Planning a visit with the family to Waterford? Here’s our pick of the top 10 things to do with kids in Waterford (in no particular order!)

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#1. Visit the Waterford Treasures

In the Viking Triangle in Waterford, there are three museums within a few paces of each other which tell the fascinating story of Ireland’s oldest city.

Step inside Viking Waterford at the massive stone fortress Reginald’s Tower, which houses Waterford’s Viking Treasures and gives the history of viking involvement in Waterford. Make sure to check out the beautiful early 12th century Waterford Kite Brooch.

The second museum is Ireland’s only Medieval Museum and showcases beautiful treasures and artefacts from the middle ages. You can see two medieval chambers, the 13th century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault.

At the 1743 Bishop’s Palace, you can follow the story of Waterford city and its people from 1700 up to 1970. Take a breather and relax in the stunning gardens surrounding the Bishop’s Palace, which are based on a design by celebrity gardener Diarmuid Gavin. Take a break for lunch in the café. Guided tours are also available.

#2. Browse some books at The Book Centre

The Book Centre in Waterford city is a fab child-friendly bookstore with a great kids’ reading area. They have regular children’s events such as storytelling and free face painting on Saturdays between 3.30 and 4.30 p.m. Parents can relax and enjoy a coffee while browsing the books as the kids have some fun!

#3. Activate Waterford

For a rainy day, head to Activate Waterford which has a great range of indoor activities for kids. They have an indoor ten pin bowling, a climbing wall, bouldering, a roller rink and much more. Their ‘Laser Wars’ is a high-tech laser tag adventure with over 18 different games to choose from, including Zombies and Vampires. They also have a soft play area suitable for children over 6 months with a tiny tot area, toddler area and a huge triple level play frame.

#4. Have a splash at Splashworld

If the weather is bad or if the kids just want to have a fun day out, make sure to get the togs and towels ready for Splashworld. Located in Tramore in Waterford, Splashworld is the biggest indoor waterpark in the South East! Entry costs €10 for adults and €8 for children.

#5. Run wild at Run Amuck

Run Amuck in the Riverstown Business Park, Tramore is a great children’s indoor activity centre. They have a soft play and a high-tech ‘Laserblast’ game. Another brilliant feature of this venue is their ‘Pottery Place’ where kids can paint their own pottery from €5. Parents can have a tea or coffee in the Mucky Angels Café while you let the kids run wild!

#6. Glow in the Dark at Pirates Adventure

How about a game of Mini Golf with a twist at Pirates Adventure? This family adventure centre in Tramore has unique Glow in the Dark mini golf. They also have many other great attractions, such as mini bowling, electric motor cycles, a pirate ship climbing frame and a soft play area.

#7. Step back in time at Dungarvan Castle

This is the perfect activity for the history buff of the family! Dungarvan Castle in an Anglo-Norman castle which dates from the 12th Century. The castle was built by King John of England. You can see the two storey military barracks, which dates from the first half of the 18th century. The barracks is now restored and houses an informative exhibition on the history of the castle. Admission is free and they have a guided tour.

#8. Enjoy the animals at Copper Coast Mini Farm

Copper Coast Mini Farm in Ballyadam is a family run pet farm near Tramore which is fun and accessible for all the family. Kids can interact with the animals and enjoy a pony ride, and there are many other activities aside from the animals such as a sand play area and pedal go-karts. Wheelchair and buggy accessible with changing facilities and picnic tables inside and out. The Copper Kettle Tearooms serve drinks and snacks. They also have a playground with swings, slides, tunnels and sandpits with diggers. Admission costs €7 for adults and €6.50 for children.

#9. Waterford Beaches

Pack up a picnic, togs, jumpers (whatever the season), towels and head to the beach! In Waterford, we have countless brilliant beaches, but these are some really great ones for walking, surfing, scuba diving and exploring rockpools.

• Tramore Beach (pictured above) is 20 mins outside of the city and has beautiful, panoramic views of Tramore Bay. Surf lessons and equipment, sailing lessons and sea kayaking are all available.
• Dunmore East, also just 20 mins from the city, is one of Waterford’s most popular tourist attractions with sheltered coves where you can go swimming or snorkelling.

Related: Best outdoor spots for families in Waterford

#10. Ride the Waterford and Suir Valley Railway

Take a train trip along the Waterford and Suir Valley Railway and experience the beauty of the landscape from a period carriage!  This is a fantastic, kid-friendly and fun trip for the whole family on this restored train along 17 km of track which runs beside the Suir river. This historically fascinating area is only accessible by train. Refreshments and souvenirs are available at the station with indoor and outdoor seating. Facilities are buggy and wheelchair accessible.

You might also enjoy All Aboard! Steam Trains and Fun Train Rides in Ireland

Do you have a favourite spot to take the kids in Waterford? Share it in the comments below.