Fota Wildlife Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Fota Wildlife Park?
Kids burn energy in free playgrounds, watch penguin feeds and Cheetah Run, ride the €1 train and quiz keepers; fenced paths, many toilets and picnic lawns keep a half-day visit safe and low-stress.
Positives:
- Conservation Focus: Park supports breeding for endangered species; kids learn about wildlife protection.
- Wide, Accessible Paths: Level roads suit strollers and wheelchairs; benches along the route offer rest.
Challenges:
- Weather Variability: Rain can make paths muddy; carry raincoats and waterproof footwear.
- Walking Distances: The main trail is 2 km; smaller kids may need breaks or train rides.
What is Fota Wildlife Park?
- A 28-hectare open-range wildlife conservation park set within a restored Georgian estate in Cork, Ireland
- Home to a diverse assembly of endangered and exotic species housed in naturalistic habitats
- Encompasses woodlands, grasslands and ornamental gardens showcasing numerous plant species
What is so special about Fota Wildlife Park for with kids?
- Explore open-range habitats on foot or by train
- Watch free wildlife feeds and the exhilarating Cheetah Run
- Let kids burn energy at multiple playgrounds
- Soar on the Panoramic Wheel for family views
- Enjoy lakeside picnics and hands-on duck feeding
Recommended visit duration: 3-5 hours
Why 3-5 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 3–5 hour visit lets a family catch top feeding sessions, explore playgrounds and take breaks without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Fota Wildlife Park
Open-Range Self-Guided Walk:
Follow the 2 km circular trail through habitats with giraffes, wallabies and bison.
Tip: Bring a stroller or use the tour train if little legs tire.
Wildlife Feeding Sessions & Cheetah Run:
Watch keepers feed penguins, drills and seals, and see the cheetah sprint at 12:00 and 16:00.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early and stand by the barrier for a clear view.
Playgrounds:
Let kids climb and slide at multiple free play areas throughout the park.
Tip: Pack a small snack—play areas are near picnic benches.
Tour Train Ride:
Ride the park train on a 15-minute loop when you need a rest from walking.
Tip: Buy tokens at the main entrance kiosk (€1 per person) and hop on at any station.
Panoramic Wheel:
Take a 35 m high gondola ride for 3–4 rotations and wide views over the savannah.
Tip: Purchase the family ticket (€18) at the ticket booth by the wheel.
Picnic & Duck Feeding:
Use lakeside picnic tables and feed ducks with tokens from the dispenser (€1 per token).
Tip: Combine feeding ducks with a snack break to keep kids engaged.
When is the best time to visit Fota Wildlife Park (Cork, Ireland)?
In summer, catch extra keeper talks on lions, tigers and eagles at set times. In wetter months, wear waterproof shoes and layers. Off-peak, the tour train runs weekends only.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of Fota Wildlife Park (Cork)
Melanie Tam
Since we were staying for a few days in Cork for my baby's first family vacation, we were looking for some family-friendly things to do, and my husband found Fota Wildlife Park. We bought tickets online (I believe you can save a few Euro per ticket). Kids 3 and under are free. We opted for the 9:30 to 11:30 time slot and got there at around 11. I'm not sure how strict they are with it, but it wasn...
Sharon larkin
Great day out at Fota, plenty of animals to see and good food. Helpful staff. I particularly liked how some animals could wander wherever they wanted. The only downside for us was you couldn't prebook a wheelchair. A member of our family needed one and we felt like we were taking a chance by not being able to prebook. We went early so were lucky enough to get one.
Sureka Subburaj
I had a wonderful visit to Fota Wildlife Park! The setting is beautiful and natural, with lots of space for the animals to roam and for visitors to explore. It feels more relaxed and open than a typical zoo, and I loved seeing the animals up close without too many barriers. The park is well-kept, and very family-friendly. Kids absolutely loved it !
Mick Collins
Lovely place to visit. It's a lovely walk but quite long to go around the whole way. They have a road train that goes all around the park. The animals are the big stars. Most exhibits could be seen and all looked healthy and well looked after. Ferris wheel, food vendors, cafe, toilets and gift shop all very good. Feed times for the animals add some fun.
Kevin Heung
I bought the tickets in advance and their is a 10% discount at the moment. I brough my family there and there was no waiting time. Just went through the gates and we're provided with recommended signs pointing the route so you won't get lost. We didn't get a map and went through with it. There were lots of animals and insects to see throughout the whole park. We did see some wild animals but be ca...
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission (2 adults) | EUR 44 |
| Admission (2 kids) | EUR 32 |
| Tour train tokens (4 rides) | EUR 4 |
| Duck feeding tokens (4) | EUR 4 |
| Panoramic wheel family ticket | EUR 18 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 102 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to Fota Wildlife Park
- Follow the Feeding Schedule: Plan your route around the daily feeding times posted at the entrance.
- Arrive Early: Beat mid-day crowds and find parking close to the main gate.
- Pack Your Own Picnic: Food trucks can get busy; bringing snacks saves time and money.
Map of Fota Wildlife Park
Address: Fota Wildlife Park, Fota, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, T45 CD93, Ireland
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Fota Wildlife Park (Cork)?
About Fota Wildlife Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+353 21 481 2678See available options
Promo on Trip.comExplore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
See available options
Promo on Trip.com