Things to do with kids in County Leitrim

Leitrim is small, quiet and watery — canal and lakeshore walks around Carrick-on-Shannon, waterfalls at Glencar, and a slow pace that suits families who want nature without the crowds.

Ideas here work for families in Carrick-on-Shannon, Manorhamilton and Drumshanbo.

Popular with families in County Leitrim: Carrick-on-Shannon boardwalk and marina, Glencar Waterfall, Lough Key Forest Park (nearby Boyle).

Toddlers & preschoolers (2–4) in County Leitrim

Short, sensory and close to a toilet and a snack. Buggy access matters more than distance.

  • Carrick-on-Shannon boardwalk and marina

    OutdoorsFree

    Riverside boardwalk, boats to watch and a small-town café strip — an easy buggy-friendly outing.

  • Glencar Waterfall

    OutdoorsFree

    Short wooded walk to a proper waterfall just over the Sligo border — dramatic for all ages with minimal walking.

  • Lough Key Forest Park (nearby Boyle)

    Outdoors

    Treetop canopy walk, adventure play area and lakeshore trails — the biggest family attraction in the region, just over the Roscommon border.

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 Leitrim

Big enough for playgrounds and trails, still happiest with a clear task and a bit of story.

  • Carrick-on-Shannon boardwalk and marina

    OutdoorsFree

    Riverside boardwalk, boats to watch and a small-town café strip — an easy buggy-friendly outing.

  • Glencar Waterfall

    OutdoorsFree

    Short wooded walk to a proper waterfall just over the Sligo border — dramatic for all ages with minimal walking.

  • Lough Key Forest Park (nearby Boyle)

    Outdoors

    Treetop canopy walk, adventure play area and lakeshore trails — the biggest family attraction in the region, just over the Roscommon border.

  • Sliabh an Iarainn walks

    OutdoorsFree

    Hill walking country with lough views — pick a short loop for younger children or a longer climb for teens.

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 Leitrim

Ready to lead the map, take on a challenge and be given real responsibility.

  • Carrick-on-Shannon boardwalk and marina

    OutdoorsFree

    Riverside boardwalk, boats to watch and a small-town café strip — an easy buggy-friendly outing.

  • Glencar Waterfall

    OutdoorsFree

    Short wooded walk to a proper waterfall just over the Sligo border — dramatic for all ages with minimal walking.

  • Lough Key Forest Park (nearby Boyle)

    Outdoors

    Treetop canopy walk, adventure play area and lakeshore trails — the biggest family attraction in the region, just over the Roscommon border.

  • Sliabh an Iarainn walks

    OutdoorsFree

    Hill walking country with lough views — pick a short loop for younger children or a longer climb for teens.

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 Leitrim

Give them a role that isn't babysitting — photography, navigation, or a proper physical challenge.

  • Carrick-on-Shannon boardwalk and marina

    OutdoorsFree

    Riverside boardwalk, boats to watch and a small-town café strip — an easy buggy-friendly outing.

  • Glencar Waterfall

    OutdoorsFree

    Short wooded walk to a proper waterfall just over the Sligo border — dramatic for all ages with minimal walking.

  • Lough Key Forest Park (nearby Boyle)

    Outdoors

    Treetop canopy walk, adventure play area and lakeshore trails — the biggest family attraction in the region, just over the Roscommon border.

  • Sliabh an Iarainn walks

    OutdoorsFree

    Hill walking country with lough views — pick a short loop for younger children or a longer climb for teens.

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 Leitrim

  • Carrick-on-Shannon boardwalk and marina — Riverside boardwalk, boats to watch and a small-town café strip — an easy buggy-friendly outing.
  • Glencar Waterfall — Short wooded walk to a proper waterfall just over the Sligo border — dramatic for all ages with minimal walking.
  • Sliabh an Iarainn walks — Hill walking country with lough views — pick a short loop for younger children or a longer climb for teens.

Rainy day in County Leitrim?

Carrick-on-Shannon has a leisure centre and the indoor fun of the town's cafés and craft shops; Lough Key's visitor areas give partial cover.

Getting there

Trains serve Carrick-on-Shannon from Dublin; everything else is easiest by car with free parking at the trailheads.

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 Leitrim, and the party planning FAQ if there's a birthday coming.

Find activities for your ages