Now for a bit of a different one! When I was younger I used to love festivals (my favourite was Glastonbury, of course, just down the road from my home) but when I had kids I thought I had to give all that up. Turns out, nowadays, a lot of festivals you can attend are incredibly family friendly. A lot of the children I teach talk about attending festivals and the activities they got up to so I decided to do some research into different ones and what they offer for families attending.

Cornbury

July 1-3, Great Tew Park, Oxfordshire

A new location in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Latitude

July 14-17, Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk

In just five years, Latitude has become the festival of choice for middle-class families. Its manageable size and lovely location, bordered by a lake and woodland, play their part, but that could apply to plenty of festivals. That it pays as much attention to its comedy, cabaret, theatre and literary bills as it does to bands is the key to its success.

GuilFest

July 15-17, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey

Fire shows, acrobats and the chance to meet TV characters.

Secret Garden Party

July 21-24, Mill Hill Field, Abbots Ripton, Cambridgeshire

New at the magical weekender are giant floating islands, tunnelled labyrinths and art boats that pick up travellers on their way round the lake. Many of the crowd come in costume, there are plenty of activities for kids, with art and theatre for both young and, er, older.

Wickerman

July 22 and 23, East Kirkcarswell Farm, Dundrennan, Dumfries & Galloway

Wickerman takes place on 120 acres of isolated farmland.

Truck

July 22-24, Hill Farm, Steventon, Oxfordshire

It has a new main stage, an improved camp site and a Family Field with children’s activities. Gruff Rhys, the Go! Team, Graham Coxon and St Etienne perform, and there is cabaret, comedy, theatre and film. Local food and ale producers are out in force, and a woolly mammoth will wander the site hugging people. Preteens go free.

Deer Shed Festival

July 22-24, Baldersby Park, Topcliffe, North Yorkshire

Comedy, craft and circus workshops, paintball art, a giant sand pit and nature trails should keep the kids busy all weekend.

Camp Bestival

July 28-31, Lulworth Castle, Dorset

The kids’ activities at this Family Festival Award winner are imaginative, though many end mid-afternoon.

Big Chill

August 4-7, Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Ledbury, Herefordshire

Some complained that last year’s Big Chill — the first since the former indie event was swallowed by promoters Festival Republic — felt too slick and corporate. Certainly, some of its DIY appeal was lost, but a larger site, better-organised activities for kids and a bill with big-name bands were obvious improvements.

Green Man

August 19-21, Glanusk Park, Brecon Beacons

As well as films, readings, kids’ workshops and comedy acts, there is a ceilidh, an all-night bonfire and a choice of wildlife walks. Fleet Foxes are this year’s must-see, and there are sets from Villagers, the Low Anthem and Noah & the Whale. For £40, ticket holders can camp in Glanusk Park for three days before the festival starts.

Limetree

August 26-28, Limetree Farm, Grewelthorpe, North Yorkshire

Folk, world and dance music across five stages. Kids can learn cheerleading, breakdancing and the secrets of the solar system, thanks to an after-dark telescope.

Shambala

August 26-28, Kelmarsh Hall Event Site, Northamptonshire

This 8,000-capacity, eco-conscious family fest has a toddler play area and extensive activities for kids and teenagers.

Electric Picnic

September 2-4, Stradbally Hall, Co Laois, Ireland

Held on a 600-acre estate 50 minutes from Dublin, Electric Picnic is a fabulous fest with plenty of kids’ activities and a raft of big-name bands. Soul Kids provide dancing, drumming, singing and yoga workshops, willow weaving and puppet shows. For the under-3s, there is a soft play area.

Bestival

September 8-11, Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight

For kids, there will be crazy inflatables, clown shows and a junior disco.

Do you take your children to any of these? Do you have any tips for families attending or do you know of any other festivals that you would recommend for families? Let me know through the contact page!