Family-Friendly Festivals: Get Your Kids Raving Safely and Comfortably in 2025
Music festivals don’t have to be a relic of your pre-parenting life. In fact, more festivals than ever are welcoming families with open arms—complete with kids’ zones, family camping, and gentler vibes that let you share the magic of live music with your little ones. Below are three standout festivals known for their kid-friendly experiences, plus some practical tips and recommended gear to make sure everyone has a blast.
Photo Credit: Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
Dates: Mid-June (historically around the second or third weekend)
Location: Manchester, Tennessee
Official Site: bonnaroo.com
Why Bonnaroo Is Great for Families
Family Camping: Bonnaroo has themed camping, including a Family Camping area if you want a calmer atmosphere at night (and you don’t mind the early wake-ups when the kiddos rise with the sun).
Wide Variety of Genres: Bonnaroo is famous for mixing everything from EDM and hip-hop to rock and folk, so parents and kids can discover new sounds together.
Endless Activities: Beyond music, you’ll find yoga sessions, comedy shows, art installations, parades, a 5K run, and even the Broo’ers Festival featuring craft breweries for the grown-ups.
Plaza Surprises: The festival grounds have multiple “Plazas” with showers, restrooms, charging stations—and often secret sets and pop-up experiences..
Tips for Parents at Bonnaroo
Beat the Heat: Tennessee summers can be scorching (even as an adult I was spent most of the day in the AC). Bring sun hats, cooling towels, and refillable water bottles to stay hydrated.
Morning Exploration: Daytime sets and the festival grounds in the morning are typically less crowded, which is perfect for kids who might be overwhelmed by nighttime crowds.
Pack Extra Layers: Even if it’s hot during the day, nights can get surprisingly cool. Hoodies or light jackets can make all the difference.
Photo Credit: EDM Maniac
Sonic Bloom
Dates: Mid-June (often coincides with the summer solstice)
Location: Hummingbird Ranch, Colorado
Official Site: sonicbloomfestival.com
Why Sonic Bloom Is Great for Families
Intimate “Wook Fest” Vibes: While it’s smaller in scale than some mega-festivals, it still delivers a punchy lineup of experimental EDM and mind-bending visuals.
Children’s Village & Family Camp: Hosted by Rainbow Lightning, the Children’s Village offers a safe, substance-free zone with activities like Qi Gong, sewing classes, talent shows, and permaculture workshops—designed to engage kids and spark their creativity.
Scenic Mountain Camping: Nestled in the foothills of the Rockies, Sonic Bloom serves up breathtaking views—great for a bit of nature exploration with your little ones.
Tips for Parents at Sonic Bloom
Prepare for Colorado Weather: High elevations can mean fluctuating temperatures, so pack both sunscreen and warmer layers.
Bring the Right Footwear: The terrain can be uneven—closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals are a must for little feet.
Encourage Exploration: The open-air art gallery and interactive installations are usually kid favorites.
Bonus: Red Rocks is also in Colorado and it's super kid friendly. Check out upcoming shows and make your family festival weekend a week long family vacation.
Photo Credit: Zach Hodj Facebook
Electric Forest
Dates: Typically late June (in 2025: June 19–22)
Location: Rothbury, Michigan
Official Site: electricforestfestival.com
Why Electric Forest Is Great for Families
Immersive Setting: Taking place under the towering trees of Sherwood Forest, Electric Forest is a multi-genre festival (heavily EDM-focused) but also features jam bands and indie acts.
Interactive Art & Surprises: From hidden fairy houses to the famous “Giving Tree,” the festival encourages curiosity. Kids can have a blast searching for secret scavenger hunts or meeting whimsical costumed characters.
Family Camping: While not always explicitly labeled, there are quieter areas in the campgrounds that tend to attract families.
Workshops & Activities: The festival offers daily yoga, wellness sessions, and interactive Brainery classes—everything from crafty arts to life skills.
Tips for Parents at Electric Forest
Scope Out Family-Friendly Zones: Ask volunteers or staff about less-crowded campsite sections.
Plan for the Long Haul: Forest nights can be late, but if the kids tire out, a wagon or sturdy stroller (if permitted) can be a lifesaver—just double-check current rules.
Light Up the Night: LED bracelets, glow sticks, or mini lanterns help keep track of your kiddos after sundown and let them join in the festival’s colorful atmosphere.
Packing & Gear Recommendations for Families
Below are some tried-and-true products (with Amazon affiliate links where possible) that can make your festival experience run smoothly. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate (an affiliate to other platforms), we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Kids
Example: Ems for Kids Protective Earmuffs
Why You Need Them: Festivals can get loud, and this help protect sensitive ears while reducing sensory overload.
Lightweight Rain Ponchos
Example: Wasam Reusable Ponchos with Bag
Why You Need Them: Sudden downpours can happen anywhere—no one wants a soggy meltdown.
Collapsible Wagon or Stroller
Example: Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Folding Wagon
Important: Check each festival’s policy—many events do not allow wagons or large strollers. If allowed, a wagon can be a game-changer for toting kids and gear.
CamelBak or Hydration Backpack
Why You Need It: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially for little ones who can’t always verbalize when they’re thirsty.
Battery Pack / Portable Charger
Example: Anker PowerCore Portable Charger
Why You Need It: Festival days are long, and you’ll likely rely on your phone for maps, schedules, and emergency contact.
Camping Essentials
Tent: Coleman Sundome Tent (available in multiple sizes and has built in lighting which is a life saver for the littles)
Sleeping Bags: TETON Sports Sleeping Bags
Why You Need Them: If you’re opting for on-site camping at Bonnaroo or Sonic Bloom, you’ll want easy setup, good ventilation, and comfortable bedding for your family.
Kid-Friendly Bug Spray & Sunscreen
Example: Babyganics Natural Insect Repellent
Example: Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Sunscreen
Why You Need Them: Many festivals are outdoors in nature, and these help prevent bug bites and sunburn.
Bringing kids to a music festival is definitely a different experience than going solo, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Watching their faces light up at the lights and music, sharing those dancing-in-the-mud moments, and exposing them to a creative community can create memories that last forever. Festivals like Bonnaroo, Sonic Bloom, and Electric Forest are leading the way in making families feel welcome—and there’s no reason to miss out on the fun.
With the right gear, smart planning, and kid-friendly zones, you can keep the rave going—even if it’s at a slightly slower pace than you remember. Have any favorite must-have items or family-friendly festival tips we missed?
