As summer vacation approaches, parents are often left wondering how to keep their little ones entertained during these long and hot months. Fear not, because we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 family-friendly festivals that will give both you and your kids the time of your lives! 🌞

1. National Cherry Festival 🍒

Located in Traverse City, Michigan, this festival is a must-visit if you want to experience the taste and beauty of cherries. Stretching over eight days, the National Cherry Festival offers live music, food stalls, parades, and many cherry-themed activities for both adults and children. 🥳

Image of cherry-themed parade floats

2. Fiesta San Antonio 🎊

Held annually in San Antonio, Texas, this festival has over 100 cultural events and parades and is perfect for families looking for a traditional Texan experience. This event has something for everyone – food, music, a carnival, and even a dog show! 🐾

Image of colorful Fiesta San Antonio decorations

3. Oregon Shakespeare Festival 🎭

If you’re looking for something more cultural, head over to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon. With over 780 performances of plays from Shakespeare and other renowned playwrights, this festival has something for everyone. Apart from the plays, visitors can also experience food and drink stalls and artisans’ booths. 🎉

Image of a Shakespearean-era stage-curtain

4. Halloweekends 🎃

Located in Sandusky, Ohio, Halloweekends is an annual festival that turns Cedar Point amusement park into a spooky and frightening experience for the entire family. The festival has tons of Halloween-themed attractions, including haunted houses, spooky maze, and much more. It’s a fantastic experience for families looking for some frightful fun! 👻

Image of a Halloween-themed amusement park ride

5. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 🎷

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is a must-go event for music lovers, bringing together musicians from all over the world. Celebrated annually in New Orleans, Louisiana, this festival offers a chance to experience the city’s beautiful culture of music, food, and art. With over 12 stages, 500 bands, and countless food stalls, visitors will have an experience they are sure to remember forever. 🎶

Image of New Orleans jazz musicians performing in a parade

6. San Diego Comic-Con 🦸‍♀️

San Diego Comic-Con is one of the biggest comic cons in the world, and perfect for families who want to experience pop culture at its peak. With countless celebrity panels, costume competitions, video game displays, and comic book booths, this festival can give families the feeling of being in a completely different world. 🤩

Image of cosplayers showing off their costumes

7. Dutchess County Fair 🎡

One of the biggest county fairs in the US, the Dutchess County Fair, located in Rhinebeck, New York, can give families an authentic county fair experience. From livestock competitions and tractor pulls to helicopter rides and tons of carnival games - this festival has something for everyone. 🐄

Image of a Dutchess County Fair carnival ride

8. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Rodeo 🤠

Celebrate your inner cowboy at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Rodeo in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This festival features exhibitions dedicated to showcasing western culture, including horse riding, ranching, and of course, rodeo. In addition to traditional rodeo events, the festival has plenty to offer, from live music performances to kids’ activities. 🐎

Image of cowboys competing in a rodeo

9. Fryeburg Fair 🍁

Nestled in the cozy countryside of Fryeburg, Maine, the Fryeburg Fair is Maine’s largest agricultural fair, and it has been delighting families since 1851. With an endless number of events, including tractor pulls, flower shows, and carnival rides, visitors can experience a true Maine fall fair. 🍂

Image of a Fryeburg Fair country road lined with vendors

10. Telluride Bluegrass Festival 🎻

For music-loving families, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Telluride, Colorado, is a festival worth visiting. It features some of the biggest names in bluegrass music, with activities like late-night jam sessions, food and craft vendors, and family yoga. The stunning backdrop of the San Juan Mountains makes this festival extra special. 🏞️

Image of musicians performing on a Telluride Bluegrass Festival stage with mountains in the background

With these top 10 family-friendly festivals, families can have a memorable summer full of diverse experiences and lifelong memories. Plan your summer now and experience the festival fun for yourself! 🎉