Spring in North America isn’t just a season; it’s a colorful celebration of outdoor fun, vibrant gatherings and memorable experiences. For busy working moms like us who are seeking to balance our schedules and maximize outdoor activities with our kids, spring festivals are a blessing. They are the perfect blend of family-friendly fun and cultural exposure. With the emergence of user-friendly apps that help organize and manage family outings, planning for these events has never been easier.
We’ve enjoyed many outdoor festivals over the years. Some of our favorites have been the Alabama Jubilee—a hot air balloon festival that takes place every May in Decatur, Alabama, —and the Alabama Strawberry Festival in Cullman, Alabama.
You may have a festival in mind that is out of your normal visiting area for recreation and be wondering where your additional fun spots will be while you visit —enter the free kid-friendly venue app! It’s a lifesaver for helping busy moms find the best places to visit with kids in any new and unexplored area.
Picture the sky striped with color as hot air balloons take flight in the reassuring warmth of spring - that’s the Alabama Jubilee for you. Held at Point Mallard Park in Decatur, not only does this festival dazzle with its airborne display, but it’s also a wonderland for kids.
Our kids had a grand time as we ate hot food from food trucks doling out mouth-watering festival fare. They loved the carnival games where they won inflatable animals. And of course, the panoramic view of exuberant balloons left us all with memories to treasure. You can even take a hot air balloon ride. I’ll let you in on a bit of an embarrassing secret—we chickened out of that offering!
Point Mallard stacks up as more than just a venue for the Jubilee. It’s a year-round haven for outdoor festivities with a water park that cools off a sunny day, tennis courts ready for family matchups, and river activities for the more adventurous spirits. We’ve enjoyed Point Mallard many times over the years, and it is definitely a great spot for families with kids.
If you’d still like to check out other spring festivals, you can sweeten your spring at the Alabama Strawberry Festival. My family has visited this event a few times over the years, and they’ve loved it every time.
The star of the show is, of course, the luscious red fruit. This festival celebrates the onset of strawberry season and invites families to indulge in berry-themed treats and entertainment. The kids can engage in arts and crafts, face painting, and games, all under a shower of strawberry confetti.
Nestled in the charming town of Cullman, this festival effortlessly blends fun with the sweetness of family time, without taking a whole weekend out of your schedule. If you’re in the area, you’ll definitely want to check it out!
Hop over the state line to Franklin, Tennessee, and you’ll find a community that loves to celebrate every season. We’ve visited multiple festivals over the years, in all the different seasons.
One of their best upcoming events is the Main Street Festival. It has an array of spring events focusing on art, music, and culture. This family-friendly festival serves up a dose of fun with a side of southern charm. Most events are held within walking distance of downtown. This was perfect for us because it allowed us to walk between different offerings. Great for little feet!
Franklin brings together the tradition of Tennessee music and craft with an understated elegance, ensuring a sensory feast for the kids and some well-deserved downtime for moms.
Sometimes, planning for events can take too much time. It leaves a mom exhausted at the thought! But in the digital age, why should planning an outing still be so stressful? To complement the festival experience, busy moms can harness the free Kid Friendly Venues app - a digital assistant that consolidates reviews from like-minded parents about the best spots to visit with kids. This time management tool does your homework for you, highlighting mom-approved venues and activities so you can focus on making memories rather than maps and schedules.
And of course, there are other common-sense tips you can remember—pack a small bag of snacks, bring a refillable water bottle, and wear comfortable shoes. Don’t forget the sunscreen and check out the rest of the content on the Mom’s Tribute blog. We’ve got a treasure trove of helpful hints for moms like you!
For working moms, spring festivals are the perfect mix of cultural tapestry and family bonding. In a season bursting with life, where each street corner hums with potential adventures, don’t let the stress of planning hold you back. Embrace the season and the technology designed to bring families closer together. Spring festivals await, ready to delight and inspire both young and old!
Katie C