This Saturday, as part of Heritage Week 2025, we want everyone to go a bit wild - especially all the young people out there.
Wild Child Day is back on 23 August! It's a time to encourage children to look at the world around them differently, to open their eyes to the diverse beauty of the landscape in their area and to get out and explore their locality or even farther afield.
Why not visit somewhere you haven't been before or go somewhere you know well and look at it differently? Try being a tourist in your own locality!
With the help of the Heritage Council local groups will be hosting in-person events and creating digital heritage projects for children, from nature scavenger hunts to storytelling sessions to craft workshops. Here are 10 suggestions from around the country for all the family.
1. Nature Crafting & Campfire Storytelling at Ardan Wood, Co. Westmeath - 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Set beneath an ancient woodland canopy, this enchanting event begins with a nature-crafting workshop, where children and families can make woodland-inspired creations using natural materials. As dusk falls, stories and folklore are shared around the campfire in a magical, immersive setting. Facilitated by Jeremy Casey of the Native Woodland Trust alongside Jan Koutsky and Dr Sheena Burke, the evening aims to spark a deeper connection to the natural world. Attendance is free, with optional donations welcomed to support ongoing conservation efforts at Ardan Wood.
2. Bug Hunt & Art Workshop at Tramore Valley Park, Co. Cork 12:00–14:00
Join Nature Network Ireland for a guided exploration of the park's grassland. Children will learn to catch, examine, and identify insects using sweep nets and inspection pots, discovering their roles in the ecosystem. Afterwards, artist Ashleigh Ellis will lead a creative workshop in the EcoLab - transforming botanical finds into cyanotype prints and painting with oak gall ink made on site. This hands-on Art and Science blend is inspired by the Tramore Valley Park Insect Project, supported by Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
3. Introducing Children to the Wonders of the Bog, Clogher Heritage Complex, Co Mayo - 2 to 5pm
This educational event will take families into the bog landscape to explore its unique flora, fauna, and the Sand Martin Nesting Wall - a focal point for bird life. After the walk, children can tap into their creativity with painting and drawing activities at the Heritage Complex. Snacks and refreshments are provided for both children and accompanying adults, making for an engaging and restorative afternoon.
4. The Big Dig, Nenagh Courthouse Carpark, Co Tipperary - 11am to 3pm (hourly sessions)
Hosted by the Irish Society of Archaeology, this archaeological workshop allows children to participate in the excavation of a replica Viking house. Participants receive hands-on guidance to dig, uncover artefacts, and learn the basics of archaeological method. These interactive sessions aim to transport young explorers back in time and spark curiosity about Ireland’s ancient past.
The iconic Custom House becomes a canvas for creativity in this architecture-themed tour. After learning about the sculpture and design of the building, children are handed worksheets, colouring pencils, and clipboards to become 'Junior Architects' or 'Junior artists'. Even younger visitors can enjoy a colouring sheet of the Custom House itself - allowing people of all ages to engage with Dublin’s architectural heritage through drawing.
6. Kids Harbour Heritage Tour at Moontour, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin 2:30pm to 4:45pm
A unique kids-only kayaking tour through Dún Laoghaire Harbour will reveal layers of local history and biodiversity. With games and storytelling woven into the experience, participants will also learn a few fun bits of Irish along the way. Wetsuits, lifejackets, and helmets are provided, ensuring safety as well as fun. The tour is suitable for children aged 10-15 and offers a maritime twist on heritage exploration.
This immersive experience explores Ireland’s ancient writing system, ogham, and its profound link to native trees. Children aged 5–12 can craft their own ogham signage on wood sourced from local trees, connecting literacy with the natural world. A sensory play zone - Garraí na Leanaí Drop-in and Play - offers songs, games, textures, and nature-based crafts, all run in partnership with Dúlra Forest School, enriching the link between heritage and environment.
8. Ask the Archaeologist, Loughrea Library, Co Galway - 2:30 to 4pm
Families can meet Bernie Doherty, Galway’s Community Archaeologist, and explore replica artefacts up close. Children are invited to create their own miniature monuments—designing and decorating them as they learn about Ireland’s archaeological heritage. This open format session makes heritage accessible and fun for all ages.
9. Water Sampling in Newtown Woods, Co Waterford - 11am to 1pm
A hands-on introduction to freshwater ecology: participants collect stream samples and use the Citizens Science Streams Index to identify aquatic creatures. The aim is to learn how 'good guy' species indicate clean water and how other species tolerate pollution, offering a real-world lesson in biodiversity, environmental science, and conservation awareness.
10. Wild Child Day at the Irish National Stud & Gardens, Co. Kildare - 10am to 2pm
Trot along to the home of the horses for a playful and educational outdoor day for children, featuring nature-based games, crafts, bug hunts, and pond dipping. Sessions run separately for ages 5–8 (10am to 1pm) and ages 8–12 (2pm to 5pm), ensuring age-appropriate activities that foster curiosity and an understanding of local nature and heritage.
