Formia Kids Festival

A fantasy village on the Gulf of Gaeta

The Formia Kids Festival is the summer highlight that the Municipality of Formia, in the province of Latina, dedicates entirely to children and families. For about twelve nights in August, Parco De Curtis, in the Gianola-Santo Janni district, lights up with colors and music, transforming into a true village of imagination, play, and sharing. Admission is free: a successful choice that has made the festival one of the most popular events of the Formia summer season.

A park that is a destination in itself

The setting is no coincidence. Parco De Curtis is located right next to the Gianola and Monte di Scauri Regional Urban Park, a protected area overlooking the Gulf of Gaeta, nestled between pine forests, Mediterranean scrub, and Roman archaeological remains. It is a large, shaded, and accessible space, perfect for strollers, toddlers, and grandparents alike: the evening schedule, when the heat fades and the sea breeze arrives, makes it a pleasant visit even on the hottest days of the Lazio summer.

What to expect at the festival

The program changes nightly but revolves around several staples that locals know well:

• Formia Kids Lab — creative and inclusive workshops that kick off the late afternoon, designed to let little ones experiment with crafts, recycling, and cooperative play;
• evening shows for children and families, featuring entertainment, theater, music, and surprises from characters beloved by young audiences;
• bouncy castles and attractions for all ages, from the mechanical bull to obstacle courses;
• face painting, balloons, cotton candy, and popcorn, the timeless classics;
• baby dance and collective animation to close out the evening;
• stalls, food areas, and relaxation zones where parents can unwind while entertainers play with the children;
• book presentations and educational meetings, adding a dimension of growth and listening to the fun.

A community-driven event

The festival stems from a clear vision for the city: as Mayor Gianluca Taddeo noted during recent editions, the goal is to offer "a space where children can have fun, learn, socialize, and dream." It is no coincidence that the opening ceremony is entrusted each year to local children, a symbolic gesture emphasizing inclusion and participation. The municipal departments of Tourism, Culture, and Public Education work alongside local associations to curate the workshops and entertainment.

The Kids Festival within the Formia Summer

The Formia Kids Festival sits at the heart of the municipal summer calendar, alongside events like the Folklore Festival, the White Nights, the Mediterranean Theater Festival, and the Arena Vitruvio series. For families vacationing on the Pontine coast, it is the easiest way to add a unique evening to their beach holiday: it costs nothing, requires no booking, and is perfect for repeat visits, as every night offers something new.

Why it's worth a visit

In an Italian summer often designed for adults, the Formia Kids Festival flips the perspective and puts children at the center. It is an unpretentious event built on what truly works for families: open-air space, free admission, family-friendly hours, continuous activities, and a high-quality natural setting. Anyone passing through southern Lazio in August will find here one of the simplest and most successful ways to experience Formia through the eyes of its youngest inhabitants.