With so many of Europe’s school-age children still on vacation, the coming weeks will see plenty of opportunities for family-friendly outings sure to suit a broad range of interests and tastes.

Furth im Wald, Germany: This town near the Czech border, deep in the Bavarian Forest, has long been plagued by the presence of an unwelcome beast. Since the end of the 16th century, town residents have been trying to slay a ruthless dragon that refuses to let them live in peace. And once August rolls around, they’ll be battling the fire-breathing monster once again. The Drachenstich, or Slaying of the Dragon, is a folk play based on the prophecy of a sleeping dragon brought back to life by the blood spilled in war. Legend holds that only two people can stop this relentless creature: the fearless knight Udo, or the young lady of Furth. Adding a modern twist to the telling of this ancient tale is the presence of an animatronic dragon by the name of Tradinno, one of the world’s largest walking robots.

From Aug. 4-20, visitors have the chance to witness mortals battle against the robotic dragon in all its high-tech glory. The play takes place at 8 p.m. daily. Online tickets for adults cost between 19 and 34 euros, depending on date and time; tickets for viewers ages 4-14 are available at a slight discount. A particularly good time to attend would be Sunday, Aug. 13, when a festival centered around the dragon plays out. Expect jugglers, jesters and fair maidens galore. The day’s highlight is a parade made up of hundreds of costumed marchers, which gets underway at 2 p.m. Online: drachenstich.de

Boechout, Belgium: Through the weekend, this town just east of Antwerp hosts its annual Sfinks Festival, billed as a family-friendly festival that’s heavy on diverse cultures and enchanting music. The grounds offer a lively world market and special Kidz Village, where younger guests can try out various crafts. Food trucks will be on hand to serve up cuisine from around the world. The festival runs through July 30. Entry is free. Camping tickets valid for all festival days go for 25 euros per adult visitor. Children ages 12 and under camp for free. Online: sfinks.be/?lang=en

Kaltenberg, Germany: In July each year, this castle close to Munich is the site of a dazzling, meticulously staged spectacle starring brave knights and their magnificent steeds. Through July 30, the last of three weekends of performances will play out. In addition to the spectacle of battles fought on horseback accompanied by light, fire and sound, visitors can check out a marketplace, craftsmen at work and musicians playing traditional instruments. Performances take place Friday evening, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon; ticket prices begin at 35 euros for adults. Tickets for children ages 4-14 are reduced by 15% of the cost of an adult ticket. Online: ritterturnier.de

Portsmouth, England: The International Kite Festival, now in its third decade, sees hundreds of kite fliers from around the world breeze on over to what’s advertised as one of the biggest festivals of its kind. On July 29-30, the skies above the Southsea Common overlooking the Solent will brim with color and motion. The theme of this year’s outing is “East meets West,” so expect many kites from Asia. Other activities include perusing the arts and crafts stalls and a kite-making workshop. Festival hours are 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Entry is free. Online: tinyurl.com/5n76usjs

Vianden, Luxembourg: One of Europe’s largest and most spectacular castles of the Romanesque and Gothic periods in Europe sets the scene for the country’s biggest medieval spectacle. From July 29-Aug. 5, Vianden Castle is the site of a Knight’s Festival featuring battles, fire shows, camps, jugglers, minstrel singers, birds of prey demonstrations and a lively marketplace. The festival runs 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Adult entry costs 11 euros; student tickets go for 7 euros, and admission for ages 6-12 costs 3 euros. Online: castle-vianden.lu

Edwinstowe, England: The legendary Robin Hood was at home in the Sherwood Forest, an actual place in Nottinghamshire that can still be visited today. Weekends in August are a particularly good time to visit, as it’s then that the Robin Hood Festival plays out. Each weekend of the event has a particular focus: the Knights of Nottingham demonstrate their skills on horseback Aug. 4-6; the diversity of species and landscapes of the forest are celebrated Aug. 12-13; knights from the houses of York and Lancaster battle it out Aug. 19-20 and the Sherwood Outlaws close things out with an arena show Aug. 26-28. While entry to the festival itself is free, there is a charge to take part in some activities, and a 10-pound (about $13) parking fee per vehicle applies. Online: visitsherwood.co.uk

Mantova, Italy: At the Fiera delle Grazie, set to play out in the town of Curtatone by Mantova Aug. 14-15, about 200 “Madonnari,” the name given to artists who create images of the Madonna, will take out their chalk and work through the night in an attempt to create the most beautiful portrait of Jesus’ mother. Culture, culinary treats, music, open-air art displays and pyrotechnics make this festival a favorite with both locals and guests from afar. Online: tinyurl.com/3rdayap5