The Children’s Park

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Discover The Children's Park! In partnership with Leon County Schools

Watch this video by Copeland Productions to get a feel for what the Children’s Park has to offer!

What to Expect in the Children’s Park:

The Children’s Park (located in Randolph Park) is one of the most popular, family-friendly sections of the Festival — and for good reason! This interactive area is designed for kids to run, play, and use their hands to create their own works of art (there are no “don’t touch” signs here)! It’s FREE and FUN for everyone — don’t miss it!

In this shaded picnic area, families can relax and recharge while enjoying sweet treats from nearby food vendors, live music, fun games, bubbles, chalk art, face painting, and more. With plenty of space to move around, it’s a joyful, creative environment for children of all ages.

Highlights Include:

Pop-Up Studios offering free make-and-take crafts
Local Culture Tents featuring cultural demos, games, and educational materials
The Jacques Le Moyne Encampment, brought to life by Theater with a Mission, blends hands-on learning with fascinating local history
Local bands, storytellers, and performance groups throughout the day

This area is curated by the Retired Art Teachers of Tallahassee (RATTs), led by volunteer extraordinaire Julie McBride. Their creativity and love of teaching continue to inspire the next generation of artists.

While you’re nearby, we recommend exploring Heritage Artist Row and stopping by LeMoyne’s Gallery, Sculpture Garden, and Gift Shop for a glimpse of the latest exhibit and beautiful, locally made items.

Throughout the Weekend:

Start at the Department of Early Learning tent by Leon County Schools to explore local educational resources and programs for our youngest students. Visit The John G. Riley Center & Museum to discover local African American history through a Jeopardy-style game, and see live native species demos with the North Florida Wildlife Center to learn about regional conservation efforts.

For hands-on crafting, visit the National Art Education Association Student Chapter at FSU for their “Art in a Minute” craft. Visit Arts4All Florida to create a colorful word sign adorned by favorite quotes and images, and help the Council on Culture & Arts (COCA) with their community paint-by-numbers canvas.

Kids can play with Legos at the Sunrise Rotary Club of Tallahassee while visitors drop off old cell phones and rechargeable batteries to be recycled into car batteries by Redwood Materials.

Step back in time at the Jacques Le Moyne Living History Encampment!
Discover the 1560’s early Florida exploration with Jacques Le Moyne interpreters and learn about the first artist to draw images of La Florida. Take a picture with Jacques or step into the art and become a Huguenot soldier. Performances by Theater With A Mission.

While in the area, visit Pyramid Studios, where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be showcasing and selling their artwork, and check out the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeast Florida to learn about warning signs, brain health, and steps to an accurate diagnosis.

On Saturday, April 18 from 10am - 5pm:

Join the Tallahassee Historical Society for “Brain Bowl” questions on local history based on their interactive “Territorial Tallahassee” booklet. Continue your creativity with the Raa Middle School Art Program, where students will be helping with make-and-take art activities, and the FSUS National Art Honor Society, facilitating a marbled paper bookmark craft.

On Sunday, April 19, from 10am - 4pm:

Children will be able to make springtime flowers out of pipe cleaners and beads at the Sunshine Kids Therapy tent. They can also join the Lincoln High School National Art Honor Society to create an original pop-up card, and visit the GFWC Junior Woman’s Club of Midtown, Inc. to create decorative crowns with jewel stickers and expressive artwork, so every child leaves feeling royal.

Last year we went to the LeMoyne Arts Festival for the first time, and I have I say, it was our favorite festival all year. There were probably a dozen separate booths with activities and crafts for my kids to try, including pipe cleaner sculpture, several types of painting, clay, fashion photography, and more! I think their favorite was getting to try their hand at the pottery wheel. We got to see all the amazing chalk art (and contribute to it) on the roadway, and blow bubbles with wands and giant loops on the hill. We hadn’t allowed enough time in the day and had to leave before even scratching the surface. This year we are making a day of it and hope it’ll be an annual tradition my kids look forward to for years to come!

-Audrey Charice Haas