We all know the drill — the weekend arrives, plans are made, and the rain arrives too. Luckily, Waterford has plenty going on indoors, so a wet forecast doesn’t have to mean a wasted day. Whether you’ve got toddlers, tweens or a mix of ages to keep happy, here are some great rainy day activities in Waterford to have up your sleeve.
In this guide:
- Museums & heritage
- Libraries & bookshops
- Indoor play centres
- Getting outside anyway
Museums & Heritage
Waterford Treasures
In the Viking Triangle in Waterford city, three award-winning museums sit within a few paces of each other, making them an easy and engaging option for a rainy afternoon. Together they tell the story of Waterford’s Viking, Norman, medieval and more recent history, right up to the present day.
Start at Reginald’s Tower, the massive stone fortress at the apex of the Viking Triangle, which houses Waterford’s Viking Treasures. A circular defence tower originally built in the early 13th century, it has served over the centuries as a mint, a prison and a military store, and remains one of Waterford’s most recognisable landmarks.
Next door is Ireland’s only Medieval Museum (pictured above), home to beautiful treasures and artefacts from the middle ages, including two medieval chambers, the 13th century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault.
Finally, the 1743 Bishop’s Palace follows the story of Waterford city and its people from 1700 up to 1970, giving a real sense of the city’s history as, up until the mid-1700s, Ireland’s second city. There are lovely gardens surrounding the Bishop’s Palace too, worth a wander if the rain eases off. Visitors can also see one of the oldest pieces of Waterford Crystal in the world on display.
Waterford County Museum
Also well worth a visit is Waterford County Museum in Dungarvan, which hosts a permanent display on the history of Waterford County. There’s a display case devoted specifically to children, featuring Victorian and Edwardian clothes and books, plus a hands-on area where kids can hold replicas of Norman swords, helmets and tools.
Libraries & Bookshops
A wet morning or afternoon is the perfect excuse for a trip to your local library. All branches across the county have a junior section, and many run free events and activities for children, including storytelling sessions. It’s a lovely, low-cost way to spend a rainy day — just check your local branch’s opening hours and events schedule before you head out, as these can vary.
Or why not visit your local bookshop and treat the kids to a new book? Browsing together and then going home to read it is a simple pleasure that never gets old.
The Book Centre in Waterford city is a particularly child-friendly bookshop, with an extensive and unique kids’ reading area. They run regular children’s events throughout the year, including storytelling, and have previously offered free weekend face painting sessions — it’s worth checking their current events calendar for what’s on when you visit. Parents can relax with a coffee while the kids browse and play.
Indoor Play Centres
Activate Waterford
For a proper rainy day out, Activate Waterford has a great range of indoor activities, including ten pin bowling, a climbing wall, bouldering and a roller rink. Their laser tag arena offers a choice of game modes, and there’s a soft play area suitable for children from around 6 months, with separate zones for tiny tots, toddlers and older kids on a multi-level play frame.
Splashworld
If the weather’s against you (or the kids just fancy a splash), Splashworld in Tramore is the biggest indoor waterpark in the South East. It’s a firm favourite for a fun family day out — check their website for current opening times and admission prices before you go.
Run Amuck
Run Amuck, in the Riverstown Business Park in Tramore, is a great indoor activity centre with soft play and a laser game arena. They also have a Pottery Place where kids can paint their own pottery to take home, and a café where parents can grab a tea or coffee while the kids run off some energy.
Pirates Adventure
For something a little different, Pirates Adventure in Tramore offers Glow in the Dark mini golf with a pirate theme, alongside mini bowling, electric motorbikes, a pirate ship climbing frame and soft play.
Get Outside Anyway
Sometimes the best rainy day activity is simply to get out in it. Pop on the raingear and wellies and head out for a walk — most kids love splashing in puddles, and it’s a great way to burn off pent-up energy after being cooped up indoors. For more ideas, see our Top 10 Things to Do Outside in the Rain.
Warm up afterwards with a hot bath or shower, dry clothes and a hot chocolate. Then settle in with a board game or a movie for a cosy end to a wet day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rainy day activities in Waterford for young children?
Soft play areas at Activate Waterford and Run Amuck are great choices for younger children, along with the junior sections at local libraries, which often run storytelling sessions.
Is there an indoor waterpark in Waterford?
Yes — Splashworld in Tramore is the biggest indoor waterpark in the South East and makes a brilliant rainy day option for the whole family.
Are the Waterford museums suitable for kids?
Yes. The Waterford Treasures museums in the Viking Triangle and Waterford County Museum in Dungarvan both offer engaging, hands-on exhibits that appeal to children, including replica artefacts kids can handle at the County Museum.
What can we do in Waterford if we don’t want to spend much money?
A trip to the library is free and a lovely rainy day activity, with junior sections and regular children’s events. Browsing a local bookshop together is another low-cost way to spend an afternoon.
Related Articles
Looking for more inspiration? You might also like:
- 50 Fun Rainy Day Activities for Kids
- What to Do on a Rainy Day
- Activities for a Rainy Day
Save This for Your Next Wet Weekend
Rainy days in Waterford don’t have to mean staying stuck indoors doing nothing — bookmark this page so you’ve always got a few ideas ready to go next time the forecast turns.
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