing.
The Tsu Dome Site is the best for families with snow slides, snow rafting and more snow sculptures. There’s even a playground and food stands.
For more information on the various events and to plan your trip, visit the Sapporo Snow Festival website.
St. Patrick’s Festival – Ireland
When: March 14 – 17th, 2026
Where: Dublin, Ireland and other cities in Ireland
What is the festival all about?
Saint Patrick’s Festival in Ireland is a jubilant and happy celebration commemorating the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. On St. Patrick’s Day, you will find many festivities including vibrant parades winding through the streets of cities and towns that display Irish culture and heritage.
The River Liffey in Dublin becomes a sea of green as locals and visitors wear the color in various forms. Don’t forget to pack your green attire!
You will hear traditional Irish music fill the air and see dancing in the streets. What a lively and fun atmosphere to be in.
Many people attend church services to honor Saint Patrick. Others join more secular celebrations like lively pub gatherings and feasts of traditional Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage.
We have celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day in Switzerland and in the USA, but sadly not in the country of origin. I would love to go one day.
Why is it good for kids?
There are numerous positive aspects to Saint Patrick’s festival for kids. The cheerful spirit and a sense of community being the top two.
The colorful parades, filled with lively music and captivating performances, are entertaining and visually interesting for children. The emphasis on wearing green and the playful incorporation of symbols like leprechauns and shamrocks are also very fun for the kids.
Many communities organize family-oriented events. These celebrations are safe for children and in addition they learn about Irish history and traditions.
For grandstand tickets to the parade in Dublin and additional information, check out the St. Patrick’s Day Festival website.
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Holi – The Festival of Colors – India
When: March 4, 2026
Where: Various locations in India
Mathura and Vrindavan for an authentic experience or Jaipur offers a well-organized and family-friendly atmosphere
What is the festival all about?
Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, is a vibrant celebration deeply rooted in Hindu tradition but embraced by people of various cultures and communities worldwide.
Holi marks the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of the season of renewal. The highlight of this joyful festival is the playful throwing and smearing of brightly colored powders, known as “gulal,” on friends, family, and even strangers.
You will gather in open spaces, streets, and public squares, throwing the colorful powders. It creates a kaleidoscope of hues. In addition, a water balloon fight might even break out where you are!
Bring your dancing shoes as you will want to join the traditional music and dance and enjoy the sweets and drinks that add to the celebration of Holi.
It is an amazing way to celebrate life and the beauty of diversity. Don’t we all need a little more good in our lives? Especially in 2026!
Can’t make it to India? See if there’s a Holi celebration near you. My friend from New Jersey showed me pictures of a Holi gathering near their home where they participated in the happy festival with their kids without crossing the ocean!
For more information on Holi, read this article from Travel and Leisure. The article also includes various locations where Holi is celebrated in the U.S.
Why is it good for kids?
Holi is beneficial for kids as it is an inclusive event that celebrates unity and joy. It’s an enjoyable way for them to experience Hindu cultural traditions too. The festival’s emphasis on colors and playfulness makes it espeically fun for the young ones.
This festival encourages many postive values we want our kids to learn like sharing and kindness. The fun activities like water fights and games, provide a healthy outlet for energy.
Additionally, the cultural significance of Holi introduces children to diverse customs. When kids are introduced to other cultures they are more accepting of others. That is what traveling with kids and going to family-friendly festivals worldwide is all about.
Keukenhof Tulip Festival – Netherlands
When: March 19 – May 10, 2026
Where: Lisse, The Netherlands
What is the festival all about?
The Keukenhof Tulip Festival is one of the most popular spots to see spring flowers in Holland. This breathtaking garden displays over 7 million flower bulbs with more than 800 varieties of tulips and other flowers mixed in as well.
All of the flowers are displayed in beautiful patterns and create a multi-colored carpet of spring blooms. The tulip is a symbol of Dutch culture and the festival mixes in other Dutch traditions such as wooden shoes, apple pie and even a windmill you can explore.
We visited Keukenhof in 2023 when my mother-in-law came to the Netherlands to visit. This family-friendly festival was a great way for her to see some of the beautiful tulips that the Netherlands is known for. It is easy to get around the gardens, and it is stunning.
Why is it good for kids?
The Keukenhof Tulip Festival is great for kids. They will love exploring the gardens and seeing the different colored blooms that are on display.
There are stepping stones in the pond that you can walk on, which my son especially enjoyed. My older son enjoyed taking pictures of all the different colored blooms!
In addition, families can take a whisper boat ride through the tulip fields and there is even a fun maze, playground and petting zoo! All of the paths are stroller friendly too, making it really nice for parents with young kids.
Keukenhof Tulip Festival is a magical place for children to connect with nature while having fun in a safe environment.
For more information and to get tickets, visit the Keukenhof website.
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Songkran – Thailand
When: April 13-15th, 2026
Where: Various Locations in Thailand
Chiang Mai is supposed to be the best place to celebrate and also the largest, but this also means it can be very rowdy.
Phuket is another great location to join in the water fight!
What is the festival all about?
Songkran, the Thai New Year festival, is a joyous celebration that takes place annually in mid-April. Over several days you will experience crazy water fights that symbolizes the cleansing of the past year’s misfortunes and welcomes a fresh start.
The streets are alive with laughter. Arm yourself with water guns and buckets filled with water and get ready to get drenched.
There are also traditional rituals that happen during Songkran. One of these includes pouring scented water on Buddha statues and the hands of elders as a gesture of respect.
During the water festivities, there are also lively parades, cultural performances, and vibrant processions that display Thailand’s rich heritage.
Why is it good for kids?
Songkran Festival is a delightful and family-friendly celebration.
First, the water fights and playful splashing provides a refreshing and enjoyable way for children to cool off in the warm April weather.
And, who doesn’t love a good water fight in the sweltering heat?
The traditional aspects of Songkran also offer valuable opportunities for children to learn about Thai customs and traditions.
Read this article on Lonely Planet for a complete guide.
Vivid Sydney – Australia
When: May 22 – June 13, 2025
Where: Sydney, Australia
What is the festival all about?
Vivid Sydney is an annual festival of stunning light displays, live music and thought provoking ideas.
The family-friendly festival displays dazzling art installations throughout the city on or near iconic locations. This makes it easy to combine the festival with sightseeing in Sydney.
You will find these beautiful and amazing art projections displayed on the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. You can also walk through interactive light installations and visit neighborhoods such as The Rocks and Darling Harbour that come alive with artistic light displays.
In addition to the creative light displays, you can attend concerts of award-winning music artists from all genres. They perform in some cool venues too like the famous Sydney Opera House to tucked-away warehouses around the city.
Why is it good for kids?
Vivid Sydney is great for kids because of the interactive and visually stunning displays at the variety of kid-friendly activities.
One of the things to enjoy that is good for families includes exploring the interactive light installations. There are tunnels of light, glowing pathways and large-scale sculptures. Some special light sculptures that are especially designed for kids are at the Taronga Zoo.
Be sure to watch the Darling Harbour Light Show. The dazzling light and water shows captivate kids and adults with the synchronized music, projections and special effects. Sounds so cool.
Visit the Vivid Sydney website for more information on this magical festival down under.
Independence Day – USA
When: July 4, 2026
Where: All over the USA
What is the festival all about?
The Fourth Of July celebrates the day the United States became an independent nation from England. Americans celebrate with family gatherings, barbeques, games, parades and fireworks.
It is a day of celebration that brings friends and families together. It is traditional to wear the colors of the flag; red, white and blue.
Every state has different ways that they light off fireworks. Some are huge displays put on by the cities. In other states, citizens are allowed to light their own fireworks.
We’ve experienced it all. When we lived in Montana, we lit off our own fireworks in the park. It was spectacular to witness huge twinkling lights brightening the sky all around you.
When the city lights the fireworks, it can also be an amazing experience. There are a couple of firework shows that come to mind that blew me away.
The first was in Grand Lake, Colorado. The fireworks are shot up over the lake. So, we spread a blanket out on the sandy beach, laid back and watched in amazement.
The other fireworks show that I won’t ever forget was at a Colorado Rockies game. After the baseball game, they empty out one side of the stands and bring the crowd out onto the field. Then the most amazing fireworks show happens behind the scoreboard. It’s simply incredible! If you can go, you should get tickets.
Why is it good for kids?
Kids love the playfulness of Independence Day when they can spend time with their family and play with their friends in a fun and lively atmosphere. The fireworks are also a highlight for them.
Try to catch a parade too. Many towns will have one. Bring a bag for candy. It is common for everyone in the parade to throw handfuls of candy to the kids on the side of the street.
Also, grab some sparklers and let the kids play with fire in a safe way before enjoying the big fireworks show.
Pro Tip: If you do go to a city fireworks show, go early. Set out a blanket or some chairs to save your spot!
San Fermin Festival – Running Of The Bulls – Spain
When: July 6 – July 14, 2026
Where: Pamplona, Spain
What is the festival all about?
You may not think child friendly when thinking about a stampeding bull run, but the San Fermin Festival is more than the running of the bulls.
The festival honors Saint Fermin, Pamplona’s patron saint and features a mix of religious ceremonies, traditional music, parades, fireworks and cultural events.
If you do go, you need to dress in white with a red scarf. Everyone does it which creates a uniformed sea of white and red. You wear pink, you are going to stand out and not in a good way!
Why is it good for kids?
San Fermin is especially good for kids because of its cultural traditions.
The highlight is the parade of the giants (Gigantes y Cabezudos), where towering, colorful figures dance through the streets. It’s a little weird, but that makes it entertaining. The kids will love spotting all the giant heads and figures in the street.
San Fermin also offers various workshops, games and cultural activities designed specifically for kids.
Families can additionally enjoy festive music, fireworks displays and delicious local Basque cuisine. Basque food is to die for.
I never considered the San Fermin Festival as one of the family-friendly festivals until our friends visited in 2024. They said it was set up very nicely for kids and families to visit.
After their visit, I knew I had to add it to the list.
Get more information on the Running of the Bulls and San Fermin Festival here.
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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – USA
When: October 3 – October 11, 2026
Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
What is the festival all about?
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a world-renowned annual event held each October in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The sky fills with hundreds of colorful hot air balloons each day of the festival.
This breathtaking celebration attracts visitors from around the globe. You will find a unique blend of visual beauty, family-friendly activities, and cultural celebrations.
There are two highlights of the festival. The first is the Mass Ascension where balloons of all shapes and sizes lift off in unison in the morning.
In the evenings, the fun Balloon Glow events occur. This is when the balloons are tethered and then illuminate the night sky. This is one of my favorite events.
The Mass Ascension happens in the early morning on the weekends and the Balloon glows are also during the weekend.
We experienced the Mass Ascension in two ways. It is a special experience to walk around the field while balloons are being filled and take off.
The first day, we missed out on being in the field. However, from our hotel room window, we saw all the balloons lift off. This was a different perspective and not any less exciting. We made it a game of spotting different balloons above the city while we were out and about.
Why is it good for kids?
Our kids loved this festival when we went in 2016. Okay mostly Levi as Isaac was only 1. There are so many fun balloons of all different styles to watch. It is a very special event.
A favorite part of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta for the kids is the Special Shape Rodeo. This is when the hot air balloons that have special shapes take off into the skies.
This one is especially fun for the kids because they can spot all the unique shaped balloons. We saw ones shaped like a barn, Yoda, penguins, an elephant and so many more.
We were in a stage in life where we didn’t have a lot of extra money to spend, but if we go back we would definitely book a flight in a hot air balloon to see it all from the sky.
The festival is a magical experience that combines the wonder of flight with the vibrant spirit of New Mexico.
Harvest Festivals – USA
When: End of September through October
Where: All across the USA
What is the festival all about?
Harvest festivals across the U.S. pop up in the autumn. They can vary, but the most common ones will be centered around some sort of crop. Apples are common, so are corn and pumpkin. The west will be filled with grape harvest festivals at local wineries.
The festivals are a fun way to celebrate bringing in the crops and a plentiful harvest season. They are held on local farms that make a little extra money by putting on a fun festival for the community.
For family-friendly festivals, I am most familiar with the corn and pumpkin variety! Harvest season is around Halloween, so going to a harvest festival and picking out that perfect pumpkin is always a fun reason for a visit.
Why is it good for kids?
Harvest festivals are made for kids. There are so many activities for them to enjoy.
Fun things you will find at these festivals are corn field mazes, hay rides, pony rides, petting zoos, and we’ve even seen huge piles of corn that kids can jump in!
Our favorite harvest festival was in Manhattan, Montana at the Montana Corn Maze. This was always such a fun event for the whole family. When you arrive, you buy your tickets and are invited to purchase some of the homemade treats that are made right there at the farm. Don’t forget to come back at the end to pick some up!
Then you can make your way into the farm where the kids can go on a pony ride, ride the barrel train, or play on the hay slide. The best part of all was that you could take a hay ride out to the corn field where you enter the best corn maze ever.
What makes it the best is that you aren’t just figuring out how to go in one end and make it out the other. There are added scavenger hunt elements to it. You can pick between the easy scavenger hunt or the hard version. We always went with hard because we like a challenge!
At the end of the maze, there were also some big wheel trikes that you can ride around which were so much fun.
That is just one example out of the many harvest festivals you can find all over the U.S. Look one up if you are in America in October.
Día de los Muertos – Day Of The Dead – Mexico
When: November 2, 2026
Where: Various locations in Mexico
Oaxaca City: Oaxaca is renowned for its elaborate Dia de los Muertos festivities.
Pátzcuaro, Michoacán: Pátzcuaro is considered one of the most authentic places to experience El Dia de los Muertos.
What is the festival all about?
Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and deeply meaningful Mexican festival that takes place annually on November 2nd. There will be preparations and other events prior to that date too.
Contrary to its name, the celebration is a joyful and colorful tribute to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away.
Families create elaborate ofrendas, or altars, adorned with marigolds, candles, photographs, and the favorite foods and possessions of the departed.
Graveyards come alive with families gathering to clean and decorate the tombstones, creating a festive atmosphere. Sugar skulls, intricately crafted papel picado (paper cutouts), and traditional Catrina costumes add to the visual.
The celebration includes lively parades, music, dance, and feasts reflecting a belief that the spirits of the deceased return to enjoy the offerings made in their honor.
Dia de los Muertos is a beautiful blend of indigenous beliefs and Catholicism, emphasizing the continuity of life and the importance of remembering and celebrating the legacies of those who came before.
Ever since Spanish class in high school, I have dreamed of visiting Mexico and taking part in El Dia de los Muertos. It hasn’t happened for me yet, but I know that I will make it there in my lifetime.
Why is it good for kids?
Dia de los Muertos is a culturally rich festival. First, it provides an opportunity for kids to learn about and appreciate Mexican traditions and cultural practices.
The artistic elements of the celebration, such as decorating sugar skulls and creating colorful ofrendas, are a fun and meaningful part of the festival that kids would love.
It is common to dress in the traditional costumes, get your face painted and participate in the parade.
I love that the Day of the Dead teaches children that we don’t forget those that have passed. It gives you the space to think about those loved ones, remember them, and talk about their lives.
There are very few times in our lives that we do that. This is a great celebration of life.
Dayofthedead.holiday has an excellent website that details the history and traditions.
Culturestraveled.com has a complete guide if you are interested in participating in the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca.
Christmas Lights In Medellin – Colombia
When: November 28, 2026 to January 12, 2027
Where: Medellin, Colombia
What is the festival all about?
The Christmas lights in Medellín, Colombia, known as the Alumbrados de Navidad, are one of the most spectacular holiday displays in the world.
Every year, the city transforms into a glittering wonderland with millions of LED lights adorning parks, streets, and the Medellín River.
The lights form intricate designs all centered around a theme. When we were there in 2022, the theme was Encanto. In 2025, the theme was At Christmas, Medellin, I love you. This theme featured many natural and cultural features of Colombia and Medellin, in particular, celebrating the 350 year anniversary of the city.
There were beautiful twinkling lights hanging over the river that were shaped like flowers, birds and butterflies and other beautiful decorations around the main park, Parques del Rio.
Why is it good for kids?
Families, locals, and tourists all love strolling through the illuminated streets at this family-friendly festival. We enjoyed live performances and food stalls next to the huge light installations. It fills the city with holiday cheer.
The kids will love exploring all the Christmas lights in Medellin. The pathways along the Medellin river and the Parques del Rio are well made and good for strollers; however, if you go on the first day, when we did, it can get really crowded.
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Christmas Markets In Europe
The photo on the left is at a Christmas Market in Hamburg, Germany and the right is at the Groningen Christmas Market
When: Late November to Late December (dates vary by city)
Where: Various locations in Europe
Most popular and beautiful Christmas Markets: Cologne, Germany; Vienna, Austria; Colmar, France
Less popular but still amazing: Riga, Latvia; Groningen, Netherlands; Tallinn, Estonia
What is the festival all about?
Christmas Markets in Europe celebrate the Christmas holidays. They are a big deal in Europe with their beautifully decorated stalls selling small crafts and other gifts for the season.
For me, the best part of Christmas Markets are the decorations and the food!
If you travel with a group, share food. That way you can try so many more different delicacies without filling up too quickly!
Don’t miss out on the warm beverages either. From the normal gluhwein to other delicious drinks. Try a few and see which ones you like. There is a gluhwein with Grand Marnier that is served at the Groningen Christmas Market that I always seek out.
We had a citrusy hot gin drink at a Christmas Market in Hamburg that was strong but tasty.
Why is it good for kids?
Kids will get a kick out of Christmas Markets too. They will like the decorations, lights and food too, but what they will really love are the rides.
You will find ferris wheels, slides and other types of carnival games that will keep them entertained. At the Christmas Market in Bourtange, there were these huge giant swings that our kids enjoyed.
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