MARS — While this year’s Mars New Year is for people of all ages to enjoy, one area aims to entertain and educate younger festivalgoers.

The kid zone will be at the Woodland Valley Church parking lot and will operate from 4 to 10 p.m. May 5 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 6.

“The children will be learning, but it will be a fun type of learning,” said organizer Marcie Barlow, who also said this year’s kid zone is “more extensive” than the previous festival.

“It gives them the opportunity to learn in a more relaxed environment,” she added.

Among the attractions will be craft activities, inflatable games, face painting and a 30-foot-by-30-foot planetarium, which will feature a replica of the solar system.

Barlow said inflatable bounce houses will not be at the event this year. She said about 15,000 people are expected to visit the area for the weekend festivities, with about one-third projected to be children.

“A lot of it depends on the weather,” Barlow said. “We encourage families to come out.”