Lollapalooza, Chicago
What begin as an alternative rock festival has grown to be a family-friendly festival in the heart of Chicago, as the musicians organizing the event became parents themselves. Kidzapalooza is a special section at the festival offering music, activities and workshops during the day to entertain the younger kids, while teens can venture off to hear their favorite bands.
Recommended Hotel: The James Hotel
Bonnaroo, Tennessee
Held every June over the course of four days on farmland outside of Nashville, Bonnaroo has welcomed the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews Band, Sting, as well as the growing crop of new artists. While the music is mostly rock influenced, there are some pop, country, rap and comedy acts, as well. The festival offers a family camping area and a Kidz Jam section. If camping is not your cup of tea, consider renting an RV and staying in the RV park; hotels are not close.
Life is Good, Massachusetts
A new festival held annually in September just outside of Boston, the Life is Good festival is actually geared toward families, with special children's stages and activities for the younger kids. For the older crowd, the music is typically mellow -- there won't be any slam dancing with musicians like Ray Lamontage, Michael Franti and They Might Be Giants.
Recommended Hotel: Hotel Commonwealth
Summerfest, Wisconsin
One of the largest music festivals occurs for two weeks in Milwaukee, offering musical performances for kids of all ages. The annual festival takes place in early July with nearly two-dozen stages and more than 700 bands. Bands in the past have included Justin Beiber, Katy Perry and Britney Spears. A splash zone, play zone, and kid-friendly performers are perfect for the younger set, and special kids' days are offered.
Austin City Limits, Texas
One of the premiere music festivals in the U.S., the annual October festival is held in the music-friendly town of Austin over a long weekend. The wide array of stages and music venues welcome hundreds of musical acts, and includes kid-friendly shows and activities at Austin Kiddie Limits, where kids 10 and under can enjoy live entertainment, a beach for sand castle building and music workshops.
Recommended Hotel: Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark
SunFest, Florida
For one weekend in early May, music lovers descend upon West Palm Beach for an outdoor festival nestled on the city's streets near the intercoastal waters. A Youth Park is touted as a mini-SunFest just for kids with activities and entertainment. Kids 6 to 12 are just $8 in advance, $10 at the gate, or select passes for multiple days; children 5 and younger are free.
Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans
Surely you have heard of the New Orleans Jazz Fest, but perhaps you didn't realize the late April through early May weekend event was family friendly. This year, the Eagles, Bonnie Raitt and Eddie Vedder are some of the headliners, not to mention many jazz, blues and Zydeco bands playing on 12 stages, including a Kids Tent specifically for children's music and performances.
Recommended Hotel: InterContinental New Orleans
Mountain Jam, New York
It may have a great setting in the Adrionandacks, but another nice touch to this music festival is that it limits capacity at 15,000, and children under 10 are free with a paid adult. A Kids Tent offers arts and crafts, workshops and daily fun, as well as entertainment. For the true music fans, 50 bands play four stages during the four-day event in early June, with past acts like Michael Franti & Spearhead, the Allman Brothers, and Alison Kraus and Union Station appearing. Only 5,000 camping spots are available, so book early.
