Looking for an excuse to go wild with the kids?

Fota Wildlife Park is bringing back its popular educational weekends this summer, promising a line-up of interactive, family-friendly fun that’s all included with your entry ticket.

We’re talking three jam-packed weekends in July and August, all kicking off at the sustainably-built Education, Conservation and Research Centre (ECRC).

Alfie Dillon Brickley and Thea Roberts Miltiadous. Photo: Darragh Kane

Aileen Tennant, the director of Fota Wildlife Park, puts it perfectly: “We want to spark curiosity and connect visitors with science, nature and wildlife. These weekends give families a chance to explore complex ideas in a hands-on, accessible way, with the help of expert partners.”

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:

• Wild Science Weekend (July 12th & 13th): Get ready to have your mind blown with interactive displays, talks, and demos from the likes of the Tyndall Institute, Irish Bee Conservation Project, and The Lifetime Lab @ Old Cork Waterworks. Expect hands-on activities like MathsWorks and VEX Robotics. The absolute highlight? A giant, walk-through model of the human digestive system from UCC’s Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre – prepare for an immersive journey through your insides! Plus, Fota’s own Education Team will be doing cool science experiments with water, light, and magnetism. Oh, and did we mention free face painting from 12 pm to 2:45 pm on both days?
• Native Species Weekend (July 26th & 27th): Dive deep into Ireland’s incredible biodiversity. This weekend is all about our local wildlife and the vital conservation efforts to protect them. You’ll find interactive exhibits and biofacts from a fantastic crew including Dublin Zoo, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, Nature Network Ireland, and Atlantic Technological University, Galway. Fota’s Education Team will also be on hand with their own biodiversity stands, helping us all appreciate our native species and their habitats.
• Bug Bonanza Weekend (August 16th & 17th): If creepy crawlies are your thing (or even if they’re not, but you’re curious), this is the weekend for you. The focus is all on invertebrate biodiversity, with talks and displays showcasing insect life from both here in Ireland and further afield. Full exhibitor list to be confirmed, but you know it’s going to be buzzing.

These fantastic educational weekends run from 11 am to 4 pm each day, and the best part? No booking required – just walk right in with your Fota Wildlife Park entry ticket.

The Panoramic Wheel is also sticking around all summer. It’s an optional extra, priced from €5 per person, and tickets are available at its dedicated booth.

You can book your Fota entry tickets online at fotawildlife.ie.