SUMMER is the perfect time to get together with your family, enjoying exciting days out and fun-filled weekends.
And you don’t need to travel far because Cheshire has so much on offer.
Visit Cheshire has put together 10 of the best family festivals in the county to add to your calendar.
Take a look at these great options and get inspired:
Storyhouse Outdoors
Storyhouse is heading outdoors this summer at the Grosvenor Park Open Air village with its own beer hall-style Teepee Bar.
There will be a festival vibe to the programme, which is bursting with events such as Alice's Adventure - a storytelling trail through the park that even the dog can join in with - and Storyhouse Languages - drop-in sessions for little ones to hear stories told by Chester's Brazilian community.
May 25 - August 28, Storyhouse, storyhouse.com/storyhouse-outdoors.
Secret Sessions Festival
Good vibes are promised at this family-friendly festival at Bolesworth Castle.
It’s all about music, movement and wellness enjoyed in safe green space.
New and emerging talent headline, exercise sessions range from HIIT to laughter therapy, and there’ll be plenty of creative play for the kids, too.
June 2-5, Bolesworth Castle, secretsessions.co.uk
Cheshire Fest Jubilee Family Day
They’re hanging out the bunting at The Lambing Shedin Knutsford for a special family day to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Entertainment for kids of all ages is guaranteed, with giant rainbow bubbles to chase, amazing circus performances to watch, plus thrills and spills on the dodgems at the funfair.
June 5, The Lambing Shed, cheshirefest.co.uk/jubilee-family-day
DogFest Cheshire
Why not include your furry friend in the summer festivities by going to DogFest Cheshire.
It’s a real tail-wagger, with dog displays, a charity walk, breed meet-ups, behaviour school, and, of course, the chance to win Best Dog In Show.
June 18-19, Tatton Park, dog-fest.co.uk/cheshire
Kidchella at Tatton Pop-Up Festival
The pint-sized pop festival returns with stellar tribute acts of Little Mix, Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift.
There will be lots of fun activities, and even glitter bars.
July 10 - August 6, Tatton Park, tattonparkpopupfestival.co.uk/artist/kidchella
bluedot
All ages are welcome at bluedot for four days of cosmic fun.
The planet field, where science superheroes roam, is the place to head for mind-boggling shows and extraordinary experiments, and to learn out-of-this-world skills such as how to wield a Jedi lightsaber.
July 21-24, Jodrell Bank, discoverthebluedot.com
Family Funday
Family Funday at Chester Racecourse sees the racecourse transform into a fun-filled arena for families.
While the adults keep half an eye on the races, youngsters can enjoy PlayFest, curated by Parentfolk's festival team, which includes music tours and a roller-skating rink.
July 31, Chester Racecourse, chester-races.com/race-days/fixtures/family-funday
Deva Fest
You can groove to the sounds of Ibiza at this family rave.
Enjoy swashbuckling shenanigans with pirates, plus fairground rides, messy play, and Europe’s largest mermaid tank.
August 12-14, Chester Lakes, devafest.co.uk
Just So Festival
Little ones’ imaginations will be unleashed at this weekend adventure from the outdoor arts events specialist Wild Rumpus.
A whirl of literature, theatre, dance, music, comedy and arts and crafts takes place in the enchanting grounds of Rode Hall between breakfast and midnight feasts.
August 19-21, Rode Hall, Odd Rode, justsofestival.org.uk
Geronimo
They call it Glastonbury for under-13s and on the bill this year are tween idols Sam and Mark from CBBC’s Big Friday Wind UP, street dancer Junior Frood, and singalong sensations Johnny and the Raindrops.
Plus, there’ll be monster trucks, the world’s biggest bouncy castle and more.
August 26-29, Arley Hall, geronimofest.com
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