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 Offaly with kids:

Take a Walk through Lough Boora Parklands

Lough Boora Parklands, in the centre of the county, is a beautiful landscape of reclaimed bogland.

The parklands consist of a magnificant collection of natural & manmade lakes, wetlands, woodland areas,  and 50km of walkways.

There is a sculpture park, a mesolithic walk, a bird hide and a visitors pavilion. It is ideal for walking, cycling and picnicing, and is open all year round.

Related: Great Family Walks in Offaly

Lough Boora Cycling

Take out your bicycles and get active. Lough Boora has 9 kms of car free tarmac cycle tracks that is totally safe for children to enjoy.

If there is no room to pack the bikes, there is a bike hire facility that is quite inexpensive, where you can rent bikes of all shapes and sizes, including kiddie carriers.

Related : You can find other “off road” places to go on the Coillte Outdoors Website

Make The Most of Libraries

Make sure to check out your local library and find out what classes and events that they run throughout the year.  Your local library branch is a wonderful, free, resource for families.

All libraries host very popular, annual summer reading programmes while many of the branches run or host parent and toddler groups, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts classes, book clubs, games and activities sessions, exhibitions and so on.

Not to mention the fact that there is free computer access and the option to borrow books and DVDs!  For a change of scenery, why not visit a different library to your local branch?

Related: Libraries in Offaly

Visit a Playground

What better free activity is there, than visiting Offaly’s Playgrounds and there are some great playgrounds throughout the county. It is always a treat in our house anyway!

Why not print the list and aim to visit them all over time? It’s an activity that is always good fun, and guaranteeed to tire little legs! Make sure to bring some snacks and drinks or a picnic lunch.

Related: Playgrounds in Offaly

Clonmacnoise Monastic Site

Clonmacnoise Monastic Site is one of the most famous monastic sites on this island.  There is an entry fee, however, the OPW that manages the site provides free entry on selected days.

Clara Bog Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre

Clara Bog Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre has many free events for children. The bog itself is reputed to be the best remaining example of raised bog in Western Europe.The Visitor Centre organises walks, art and nature activities on a regular basis.

Related: OPW Free Days

Keep an eye on our Events page for updated information on regular free events taking place in Offaly.