Spring Festivals

MARCH
February 28 to April 4

San Diego Science Festival

Let your little scientist learn and experiment at this festival featuring more than 500 activities across the county. The festival caps off with the April 4 Expo at the city's famed Balboa Park. Let the kids check out Steven Kutcher, world-famous entomologist, environmentalist, and founder of the Insect Fair, as he gives a fun multimedia performance of the role of insects in movies, commercials, music videos, and in his incredible works of art. Later, let the hubby check out the Physics of Golf, a seminar demonstrating how knowledge of velocity, momentum, and force can make him a better golfer.

International Cherry Blossom Festival

This sleepy southern town is home to more than 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees. The incredible sight of the trees in bloom is enough of a reason to make the trek to this festival, but the addition of hot air balloons, parades, historic tours, amusement rides, and a fireworks show don't hurt. Be sure to check out kid-friendly events like the Pink Pancake Breakfast and the all-day Kids Cherrydazzle day!

Sawdust Art Festival, Spring into Art

Take a drive through scenic Laguna Canyon to this annual community favorite. Stroll the sawdust-covered grounds browsing the beautiful art, or stop to check out one of the incredible demonstrations, like glass blowing and metal work. Once the kids are tired of the art scene, take them down to the nearby beaches.

National Cherry Blossom Festival

The nation's capital is the It place to be this year, and what better time to visit than during the blooming of the District's famed cherry trees? Check out the festival on opening day for special family events, like a traditional Japanese tea ceremony or a chance to decorate ornamental kites.

APRIL
April 17 to 19

Atlanta Dogwood Festival

Atlanta's beautiful blooming dogwood trees are at the center of this annual bash. Catch the U.S. Disc Dog Southern Nationals, a world-class competition starring the top Frisbee dogs in the nation, or take in one of the great bluegrass or soul performances by local musicians. Keep the kids happy with a visit to the Kids' Village, home to classic fair games, hands-on art projects, and face-painting stands.

French Quarter Festival

New Orleans's famed music and Creole food are the center of this annual festival. Check out Jackson Square, where more than 70 food and drink booths line the street, and you can sample local specialties like crawfish pasta or alligator sausage. Or meander over to the just-for-kids area at the Aquarium of the Americas Plaza, where kids can even try their hands at playing in one of the city's famous jazz bands.

32nd Annual Vidalia Onion Festival

Vidalia-onion pie? Check. Sweet onions and grits? Check. Vidalia-onion soup? Check. At this festival, the town's world-famous Vidalia sweet onion takes center stage. The festival features cooking and eating competitions, an air show, and even a Miss Vidalia Onion pageant. The kids can even get into the spirit and participate in the children's parade. This year's theme? Vidalia's Sweets on Parade.

Nantucket Daffodil Festival

Help locals say hello to spring at this annual celebration and showcasing of the island's three million daffodils. Hit the festival early to be sure and grab a prime seat along the Antique Car Parade route. The daffodil-decked cars wind through the islands' scenic towns before stopping at the lush lawns leading into the village of Siasconset for the annual tailgate picnic. Other can't-miss events include the Daffy Dog Parade and the Children's Daffodil Parade.

Sugar Festival

Satisfy your sweet tooth at this southern Florida fair. Sure, there are all of the regular festival favorites—kids' rides, live entertainment, and an antique car show—but the highlight of this event is the Sweet Taste of Sugar Country Dessert contest. Watch as dozens of competitors whip up delicious confections.

Tulip Time Festival

With this impressive display of more than six million tulips, there's no denying spring has sprung at this western Michigan festival. Dutch marketplaces, stunning fireworks displays, and special children's events called "Kinderplaats" are reason enough to take a family jaunt to Holland. Plus, the town is also home to a restored Victorian downtown, a cobblestoned Dutch Village, and the De Zwaan Windmill, a 12-story, 240-year-old import from the Netherlands.

Lilac Festival

Head to Rochester's famed Highland Park to witness the blooming of more than 1,200 lilac shrubs. Grab a bag of salty-sweet Henry's Kettle Corn (a festival must-have) before taking a stroll to the park's incredible Warner Castle and Sunken Gardens.

Little Rock Greek Food Festival

Indulge in Little Rock's Greek culture and delicious fare at this three-day event. Live music, traditional dancing, and of course, culinary specialties like calamari and baklava are the festival's highlights. Don't forget to sample the chocolate-covered karithopita, a walnut cake dipped in sweet honey syrup and chocolate. Let the kids work off all the sugar at the kids' rides, face painting, and candy walk.

Annual Chuck Wagon Gathering and Children's Cowboy Festival

Grab your Stetson hat and boots and get ready to channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl. Visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for this annual hoedown and fill up on chuck-wagon favorites like biscuits and stew or fireside-cooked cobbler. Then head over to the Children's Cowboy Corral where the kids can dress up in boots and chaps before trying their hand at weaving and rope making.