Planning a visit with the family to Waterford? Here’s our pick of the top 10 things to do with kids in Waterford (in no particular order!).
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#1. Visit the Waterford Treasures
In the Viking Triangle in Waterford, three museums sit within a few paces of each other, telling the fascinating story of Ireland’s oldest city.
Step inside Viking Waterford at the massive stone fortress Reginald’s Tower, which houses Waterford’s Viking treasures and tells the story of Viking involvement in the city. Look out for the beautiful early 12th-century Waterford Kite Brooch.
The second museum is Ireland’s only Medieval Museum, showcasing treasures and artefacts from the middle ages, including two medieval chambers — the 13th-century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault.
At the 1743 Bishop’s Palace, follow the story of Waterford city and its people from 1700 up to 1970. Take a breather in the stunning gardens surrounding the Palace, based on a design by celebrity gardener Diarmuid Gavin, and stop for lunch in the café. Guided tours are also available.
#2. Browse some books at The Book Centre
The Book Centre in Waterford city is a lovely child-friendly bookstore with a great kids’ reading area. They run regular children’s events, including storytelling and face painting sessions. Parents can relax with a coffee while browsing the books as the kids have some fun — it’s worth checking ahead for the current schedule of events.
#3. Activate Waterford
For a rainy day, head to Activate Waterford, which has a great range of indoor activities for kids. Think indoor ten-pin bowling, a climbing wall, bouldering, a roller rink and much more. Their ‘Laser Wars’ is a high-tech laser tag adventure with a range of different games to choose from, including Zombies and Vampires. There’s also a soft play area suitable for children over 6 months, with a tiny tots area, a toddler area and a huge triple-level play frame.
#4. Have a splash at Splashworld
If the weather’s bad, or the kids just fancy a fun day out, get the togs and towels ready for Splashworld. Located in Tramore, it’s the biggest indoor waterpark in the South East. It’s a good idea to check current admission prices and opening times before you head off.
#5. Run wild at Run Amuck
Run Amuck in Riverstown Business Park, Tramore, is a great indoor activity centre for children, with soft play and a high-tech ‘Laserblast’ game. Another lovely feature is their ‘Pottery Place’, where kids can paint their own pottery. Parents can grab a tea or coffee in the Mucky Angels Café while the kids run wild — check current pricing for pottery painting and activities before you visit.
#6. Glow in the dark at Pirates Adventure
How about a game of mini golf with a twist at Pirates Adventure? This family adventure centre in Tramore has unique glow-in-the-dark mini golf, plus mini bowling, electric motorbikes, a pirate ship climbing frame and a soft play area.
#7. Step back in time at Dungarvan Castle
This is the perfect activity for the history buff of the family. Dungarvan Castle is an Anglo-Norman castle dating from the 12th century, built by King John of England. You can also see the two-storey military barracks, dating from the first half of the 18th century, now restored and housing an exhibition on the castle’s history. It’s worth checking ahead for current admission details and guided tour times.
#8. Enjoy the animals at Copper Coast Mini Farm
Copper Coast Mini Farm in Ballyadam is a family-run pet farm near Tramore that’s fun and accessible for all the family. Kids can interact with the animals and enjoy a pony ride, plus there’s a sand play area and pedal go-karts. The farm is wheelchair and buggy accessible, with changing facilities and picnic tables inside and out. The Copper Kettle Tearooms serve drinks and snacks, and there’s a playground with swings, slides, tunnels and a sandpit with diggers. Check current admission prices before you go.
#9. Waterford Beaches
Pack up a picnic, togs, jumpers (whatever the season) and towels, and head to the beach! Waterford has countless brilliant beaches, but these are two real favourites for walking, surfing, scuba diving and exploring rockpools.
- Tramore Beach (pictured above) is about 20 minutes outside the city, with beautiful panoramic views of Tramore Bay. Surf lessons and equipment, sailing lessons and sea kayaking are all available locally.
- Dunmore East, also around 20 minutes from the city, is one of Waterford’s most popular spots, with sheltered coves for swimming or snorkelling.
Related: Best outdoor spots for families in Waterford
#10. Ride the Waterford and Suir Valley Railway
Take a train trip along the Waterford and Suir Valley Railway and experience the beauty of the landscape from a period carriage. It’s a fantastic, kid-friendly trip for the whole family on this restored train, running along 17km of track beside the River Suir through a historically fascinating area that’s only accessible by train. Refreshments and souvenirs are available at the station, with indoor and outdoor seating, and facilities are buggy and wheelchair accessible.
You might also enjoy: All Aboard! Steam Trains and Fun Train Rides in Ireland
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More Waterford ideas
Loved this list? You’ll also enjoy our roundup of the best outdoor spots for families in Waterford, and our guide to steam trains and fun train rides around Ireland — both handy for planning your next family day out.
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