Find kid-friendly events and activities for May 2026
Make new memories with these events!
Trisha Easto
- A variety of kid-friendly events are available nationwide, including live shows and sporting events.
- Parents can find local activities like museum visits, zoo trips, and amusement park outings through sites like Groupon and Fever.
- Budget-friendly and free options for family entertainment can be found through discount platforms or local community resources.
- When choosing an event, consider factors like age appropriateness, your child's interests, and the event's length.
May is here, which means end of the school year is on your mind! If you're looking for kid-friendly events and activities for May 2026 (and beyond to keep those kiddos entertained this summer), you've landed at the right place. The team here at USA TODAY Shopping rounded up the best family-friendly things to do with kids this month. From live shows and sports to concerts, interactive experiences and local attractions, there’s no shortage of ways to get out of the house and make some memories this spring.
Whether you're planning a full weekend out or just looking for something to do on a random Saturday, we've pulled together a mix of can't-miss national events, easy local finds and even a few budget-friendly options. Because let’s be real—keeping kids entertained isn’t always easy, but finding the right activity can make all the difference.
The best kid-friendly events happening in May 2026
- Best kid-friendly events to book this month
- Local activities and attractions for kids
- Budget-friendly things to do with kids this month
- How to choose the right event for your kids
Best kid-friendly events happening nationwide in May 2026
Finding child-appropriate and family-friendly events isn't always easy, and I've found that they aren't always advertised well either. From live shows like Disney on Ice to high-energy, all-day events like Monster Jam, these types of experiences are fun for kids of all ages and parents, too. If you're planning a full day out or even a weekend trip, these ticketed events are a great place to start:
Disney on Ice
Monster Jam
Savannah Bananas
Need a home activity to keep your kiddos busy this summer? Try this virtual summer camp
More kid-friendly activities and events:
- The Wiggles - Buy tickets to see the Wiggles live and on tour this summer with over 19 stops in August 2026.
- Blippi LIVE - You can buy tickets to see Blippi LIVE with 18 stops across the country through July.
- Bluey's Big Play - You will have plenty of chances to buy tickets to see Bluey's Big Play, with shows running from June through December.
- Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live - Love Monster Jam? Get in on more of the action with tickets to Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live, with 114 stops nationwide from May through November.
- Elmo's Got the Moves - Take your little ones to see Elmo with tickets to Elmo's Got the Moves, which has 27 tour stops from May through June.
Local activities and attractions for kids in May 2026
How to find activities near you? With the aforementioned lack of publicity on all family-friendly events, word of mouth only gets you so far, so we've put together a list of sites that you can check for local events, concerts, sporting events, movie releases, fun experiences and activities near you.
Find discounts on local events at Groupon
Find things to do near you on Fever
Find tickets to concerts, sporting events and more near you on StubHub
What kind of family-friendly activities can you find?
I thought I lived in a bit of an experience drought, but here are some activities I found locally that you might also find:
- Children's museums
- Science centers
- Natural history museums
- Zoos and aquariums
- Live shows
- Deals on pizza and games
- Sports-themed play like TopGolf
- Movie releases
- Entertainment centers, bowling and amusement parks
Now, pricing can vary wildly on each of these activities, but you can find discounted rates on Groupon or buy an experience on Fever. Be sure to check for accessibility and whether or not an event or activity is stroller-friendly, or if they have experience-specific rules like clear bags or food allowed.
Budget-friendly and free things to do with kids in May
Finding a family-friendly event is one thing, but paying for it is another. There's the cost of attendance (the ticket itself), food and snacks, plus no one wants to go and tell their kids that they can't pick a souvenir. I get it, but you can find deals to cut down on costs or choose free events and activities. Try Groupon for deals and discounts on local offerings.
Browse 'Things to do' on GrouponFree activities feel like a rare gem these days, but museums often offer free passes for children, some amusement parks may allow free entry for certain age groups and there's always the opportunity to turn everyday activities into fun, learning experiences. For example, your local fire station may offer tours for groups of children that include photos on the fire truck. Another great search tool is Facebook events which may be more in tune with local events like petting zoos and farmer's markets.
How to choose the right event for your kids
With so many options, choosing the right event can feel a little overwhelming, but it really comes down to knowing your child and planning. Monster Jam with my school-aged child? Best mom ever. An eight-hour walking tour with my toddler? What was I thinking?! Not every event is built the same and what works for one kid (or age group) might be a total miss for another.
Here a few things I always consider before booking:
- Age appropriateness - Check the recommended age range before buying tickets. Shows like Disney on Ice or Blippi Live tend to be great for younger kids while something like Monster Jam or the Savannah Bananas can work for a wider age range.
- Interests - Think about what your child is currently into. Are they obsessed with trucks? Love music and dancing? Into sports? Picking an event that matches their interests makes a huge difference.
- Length of the event - Some shows run 60-90 minutes, while others can stretch into multi-hour experiences. If your child has a shorter attention span, look for shorter shows or ones with built-in breaks.
- Daily routine - Nap schedules and bedtime still matter, especially for younger kids. Morning or early afternoon events are usually the safest bet.
- Location and logistics - Consider parking, venue size and how far you'll need to travel. A "quick" outing can easily turn into a long day when traffic, crowds or parking complications are involved.
- Stroller and accessibility needs - If you're bringing younger kids, check whether the venue is stroller-friendly and what the seating situation looks like. They may offer stroller rentals with weight or age restrictions, may be limited to stroller wagons only or strollers could be completely restricted, so you'll definitely want to know that information in advance.
- Budget - Ticket prices can vary a lot, especially for big name events. If you're trying to save, look for weekday shows and events, early booking deals or platforms like Groupon for discounts.
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