Fun Things to Do in Sligo With Kids
‘Not all classrooms have four walls’
When holidaying with children, keeping them entertained is of paramount importance. No parent wants to hear cries of ‘I’m bored’ when you are all meant to be having fun. After all, it’s your holiday too! If you are looking for a family activity in Sligo, we have rounded up a list of fun and educational things to do with kids right here in Yeats Country.
Kids Holidays Ireland
Activity centres are always popular with little ones and Tumble Jungle in Ballina and Funny Bones House of Fun is sure to be a real hit with your crew. These play centre features lots of fun games and challenges as well as electric go karts, laser quest and paintballing in Funny Bones.
If you are looking for soft play areas for your tiny tots, Happy Days Adventure Play Centre has two of them, one for babies and one for toddlers. Located in the Cleveragh Business Park just outside Sligo Town, it also has a great mix of ball pools and slides as well as an exciting new electronic climbing wall which is suitable for children aged 5 years and over.
Located at Knocknashee, which is traditionally known as ‘the Hill of the Fairies’ is a fun and novel attraction which will be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Gillighan’s World is a delightful collection of miniature fairy villages in beautifully tended gardens believers of all ages are sure to love.
Eagles Flying – Irish Raptor Research Centre is a fun and educational choice for your family day out. Located in the village of Ballymoate, the cntre offers regularly scheduled interactive bird shows featuring stunning birds of prey including eagles, hawks, vultures and falcons. You might even get to have one land on your hand. It also boasts an on-site petting zoo which small children will love.
A visit to an adventure centre is enduringly popular with children of all ages and North West Adventure Tours is a Sligo-based company specialising in guided biking, hiking and paddle boarding tours. This is a fun option which all the family can enjoy together.
Your family will be sure to spot many references to the famous poet W.B Yeats during their time in Sligo. His work was deeply inspired by the beauty of the county. One place in particular which was a great source of inspiration to Yeats and his work was Parkes Castle which is located on the shores of Lough Gill, just a short drive from Sligo Town. There is another link to Yeats in the stunning Glencar Waterfall which is located just 13 km from Sligo Town, over the border in County Leitrim. This is mentioned in his famous poem The Stolen Child with the immortal words
Where the wandering water gushes
From the hills above Glen-Car,
In pools among the rushes
That scarce could bathe a star,
Horse riding is always a popular one with the whole family and the family-run Island View Stables offer amazing beachside riding experience on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Fun for All at The Ocean Sands Hotel
Smaller guests of The Ocean Sands Hotel can look forward to much to being amused and entertained during their summer break. The stunning Enniscrone beach is a veritable playground in itself, offering unlimited paddling potential for the whole family. Older children and more adventurous family members can also take advantage of a range of local activities on offer including surfing and other water-based sports.
Close to the hotel, right before you hit the beach, you will also find the Waterpoint Aquapark and outdoor playground. Your family will enjoy the 65-metre flume and water slide, separate children’s pool and an indoor heated pool. Because there’s no reason at all why the kids should have all the fun there’s also a health suite, sports centre, sauna and steam room for mum and dad to enjoy.
Pebbles Play Centre
We are delighted to also offer a supervised Kids Club service for our guests during the school holidays. Pebbles is our very own on-site indoor play centre which is available to guests all year round. Little ones can enjoy exciting activities including a climbing frame, ball pool and tube slide. They can also take part in occasional exciting in-house activities including arts and crafts and check out the special children’s library. Tiny tots will enjoy the designated toddler play area while tweens and older children are looked after too. They can enjoy indoor football, a pool table and a TV area.
