OFF THE TRACKS FESTIVAL MAY 27–29Donington Park Farmhouse, Castle Donington, Derbyshire (www.offthetracks.co.uk) Capacity 1,500What’s the vibe Small is beautiful is the mantra of this intimate twice-yearly affair. Musical interludes Headliners

1. JUNE 4-6 Wychwood, Gloucestershire Nominated best family festival (every year!), the line up here includes the Levellers, The South and King Creosote. There will also be over 100 events and workshops including circus skills, puppet shows

RULE 1 Like everyone at a festival, children need to drink lots of water and keep hydrated and keep their energy levels up. If they dislike the taste of bottled water, mix in a little fruit juice, but don't give them juice or soda all the time. Bag

While most festivals now offer dedicated children’s events, there are still some crucial questions to ask:- Are children allowed? Some festivals are still adults-only, so confirm that children can go before booking tickets. - How far is the walk

Stay for the whole weekend and, if you feel like getting down and dirty, you can pitch-your-own in true camper style. However, most festivals now offer glamping alternatives, so you can sojourn in the boutique area in anything from a yurt, gypsy

Off The Tracks Festival June 3–5 Donington Park Farmhouse, Castle Donington, DerbyshireWychwood Festival June 3–5 Cheltenham Racecourse Eden Festival June 10–12 Raehills Meadows, Moffat, Dumfries & Galloway Blissfields Festival June 30–July 3

Each year during the month of August, the Scottish capital becomes a vibrant cultural hub as it plays host to the biggest arts festival in the world. With everything from one-man Shakespeare monologues to stand up ventriloquists and urban ballet

Chill out at Camp Bestival – and book early for 2011.A CHANGE IS as good as a rest, so they say, and what could be further removed from the strictures and routines of daily family life than the chance to let your hair down at a festival? Cool

Larmer Tree Festival is at Larmer Tree Gardens, Tollard Royal, near Salisbury, Wiltshire Capacity 4,000 What’s the vibe Celebrating its coming of age (the first festival was in 1990), Larmer Tree is a laid-back escape-from-it-all fest

festivals will have first-aid facilities, but it’s sensible to pack a first-aid kit including antiseptic spray, antibacterial hand gel and plasters.■ Large floppy hat Not only does it keep the sun off your face, but it’s ideal for covering up “festival” hair