Festival season is in full swing, and there are more family-friendly options than ever for those with toddlers in tow. From woodland crafts and live music to bubble discos and storytelling tents, family festivals can be a magical experience as long as you’re prepared.
Whether it’s your first time camping with little ones or you're seasoned pros, this guide covers the best UK festivals for young children, what to pack, and how to make the experience as enjoyable (and restful!) as possible for the whole family.
Toddler-Friendly Festivals Worth Exploring
➤ Camp Bestival (Dorset & Shropshire)
Arguably the UK’s most iconic family festival, Camp Bestival blends big-name music acts with a magical, child-first atmosphere. You’ll find soft play tents, puppet shows, bubble discos, yoga sessions, dressing-up parades, and even a giant bouncy castle shaped like a castle. With designated family camping, baby-changing areas, and plenty of buggy-friendly paths, it’s a great introduction to the festival scene for little ones.
➤ Just So Festival (Cheshire)
Held in the enchanting Rode Hall Estate, Just So Festival is a whimsical outdoor arts and imagination festival created entirely with children in mind. Expect storytelling in the woods, mud kitchens, lantern parades, and costume-clad families joining in themed tribal games. It’s designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and connection – a peaceful and playful escape for all ages.
➤ Latitude (Suffolk)
This award-winning festival goes above and beyond for families. While grown-ups enjoy a packed music and comedy lineup, kids can dive into the Kids' Area, complete with theatre, science experiments, dance workshops and art activities. Family camping is thoughtfully planned, and there’s a quieter Enchanted Garden for little ones who need a break from the buzz.
➤ TOTFest (Various locations)
TOTFest is the UK’s largest festival dedicated solely to under-5s – and it shows. Everything is scaled to toddler level, with activity zones like messy play, sensory spaces, character meet-and-greets, mini discos and teddy bear picnics. It’s daytime-only, with short queues, gentle music and changing facilities, making it ideal for first-time festivalgoers.
➤ Raver Tots (Nationwide)
If you’re after something fun but bite-sized, Raver Tots is a great choice. These toddler-safe rave parties are hosted in cities across the UK and feature DJ sets, dancefloors, inflatables, foam machines and lots of bubbles – all at child-friendly sound levels. Think glow sticks, neon lights and buggies on the dancefloor – all before naptime.
➤ Wychwood Festival (Cheltenham)
A smaller, easy-going festival set at Cheltenham Racecourse, Wychwood offers a perfect mix of live music, comedy, and child-friendly entertainment. There’s a Kids' Literature Festival, circus skills workshops, craft tents, and a dedicated children’s area, all within easy reach. The relaxed layout means no long walks or overcrowding – ideal for younger families.
➤ CarFest (Hampshire & Cheshire)
Created by Chris Evans, CarFest is a family-friendly charity festival with a mix of vintage and modern cars, live music, and interactive zones for children. The KidsFest area is packed with crafts, games, storytelling, dance sessions and hands-on fun. Expect face painting, tasty street food, and a feel-good atmosphere that supports children’s charities across the UK.
What to Pack When Camping with Toddlers
Camping with toddlers doesn’t need to be stressful – a little planning goes a long way. Here's a handy checklist of festival essentials for families:
- A spacious, easy-to-pitch tent
- Sleeping gear – something warm, breathable and easy to move in
- Waterproofs, wellies and sun hats
- Reusable water bottles and lots of snacks
- Wipes, nappies, hand sanitiser and a small first aid kit
- Favourite books, cuddly toys and familiar sleep aids
- Portable potty or toddler toilet seat
- A small torch or night light for bedtime routines
Don’t forget that temperatures can drop at night, even in summer – so warm sleepwear is essential.
Helping Little Ones Sleep at Festivals
Sleep can be the biggest challenge when camping with young children – it’s a different environment, there’s lots going on, and routines are often out the window.
Some ways to help your child settle:
- Stick to parts of your usual bedtime routine – brushing teeth, reading a story, having some quiet time.
- Make their sleeping area feel cosy and familiar with a favourite blanket or soft toy.
- Choose sleepwear that allows freedom to wriggle but keeps them warm.
- Bring ear defenders or a hat to soften the sound in the evenings.
- If you're worried about cold feet or blankets getting kicked off, consider a sleeping bag with legs or enclosed feet.
A Handy Tip for Family Camping
One thing that many parents find useful when camping is a sleeping bag with feet – especially for toddlers who like to move around or don’t like feeling restricted. These allow children to stay warm and covered, while still being able to stand, walk or stretch before bed (or during those early-morning wakeups).
They’re available in different TOG ratings for summer or cooler nights, and some even have detachable sleeves or fold-over foot covers. Parents can also use the adult footed sleeping bags themselves, so everyone stays snug on chilly mornings without the need for extra layers or slipping blankets.
It can make a real difference to how comfortably the whole family sleeps outdoors.
Whether you’re heading to Camp Bestival, a local mini-festival or simply planning some garden camping, a bit of preparation can make all the difference. Pack light, plan flexibly, and embrace the muddy fun. You’ll create memories your little ones will remember for years to come – even if they don’t remember the bands just yet.
Explore our children’s sleeping bags with feet and adult sleeping bags with feet and get the ideal sleepwear for your next night under the stars.
