Children’s races, childcare during runs, and a rich animation program
Over the years, we have been shaping the Kočevsko Outdoor Festival as a family-friendly event. During the races, free childcare will be provided, there will be a children’s race, and we are also preparing a rich animation program for children and the whole family, which will take place from Friday, May 30th, to Sunday, June 1st.
5 Reasons Why KOF is a Family-Friendly Event
We are preparing a broad program for the whole family in 2025 as well. The main point of the event thus still remain the Saturday trail runs: 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 km. There will also be a variety of additional activities, including evening lectures, concerts and a whole range of activities for children and the whole family.
1. Free Childcare During the Races
On Saturday, free childcare will be available during the races (from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM) at the event venue. As part of the childcare, we will also prepare various animation activities and games for the children, ensuring that time will fly by.
While you enjoy the run, your children will have fun with their peers and animators. After the childcare ends, they are warmly invited to participate in the children’s race at 3:00 PM.
You will enjoy your trail running adventure, while your kids have fun in the company of their peers and experienced animators.
2. Children’s Races for the Youngest and Teenagers
As part of the event, we have two races for children and teenagers. The youngest, up to the age of 12, can participate in a free 300 m children’s race (Saturday at 3:00 PM). For those looking for a slightly longer challenge, there is the 5 km Bambi Trail.
The Free Children’s Race is designed for the youngest and takes place on Saturday at 3:00 PM. The start and finish are at the main event venue by Kočevsko Lake. The race is non-competitive, and all participants receive a bib number and a gift upon reaching the finish line. The course is approximately 300 meters long and can be completed alone or with parental supervision.
The Bambi Trail (5 km) is intended for children from the age of 10 onwards (with categories for different ages). In the case of family registration, younger children can also participate. Family registration allows for 2 to 5 participants. The course is designed to be ideal for beginners in trail running and for young runners. There is no time limit for the 5 km distance, so participants can also complete it at a leisurely pace.
3. An Attractive Event Venue for Families
The main event venue is located right next to Kočevsko Lake, which is perfect for various water activities. A variety of activities will make for an exciting weekend in Kočevsko. The lake offers opportunities for swimming and fishing, and paddleboards (SUPs) will be available for rent.
For those who want to spend the whole weekend right by the event venue, Camp Jezero is available nearby, offering spaces for motorhomes, tents, and even some glamping cabins. Kočevje also provides other accommodation options – find more details at the link below.
Find more about accommodation in Kočevsko HERE If all accommodations are fully booked and camping is not an option for you, we recommend staying near the Kolpa River (Fara, Kostel – a 25-minute drive). Another option is Ribnica (20 minutes away) or Dolenjske Toplice (45 minutes away).
4. Guided Family Tours on Saturday and Sunday
On Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, we are organizing guided tours of the mysterious forest – animal tracking and a guided tour of the Škrilj bunker.
Participants can join guided groups for short hikes in the forest, where experienced guides will help them discover interesting animal tracks and share fascinating information about the Kočevsko forests. Another option is a tour of the secret tunnels of the Škrilj bunker.
The guided tours are particularly suitable for families, as they are shorter and less demanding, with a focus on engaging activities and interesting insights.
Registration for the Saturday/Sunday guided tours can be submitted in the race registration form or by contacting kocevsko@trailrun.si.
5. Friday’s Program for the Whole Family
On Friday afternoon, activities will take place at the MTB Center in Kočevje. While parents can take on the Vertical Run to Fridrihštajn Castle, children can enjoy the MTB Center.
The MTB Center will not only offer sports activities – in the evening, there will also be the lighting of a charcoal pile. Charcoal burning has a rich history in Kočevsko, and this event will serve as an excellent demonstration of this cultural heritage. We warmly invite you to the MTB Center on Friday afternoon!
See You at the End of May in Kočevsko
At the end of May, we will see you at the wildest and greenest trail run in Slovenia. The trail runs at KOF are truly a special experience, taking you into the heart of Kočevsko Rog, where you will even run along the edges of the primeval forest. And for trail running enthusiasts, the best part – more than 90% of the trails are paths, with less than 1% being asphalt.
Distances: 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 km, plus Friday’s Vertical Run
As you can see, there will be no shortage of exciting side activities in Kočevsko. Read more about the festival part of the event HERE
So, see you in Kočevsko! 
