As parents, we know how expensive it can be to keep the kids entertained. That’s why we’ve pulled together a list of ways to enjoy Wicklow with your family without spending a cent. Here are our favourite free family things to do in Wicklow with kids.
Family Walks in Wicklow
Avondale Forest Park
Avondale Forest Park lies mainly on the west bank of the Avonmore River, spread across 505 acres of land with an endless variety of walks. The scenery ranges from open riverbank paths to towering stands of mature conifers.
The park has six way-marked walks and trails:
- River Walk
- Cairn Walk
- Exotic Tree Trail
- Pine Tree Trail
- Centenary Trail
- Slí na Slainte (Path to Health)
Avondale also has a lovely wooden playground area with swings, a slide and climbing frames. Keep an eye out for common woodland animals too, including red squirrel, badger, hedgehog, stoat, fox, rabbit and hare. Rich bird life exists here, with over ninety species recorded in the park.
There is a small parking charge at Avondale, so it’s worth checking the car park signage or the park’s own listing for the current fee before you set off.
Related: Great Family Walks in Wicklow
Cycling for Families in Wicklow
Take out the bicycles and get active. Follow an established cycle trail or find an off-road route to suit your family’s fitness level.
Bring your bikes to part of the Blessington Lakes Loop Cycle — the views over the lakes are unbeatable.
You can find other off-road cycling spots on the Coillte Outdoors website.
Make the Most of Libraries
Make sure to check out your local library and see what classes and events it runs 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 run or host parent and toddler groups, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts classes, book clubs, games and activity sessions, and exhibitions.
Don’t forget there’s usually free computer access too, along with books and DVDs to borrow. For a change of scenery, why not visit a different library branch to your usual one?
Visit a Playground
There are some great playgrounds throughout the county, and visiting them is completely free. Why not make it a mission to try a different one each month? Bring some snacks, drinks or a picnic lunch and make a morning of it.
One family favourite is Kilcullen Playground, which has all the usual equipment plus a zip-line and a sand and water play area.
Related: Playgrounds in Wicklow
History & Heritage
Wicklow Mountains National Park
Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 20,000 hectares of mountain scenery and features a 6th-century monastic round tower and the ruins of St Kevin’s Church. The park runs a schedule of free events throughout the year, including family-friendly days during the summer months — check the park’s own website for current listings.
Heritage Ireland sites have historically offered free entry on the first Wednesday of the month, and National Heritage Week usually brings a run of free family events across the county each August. It’s worth checking the official Heritage Ireland and Heritage Week websites closer to the time for confirmed dates and participating sites.
Related: OPW Free Days
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Wicklow activities really free?
Yes — every activity on this list, from forest walks to library programmes and playgrounds, is free to take part in. Some spots, like Avondale Forest Park, do charge for parking, so it’s worth checking that separately.
What’s the best free activity for a family with young children?
Playgrounds are usually the easiest option for younger kids, while libraries offer a great mix of free indoor activities and events for all ages.
When is the best time to visit Wicklow Mountains National Park for free events?
The park runs free events throughout the year, with extra family activities typically added during the summer months and around National Heritage Week in August. Check the park’s website nearer the time for exact dates.
Related Articles
- Great Family Walks in Wicklow
- Playgrounds in Wicklow
- OPW Free Days: Visit Irish Heritage Sites
Save These Ideas for Later
Love the idea of a free family day out but not ready to head off just yet? Bookmark this page or save it to your browser favourites so you’ve got the full list of free Wicklow ideas ready whenever you need inspiration.
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