Family days out don’t have to cost a thing. Kildare is packed with free things to do with kids — from forest walks and playgrounds to libraries and historic parklands — so you can fill weekends and school holidays without spending a penny. Here are our favourite free things to do in Kildare with kids.
Take a Family Walk
Donadea Forest Park
Donadea Forest Park is a lovely mixed woodland with a lake and historical features, including the remains of a castle and a walled garden. There’s a small café open all year, plus picnic benches if you’d rather bring your own lunch.
Events run throughout the year, including Heritage Week bird watching, and Santa’s Kingdom over the festive season is well worth a visit in this magical setting, facilitated by the on-site tea rooms.
There may be a small parking charge at Donadea, so it’s worth having some change to hand — just check current signage on arrival as fees can change.
The Curragh
The Curragh is an extensive tract of open grassland, perfect for walks, cycling and kite flying. You can watch the horses training on the Curragh racecourse, or check out historical sites such as Donnelly’s Hollow.
It’s best to wear wellies or old shoes here, as sheep roam freely — and so does what sheep leave behind!
Related: Great Family Walks in Kildare
Family Cycling in Kildare
Dust off the bicycles and get the family active. Follow an established cycle trail or find an off-road route to explore together.
We like bringing bikes to Monread Park in Naas, as there’s a playground there too, or heading to the parklands at Castletown House (see below). For more off-road cycling spots around the county, the Coillte Outdoors website is a useful place to start.
Make the Most of Libraries
Check out your local library and see what classes and events run there throughout the year. Your local library branch is a wonderful, free resource for families.
Libraries typically host a popular annual summer reading programme, and many branches also run or host parent and toddler groups, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts classes, book clubs, and games and activities sessions.
There’s also free computer access and the option to borrow books and DVDs. For a change of scenery, why not visit a different library branch to your usual one?
Related: Libraries in Kildare
Visit a Playground in Kildare
There are some great playgrounds throughout Kildare. Why not make it a mission to visit them all over time? It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s a great way to explore the county.
Bring some snacks and drinks, or pack a picnic lunch to make an afternoon of it.
Our current favourite is Kilcullen Playground, which has all the usual equipment plus a zip-line and a sand and water play area.
History & Heritage in Kildare
Castletown House
Castletown House in Celbridge is Ireland’s largest Palladian house, set in 120 acres of surrounding parkland — ideal for a family walk. The grounds are open all year round and are free to enter and explore.
A number of Heritage Ireland sites also offer free admission days at certain times of year, so it’s worth checking ahead of a visit to Castletown House in case you can time it with one of these.
Related: OPW Free Days: Visit Irish Heritage Sites
National Heritage Week in Kildare
National Heritage Week runs each August and always brings plenty of free family events across the county.
Keep an eye on our Events page for more free things happening in Kildare throughout the year.
Do you have a favourite free spot to take the kids in Kildare? Share it in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Donadea Forest Park free to visit with kids?
Yes, entry to the park itself is free. There may be a small parking charge, so it’s worth checking current signage when you arrive.
What’s a good free playground in Kildare?
Kilcullen Playground is a local favourite, with standard play equipment plus a zip-line and a sand and water play area. There are also playgrounds across the county worth exploring.
Are there free family events in Kildare during the year?
Yes — National Heritage Week each August brings free family events across Kildare, and some Heritage Ireland sites, including Castletown House, offer free admission days at certain times of year.
Is Castletown House free to visit?
The grounds and parkland at Castletown House in Celbridge are free to enter and explore all year round.
You Might Also Like
- Great Family Walks in Kildare
- Libraries in Kildare
- Playgrounds in Kildare
- OPW Free Days: Visit Irish Heritage Sites
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