Emden Children's Festival
Edition 2026 Family Children Playful

Emden Children's Festival

Annual children's festival in Emden's city centre with free rides and games for over 3,000 children

Emden — Kreisfreie Stadt Emden (03402)
Dates 29 Aug — 29 Aug 2026
Venue Emden (03402)
Prices Free
Status

About Emden Children's Festival

The Emden Children's Festival is an annual major event for children and families in Emden's city centre. Under the motto 'Today the city belongs to US children', the city centre of Emden will be handed over to the youngest generation for five hours on August 29, 2026, between 11 am and 4 pm: Rides and games are free, only food and drinks are subject to a charge. More than 3,000 visitors attend annually. The event is organised by the City of Emden in cooperation with the Emden Child Protection Association. The motto for the 2026 edition is 'Small but mighty'.

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Concept of a Child-Oriented City Day

The Emden Children's Festival has been one of the most important events for young families in East Frisia for years. The concept reverses the scale of traditional folk festivals (Volksfeste): Instead of a children's programme as an add-on to adult-oriented festivals, children themselves are the focus here. For five hours, Emden's city centre belongs entirely to the youngest audience.

Free Rides and Games

Carousels, bouncy castles, climbing frames, skill games, craft and face-painting stands will be set up throughout the city centre. The use of all rides and games is free for children. Only food and drinks (ice cream, lemonade, children's meals) are subject to a charge, but at very moderate prices.

Sponsorship and Message

The festival is jointly organised by the City of Emden and the Emden Child Protection Association. The cooperation underscores the aim not only to create an entertainment offering but also to send a message for children's rights and the community. The motto for 2026 is 'Small but mighty'.

Visitor Numbers and Atmosphere

Over 3,000 children and their families participate annually. The atmosphere is deliberately family-friendly and open: there is no entrance fee and no pre-registration required. Shops in the city centre sometimes participate with their own activities, and some restaurants offer children's menus at special prices. The festival is considered an educationally valuable format and is recommended by many schools and kindergartens for preparation.

Emden Children's Festival — edition 2026

The 2026 edition of the Emden Children's Festival will take place on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 11 am to 4 pm in Emden's city centre. The motto for 2026 is 'Small but mighty'. Over 3,000 children and their families are expected. All rides and games are free, only food and drinks are subject to a charge. The event is organised by the City of Emden in cooperation with the Emden Child Protection Association.

The 2026 programme continues the proven concept: for five hours, central squares and streets of Emden's city centre will be transformed into a child-friendly adventure course. Rides, bouncy castles, craft activities, face-painting stands and stage performances will be spread throughout the area.

Schools, kindergartens and clubs often participate with their own contributions. The cooperation with the Emden Child Protection Association ensures high standards in terms of education as well. The event is free to enter and accessible with reduced mobility.

Programme Emden Children's Festival 2026

The exact programme for 2026 will be published by the organiser in the summer. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years:

  • 11:00 AM – Opening of the Children's Festival by the City of Emden
  • 11:00 AM–4:00 PM – Free carousels and rides
  • Bouncy castles, climbing and movement games
  • Craft and creative stands
  • Face-painting and costume stands
  • Stage programme with children's music and interactive activities
  • Information stands of local clubs and social institutions
  • Food area with children's meals, ice cream and drinks (for a fee)
  • 4:00 PM – Festival concludes

Detailed programme items and site maps will be announced via the website emden-touristik.de and the City of Emden.

Highlights Emden Children's Festival 2026

  • City centre completely open for children, 11 AM–4 PM
  • All rides and games free
  • 2026 Motto: Small but mighty
  • Over 3,000 visitors annually
  • Organised by the City of Emden with the Child Protection Association

Prices Emden Children's Festival 2026

Free admission. Rides and games are free. Food and drinks are subject to a charge.

Practical information — Emden Children's Festival

Date 2026

  • Saturday, August 29, 2026, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM

Location

  • Emden City Centre (various squares)
  • 26721 Emden, East Frisia

Admission

  • Free admission
  • Rides and games free
  • Food and drinks subject to charge (moderate prices)

Getting There

  • Emden Hauptbahnhof (main train station), approx. 10 min. walk
  • Recommendation: Use public transport or P+R (Park and Ride)

Organisers

  • City of Emden in cooperation with Emden Child Protection Association
  • Website: emden-touristik.de

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Emden Children's Festival at a glance

Family Children Playful Inclusion Outdoor Free Kreisfreie Stadt Emden