As parents, we here at My Kids Time know how expensive it can be to entertain the kids, so we have put together a useful list of free things to do in Meath with kids – yes, ideas and activities that are completely FREE of charge. Some ideas may involve a car journey, but half the fun is visiting a new area. Pick a different town or village to explore, compile a list of interesting places to visit beforehand and then have fun!

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Take A Hike

Loughcrew Cairns

One of our favourite activities is to just get out and about for a long walk or a hike up a hill. One place that we love to visit is Loughcrew Cairns, near Oldcastle, which does require a steep climb, but it is worth it for the magnificent views from the top!

Mullaghmeen Forest

Also in the north of the county is Mullaghmeen Forest, which offers more than 1,000 acres to explore and walks for all levels of fitness.

Balrath Wood

Another wooded walk that we enjoy is Balrath Wood, near Kentstown, which has a picnic area and  playgrounds and climbing frames, while Hungry Hall Park, near Slane, is also worth exploring.

Related: Family Walks In Meath, Best Outdoors Spots for Families in Meath, Rainy Day Activities in Meath 

Cycling in Meath

Take out your bicycles and get active. Follow an established cycle trail or find an off-road route. There is some useful information here.

Head to the Beach: Bettystown, Laytown and Mornington

We’re not blessed with beaches in County Meath and have just seven miles of coastline, but the beaches at Bettystown, Laytown and Mornington are sandy and have safe, shallow bathing.

You don’t have to wait for the sun to come out. Head to the beach with coats, hats and wellies, if needs be, and take a walk on the shore. Bring fishing nets and explore rock pools.

Mind you, it’s quite likely that the kids will want to get wet, so perhaps take towels and a change of clothes, even if you don’t plan on swimming!

Related: Top Ten Things To Do In Meath

Nurture A Love of Nature at Kells Girley Eco Bog Walk

Visit the website of the environmental organisation, ENFO, and you can download a huge variety of posters and leaflets that are both informative and interesting. Bring a relevant leaflet when you go to visit somewhere outdoors and have fun asking the kids to identify various flora and fauna!

One fabulous place that is full of wonderful nature is the Kells Girley Eco Bog Walk – it’s a truly unique and magical place. Wear sturdy footwear and bring drinking water.

Related: Fun Nature Activities For Kids

Make The Most of Meath Libraries

Make sure to check out your local library and find out what classes and events that they run throughout the year. Your local library branch is a wonderful – and free – resource for families.

Many of the branches run or host parent and toddler groups, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts classes, book clubs, chess clubs, games and activities sessions and so on. Not to mention the fact that there is free computer access and the option to borrow books and DVDs!

For a change of scenery, why not visit a different library to your local branch?

Related: Libraries in County Meath

Picnic in a Playground

There are some great playgrounds throughout the Royal County. Why not print the list and aim to visit them all over time? It’s an activity that is both free and good fun!

Make sure to bring some snacks and drinks or a picnic lunch.

Related: Playgrounds In County Meath, Picnic Places in County Meath

Take in some art at The Solstice or The Venue

Arts centres such as The Solstice in Navan and The Venue in Ratoath often have interesting programmes of events, so keep an eye on their schedules. Some exhibitions and activities are free of charge.

Other Ideas

And keep an eye on Meath Mykidstime and our Things To Do section – we’re always adding to our arts and crafts ideas, recipes section and other great activity suggestions!

Do you have a favourite place to go with the kids that is free in Meath?  Please let us know in the comments section below.