The one thing that Camp Bestival does brilliantly is put on activities for kids of all ages to enjoy.
We have already admitted that the Dingly Dell is our favourite hang out but that does not detract from all the other things on offer and the Kids Upper and Lower Gardens are firm favourites too.
At Butlins earlier this year the kids all bravely tried out the Helter Skelter, having not been interested before, and it was one of the first things they spotted this year. Most activities at Camp Bestival are free but the Helter Skelter costs £2 per person so it ended up costing us £8 as I had to ride with Sebby – it was worth it for the smiles on their faces!
They also had designs on the world’s biggest bouncy castle but each time we were there the queues were just too long and they chose to take part in other activities instead.
Another of our favourite places to visit was Mission Control, home to lots of amazing space-based experiences, including live interactive shoes, a lego building zone, art zone and Explorer Domes which were inflatable domes that you crawled inside to watch a show based on constellations and planets. You could even post a letter into outer space!
Outside there was plenty more to do, with plenty of food stalls, shows including the Insect Circus and Science shows, Art Town where paint and glitter was the order of the day, the Kids’ Catwalk, fairground rides, face painting and a Soft Play Tent and Sandpit.
Sadly we managed to miss the Carnival of Lost Souls this year which randomly pops up when you least expect it, but the Insect Circus was as good as ever.
The Upper Kids’ Garden, situated on the lawn behind the castle is perfect for letting the kids run riot and burn off any excess energy. Activities here include the likes of BigTopMania where you can learn a circus skill, a Bouncy Castle, bikes and go-carts, a separate Toddlers’ Area and Camp Bestival’s pioneering Breastival Mother and Baby Chill Out.
The Upper Gardens were also home to the magnificent crochet Lion’s Head that used to top the main Castle Stage. I have to say he is even more impressive close-up.
Stay tuned for my next instalment of our Camp Bestival experience – there is still loads more for the kids to do and experience, plus some fun acts to see too!
We loved the space info area. The domes were great.
Loving your articles on Camp Bestival – anything for the 12-14 year age group? Personally, I would watch the Insect Parada all day.
Yes, loads – The Den! will post about that shortly :0)
Camp Bestival is such a fantastic, family friendly festival. We were gutted to miss it this year but your photos take me back to the fun we had last year! The kids gardens are brilliant for children of all ages. Glad you had fun!
Camp Bestival looks like a fantastic family friendly event!! Looks like there is loads of fun things to do, I wouldn’t know where to start!
I’ve seen quite a few posts about this over last couple of years and everybody raves about it. Always looks such fun
Yep. Camp Bestival looks like is will have to be our first family festival x
It looks like we missed quite a few things this year! I will need to be more organised if we get the opportunity to go again.
I have never been to a festival never mind the kids. One day I’m going here and taking them. Looks great fun. Love your pictures and video xx
I love the look of camp bestival even more every time I read a post. Lucas would love the helterskelter x
It all looks so colourful and I love that Helter Skelter.
We’re really gutted we missed BigTopMania but it was always really busy when we visited. We opted to spend a lot of our time in Lower Kids Garden or in Dingly Dell xx So much on offer, looks like you all have a great time xx
I can’t believe there is so much to do! I can see why you need to spend all weekend there.
It looks like so much fun – thanks for sharing x
Camp Bestival looks amazing, we’re planning on going next year when the baby is a bit bigger! x
It just looks so amazing! We really hope to go next year. Love your photos! 🙂