Parenting often means sacrificing your own interests for the sake of keeping the kids entertained. But what if you could do both? These 7 family-friendly activities are designed to keep the little ones engaged while making sure that parents have a genuinely good time too. No soft play centres or mind-numbing puppet shows—just fun, memorable experiences for all ages.
1. Pottery & Pizza-Making Workshops
Where: Kilkenny, West Cork, Connemara
A hands-on experience where kids get to shape and paint their own pottery while parents enjoy the therapeutic process of working with clay. Some places also offer wood-fired pizza-making, where the whole family can roll dough, choose toppings, and enjoy a delicious handmade meal together.
Where to go:
- The Happy Pottery (Kilkenny): Offers pottery painting sessions suitable for all ages.
- Mud Ireland (Dublin): Hosts “Pizza & Pottery Night,” combining pottery creation with pizza.
- Cré Pottery Studio (West Cork): Provides pottery classes for both adults and children.
2. Glamping with Alpacas
Where: Donegal, Wicklow
Swap the traditional camping trip for something a little more magical—glamping with alpacas! Stay in a luxurious yurt or bell tent, and spend the day walking and feeding friendly alpacas. While the kids enjoy the novelty of their furry friends, you can unwind in nature with a glass of wine by the firepit.
Where to go:
- Campview Farm (Donegal): A family-run farm offering glamping accommodations and alpaca encounters.
- K2Alpacas (Wicklow): Provides alpaca trekking experiences in the Wicklow countryside
3. Lough Key’s Secret Tunnels & Ziplining Adventure
Where: Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon
Lough Key is packed with adventure activities that both kids and adults will love. Explore the secret underground tunnels of an old castle, tackle the tree canopy walk, or zipline through the forest. It’s an adrenaline rush for all ages, and there are walking trails for a more relaxed pace.
Where to go:
- Lough Key Forest Park (Roscommon): Offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including the secret tunnels tour.
4. Escape Room & Board Game Café Combos
Where: Dublin, Galway, Cork
Older kids and teens will love the challenge of an escape room, and parents will enjoy the teamwork required to crack codes and solve puzzles. Afterward, unwind at a board game café, where families can choose from hundreds of games while enjoying coffee and sweet treats.
Where to go:
- GoQuest (Dublin): Features a mix of physical and mental challenges suitable for families.
- WeEscape (Cork): Provides immersive escape room experiences for all ages.
- The Clockwork Door (Dublin): A cosy board game café offering a wide selection of games.
5. Dingle Dolphin & Whale Watching Trips
Where: Dingle, West Cork
A boat trip on the Atlantic is an unforgettable experience, and spotting dolphins, whales, and seals is exciting for all ages. Many tours include interactive marine talks, so kids can learn while enjoying the adventure. Parents can enjoy the coast, making it a win-win experience.
Where to go:
- Dingle Boat Tours (Kerry): Offers family-friendly marine wildlife tours.
6. Falconry & Archery Experiences
Where: Ashford Castle (Mayo), Kilkenny, Wicklow
Step into the world of medieval Ireland with a falconry and archery experience. Kids will love getting up close with birds of prey, while parents can enjoy learning traditional archery skills. This is a unique and interactive experience that’s far more exciting than a standard petting zoo.
Where to go:
- Ireland’s School of Falconry (Galway): Provides hands-on falconry experiences.
- The Falconry at Adare Manor (Limerick): Offers luxury falconry sessions.
- Secret Valley Wildlife Park (Wexford): Features interactive animal encounters for younger kids.
7. Kayaking on Bioluminescent Waters
Where: West Cork, Connemara
For families with older kids (8+), night kayaking on bioluminescent waters is an unforgettable adventure. The glowing plankton create a magical experience. Parents can enjoy paddling under the stars, while kids will be amazed by the natural light show.
Experiencing bioluminescent kayaking in Ireland offers a unique and magical adventure. Here are some reputable providers offering such tours:
Where to go:
- Atlantic Sea Kayaking (West Cork): Enjoy night kayaking tour in Lough Hyne, Europe’s only saltwater lake.
- Eco Atlantic Adventures (Donegal): Explore the glowing waters along Donegal’s coast on a night-time kayak tour.
Before booking, it’s advisable to check with the providers regarding the best times to experience bioluminescence, as visibility can vary with seasons and weather conditions.
Ready for a Family Adventure?
These activities prove that family-friendly doesn’t have to mean boring, and there are plenty of ways to keep both kids and adults happy. Which one will you try first?
