If you're visiting us with your family, there's lots to see and do on top of any events you've booked for. On this page you'll find information about what's on offer, and some useful tips to make the most of your visit.

Useful tips for grown-ups

Age ranges

Each event is flagged with a recommended age range from 0-14 years. We work these out with help from our publisher pals, but they're intended as guidance only - you know your child best. If you need any further information on any events to make the best decision, please email boxoffice@edbookfest.co.uk.

You can search all events by age range using the search function within our event listings.

Baby tickets

If you're bringing a baby under two years to an event for older children, ask our Box Office for a free baby ticket on the day of the event. Please keep babies on an accompanying adult's lap throughout the event.

You'll find answers to lots of other useful questions over on our FAQ page.

What's around site

LNER Kids' Zone

We're delighted that this year's Kids' Zone, which includes our Children's Tent and the Families Hangout, is supported by our partners at LNER.

Children's Tent

Located on the Lauriston Place side of EFI, near Middle Meadow Walk, you'll find free activities in our Children's Tent each day of the Festival - including our adorable character meet and greets! Events are designed around a different theme every day, so there's always something new to enjoy.

Explore our Children's Tent activities.

Families Hangout

You can find our Families Hangout on Level 1. This totally free-to-enjoy area is the perfect spot to relax between events: munch your packed lunch, pick up something exciting to read whilst you're here, or get creative with an activity (adults, that includes you!).

Read more about our Families Hangout (at the bottom of the page).

Also available

Free activities daily

From enjoying an 'Are You Sitting Comfortably?' storytelling event, or a 'Bookbug' session (including our first Polish language edition), to getting hands-on with making and creating, there's lots to see and do without spending a penny. Just check the 'free events' box in our search form to see what's on.

Pip & Posy® Trail

Collect a free activity sheet from our Box Office, Level 1 information point, or Families Hangout every day of the Festival. Help us track down Pip & Posy® using our special Trail, and you might get a treat from our Festival Bookshop!

Free hands-on installation

As well as events, you can get to grips with our exciting free installation in venue C. Full of fun textures and interactive elements at different heights for different ages, there are lots of drop-in sessions from 24-28 August.

Food & Drink

There are a range of delicious food trucks in our main Courtyard area to the south of EFI, with options suitable for smaller diners. Canopy Cafe, located on Level 1 next to the Children's Tent, also offers a range of sandwiches and sweet and savoury snacks for children.

You are also very welcome to bring your own food and drink, which can be eaten around the Festival site (but not in venues please - tasty looking snacks can be very distracting for an author!). You'll find child-sized tables and chairs in out Families Hangout (alongside some handy supplies to clean sticky hands and faces), and there are water points available throughout EFI to fill up bottles.

Festival Bookshop

Looking to take home a souvenir of your great day out? There's none better than a new book to treasure! You'll be spoilt for choice in our Festival Bookshop, run by our retail partners Waterstones, and loads of our authors will be signing books after their events.