The 7 Best Event Planning Ideas for Family Community Events

Tired of the same old get-togethers? Want something fresh, fun, and easy to plan? We've rounded up seven awesome family-friendly event ideas that turn simple spaces into memory-making machines. From popcorn under the stars to painting in the park, these outdoor community activities are packed with smiles—for kids, parents, and everyone in between.

Whether you’re brainstorming event planning for families or just need new kids outdoor party ideas, this list will spark your imagination and get your whole town talking.

Family-Friendly Community Event Idea #1: Outdoor Movie Night: Big Fun Under the Stars

Picture this: It’s a warm night. Families are stretched out on blankets. A giant movie screen lights up the park. Laughter fills the air, and the smell of popcorn drifts through the crowd. This is what outdoor community activities are all about—easy to plan, fun for everyone, and full of memories.

Outdoor movie nights are one of the best family-friendly event ideas. You don’t need much: a screen, a projector, and a good movie. You can play something different each time—funny cartoons, old favorites, or even spooky flicks for older kids.

Want to make it even better? Invite local food trucks. Ask small businesses to sponsor snacks or prizes. Set up a spot where kids can draw or play games while they wait. These little touches turn your event into something the whole neighborhood talks about.

Outdoor movies have been popular since the early 1900s. Back then, drive-ins were the place to be. Now, parks and backyards bring that same magic back—with less cost and more heart.

Planning something like this? Check out this step-by-step guide to community event planning for tips that make it easy.

Family-Friendly Community Event Idea #2: Food Truck Festival: A Taste Adventure for Everyone

Imagine a line of colorful trucks, each one serving up something amazing—tacos, cupcakes, smoothies, and more. A Food Truck Festival is like a party for your taste buds and a perfect way to bring people together.

This is one of the top family-friendly event ideas because it’s easygoing, fun, and full of choices. Parents can try something new while kids grab their favorites. Set up some picnic tables, play music, and you’ve got instant joy.

Food trucks are usually run by local chefs who love what they do. So this kind of event isn’t just tasty—it also supports small businesses. It’s a great example of smart event planning for families that gives back to the community.

Want to keep the energy up? Add live music or a bubble zone for little ones. Or pair your food truck fest with other kids outdoor party ideas like games or a foam dance party. (Yes, that’s a thing.)

Food trucks have been around since the 1800s, but they’ve really taken off in recent years. Now, they’re rolling into neighborhoods and making big events feel personal and fresh.

Need help organizing your own? This family event planning guide breaks down how to make it smooth, safe, and successful.

Family-Friendly Community Event Idea #3: Local Art Walk: A Stroll Through Creativity

Now picture this—your neighborhood full of color, music, and handmade art. Walls painted with murals, tables covered with pottery, and artists chatting with passersby. A Local Art Walk turns any street into a fun and creative path.

This event is perfect for outdoor community activities because it invites everyone to explore. Families, friends, and even solo wanderers can walk, look, and connect. It’s one of those family-friendly event ideas that brings beauty and surprise around every corner.

You can set up booths for painters, photographers, jewelry makers, and more. Add live music, coffee stands, or even sidewalk chalk zones for kids. This isn’t just about looking—it’s about joining in.

Art walks got big in cities during the 1980s. They helped bring life back to downtown areas. Now, they’re showing up everywhere—big towns and small—and they still work wonders.

Thinking of planning one? Combine it with other event planning for families tips like adding hands-on stations or kid-friendly scavenger hunts. And if you're ready to get serious, read this event planning article for expert help on making your idea shine.

Family-Friendly Community Event Idea #4: Charity Fun Run: Moving Together for a Cause

Lace up your sneakers! A Charity Fun Run isn’t just about running—it’s about heart. It’s one of the best family-friendly event ideas because it mixes exercise, laughter, and giving back.

This kind of event pulls everyone in. Runners, walkers, strollers, and even folks cheering on the sidelines—it’s made for every age and ability. Want to add extra fun? Try a superhero theme, bubbles, or a color splash at the finish line!

What makes this so special is the reason behind it. Your community can raise money for local schools, animal shelters, or any cause that matters. It’s event planning for families that brings purpose and play together.

Fun runs go way back, but they’ve grown into much more than races. They’re celebrations. Block parties on the move. A way to turn fitness into a festival.

Pair your run with a mini carnival, a smoothie station, or live music. Want more kids outdoor party ideas to add to the mix? Think obstacle courses or bounce zones nearby.

If you’re ready to host one, don’t miss this guide to planning a community event your whole town will love. It’ll help you hit the ground running.

Family-Friendly Community Event Idea #5: DIY Craft Fair: Handmade Joy, All in One Place

Now imagine this—tables lined with handmade soaps, painted signs, knitted hats, and smiling faces. A DIY Craft Fair brings together local makers and families for a day of shopping, sharing, and hands-on fun.

This event is a favorite when it comes to family-friendly event ideas. Why? Because it feels personal. Every booth tells a story. You meet the people who made the goods with care, love, and a splash of creativity.

Craft fairs are great for event planning for families because they’re safe, social, and full of color. Kids can explore, try mini workshops, or even sell their own handmade items. Parents can find one-of-a-kind gifts and support local artists at the same time.

These types of markets go back hundreds of years. They’ve always been places where people connect—through food, art, and stories. Today’s DIY versions still do all that, with a modern twist.

Want to make your fair stand out? Add live music, food trucks, or a “kids create” zone. Mix in other outdoor community activities like sidewalk games or photo booths.

This is an event that brings heart to the table. And if you're thinking of planning one, check out this how-to guide for unforgettable community events.

Family-Friendly Community Event Idea #6: Pop-Up Farmers Market: Fresh, Local, and Full of Life

Think of a sunny afternoon where your street fills with color—baskets of apples, jars of honey, handmade bread, and fresh flowers. A Pop-Up Farmers Market is more than shopping. It’s one of the best outdoor community activities for bringing neighbors together.

This kind of event feels like a celebration of the season. It’s easygoing, healthy, and fun. Families love it because kids get to snack, explore, and learn where food really comes from. That makes it a great choice for event planning for families.

Even better, these markets support local farmers and makers. You’re not buying from a big store—you’re buying from someone who grew it, baked it, or built it with their own hands.

Want to make your pop-up market stand out? Add kid zones, live music, or fun contests (best tomato, anyone?). It’s a great place to try other kids outdoor party ideas, like a veggie scavenger hunt or cooking demo.

Farmers markets have been around forever—really! Ancient towns had gathering spots just like this. Today, pop-up versions keep that tradition going in the freshest way.

Ready to plan your own? Check out this helpful community event planning guide to make it simple and special.

Family-Friendly Community Event Idea #7: Storytelling & Open Mic Night: Voices That Bring Us Together

Now imagine a cozy room, a soft spotlight, and a quiet hush before someone steps up to the mic. A Storytelling & Open Mic Night gives your community a stage to laugh, cry, sing, or simply speak. It's one of those rare family-friendly event ideas that brings out deep emotion and joyful surprise—all in one evening.

You never know what you’ll hear: a funny tale from a neighbor, a poem from a shy teen, or a song that gives you goosebumps. That’s the magic. It’s full of personality, heart, and connection.

This kind of event works great in libraries, schools, or cafes. It's perfect for event planning for families because it welcomes all ages—kids, parents, and even grandparents can join in. Let little ones tell jokes or read a favorite book. Watch teens test out songs or short stories. Everyone belongs.

Storytelling is one of the oldest ways we’ve ever connected. Before we wrote things down, we told stories to share, teach, and remember. Hosting a night like this brings that tradition to life.

Want to make it even better? Pair it with snacks, crafts, or other kids outdoor party ideas earlier in the day to help kids feel at home. For even more inspiration, check out this post on planning unforgettable family events.

Ready to Bring Your Community Together?

From outdoor movie nights to craft fairs and open mics, these family-friendly event ideas are more than just fun—they build real connections. Whether you're looking for kids outdoor party ideas, planning a fundraiser, or just want to bring people outside and smiling, these outdoor community activities make it easy.

And if you're looking to make your next event unforgettable, check out Ann Lincoln's incredible entertainment services at annlincoln.com. With magic, comedy, foam parties, and more—she’s got the talent and experience to make your event the one everyone remembers.