Family days out don’t have to cost a thing. Carlow is packed with parks, gardens, playgrounds and heritage sites that are completely free to visit, making it a great county to explore with kids without spending a cent. Here are our favourite free things to do in Carlow with kids.
Carlow Gardens & Parks
Enjoy exploring some of Carlow’s wonderful gardens and parks, including Oak Park, Altamont Gardens, Duckett’s Grove and Delta Sensory Gardens. All are free to visit and perfect for a family walk, a picnic or simply letting the kids run around.
Related: Great Family Walks in Carlow
Visual Centre for Contemporary Art
Spend a few hours exploring the Visual Centre for Contemporary Art. Activity sheets for children are available free of charge from the reception desk or from the invigilators, with age-appropriate versions for 3+, 6+ and 10+ featuring facts on the artists, interesting questions to think about and space to sketch ideas. It’s well worth keeping an eye out for their family workshops too.
Related: Rainy Day Activities in Carlow
Cycling for Families in Carlow
Take out the bicycles and get active as a family. Follow an established cycle trail or find an off-road route to explore together — a great free way to see more of the county.
Related: Best Outdoor Spots for Families in Carlow
Make the Most of Libraries
Your local Carlow library branch is a brilliant, free resource for families. Libraries run classes and events throughout the year, so it’s worth checking in regularly to see what’s on.
Most branches host popular annual summer reading programmes, along with parent and toddler groups, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts classes, book clubs, and games and activities sessions. Add in free computer access and the option to borrow books and DVDs, and you have hours of entertainment at no cost. For a change of scenery, why not visit a different branch to your usual one?
Visit a Playground
Carlow has some great playgrounds throughout the county. Why not aim to visit them all over time? It’s an activity that’s both free and great fun for the kids.
Just remember to bring some snacks and drinks, or pack a picnic lunch to make a full day of it.
Related: Playgrounds in Carlow
History & Heritage
Browneshill Dolmen
Visit Browneshill Dolmen, a granite portal dolmen located just east of Carlow town, dating back to pre-historic times. It’s said to be the largest dolmen in Europe, estimated to weigh up to 150 tonnes — a genuinely impressive free stop for curious kids.
Carlow County Museum
Carlow County Museum offers free admission and houses a collection of objects telling the story of the county’s history and heritage. You’ll find it through the Carlow Tourist Office.
Some Heritage Sites around Ireland offer free entry on selected days throughout the year, and National Heritage Week takes place every August with free family events happening across the county. It’s worth checking ahead of a visit for what’s on and any current access details before you head out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do in Carlow with kids?
Some of the top free options include exploring Oak Park, Altamont Gardens and Duckett’s Grove, visiting the Visual Centre for Contemporary Art, cycling family-friendly trails, spending time at local playgrounds, and taking in Carlow’s history at Browneshill Dolmen and Carlow County Museum.
Is Carlow County Museum free to visit?
Yes, Carlow County Museum has free admission. It’s located through the Carlow Tourist Office.
Are there free playgrounds in Carlow?
Yes, there are playgrounds throughout the county that are free to visit — a great option for an active, no-cost family outing.
Does National Heritage Week take place in Carlow?
Yes, National Heritage Week takes place across Carlow every August, with free family events held throughout the county. Check closer to the time for that year’s programme.
Related Articles
If you enjoyed this guide, you might also like:
- Great Family Walks in Carlow
- Rainy Day Activities in Carlow
- Best Outdoor Spots for Families in Carlow
- Playgrounds in Carlow
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