Eurovision in Liverpool & Europe Day: family festivals in May 2023
May is full of family festivals in Europe: Eurovision in Liverpool and Europe Day have just taken place, and International Museum Day and the Whitsun weekend are still ahead. Sweden's Loreen won the Eurovision final on 13 May with Tattoo, and the party mood is still in the air. Here are the best events and kids attractions for the rest of the month.
What's on: dates, places and prices
The second half of May brings two holiday weekends in many countries, Ascension Day and Whitsun, plus free museum days. Many of the events below are free, so they are ideal for a short city break.
| Event or place | City | Dates 2023 | Ages | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eurovision legacy and museums | Liverpool | all month | 3+ | free |
| Europe Day attractions | Brussels | all year | 6+ | free |
| Mini-Europe | Brussels | all season | 3+ | mid-range |
| International Museum Day | across Europe | 18 May | all ages | free |
| Ascension Day holiday | many countries | 18 May | all ages | free |
| Karneval der Kulturen | Berlin | 26–29 May | all ages | free |
Entry price per person: budget = under about €8, mid-range = about €8–25, premium = over €25. Approximate values, check the official website before you go.
See family attractions in Brussels on the Kid.ooo map
What's in it for kids by age
Little ones love the music and costumes, while older kids enjoy the Eurovision story, flags and quizzes about European countries.
- Toddlers (1–3): street festivals during the day, parks and short museum visits.
- Preschoolers (3–6): Mini-Europe's models and parades with music and drums.
- School kids (6–12): interactive exhibitions about Europe and museums with hands-on rooms.
- Teens: Eurovision fans will enjoy walking around the venues in Liverpool and spotting the flags of every country.
Top family festivals and attractions in May
Liverpool, Brussels and Berlin are the three best cities for families this May, each with a different reason to go.
Liverpool after Eurovision
Liverpool hosted Eurovision 2023 on behalf of Ukraine, with a big fan village and cultural festival around the city. Even after the final, the waterfront is a great family day out. The free World Museum Liverpool has dinosaurs, an aquarium and a planetarium, and the Museum of Liverpool has a special space for under-sixes.
Brussels and Europe Day
Europe Day on 9 May marks the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. In Brussels, the Parlamentarium, the visitor centre of the European Parliament, is free and interactive, with a big floor map of Europe. The House of European History is also free and has family trails. Younger children prefer Mini-Europe at the foot of the Atomium, a park with models of famous buildings from across the EU.
Museums across Europe
On 18 May, International Museum Day is celebrated by museums all over Europe. Many offer free entry, workshops or special tours for families on or around the day. It is a good reason to try a museum you have never visited.
Berlin at Whitsun
The Karneval der Kulturen in Kreuzberg runs from 26 to 29 May 2023, over the Whitsun weekend. It is a huge street festival with food and music from around the world, and a colourful parade on Whit Sunday. A separate children's carnival is traditionally part of the programme.
Practical: parking, prams and baby change
Use public transport for festivals; roads close and parking near the routes is almost impossible.
- Prams: fine in museums and at Mini-Europe, but a carrier is easier in festival crowds.
- Baby change: museums are your best option, and they are usually free to enter in Liverpool and Brussels.
- Noise: bring ear protection for small children at parades and concerts.
- Meeting point: agree on a fixed spot in case you get separated.
Where to eat nearby
Eat before the crowds arrive, or pack a picnic for the park. In Liverpool, the Albert Dock has many family restaurants. In Brussels, fries and waffles are the classic kid-friendly snacks, and the area around the Atomium has cafés. In Berlin, the festival itself is one big street food market.
Find kid-friendly restaurants near each venue on the Kid.ooo map. If you have time for a playground break, our list of Europe's most spectacular playgrounds has ideas in several cities.
Alternatives if it's busy
If the parades are too crowded, pick a museum, a park or a smaller local festival. Many towns celebrate Ascension Day and Whitsun with local fairs and markets. And if your children loved the costumes, read our guide to carnival in Europe with kids to plan next February.
For family photo and travel inspiration, follow @macs_explore on Instagram.
More kids attractions on the Kid.ooo map
Kid.ooo is a free kid-friendly places map where parents share attractions, playgrounds and cafés across Europe. Look up things to do with kids in Liverpool, Brussels or Berlin and save your favourites before you go.
Find things to do with kids in Berlin on the Kid.ooo map
Missing a place you loved? Add it to Kid.ooo and help the next family planning a May weekend.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Eurovision 2023?
Sweden won the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool with Loreen and the song Tattoo. The final took place on 13 May 2023, with the UK hosting on behalf of Ukraine.
What is Europe Day and how can families celebrate it?
Europe Day on 9 May celebrates peace and unity in Europe. Families can visit the free Parlamentarium and House of European History in Brussels all year, or Mini-Europe, a park with models of famous European buildings.
Are museums free on International Museum Day?
Many museums across Europe offer free entry or special family programmes on International Museum Day, 18 May. It differs from museum to museum, so check the website of the museum you want to visit.
Is the Carnival of Cultures in Berlin suitable for children?
Yes, especially the street festival during the day. The big parade on Whit Sunday is very crowded, so families with small children should pick a spot near the end of the route or come early.
Find family places near you
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