6 fun Family events in Leicestershire this summer

Looking for great things to do with the kids this summer in Leicester and Leicestershire? Well look no further! From music to performance to activity days and hot air balloons, there’s so much happening for you to enjoy with the family.

Leicester’s biggest arts festival is back, right in the heart of the city for a weekend
bursting with music, food, arts, family fun and vibrant waterside activity. Two stages packed with music and performances, chances to get on the water in a kayak, browse the food craft stalls along Western Boulevard, poetry, comedy, crafts and busking in Castle Gardens, plus a chance to explore the historical buildings of The Newarke. Full details, a map and programme for the weekend can be found on our dedicated webpage here.

This June the very first Leicester Balloon Festival comes to Victoria Park in the heart of the city. There will be around 30 tethered hot air balloons and an evening ‘glow’ show with will fill the night sky with colour and light. Alongside this the daytime activities will include some incredible entertainment including the Stannage International stunt show, Civil War re-enactment & living history camps, a foam party, circus workshops, Magical Musical Flying Bubble Bike, a Dinosaur invasion, the Jump Dogs Parachute Team (Sunday), a fun fair, face painting, plus street food and licensed bars to keep you fuelled. Tickets are just £8 for adults and £6 for kids, get yours here.

If the Mandalorian and Grogu have you itching for more Star Wars, then come along to the National Space Centre’s Festival of the Force! This weekend of intergalactic family fun is perfect for those budding Jedis and Lucasfilm lovers in your family, no matter their age! Meet iconic Star Wars characters in person, step into the universe with real props and sets, try lightsaber training, drive a droid, and take part in hands-on STEAM workshops. There’s also quirky merch from brilliant UK traders, and a packed programme of family-friendly activities. Get your tickets before they sell out!

It’s going to be one of the highlights of the summer! After a year off in 2025 the Cosby Yarn Bomb is back! This fantastic FREE event is an uplifting outdoor trail of 80 textile art installations created by the local community. This years theme is ‘Around The World In 80 Displays’ and you can expect to see everything from life-sized crochet giraffes & Chinese dragons to colourful, interactive imaginary worlds. A joyful & inspiring event for all ages full of creativity, community spirit & incredible skill! The artworks will be on display, outside, across the village of Cosby for everyone to enjoy.

Returning for the summer is Leicestershire’s biggest Maze, found in a field just a few miles south of the city. With 3 miles of paths across 8 acres, this is the perfect way to get lost in the Leicestershire countryside. This year’s design is still to be confirmed, but this is a perfect day out in the sunshine and there will be quizzes, trails and loads of fun activities once you’ve found your way out of the Maize and Sunflower pathways. Pay on the door, prices are £8.95 for kids (13 & under), £10.95 for adults, or £37 for a family of 4.

Over two days in August, Leicester’s Abbey Park comes alive with a celebration of Indian culture, arts, music, food and fashion! Dance away with the bhangra rhythms from the main stage, try incredible food from the huge variety of stalls, enjoy puppet shows and circus acts with the kids, and step into the Leicester Mela Bazaar for an unforgettable shopping experience. Open to absolutely everyone, keep an eye on their website for the latest information.

Make a weekend of it in the city, with a huge range of fantastic places to stay in Leicester and Leicestershire. From reasonably price hotel rooms to luxury spots, quirky self-catering places and home-from-home apartment hotels, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.

Check out our accommodation page here