As parents we know how expensive it can be to entertain the kids, so we thought we would put together a list of things to do for free with the children, yes, the things that are completely free of charge. Here’s our suggestions for the best free things to do in Waterford with kids:
Step Back in Time
Dungarvan Castle
Dungarvan Castle dates from the 12th Century and includes an informative exhibition on the history of the castle. Admission is free.
The Waterford & County Museum
Also situated in Dungarvan the Waterford & County Museum contains interesting and educational information about the town, county and country. Opening times are 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Towers of Waterford City
In Waterford City, you can see six towers and large sections of city wall left over from medieval times.
- The French Tower – located along the top of Castle Street
- The Double Tower – further along Castle Street, this tower gets its name from the two interior rooms
- The Watch Tower – on Manor Street, this tower’s cyndrical shape suggests that it dates from the 13th C
- Reginald’s Tower – located at the corner of the Mall and the Quays, one of Waterford’s most famous buildings.
- The Beach Tower – in Jenkins’ Lane, this is one of the finest towers on the circuit with with its 15th century Irish crennalations
- Semi-Lunar Tower – behind the DeLaSalle School on Patrick Street. Like the Double Tower, this tower is a flanking or “on the wall tower”.
Book Fun
Book Store
Browse some books at The Book Centre, a fabulous book store with a great kids’ reading area and free facepainting on Saturdays between 3.30 and 4.30 p.m, where you can enjoy a coffee while browsing the books.
Visit the Library
Most children love to read or be read to so bring them along to one of the local Waterford libraries, a great way to spend an hour or two. Keep an eye out for the regular free library events and activities too, you’ll find them in our Events section.
Related: Rainy Day Activities in Waterford
Head to the Beach
Waterford is blessed with its coastline of rugged cliffs and stunning beaches. From West to East Waterford the beaches are stunning and ideal for family day trips. Among many are:
Tramore
Tramore which has 5 km of golden, sandy beach with surfing, sailing, sea kayaking.
Dunmore East
Dunmore East is a Blue Flag beach where you can swim or snorkel in the sheltered and picturesque coves.
Clonea Beach, Dungarvan
This EU blue flag beach is safe for swimming, and also offers some lovely cliff walks.
Whiting Bay
A great expanse of beach, that is often very quiet, is an ideal place for a family play and picnic.
Ardmore Beach
Nestled in the bay, with a children’s playground nearby, and a farmer’s market on Sundays.
Copper Coast
This designated European Geopark, has several beautiful coastal landmarks, dunes, cliffs and clean beaches. It offers small, sheltered beaches surrounded by rugged cliffs – ideal for quiet getaways.
Related: Great Beaches in Waterford
Go Walking
As well as the beaches there are so many walks taking in the beautiful scenery – cliffs, woods, forests, mountains and trails.
Ardmore Cliff Walk
Stunning scenery around the cliff seeing the views and possibly a whale or dolphin if you’re lucky. Not ideal for toddlers.
Colligan Woods
A beautiful forest in the valley of the Colligan River, Dungarvan providing lovely scenic walks for families.
Mahon Falls
A beautiful walk and magnificent waterfall. Also “The Magic Road”. Stop at the fairy tree and turn off the engine. Magically your car will travel backwards up the hill.
Lismore
Apart from the walks through the Castle Gardens and town there are several walks through the stunning scenery, through forests or in the Knockmealdown Mountains.
Parks
Millennium Park, Lismore
Situated right in the centre of the town the park has lots of interesting features including walkways, water features, waterfall, beautiful planting and trees
People’s Park, Waterford
The park contains a Victorian-era bandstand, the Goff cycle track, a children’s playground, a spherical monument and water feature and an old painted iron bridge connecting the park to the grounds of the Court House.
The park has been renovated and upgraded in recent years and a baby playground area has been built plus a skateboarding park. There is a cafe and toilet facilities too.
Fenor Play Park
A community play park in the rural village of Fenor, County Waterford. It is located on the Copper Coast a short drive from Tramore town. Children’s events are often held there – to see more follow them on Facebook.
About the Author: Jill Holtz
