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 family things to do in Wicklow with kids:

Family Walks in Wicklow

Avondale Forest Park

Avondale Forest Park lies mainly on the west bank of the Avonmore river on 505 acres of land which provide an endless variety of walks with scenery including the towering impressiveness of the massed conifers on the banks of the river.

The park has six way-marked walks and trails:

•  River Walk
• Cairn Walk
• Exotic Tree Trail
• Pine Tree Trail
• Centenary Trail
• Slí na Slainte (Path to Health)

Avondale also has a lovely wooden playground area with swings, slide and climbing frames.  You will also find many of our common woodland animals here including red squirrel, badger, hedgehog, stoat, fox, rabbit and hare.  Rich bird life exists with over ninety species having been recorded here.

NB €5 exact change required for car park.

Related: Great Family Walks in Wicklow

Cycling for Families in Wicklow

Take out your bicycles and get active. Follow an established cycle trail or find an off-road route.

Bring your bikes on part of the Blessington Lakes Loop Cycle.  The views are unrivaled!

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?

Visit a Playground

There are some great playgrounds throughout the county.  Why not print the list and aim to visit them all over time? It’s an activity that is both free and good fun!

Make sure to bring some snacks and drinks or a picnic lunch.

Our current favourite is Kilcullen Playground which has all the usual equipment, with the addition of a zip-line, and a sand and water play-area.

Related: Playgrounds in Wicklow

History & Heritage

Wicklow Mountains National Park

Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 20,000 hectares of mountain scenery and features a fabulous 6th century monastic Round Tower and the ruins of St. Kevin’s Church.  A full schedule of Free events take place year round including a Family Fun Day every Tuesday & Thursday for the summer months.

Heritage Ireland Sites have FREE entry on the 1st Wednesday every month. Take advantage and visit.

National Heritage Week runs from Aug 18 – 26th and always have lots of free family events taking place throughout the county.

Related: OPW Free Days