Things to do with kids in County Kildare
Kildare is horse country with a family-friendly streak: the free Irish National Stud gardens, the Curragh's open plains and canal walks — plus Lullymore's discovery park as the all-weather centrepiece.
Ideas here work for families in Naas, Newbridge, Maynooth and Athy.
Popular with families in County Kildare: Irish National Stud & Gardens, Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park, The Curragh plains.
Toddlers & preschoolers (2–4) in County Kildare
Short, sensory and close to a toilet and a snack. Buggy access matters more than distance.
Irish National Stud & Gardens
OutdoorsHorses, the Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra's Garden — the gardens alone suit every age, with fairy trails for the youngest.
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park
IndoorsMix of indoor play, outdoor adventure areas and heritage trails — designed for families juggling several ages at once.
The Curragh plains
OutdoorsFreeThousands of acres of open grassland — a free run-around with sheep and racehorses to spot, and space for any age to roam.
Grand Canal greenway at Sallins or Robertstown
OutdoorsFreeFlat towpath walks and cycles with narrowboats to watch — pick a stretch to match the group's legs.
Activity ideas that work for this age here
- Pizza production line — Everyone gets a station — dough squashing, sauce spreading, topping design — and dinner sorted at the end.
- Cardboard city — Build a whole town from boxes — towers, roads, a river of blue paper.
- Garden obstacle course — Cushions, hoops and a stopwatch — the classic that works for every age at once.
Young children (5–7) in County Kildare
Big enough for playgrounds and trails, still happiest with a clear task and a bit of story.
Irish National Stud & Gardens
OutdoorsHorses, the Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra's Garden — the gardens alone suit every age, with fairy trails for the youngest.
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park
IndoorsMix of indoor play, outdoor adventure areas and heritage trails — designed for families juggling several ages at once.
The Curragh plains
OutdoorsFreeThousands of acres of open grassland — a free run-around with sheep and racehorses to spot, and space for any age to roam.
Grand Canal greenway at Sallins or Robertstown
OutdoorsFreeFlat towpath walks and cycles with narrowboats to watch — pick a stretch to match the group's legs.
Activity ideas that work for this age here
- Pizza production line — Everyone gets a station — dough squashing, sauce spreading, topping design — and dinner sorted at the end.
- Cardboard city — Build a whole town from boxes — towers, roads, a river of blue paper.
- Garden obstacle course — Cushions, hoops and a stopwatch — the classic that works for every age at once.
Older children (8–11) in County Kildare
Ready to lead the map, take on a challenge and be given real responsibility.
Irish National Stud & Gardens
OutdoorsHorses, the Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra's Garden — the gardens alone suit every age, with fairy trails for the youngest.
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park
IndoorsMix of indoor play, outdoor adventure areas and heritage trails — designed for families juggling several ages at once.
The Curragh plains
OutdoorsFreeThousands of acres of open grassland — a free run-around with sheep and racehorses to spot, and space for any age to roam.
Grand Canal greenway at Sallins or Robertstown
OutdoorsFreeFlat towpath walks and cycles with narrowboats to watch — pick a stretch to match the group's legs.
Activity ideas that work for this age here
- Pizza production line — Everyone gets a station — dough squashing, sauce spreading, topping design — and dinner sorted at the end.
- Cardboard city — Build a whole town from boxes — towers, roads, a river of blue paper.
- Garden obstacle course — Cushions, hoops and a stopwatch — the classic that works for every age at once.
Teens (12–15) in County Kildare
Give them a role that isn't babysitting — photography, navigation, or a proper physical challenge.
Irish National Stud & Gardens
OutdoorsHorses, the Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra's Garden — the gardens alone suit every age, with fairy trails for the youngest.
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park
IndoorsMix of indoor play, outdoor adventure areas and heritage trails — designed for families juggling several ages at once.
The Curragh plains
OutdoorsFreeThousands of acres of open grassland — a free run-around with sheep and racehorses to spot, and space for any age to roam.
Grand Canal greenway at Sallins or Robertstown
OutdoorsFreeFlat towpath walks and cycles with narrowboats to watch — pick a stretch to match the group's legs.
Activity ideas that work for this age here
- Pizza production line — Everyone gets a station — dough squashing, sauce spreading, topping design — and dinner sorted at the end.
- Cardboard city — Build a whole town from boxes — towers, roads, a river of blue paper.
- Garden obstacle course — Cushions, hoops and a stopwatch — the classic that works for every age at once.
Free things to do in County Kildare
- The Curragh plains — Thousands of acres of open grassland — a free run-around with sheep and racehorses to spot, and space for any age to roam.
- Grand Canal greenway at Sallins or Robertstown — Flat towpath walks and cycles with narrowboats to watch — pick a stretch to match the group's legs.
Rainy day in County Kildare?
Lullymore's indoor play area is the reliable fallback, with leisure centres in Naas and Newbridge for a swim.
Getting there
Commuter trains and buses serve Naas, Newbridge and Kildare town from Dublin; the Curragh and canal paths have parking nearby.
Nearby areas
Planning for two very different ages?
Tell the matcher your children's ages and it finds activities where each one has a real job — plus check the partner directory for family discounts near County Kildare, and the party planning FAQ if there's a birthday coming.
Find activities for your ages