When it comes to enjoying a family holiday in Galway, Salthill should definitely be on your list of places to visit. Home to a variety of family friendly activities and attractions, it will be easy for you to entertain your children while in this lovely seaside village.
To help you make the most of your family days by the seaside, we have put together a fantastic list of activities that you can enjoy as a family. Check out our top picks on things to do with your children in Salthill below…
above: photo by Peter Steele
Have a Beach Day and Walk Salthill Promenade
Whether you walk it all or simply stroll a little bit of it, Salthill’s 2km Promenade is a must-do in Galway. Buggy- and kid-friendly, this pathway is suitable for all members of the family. The views are spectacular regardless of the time of day and as you go you’ll encounter people and their dogs all enjoying this lovely seaside walkway and the fresh sea air. When you get to the end of the Prom by Blackrock Diving Tower don’t forget to kick the wall across from the diving tower for luck!
If you are travelling with older children who are confident swimmers, something that is considered a bucket list item when it comes to holidaying in Galway is taking a dive off the yellow Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill. If you’re not feeling comfortable with this challenge, no worries, because Salthill’s other beaches are super beautiful and are all safe for swimming with lifeguard stations nearby. These sandy beaches are ideal for sunbathing, sandcastle building, picnicking and more so weather permitting be sure to spend a day on them.
Go on rides at Curry’s Funpark
A great activity for families coming to Salthill is spending a day on the rides at Currys Funpark. There are loads to choose from, and they have something to feed everyone’s adventurous soul. Rides here include the carousel, sky wheel, wacky worm roller coaster, the waltzer, flying swinger, toy town, tea cups, XLR8, icejet, fun factory and more! Currys Funpark is open all week long from 12pm until late (weather depending), so if you have children with you be sure to check them out!
above: photo by Bernice Naughton via Ireland's Content Pool
Enjoy a Family Picnic
If the weather is good during your visit to Salthill we suggest dining al fresco and enjoying a family picnic in one of Salthill’s many parks. Putting together a picnic is easy thanks to local eateries such as Galway Bay Hotel whose brunch boxes are packed with tons of delicious snacks and treats that everyone can enjoy tucking into. You can also opt to take away some treats from cafés in the area such as Gourmet Food Parlour, Gourmet Tart and Ground & Co, however you decide to prepare for the occasion rest assured there are loads of great options for food in Salthill. Discover more about those here. Pre-picnic we also suggest checking out Salthill’s playground which can help your kids burn off some energy before sitting down and feasting on delicious picnic goodies.
Explore the exhibitions at Galway Atlantaquaria
In Salthill, you’ll find Galway Atlantaquaria which is Ireland’s largest native species aquarium and a day spent here is one well spent! A brilliant activity for all ages, especially, if you have kids because this is a great way to keep them entertained while also teaching them about Ireland native sea life through clear and interesting displays, informed helpful staff and exciting live presentations and animal interaction sessions. Here you and your children can visit the ocean zone and the waterfall and meet an octopus, clownfish, piranhas and so many more species of sea life. Afterwards, we highly recommend treating your whole family to some delicious ice creams from The Creamery Café & Bistro.
above: photo courtesy of Galway Atlantaquaria
Check out what’s screening at the Cinema
The Omniplex Cinema is a large 10 screen cinema in Salthill that shows all of the latest movies and classic re-releases. It is the perfect place for lovers of the big screen and if it's raining, it is the ideal solution to keep the children entertained. This cinema also features recline seats, 3D performances, assigned seating and wheelchair-accessibility. Before heading into the screen, stock up on fresh popcorn made on-site, as well as nachos, hotdogs, sweets and soft drinks. To check what’s screening ahead of your visit please tap here.
Discover all the kid-friendly activities at Leisureland
If the weather isn’t suitable for a day at the beach no worries because there is always something to do at Salthill’s family-friendly activity and events centre - Leisureland. Open all year round, it has a large public swimming pool with a slide and kids pool as well as a steam room and sauna. Outdoors, you’ll find a golf adventure course that consists of 9-holes and is an ideal sunny day activity in Galway. As we mentioned earlier, Leisureland also hosts events throughout the year and if you are interested in checking out who is performing during your time in Salthill please hit the link here to check out their entertainment programme.
above: photo courtesy of Leisureland
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang
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