When it comes to going on family holidays and keeping the kids entertained, Galway has some of the very best family activities in the west! From fun days out on a racecourse to enjoying a stroll amongst nature, Galway is home to many of Ireland's best family friendly attractions. Want to spend some quality time with the kids, well what are you waiting for? Make a family break for Galway!
Wildlands
At the activity centre, Wildlands, there is something for all ages of the family. Their Baile Beag village is suitable for ages 3 to 8 years and even has its own play area for those aged under 3. For the older members of the family the options feel endless, from fun walls to archery and zip’n’trek, you will all be leaving with red cheeks and happy heads. They even have activities that you can take on as a whole family such as the challenge rooms and ninja course. If you never want the fun to end, great news their onsite family friendly accommodation provides a unique woodland stay in a cosy cabin, so once you wake up you can do it all again.
Ballyquirke, Moycullen / more here
above: photo courtesy of Wildlands
Slieve Aughty Centre
Slieve Aughty Centre is a fabulous place for a family day out. This eco-friendly nature based resort features an Enchanted Fairy Forest, craft room, small playground, organic garden, outdoor kitchen, equestrian centre, and access to thousands of acres of Coillte forestry. Visit the pot bellied pig and pet the ponies, or book horse riding for the kids or the whole family (ages 5 and up). Wander the organic garden, hang your wishes on the wishing tree, and sprinkle some fairy dust. Grab some delicious fare from the Slieve Aughty Woods Cafe, or book Friday pizza night and make your own organic pizza, cooked in the outdoor wood-fired oven in minutes. If you don't want to leave, there is accommodation on site too.
Kylebrack, Loughrea // more here
above: photo courtesy of Slieve Aughty Centre
Virtual Reality World
Providing loads of fun for families of all ages, interests and skill levels. Galway’s new VR World offers custom-built virtual reality booths, Ireland’s first Katwalkers, VR Racing Cars and VR Escape Rooms which are all kitted out with the latest technology. You and your family can travel to exotic climates, drive fully simulated racing cars, fight zombies, test your adrenaline with heart-pounding horror games, or take part in fun family friendly multiplayer experiences.
Unit 3 Liosban Industrial Estate,Tuam Road / contact them at info@vrworld.ie / more here
above: VR World, photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Brigit's Garden & Café
The award-winning Celtic Gardens at Brigit's Garden are widely regarded as one of the most spectacular in Ireland. Featuring 11 acres of native woodland and wildflower meadows for both young and old to explore. They offer loads of options that children will adore, including the Kid's Trail which will lead you around the gardens looking for clues and exploring. They also have a natural play area and Fairy Village where your children can play on a tall lookout climbing tower, willow tunnels, slide and sand-pit. Throughout the year, they host a number of family orientated events that make for the perfect way to celebrate seasonal events and enjoy some family bonding time.
Pollagh, Rosscahill / more here
above: photo courtesy of Brigit's Garden & Café
Galway City Museum
For a fun and free activity, a family visit to Galway City Museum is always a good idea. Here, the little ones can learn all about Galway's interesting past. They also offer a number of free events and workshops throughout the year aimed especially towards kids. The fully accessible building is home to three levels of fascinating exhibitions offering visitors the chance to soak up the archaeology, history, sea science and culture of Galway while also enjoying spectacular sea views.
Spanish Arch / more here
above: photo courtesy of Galway City Museum
SWING Golf
If golfing is your thing, SWING Golf brings the game of golf to life with their 6 state-of-the-art TrackMan simulators. They cater to golf enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners looking to improve their swing to seasoned players looking for a new challenge. Suitable for ages 5 and older, these games are perfect for groups and families, providing a unique and exciting activity for everyone to enjoy. They offer a fully immersive golf experience that allows you to play on some of the world's most famous courses without ever leaving Galway!
Unit 5, Pairc an Clochair, Innplot, Oranmore / more here
above: photo courtesy of SWING Golf
Eye Cinema
The ultimate family cinema experience can be enjoyed at Eye Cinema. In addition to screening loads of kid friendly movies and even hosting parent & baby mornings every Wednesday, this cinema offers a fabulous family combo which is available every day. For just €55, this combo covers a family ticket (x4 tickets to the same movie) plus your choice of their two food and drink combos. Watching a family friendly movie on the big screens is a fantastic way to both spend time together as a family and keep entertained during a spell of bad weather.
Wellpark / more here
above: Eye Cinema, photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Galway City Karting
For adventurous families, a zoom around the track at Galway City Karting should definitely be on the cards. Suitable for ages 7 years and older, your time here will begin with a safety briefing, then everyone gets to hit the racing track. All laps timed by their Tag Heuer professional timing system so someone will definitely be walking away with bragging rights. They also offer karting times of 15 and 25 minutes with reduced rates for groups over 10 people. They've also got a spectators area with games for those in the family who would rather just watch!
Liosban Industrial Estate, Tuam Rd / more here
above: Galway City Karting, photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Pálás Cinema
Every Friday, Pálás Cinema screens their dedicated Parent and Baby screenings to let parents of young children catch new releases on the big screen without having to find a sitter, or worrying that you’ll have to run for the door if the little one gets fussy. They also have a place to store your prams and buggy, and they turn down the volume and keep low lighting for baby's (and parent's) comfort. Another way that makes Pálás Cinema perfect for family outings in Galway is that they now showing family-friendly films at a discounted price every Sunday, a single ticket for €6.50 or a family/group of 4 for €24.
15 Merchant Rd Lower / more here
above: photo courtesy of Pálás Cinema
Pure Skill
Perfect for families with children over the age of 8, complete Pure Skill's ten sports with unique challenges; hurling, soccer, cricket, rugby, baseball, tennis and more, and receive your personal score out of 100 at the end. It's the perfect way to participate in some friendly family competition while also testing your sporting abilities. Who knows, you may even make into onto the leaderboard! Using fully automated technology via your own swipe card, you can gear up for over 2 hours of non stop action, ideal for anyone looking to keep the kids entertained during a rainy day in Galway.
Western Distributors Rd, Knocknacarra / more here
above: photo courtesy of Pure Skill
Galway Atlantaquaria
Taking a deep dive into the sea life, Galway Atlantaquaria is always an enjoyable way to pass the day with your children. Open all year round, the fully accessible attraction offers educational, engaging and fun activities. With two floors of exhibits and hundreds of marine species for you to meet, this spot is sure to be a huge hit with the kids. Additionally if the weather is on your side, the best way to mark the end of your trip to the aquarium is by getting a 99 ice cream and hitting one of Galway’s many beaches.
Seapoint Promenade, Salthill / more here
above: photo courtesy of Galway Atlantaquaria
Kylemore Abbey
The stunning grounds of Kylemore Abbey offers adventures the whole family will love. All children can become History Hunters, and explore the estate via the map while answering questions and finding secrets as you go. Younger kids can also enjoy cooking up some fairy stews and playing in the Wild Play area close to the Garden Tea House and don't forget to visit the friendly Kune Kune pigs, Gloria and Ken, and the adorable Connemara ponies and foals frolicking in the pony paddock. Once all the activities are out of the way be sure sure to check out all that is going on in the on-site chocolate kitchen!
Connemara / more here
above: photo courtesy of Kylemore Abbey
Great Escape Rooms
Another phenomenal option for your family fun day, Great Escape Rooms have three rooms for you to escape from within an hour, so that’ll put your team work skills to the test. The nature of these creative game requires tremendous amounts of teamwork and communication which makes the the optimal choice for family bonding adventures. Observe your surroundings, solves clues, work as a team and make the connections. Adrenaline kicks in – excitement, tension, focus, laughter and team work – creating an amazing experience.
27 Abbeygate St Upper / more here
above: photo courtesy of Great Escape Rooms
Feature photo courtesy of Brigit's Garden & Café.
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