Fun for Kids of All Ages at the Festival for the Eno

We are crazy about kids at the Festival for the Eno! Children age 12 and younger are admitted free, and there are kid-friendly activities all day long to keep the whole family happy.

Between five stages of music, children’s activities, crafts, historic buildings, and relaxing on the river’s banks, there are lots of choices to be made once you arrive at the Festival. The Meadow is a great place to relax, eat lunch, dig for fossils, and see the sand sculptors at work. The young and the young at heart enjoy playing in the sand and rinsing off at the Use-Your-Foot hand-wash stations. The shady Grove Stage, Chimney Corner Stage, and River Stage, with its great dancing area, also beckon.

Maybe it’s time to take a break and see an historic working mill, watch the water flow over the dam, or see the aquarium. Wander over to the historic McCown-Mangum House and the Photo Museum and see the displays on the history of the area. Then it’s probably time to get dirty. The hands-on clay area allows all skill levels to mold, shape, or throw a clay piece to take home. After that, you can head out on the water and paddle around in a canoe or kayak. Feeling hot? Cool off in the ever-popular Rain Tent and get a slice of ice-cold watermelon or tall frosty lemonade.

Returning to the Festival this year is the popular Discovery Guide, a book available at the Big Top, Garden of Wonder, and EEK (Eno Education for Kids) area that has great activities and games for kids, including a scavenger hunt on the Festival grounds. When you finish the scavenger hunt, show it to an Eno River Association or Schoolhouse of Wonder volunteer and receive a free tattoo!

Don’t forget to check out the Children’s Area! The Otter stage has performers all day geared to a younger crowd. The face painting is always a winner. Then be sure to check out the EEK area — touch a live crawdad, or visit with a mudpuppy. Learn about the larger critters in the area at the Eno Mural display, find out where storm water goes at the erosion display, and learn which plants belong on the Eno and which are invaders. If it sounds like too much to do in one day, three-day passes to the Festival are available! Don’t miss a minute of the 26th annual Festival for the Eno!