Whether you live in Kildare or are visiting, there’s no shortage of things to do in Kildare, so we’ve narrowed it down for you! Here’s our Mykidstime Top 10 things to do with kids in Kildare, in no particular order!!

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#1. The Curragh

The Curragh is a is a flat open plain of over 5,000 acres which has been in existence for over 2,000 years. Filled with history and associated with many famous figures from Irish mythology such as St Brigid and her cloak and the Fianna, it is also an ideal destination for flying a kite! If there’s any wind, you’ll catch it here. While you’re there, watch the horses training, or go for a walk/cycle. Best of all, it’s free!

You might also enjoy reading: Great Family Walks in Kildare

#2. Irish National Stud

Enjoy a great day out for all the family at the Irish National Stud & Gardens, an 800 acre thoroughbred horse breeding facility just off the M7 motorway and only 30 minutes by car from Dublin and the M50. They have some of the most magnificent horses and beautiful gardens to be found anywhere in the world, including the beautiful Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra’s Garden. Be sure to tour the Horse Museum and explore the magical ‘fairy trail’ in the woodland area, and afterwards let the kids run off some steam at the playground. There’s also lovely café with indoor and outdoor seating as well as picnic benches in the car park.

Open from mid Feb to Christmas. Under 5s go free, adults cost €11.50 and kids cost 6.50. They also have a Family Seasonal Pass available which is is good value.

You might also enjoy reading: Best Outdoor Spots for Families in Kildare

#3. Straffan Steam Museum

For any train lovers, check out Straffan Steam Museum, which is open from May to September, where you can see six huge nineteenth century Stationary Engines running in steam on occasions. They have a collection of prototype model locomotives as well as the live steam engines.

Enjoy the beautiful Lodge Park Walled Garden, where the beautiful rosarie is encountered on entering the orchard, or take a break in the Steaming Kettle Teahouse which is open on Bank Holidays.

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

#4. Donadea Forest Park

A popular destination with Kildare families, Donadea Forest Park is a lovely mixed woodland with lake, and has many historical features including the remains of a castle and walled garden. There is also a lake with ducks and other birds and a wonderful display of water-lilies in the summer. There are many different walks through the forest, including the 5km Aylmer loop, the lake walk (wheelchair accessible) and a nature trail with stops. The small café is open all year round and there are picnic benches throughout the park.

Note: €4 exact change required for car park.

You might also enjoy reading Best Picnic Places for Families in Kildare

#5. The Riverbank Theatre

The Riverbank Theatre/gallery venue in Newbridge has a regular great line up of children’s events, workshops and movies.

There is also a Children’s Gallery space beside the lovely CaToCa Cafe, with books, drawing material, bean-bags, and there are regular children’s exhibitions. So why not enjoy a coffee and let the children explore this great space!

#6. Castletown House

Open all year round, Ireland’s largest Palladian house, Castletown House, Celbridge, has 120 acres of surrounding Parkland, ideal for walks. The grounds are free to visit and explore. You can either get a guided or self-guided tour of the house.

Their Summer programme includes music and other fun events so check what’s on before you visit, there’s also a monthly craft and food market. Stop off at the Courtyard Café for some refreshments.

You might also enjoy reading: Visit Heritage Ireland Sites for FREE

#7. KBowl

If the weather is wet and miserable, how about some bowling? KBowl in Naas, Kildare, is open daily from 11am to 11pm, and offers bowling, pool and air-hockey. Bowling is €6.00 per person and they have family deals available. They also have a new soft play area called ‘Wacky World’, with slides, a climbing frame, ball pits and lots more, including a separate area for toddlers.

You might also enjoy reading Rainy Day Ideas for Kildare

#8. Lullymore Heritage Park

You will enjoy spending a fun-packed day at Lullymore Heritage Park, with no restrictions on length of stay. Activities at the Park include:

• many indoor and outdoor playgrounds
• a pet farm
• woodland walks
• a fairy bower
• crazy golf
• train rides out to the bog and peat bog heritage displays.
• tea rooms
• picnic benches

They also run lots of events around school holidays and seasonal times.

#9. Indoor Mini-Golf

The indoor mini-golf course at Kildare Farm Foods in Rathmuck, Kildare, will provide fun for all the family! Play 18 holes through Indian Creek and surround yourself in the sights and sounds of the Old Wild West. Admission for children is €5 each, and adults is €7 each.

You might also enjoy reading Pitch Perfect Places to Play Mini Golf in Ireland

#10. Kildare Maze

Have some fun navigating the Kildare Maze at Prosperous, near Naas, Leinster’s largest hedge maze! It has a choice of 2 maze experiences, a hedge maze and a wooden maze. At the centre of the hedge maze, there is a viewing tower so you can plan your exit route!

Other on-site attractions for families include; crazy golf, pets corner, adventure trail and zip wires and there are picnic benches and play units suitable for younger children. Why not pack a picnic and spend the day? Open daily from June-August. Adults cost €8 and children are €6. Under 2’s are free.

You might also enjoy reading Amazing Mazes in Ireland to Puzzle Your Way in and out of