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Find kid-friendly events and activities for May 2026

Make new memories with these events!

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 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:

Need a home activity to keep your kiddos busy this summer? Try this virtual summer camp

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.

I thought I lived in a bit of an experience drought, but here are some activities I found locally that you might also find:

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.

Free 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:

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Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.