When the streets of the baroque city fall silent from the daily hustle and bustle and surrender to the unique festival atmosphere, the magic known as Špancirfest begins. But within this grand stage of laughter, music, and street art, there is a special, parallel universe – one created for the youngest visitors. Every year, Špancirfest proves itself anew as a festival that approaches children with equal care, offering them a world tailored to their measure. From their first uncertain steps to teenage adventures, the festival grows with them, providing a safe environment for play, learning, and creating memories they will carry throughout their lives. Children's laughter and the pitter-patter of little feet thus become an indispensable soundscape that fills every corner, turning the beautiful city of Varaždin into an epicenter of children's joy.

Creative Park: A Factory of Ideas and Scientific Wonders

Hidden behind the magnificent walls of the Varaždin Cathedral, one of the most magical corners of the festival is nestled – the Creative Park. This is not just an ordinary playground; it is the pulsating heart of children's imagination, a space where little ones transform into fearless explorers, brilliant inventors, and inspired artists. Throughout the day, this green training ground for creativity offers countless opportunities for free play, as well as for participation in carefully designed and guided activities. Under the watchful eye of educated leaders, pedagogues, and artists, children immerse themselves in the world of knowledge through play. Eco workshops teach them about the importance of nature conservation, STEM challenges encourage logical thinking and problem-solving, while detective hunts lead them through exciting puzzles hidden in the park. For the youngest, there is the irresistible Puzijada, a crawling competition that always brings smiles and loud cheering from parents. Creativity is also unleashed through music workshops, drawing with modern 3D pens that turn dreams into tangible objects, and the unmissable LEGO academy where the most incredible constructions are created.

This year, the Creative Park is getting a boost from the world of animation and science with the arrival of the legendary Professor Balthazar. In a special themed corner, called Balthazar Town, the spirit of the beloved genius who taught generations that any problem can be solved with imagination, knowledge, and a little science comes to life. The central exhibit is a faithful replica of Balthazar's wondrous machine, which will surely become a favorite photo spot. But the real magic lies in interactive workshops designed to demystify science and make it incredibly fun. Through experiments like the "Curious Umbrella" or "Balthazar's Anatomy of Wonders," children will explore the world of energy, space, chemistry, and robotics in a practical and child-friendly way. Particularly interesting is the "Intro to AI" workshop, which introduces the youngest to the concepts of artificial intelligence in a simple way. Professor Balthazar's Academy is not just a game, but a platform for encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for science that might, in one of these little ones, ignite the spark of a future scientist.

Vindiland: A Multisensory Empire of Play and Fun

The area around the magnificent Old Town and the historic Chain Tower is traditionally reserved for the most colorful, loudest, and most playful zone of Špancirfest. This year, Vindiland is bigger and more content-rich than ever, conceived as a true multisensory playground that invites not only children but also teenagers, parents, and all those who have remained young at heart to have fun. The concept is divided so that every age group can find something for themselves, making a stay in Varaždin during the festival even more exciting. A spacious Kids Zone has been designed for the youngest visitors. It includes an interactive corner for stimulating motor skills, a mega-coloring book that invites collaborative creation of an artwork, and a specially secured "toddler zone" where even the little ones can explore without a care. Attractions like the boat pool and the football polygon are always full of little competitors eager to prove themselves.

For the slightly older ones, teenagers and young adults, Vindiland presents a completely new Vol. 02 zone. During the day, it is an oasis for relaxation, with comfortable deck chairs, photogenic corners perfect for creating content for social media, and a relaxed atmosphere. But when darkness falls, this zone transforms into a real small festival within a festival, pulsating with energy, music, and light effects. One of the most anticipated events within Vindiland is certainly the traditional "Milk Night." Vindija organizes this unique dance evening in collaboration with talented dancers from the Vindi Dance Studio, providing visitors with a top-notch artistic experience. The blend of music, movement, and inspiration under the starry sky of Varaždin creates an unforgettable memory and proves that Vindiland is much more than an ordinary playground – it is a place for meeting, socializing, and creating festival magic.

White Shark Gaming Zone: Digital Adventures in the Heart of the City

In the hustle and bustle of Bakačeva Street, one of the festival's main arteries, lies a true mecca for all fans of the digital world. The White Shark Gaming Zone has become an unmissable stop for gamers of all ages. Equipped with the latest technology, this zone offers the opportunity to try out the newest and most popular video games. But the charm of this zone lies in the perfect blend of modern and nostalgic. While intense battles in the latest hits take place on some consoles, the familiar sounds of legendary retro titles like Super Mario and Pac-Man can be heard on others, also attracting parents who fondly remember their childhood. Gaming enthusiasts coming from other cities can easily find accommodation in Varaždin to make the most of every moment of the festival. Besides gaming itself, the zone also offers a unique exhibition of 3D printed replicas of weapons, armor, characters, and other recognizable items from popular games, giving visitors an insight into how the virtual world can become real. The atmosphere is further enhanced by cosplay enthusiasts, creatives who faithfully bring favorite gaming heroes to life with their costumes, ready for photos and interaction with visitors. The pinnacle of excitement is the organized gaming tournaments in globally popular games such as Rocket League, Fortnite, and the new FC25, where the best players can compete and win valuable prizes.

Music Clinic: Where Anyone Can Become a Musician

At the well-known location in Gajeva Street, the Music Clinic opens its doors once again – a unique project that makes music accessible to everyone. This is a place where the boundaries between performers and the audience are erased, and everyone, regardless of prior knowledge or age, gets the chance to become an active participant in the festival. The concept is simple and incredibly appealing: completely free workshops for the most popular instruments. Whether you've always wanted to play the guitar, feel the rhythm on the drums, catch the deep tones of the bass, run your fingers over the keyboard keys, or master the cheerful chords of the ukulele, the mentors of the Music Clinic are there to help you. No registration is required; all you need to do is show up with a good attitude and surrender to the magic of making music. A special value of these workshops is that they are intended for both children and their parents, providing them with an opportunity for joint learning and creating music. The highlight of the day are the joint jam sessions, where participants and mentors play together, and spontaneous street gigs as part of the "Street Music Stage," which turn Gajeva Street into the liveliest open-air stage. The feeling when you hold an instrument in your hands for the first time, play your first chord, or sing with others is priceless, and it is precisely this experience that the Music Clinic offers to all visitors.

Of course, if all these creative, educational, sports, and musical activities need a little more adrenaline and classic festival fun, there is also the unmissable Amusement Park located on the other side of the Old Town ramparts. Carousels, bumper cars, and other contraptions for laughter and excitement will be the sweet icing on the cake of a perfect children's day at Špancirfest, a festival that year after year confirms that Varaždin is a city tailored for children.