Oktoberfests with Free Kid Activities

By Audrey Lee

September begins the wonderful time of year for Oktoberfest celebrations that sometimes last well into October. Planning a family trip to Munich to participate in the German events may not be in your budget at the moment so you will have to improvise for a trip closer to home. Here are some festivals around the United States that will satisfy your desire of German beer and bratwurst while still having free activities for kids so the whole family can enjoy Oktoberfest.

Starting on the West coast, the Alpine Village Oktoberfest in California will surely be a hit with the kids. Although persons under 21 can only attend the event on Sundays, there are plenty of activities for the family to enjoy. There is an admission fee of $10 unless you are under the age of 12 or over the age of 65, arrive in German attire or have purchased same-day brunch tickets.

Activities at Alpine Village will keep the kids entertained for hours. Hosts Hans and Gretel teach visitors fun German dances, games and even conduct competitions for those who want to show off their skills. Live music from various groups flown in from Germany provide music to enjoy and dance to such as the Polonaise — the German version of the conga line.

In Helen, Georgia, all members of the family can enjoy free admission on Sundays to the longest running Oktoberfest in the country that runs through Oct. 28. The Helen Festhalle hosts German-style bands from around the world. Attendees can view Alphorns being blown and how cowbells and accordions make interesting music. Children can learn how to dance to polka on their very own dance floor. The Helen Festhalle is also dog friendly.

The Triangle Oktoberfest in North Carolina is known to be one of the most family-friendly celebrations in the country. Kids ages 16 and under can enter free of admission on Oct. 20. The Kinder Platz — or kids zone — features story telling shows, music, dancing and wiener dog races. Other free events to enjoy include spectating a yodeling contest, a stein hoist competition, and live music and dancing from the Polka Brothers Band.

Up north, Hunter Mountain allows families full free admission to the festival grounds. Families can watch professional dancers from Germany perform traditional folk routines while also being instructed on how to dance it themselves. Demonstrations on how Alphorns work take over the dining hall that ends with an opportunity to try and blow the massive horn for a memorable experience. Spectators can cheer on competitors of the beer barrel races and stein-holding competitions to see who is the strongest Oktoberfest visitor.

A family outing to enjoy German culture should not have to break the bank. These trips have plenty of fun activities for free that may have you coming back every year.