If you’re visiting Carlow with the family and looking for ideas for things to do with the kids, we’ve rounded up our top 10 things to do in Carlow with kids — from art galleries and gardens to castles, farms and a splash in the outdoor pool.
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now and get our FREE newsletters packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.
Things to Do in Carlow
#1. Visual Centre for Contemporary Art
Spend a few hours exploring the Visual Centre for Contemporary Art. Activity sheets for children, with facts on the artists, interesting questions to think about and space to sketch ideas, are available for ages 3+, 6+ and 10+ from the reception desk or from the invigilators, free of charge. Keep an eye out for family workshops running throughout the year.
#2. Gardens in Carlow
Enjoy exploring some of the wonderful gardens and parks around the county, such as Oak Park, Altamont Gardens, Duckett’s Grove and Delta Sensory Gardens. Each offers a different kind of outdoor adventure, from woodland walks to sensory play, and they’re a lovely way to spend a few free hours with the kids.
#3. Rancho Reilly’s Farm & Activity Centre
Say hello to the animals and take a short trip on the barrel train around the farm at Rancho Reilly’s Farm & Activity Centre — a hit with younger children in particular.
#4. Browneshill Dolmen
Visit Browneshill Dolmen, a granite portal dolmen located to the east of Carlow town dating back to pre-historic times. It’s said to be the largest dolmen in Europe, and it makes for a quick, free stop that gets kids curious about ancient history.
#5. The Chocolate Garden
Pretend you’re Willy Wonka for the day by making your own chocolate at the Chocolate Garden in Tullow. Then pop next door to Rathwood, where you’ll find a train ride, a falconry flying display and a playground to burn off any extra energy.
#6. GB Shaw Theatre
A show at the GB Shaw Theatre is a must for families looking for something a little different. The programme includes a wide variety of live music, film, comedy, theatre, opera and dance — fun for all the family, whatever the occasion.
#7. Huntington Castle & Dungeon
Take a guided tour of Huntington Castle & Dungeon, the ancient seat of the Esmonde family and today one of Ireland’s historical treasures. Younger visitors under 7 go free. You can also enjoy the gardens and the kids’ adventure playground, which are open daily from May to September.
#8. Go Karting and Bowling in Carlow
Why not try go-karting at G2 Adventure Centre in Strawhall Industrial Estate with older children, or bowling at The Dome Family Entertainment Centre at The Talbot Hotel? Both make for a great rainy-day option.
#9. Kiddies Kingdom
Kiddie’s Kingdom in Bagenalstown is a children’s indoor soft play centre and roller skating arena. Skates and safety gear are provided, making it an easy option for a few hours of active indoor fun.
#10. Bagenalstown Outdoor Swimming Pool
Go for a splash outdoors at Bagenalstown Outdoor Heated Swimming Pool, open daily from June to August — a lovely way to cool off during the summer holidays.
If you have any suggestions for other things to do in Carlow that you think should be on our list, tell us in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good free activity to do in Carlow with kids?
Browneshill Dolmen is free to visit and gives kids a fascinating glimpse into pre-historic Ireland. The Visual Centre for Contemporary Art also offers free children’s activity sheets, and children under 7 go free at Huntington Castle.
Is Huntington Castle good for a family visit?
Yes — Huntington Castle & Dungeon offers guided tours plus gardens and a kids’ adventure playground, open daily from May to September, making it a good half-day out for families.
What outdoor activities are there for families in Carlow?
Carlow has plenty of green space to explore, including Oak Park, Altamont Gardens, Duckett’s Grove and Delta Sensory Gardens. In summer, Bagenalstown Outdoor Heated Swimming Pool is a lovely way to cool off.
Where can I bring younger children in Carlow?
Rancho Reilly’s Farm & Activity Centre and Kiddie’s Kingdom soft play in Bagenalstown are both well suited to younger children, offering animals, a barrel train and indoor play.
You Might Also Like
- Top Things to Do in Kilkenny with Kids
- Best Family Days Out in Ireland
- Free Things to Do with Kids in Ireland
Save These Ideas for Your Next Family Day Out
Not heading to Carlow just yet? Bookmark this page or share it with the family so you have it ready when you are — and browse our site for more family day out ideas around Ireland.
Get More Family Day Out Ideas Every Week
Love ideas like these? Sign up for our free MyKidsTime newsletter and get fresh things to do, family-friendly recipes, expert advice and great competitions straight to your inbox every week.
