Top spring family festivals guide 2011

The arrival of spring doesn’t just bring new flora and fauna—it brings new festivals! Here are just a few of the springtime festivals perfect for family travel in the US:

Houston Children’s Festival: Houston, TX – April 9-10, 2011: The largest children’s festival in the United States, Houston Children’s Fest features eight big Family Adventure Zones and six stages of entertainment and music– over 300 activities in all. Proceeds benefit Child Advocates, Inc.

Fiesta San Antonio: San Antonio, TX – April 7-17, 2011: Spanning over 11 days with more than 100 events, Fiesta San Antonio began as a way to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Kid favorites include the Battle of the Flowers Parade, Fiesta Carnival and Viva Botánica! There’s also music, food and art; all brought together by local non-profits.

National Maple Syrup Festival: Medora, IN – March 5-6 & 12-13, 2011: Located on Burton’s Maplewood Farm in Southern Indiana, the Maple Syrup Festival in Medora is America’s first and only National Maple Syrup Festival. Besides plenty of maple syrup, there is live music, demonstrations, pioneer games, a children’s activity area and petting zoo.

National Cherry Blossom Festival: Washington, DC – March 26-April 10, 2011: The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Japan. This cultural festival covers three weekends and 16 daily events. Everything kicks off March 26 with Family Day. Other family activities include the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and Blossom Kite Festival.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival: Orlando, FL – March 2 – May 15, 2011: Presented for the first time by HGTV, the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is an annual event filled with Disney character topiaries, flowers, gardens, designer presentations and live music. The entire festival is family-friendly as it takes place inside Disney’s EPCOT theme park. Kids will adore Bambi’s Butterfly House and Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden, while parents enjoy live music from the 60s and 70s during the Flower Power Concert Series.

Silver Dollar City World-Fest: Branson, MO – April 7 – May 8: America’s largest International Festival takes place every year at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. Performers from around the world showcase their music, dance and creative arts for theme park guests. In addition to worldly entertainment, you can sample traditional favorites from around the globe at Tastes of the World.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival: Atlanta, GA – April 15-17, 2011: Celebrating its 75th year, artisans from around the country gather to showcase their goods at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. In addition to fine art, there is a Kids Village featuring huge inflatables, arts & crafts, face painting and a huge rock-climbing wall.

Tulip Fest:  Woodurn, OR – March 25 – May 1,  2011: Only 45 minutes from Portland OR, Wooden Show Tulip Farm celebrates spring with its annual Tulip Fest. On weekends, families can discover over 40 acres of tulips & daffodils, explore the children’s play area, take pony rides and make wooden shoes.