If you’re taking a day trip or family holiday to Wicklow, having some family-friendly ideas to occupy the kids is essential. We’ve rounded up some great ideas, both indoor and outdoor, to help with your planning. From waterfalls to beaches, you’ll enjoy them all!
Here are ten things to do in Wicklow with kids that we’ve picked out, in no particular order.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Wicklow
Wicklow has lots of fun things to do and our list has a mix of indoor and outdoor, free and paid activities.
#1. Sea Life and Bray Seafront

Combine a visit to Sea Life in Bray where you can see sharks, rays, seahorses and clownfish, and even get to touch some sea life in their touchpool. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll along the seafront to enjoy ice-cream or candy floss, pop into the amusements and maybe even catch a funfair or festival depending on the time of the year.
#2. Powerscourt Waterfall and Gardens

Powerscourt Waterfall and Gardens will satisfy all ages and offers a great day out. A wonderful place to be on a summer day with a beautiful gardens, cafe and ice creams, walks, family trails – it’s easy to lose track of time here.
Powerscourt, the highest waterfall in Ireland, located 5 km from the main Estate also has a picnic area, bbq facilities and playground.
#3. Clara Lara

Clara Lara Fun Park and Outdoor Adventure Centre in Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow is an excellent way to have some healthy fun on the water. Set in the spectacular surroundings of oak trees and water are assault courses, water slides, boating lakes, kiddie-karts, tree houses and playgrounds. Have a go on the breath-taking Aqua Shuttle, the biggest water slide in Ireland.
Children can sail away on the Pirate Galleon. For the less energetic there are riverside picnic areas and barbecues, mini-golf and miles of hill walking through the spectacular countryside. There is also a junior playground.
#4. Brittas Bay and Greystones

There are over 66km of coastline in County Wicklow with stunning beaches from golden sandy ones to stony ones perfect for exploring tidal rock pools. All the beaches offer great opportunities for family fun and outdoor pursuits.
Two of our particular favourites are Brittas Bay and Greystones, both blue flag. Brittas Bay is a 5km stretch of powdery sand and sand dunes perfect for a day at the beach building sandcastles and pottering about.
Greystones Beach is located at the southern end of the town of Greystones. The beach is accessible by public transport, the DART train travels to Greystones from Dublin City centre regularly during the day. The South Beach in Greystones is about half a mile long and located next to it is a large inclusive playground, probably one of the best in Ireland.
#5. Glendalough

Glendalough, Co. Wicklow has long been an area renowned for its natural beauty and history and it is one of the most visited places in Ireland.
The Glendalough Valley is located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and has many attractions to entice, entertain and enthral visitors from its world famous Monastic Site with Round Tower (Can you stretch your arms around St. Kevin’s cross and have your wishes granted?) to its scenic lakes and valleys, as well as a selection of walks and trails in the area including The Wicklow Way. Glendalough has everything to offer the whole family.
#6. Wicklow Gardens

As well as Powerscourt, you can’t miss the other famous gardens in Ireland’s ‘Garden County’ including
- Mount Usher Gardens in Ashford
- Killruddery House and Gardens, Bray or
- Russborough House and Gardens in Blessington.
#7. Glenroe Open Farm

Situated in the picturesque village of Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow, this open farm offers easy access to a wide selection of farm animals from March to October each year.
Children can enjoy the outdoor playground and find their favourite furry animal to hold such as rabbits and guinea pigs.
A 300 year old thatched cottage on the farm offers a nostalgic look at the way our ancestors lived. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy outdoors or in the indoor picnic area a.k.a. The Piggery.
#8. Annamoe Trout Fishery

Head off to Annamoe Trout Fishery to enjoy a day’s fishing, a private 4 acre lake located on the banks of the Annamoe River at Laragah. The lake is filled with trout up to 20lbs weight, where fly fishing only is permitted.
Learn how to fly fish with a professional instructor. They also have a Junior Pond with rod hire and child friendly facilities.
#9. Wicklow’s Historic Gaol

For the ‘horrible histories’ fans in teh house a visit to Wicklow’s Historic Gaol should definitely be on your list.
On entering the building of one of Ireland’s best and most interactive experiences, you will come face to face with some of the most notorious characters to have walked the floors of this dramatic and history filled building.
#10. Greenan Farm

This tricky celtic maze at Greenan Farm, Maze and Museum in Rathdrum will puzzle the family! A stream flows through it to the pond in the middle and a viewing tower overlooks the excitement below. Unique in design, this hedge maze is the highlight of day.
The Dragonfly Walk is a raised wooden walkway leading through native woods and wetlands and has three ponds with raised viewing platforms. It is an unspoilt area which supports an abundance of wild life such as wild deer, moorhens, frogs and dragonflies.
