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

, an enchanted woodland area and campfire, entertainment and workshops for children, and the promise of a secret Victorian lido for a revitalizing dip.PlayFest, New Eccles Hall School, Quidenham, NorfolkJune 1-3 Shortlisted for Best New Festival 2011, Play

The Park, Vicarage Farm, Woodmancott, Winchester, Hampshire  The Original Cornbury Festival July 1–3 The Great Tew Park, Oxfordshire  Larmer Tree Festival July 13–17 Larmer Tree Gardens, Tollard Royal, near Salisbury, Wiltshire Latitude July 14–17

cooking classes, and the Children’s Parade will be one of the festival highlights. And if the music and vibe isn’t enough to get you in a chilling zone, there’s even an on-site Womad Spa.Vintage At Goodwood (12–14 August 2011) is one of the newest kids

village (info@wigwamsam.co.uk), or book into a Hotel Bell Tent. What does it cost Adult tickets £197 for five days; 11–17 years £158; 5–10 years £127; under-fives free. (Three- and four-day, and daily tickets also available). Extend your stay Stay

JUST SO FESTIVAL August 19–21 is Near Leek, Staffs Capacity 6,000 What’s the vibe A boutique, weekend-long festival of creativity for families. Musical interludes There’s music, dance and street theatre, plus the chance for your family to take part

OFF THE TRACKS FESTIVAL MAY 27–29 is at Donington Park Farmhouse, Castle Donington, DerbyshireCapacity 1,500What’s the vibe Small is beautiful is the mantra of this intimate twice-yearly affair. Musical interludes Headliners for the spring festival

rent a SoulPad sleeping up to five for £219. What does it cost Adult weekend tickets £115 plus £20 camping; 10–15 years £55; 5–9 years, £15; under-fives are free. Day tickets also available. Extend your stay The charming Regency town of Cheltenham Spa

1. Choose your festivalIt might have been dubbed as “Three Days of Peace & Music” but turn back time to theWoodstockheyday of 1969 and you’d find the festival spirit steeped in a hazy mist of marijuana and zonked-out grown-ups. Not so the new breed

Off The Tracks festival is at Donington Park Farmhouse, Castle Donington, Derbyshire ) Capacity 1,500What’s the vibe Small is beautiful is the mantra of this intimate twice-yearly affair. Musical interludes Headliners for the spring festival include