Entertaining kids can get expensive, so we’ve pulled together some of our favourite free things to do in Mayo with kids, all recommended by local parents. Whether you’ve got a free afternoon or a whole day to fill, there’s plenty here that won’t cost you a cent.
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Explore Some History and Pre-history
The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, Mayo
The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life in Turlough Park near Castlebar is a great free museum with regular exhibitions, workshops and events. It also has gorgeous grounds for a stroll with the kids after you’ve had a look around.
Visit a prehistoric monument – Mayo is dotted with stone circles, standing stones, wedge tombs, round towers and other megalithic monuments. These sites are fascinating for children, and the history behind them is even more so. For details and directions, click here.
Take a walk – Guided walks around towns like Westport, Ballina and Castlebar sometimes run over the summer months and are a great way for older children to learn more about the history of Mayo. Check locally for what’s currently on offer.
Water Activities
Go to the beach. You don’t have to wait for sunshine to bring the children to one of Mayo’s beautiful beaches. There’s lots of fun to be had in the water, sand and dunes – free activities include racing across the sand, flying a kite, building sandcastles, collecting shells or hunting for crabs in the rockpools. Racing down the sand dunes is a great way to warm up when the weather isn’t playing ball!
Feed the ducks – A weekly favourite for many families is a trip to a local pond, lake or river to feed the ducks and swans. A handy way to use up leftover bread crusts too.
Related: Things to do for your children that cost nothing but time
Get to Know Your County
Pick another town in Mayo you’ve never visited – make a list of interesting things to do there and pack a picnic. You might be surprised how much fun there is in discovering somewhere new.
Visit one of the country markets – Ballina, Castlebar, Louisburgh, Belmullet and Westport all have regular markets with fresh veg, fruit, jams and baked goodies, so you could pick up some of your weekly shop at the same time.
More Outdoor Fun
Ballycroy National Park
Ballycroy National Park is a brilliant free place to visit with the children. Follow the nature trail up to the viewing point and keep an eye out for the local flora and fauna along the way. The visitor centre typically opens for part of the year with free events running through the season – it’s worth checking current opening details before you set off.
Visit a playground. It’s free and always good fun! There are modern playgrounds in most towns in Mayo, so why not try one in a nearby town you haven’t visited before.
Put on your walking shoes and head out for a walk. Woodland walks are a family favourite at any time of year, rain or shine, and many have picnic areas and good walking trails. Here are 9 fun family walks in Mayo to get you started.
And If It Rains…
Bring the children to the library. Most branches have children’s sections where kids can settle in with a book, and reading together is a lovely way to spend quality time even once they can read alone. For a change of scenery, try a different branch to your usual one, or check whether Westport or Castlebar library has a storytime session on.
Keep an eye on our Events page for updated information on free events and festivals taking place around Mayo.
Article written by Léon from Ballina.
If you have any more great ideas for free family activities in Mayo, share them in the comments below – we’d love to hear them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there really free things to do in Mayo with kids all year round?
Yes. Beaches, playgrounds, woodland walks and libraries are free every day of the year, while museums, national parks and markets offer plenty of no-cost options too, with some seasonal variation in opening times and events.
What’s the best free activity for a rainy day in Mayo?
A trip to your local library is hard to beat – most branches have cosy children’s sections, and some run weekly storytimes. The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life is another good indoor option with free exhibitions.
Do I need to book anything for these free activities?
No booking is generally needed for beaches, playgrounds, walks or the museum grounds. If you’re planning to visit somewhere with seasonal opening hours, such as Ballycroy National Park’s visitor centre, it’s worth checking ahead.
Are these ideas suitable for toddlers as well as older kids?
Yes – beaches, playgrounds and duck-feeding suit younger children well, while prehistoric sites, guided walks and museum exhibitions tend to hold more appeal for older kids who enjoy a bit of history.
Related Articles
- Mayo Beaches: A Guide for Families
- 9 Suggestions for Fun Family Walks in Mayo
- 50 Things to Do for Your Children That Cost Nothing But Time
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