Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Family Learning Festival?

The Family Learning Festival is a national celebration which marks and inspires a love of learning in family life. It takes place during October every year.

In 2025, the Festival received the Momentum in Montessori Award for family engagement and community action.

Learning as a family can help us to become confident, lifelong learners with all the benefits that brings - from better health to being happier. Family learning supports children to achieve at school. It can be transformative, helping us to find new passions and interests, and realise our aspirations through further learning.

Organisations of all types and sizes, from schools and children centres to libraries, museums and galleries, put on brilliant and creative events, both in-person and online. Some festival events are organised across local areas, and some also showcase ideas and learning opportunities that families can do afterwards.

The festival is coordinated by Campaign for Learning and the National Centre for Family Learning, the organisation that aims to build a culture of learning everywhere.

Who is the Family Learning Festival for?

The Family Learning Festival is for all families! Organisers run events suitable for families with children and adults of all ages. From storytelling to dancing, baking to science experiments - there's something for everyone! If you're interested in running an event, please do! The guidelines are that the learning activities are fun, informal, inclusive and intergenerational. All family members are welcome, including parents, carers, siblings, uncles, aunts, grandparents and friends too.

I'm an organiser - where do I start?

First, if you don't already receive our newsletter, sign up here.

The Get involved section contains everything you need, including planning tips, activity ideas, downloadable resources and funding guidance.

On our register your events page, let us know your plans so we can share them on the website.

Do I have to organise activities for the whole Festival?

Not at all! Having the Festival take place over a few weeks gives you the opportunity to organise an event at a time that works for you and your families. We don't expect you to organise events throughout the Festival but if you can, that's great! If the Festival dates don't work for you, we'd love to see your events happening outside of the Festival dates.

Can I organise events outside of the Festival dates?

Yes! We want to celebrate family learning all year round. We would love to see your events happening outside of the Festival dates. We create graphics and logos without the Festival dates on especially for this! Visit the Branding and graphics page.

Where can I get funding for my event?

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide funding for events. We do however have a Grants and funding page with more information about other sources.

How can I find activities as a parent?

Our What's on section includes links to all registered organisations. We share lots of ideas and activities to explore at home or out and about. You can find local Family Learning Festival events by following our LinkedIn or X account. You can also check your local news, online media and community venues such as libraries, museums and galleries.