If you and your family are about to hit the road to visit scenic County Galway, check out our list of the five best things to do with kids in Galway.
Galway in the West of Ireland is the perfect spot for a fun-filled family break.
As well as being packed with restaurants, pubs, museums, and shops galore, both the Irish city and county have lots of activities to keep children of all ages entertained.
Here’s our round-up of the five best things to do with kids in Galway.
5. Galway Tourist Train, Galway City – the perfect way to see the city
When it comes to things to do with kids in Galway, you can’t miss the Galway Tourism Train.
Little legs can get tired easily, so the Galway Tourist Train is the perfect sightseeing activity. Hop on board the bright red train at Jury’s Inn, Spanish Arch, or the National Aquarium in Salthill.
The 45-minute guided tour takes you through the Latin Quarter, Claddagh Village, bustling Eyre Square, the Docklands, and out to Salthill.
With commentary and music on board, the whole family will be entertained as they take in the history and culture of the city.
Make a day of it and let the train take you to the National Aquarium in Salthill, where a water wonderland of starfish, crabs, sharks, and seahorses awaits.
Set over two floors, you can take part in feeding, explore a model submarine or attend a science workshop. The tourist train stop is just outside and can bring you back into the city, with the last train at 3.30 pm.
Address: Seapoint Promenade, Galway, H91 T2FD, Ireland
4. Turoe Pet Farm, Bullaun, Galway – meet some furry friends
Animal lovers will be spoiled at Turoe Pet Farm, a family-run farm found in the Galway village of Bullaun, 4 km (2.5 miles) from the town of Loughrea.
The scenic park is home to donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, ponies, alpacas, and llamas. Make feathered friends at the bird aviary and get close to cuddly rabbits.
The all-weather walkway, Hawthorn Walk, takes you around the perimeter of the 14-acre farm. Here, you can meet Larry the Llama and Curly the Alpaca.
Grab some snacks at the coffee shop or country kitchen. Kids can burn off some energy at the two outdoor play areas.
The Inflatable City features a huge bouncing castle with three different slides – a 6 ft (1.8 m), 12 ft (3.6 m) and 25 ft (7.6 m) slide. This is one of the best things to do with kids in Ireland.
Address: Turoe House, Turoe, Loughrea, Co. Galway, H62 A432, Ireland
3. Pallas Karting and Paintball – for action-lovers
Older kids and action-loving adults will enjoy a trip to Pallas Karting and Paintball outside Galway City.
Hit the 5000 ft (1500 m) track and let your inner Grand Prix driver out as you hit speeds of 90 kpm (56 mph) at Europe’s largest karting centre. Younger drivers can join in the fun on the 1640 ft (500 m) beginner’s track.
Kids aged ten and older can enjoy a game of Splatball – all the fun of Paintball, but with lower-powered weapons, so kids don’t get injured.
If you have teens aged 14 and older, they can brave a higher-powered game of Paintball. There are four Paintball zones to choose from, including a Zombie Fort, with full instruction and protective gear provided.
Address: Pallas, Tynagh, Co. Galway, H62 X265, Ireland
2. Wildlands – for adventure-loving kids
Near the top of our list of the five best things to do with kids in Galway is Wildlands, just ten minutes from Galway City
Set on over 20 acres of mature woodlands in Ballyquirke, Moycullen, outdoor-loving kids will enjoy a day to remember here.
With a range of activities on offer, including archery, bushcraft, disc golf, fairy trails, puzzle walls, and ziplines, there’s something for everyone.
Mini action heroes can tackle the Zip ‘n’ Trek junior course (under sevens must be accompanied by an adult). Meanwhile, older Tarzans and Janes can try the larger Zip ‘n’ Trek, stretching over 1 km (0.6 miles) at 50 ft (15 m) above ground.
Children aged three to six can take part in arts and crafts and mini 4×4 jeep driving.
After working up an appetite, the Olive Tree Kitchen serves up delicious pizza cooked in front of you. Here, you can tuck in as you look out over the ziplines below.
Address: Ballyquirke, Moycullen, Co. Galway, H91 WYV2, Ireland
1. Leisureland – for endless hours of fun
Topping our list of the five best things to do with kids in Galway is a trip to Leisureland located in Salthill, Galway. Here, you can dive right into the fun.
There are three different pools to choose from, so the whole family can splash away the day here. There’s a learner pool for less experienced swimmers, a giant water slide, and an inflatable obstacle course.
There is also a gymnasium on-site, a sauna and steam room, and a nine-hole adventure golf course.
Address: Salthill Rd Lower, Galway, Ireland
Looking for somewhere to stay in Galway with the family? Check out the best family hotels in Ireland.
By Angela Mullin
