The Wander Wild Festival 2023 has just announced a fantastic children’s programme. The unique adventure and wellness festival set in the lakes and mountains of Killarney National Park is brimming with activities for children of all ages and teenagers to have fun and to explore nature. From Gruffalo hunts and digital treasure hunts to musical master classes, an escape room and a buzzing ‘Kids Zone’, the little ones (and not so little ones!) are guaranteed a weekend of adventure, nature, music, creativity and most importantly, fun! Wander Wild Festival, Ireland’s great outdoors festival, takes place in Killarney from 24th-26th March 2023.
Whether you want to delve into nature, sprint to the finish line, dance to the beat, embark on an adventure, or take on a challenge, the festival has something for everyone, from babies to teenagers, and all the family! New moms can relax and work on their strength and flexibility at Mother & Baby Yoga, while the baby enjoys nursery rhymes and baby massage. There are a host of activities for 5-10 year olds – first up is a Children’s Yoga Class where yoga movement, music, and mindfulness will help to cultivate feelings of self-love, positivity, and calmness for everyone. Why not solve clues, play games and try to find the mythical creature who lives in the Deep Dark Woods of Killarney House in The Magical Gruffalo Experience?
Children of all ages will enjoy the interactive Animal Roadshow (seated event) where they’ll learn about everything from hibernation to animals’ nocturnal hunting habits! There is also an opportunity to hold reptiles, raptors, Insects, mammals and arachnids. Families will love the ‘Ciar’s Quest’ digital treasure hunt around Ross Island where they can virtually meet and interact with some of Kerry’s iconic wildlife. Download the digital treasure map to locate the hidden wildlife along the 3km trail. Or get the competitive spirit going in the family with some Urban Orienteering. Navigate a course around the paths, tracks and lanes of Killarney Town in the quickest time possible!
Teenagers can test their skills of solving puzzles and riddles when they try out The Escape Room, or budding actors and singers can create a unique musical and drama performance at the ‘Spring Awakening’ workshop, run by MACademy Performing Arts School.
Prices for all other activities range from Free to €25.
The Wander Wild Kids Zone is located at the Festival Base Camp in the town centre and will give kids the chance to get messy and make some noise! The budding wander wilders will be well entertained – they can make masterpieces in the nature craft areas, dance their little legs off to video discos, be enthralled with a science show, play Giant Garden games like Jenga & Connect 4, explore the creative corner, enjoy story time, or get their face painted, and lots more! Just to note that children must be supervised by their parents/guardians, at all times in the Kids Zone. Full day access to the Kids Zone is €10.
Wander Wild is a family friendly festival with a range of activities that the whole family can take part in. From guided walks and cycles through the National Park, to guided hikes up some of Kerry’s beautiful mountains, Park Runs, boat trips through the lakes, pony treks, and
The Blue Pool experience (an immersive 3D light and sound installation around the pool in the heart of Cloghereen Nature trail), little feet, and big feet can seek out adventure side by side!
For the adults that want their own adventure, check out the full festival schedule on wanderwildfestival.com – there are over 50 activities from scaling Carraountohil, to sunrise dips and saunas, a range of yoga classes, guided hikes, Kayaking tours, the premiere of two Irish adventure films, a gourmet food trail, a photo exhibition, and a spectacular opening Spring Equinox parade to celebrate the end of winter and the rebirth of spring, to name but a few!!
There’s a plentiful and diverse range of accommodation options in Killarney with something for every budget, from hostels and self-catering to four- and five-star hotels.
Wander Wild Festival is sponsored by Nature Valley and supported by Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council and Killarney Chamber of Commerce. For full details on the Children’s programme and to book your event see wanderwildfestival.com/bookings.
For updates on new activities follow WanderWildFestival on Instagram and Facebook