The warm weather of spring and summer means festival season all over the United States. Many festivals, no matter your interest, are welcoming to families. Whether it’s music or food; child-focused or art – there is a festival for every taste.
Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio, TX. Fiesta® San Antonio is described as one of the biggest festivals in the United States. What child doesn’t love a colorful parade? There are 14 to choose from during this multi-day event. What about a record-sized piñata? It’s there, too. There are also 110 events, 52 stages, 35 concerts, 33 food events and more in multiple venues throughout the city. The event is held annually in April to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, celebrating the diverse heritage, culture and spirit that make up the city of San Antonio. April 10 – 27, 2014.
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, New Orleans, LA. At first thought, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival seems to be a jazz lover’s event suited primarily for adults. And yes, the event features performers from multiple music genres, such as Robin Thicke, Chaka Khan, Aaron Nevil, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen and Christina Aguilera. But, this two-weekend celebration of music and arts also features its own Kids Stage, with musical and theatrical performances geared specifically for young audiences. April 25-27; May 1 - 4, 2014.
Culinary Kids Food Festival, New York, NY. Calling all chefs-to-be...the New York’s Culinary Kids Food Festival celebrates the relationship among plants, farms, and food. This week-long festival, hosted by the New York Botanical Garden, encompasses cooking demonstrations, recipes, and hands-on activities (where kids can learn, for example, how to make pickles or cheese). This festival is sure to be a junior foodie’s delight. April 14-21, 2014.
Sunfest, West Palm Beach FL. West Palm Beach’s Sunfest is Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival. Although large, with an estimated attendance of 165,000, the festival hosts a smaller Youth Park, which is a mini-Sunfest of sorts, with kid-size fun and entertainment. No one ever likes to think of their child becoming lost in large settings. So in the event of such an occurrence, Sunfest’s unique Tag-a-Kid wristband system is in place to re-unite parents with their children. April 30 – May 4, 2014.
Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival, Pittsburgh, PA. Held in downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, the Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival strives to bring extraordinary and unique experiences to children. The event features live musical and theatrical performances, over 30 hands-on educational and cultural activities. The lineup includes artists from Spain, the UK, Israel, Denmark, Canada, the U.S. and more. May 14-18, 2014.
Kidsfest San Diego, San Diego, CA. Creativity and hand-on activities are the hallmark of KidsFest San Diego. The largest festival of its kind, this celebration of imagination promises interactive fun, dozens of activity stations and exhibitors. May 17-18, 2014.
Tulsa Mayfest, Tulsa, OK. The Tulsa International Mayfest is billed as an “annual tribute to art and music.” The festival, hosted in downtown Tulsa, incorporates entertainment for all ages and tastes, with fine arts, crafts, four music stages, and a KidZone. May 15-18, 2014.
Jiggle Jam Family Fest, Kansas City, MO. A music festival just for kids? Yes, it exists - at the Jiggle Jam Family Fest in Kansas City. KC Jiggle Jam boasts being the largest independent family music festival in the nation. Kids not only can wiggle and jiggle to over 25 different bands, but they can also create art masterpieces and get moving during exercise workshops. And what kids' music festival would be complete without face painting, inflatable bounce houses, bubble tents, train rides and more. May 24-25, 2014.
Denver Chalk Art Festival, Denver, CO. With chalk masterpieces being the focal point of this festival, children are sure to be impressed. In the Denver Chalk Art Festival, streets are transformed into canvases, and artists spend multiple hours on hands and knees developing extraordinary pieces in chalk. And in the festival’s Kids' Corner, kids receive (for a small donation) their own bag of chalk to create impressive works of their own. May 31 – June 1, 2014.
