The Wander Wild adventure and wellness festival will have a dedicated children's programme for the first time this year.

The great outdoors and adventure festival takes place in Killarney from March 24 to 26.

New for 2023 is the addition of a range of activities aimed at children of all ages and teenagers to encourage them to have fun and to explore nature.

“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,” said an event spokesperson.

“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 and Connect 4, explore the creative corner, enjoy story time, or get their face painted, and lots more.”

ACTIVITIES

Teenagers can test their skills 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.

New moms can relax and work on their strength and flexibility at mother and baby yoga, while the baby enjoys nursery rhymes and baby massage.

There are a host of activities for five to 10-year-olds including a children’s yoga class or a mystery hunt in search of “the creature who lives in the deep dark woods of Killarney House”.

There is also an opportunity to hold reptiles, raptors, insects, mammals, and arachnids. Families can experience ‘Ciar’s Quest’ digital treasure hunt around Ross Island where they can virtually meet and interact with some of Kerry’s iconic wildlife.

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.

For the adults that want their own adventure, check out the full festival schedule on wanderwildfestival.com - there are over 50 activities from scaling Carrauntoohil, 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.