Looking for places to keep the kids entertained? Here's a list of some of the top things to do for families in the Arklow area!
Arklow is a great base for families due to the ideal location on the East Coast of Ireland, only 30 minutes the Wickow Mountains National Park. Not only can families find several beautiful beaches nearby, including the blue flag Brittas Bay Beach, and walking trails sutiable for all the family, but there are also some wonderful visitor attractons not to be missed.
Here's our list of Top Family Attrations in the Arklow Area.
Arklow Maritime Museum
All abord for a voyage of discovery inside the Akrlow Maritime Museum, where familites can explore a treasure trove of maritime memorabilia as you begin to understand the significance of the Sea to Arklow’s heritage.
Arklow's extraordinary maritime heritage is reflected in a unique and significant collection which extends to international waters. Treasures of the boat building, lifeboat, and fishing traditions of Arklow have been collected, preserved and are now on display, and are further brought to life by the wonderful museum staff who have many tales to tell!
Explore models of vessels built in Arklow, tools, navigational equipment, paintings, and artefacts. These include Sir Francis Chichester's Gypsy Moth III. Children will love the operational model of the wheelhouse controls of a trawler. View the Arklow Geansaí – older than the Aran version, and unique and intricate jumper knitted without a seem, on a single needle.
Open: Open Daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., except 1 Jan and 24th, 25th, & 26th December.
Tickets: Only €10 for a family ticket.
Tick Tock Activity Farm
Tick-Tock Activity Farm is located in rolling Wicklow countryside just 4km from Arklow Town and caters for toddlers, up to 10-year-olds. Meet all the farmyard friends, paint on the activity bus, enjoy the indoor and outdoor play areas, pet corner, tractors and much more.
At Tick-Tock Activity farm your children will have a fun filled day holding and feeding a wide variety of animals including rabbits, sheep, and donkeys. Meet George and Oscar the pot belied pigs, Coco and Fudge the Jacob sheep, Snowbell the white horse and her companion Ruby the donkey, Bluebell and Daisy who are of course cows, not to mention Ollie the Alpaca and all the other farmyard friends waiting to meet you and tell you all about themselves and what they can eat.
Adults wishing to take a break can enjoy a traditional scones, tea, and coffee in the onsite coffee shop, or outside on one of the picnic benches.
Open: Open Daily during summer season – 11am to 5pm
FunWorks Arklow
FunWorks is an indoor play area for children from 0-12 years of age situated on the outsirts of Arklow Town. This is a great rainy day option when the weather is not on your side. FunWorks is a safe and fun venue, sure to tire out any child and provide hours of entertainment!
There is a small ball pit for under one’s and an additional soft play area for under 3’s. The larger space caters for the slightly older children. Tea, coffee, and snacks are available.
Open: Open Friday 2pm to 6pm, Saturday 9.30am to 6pm, and Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed public holidays.
Wexford Lavendar Farm
Ireland's only dedicated Lavender farm is situated 10km South of Arklow, over the border into Wexford. With four acres of lavender, a beautiful café located in the converted stables, gift shop, children’s playground and ‘Billy the Bull’ quad barrel train ride, families with young children will love exploring the farm.
Ramble along the 1km looped Woodland Warriors and Enchanted Wood walk, with rustic playground equipment, perfect for little legs. Take in a game of outdoor Snakes and Ladders in the lower lavender field on your way.
Browse the Artists’ Attic craft room with homemade crafts direct from local makers, where you can take home something special as the perfect gift or treat yourself! The Cafe offers delicious homemade breakfast, lunch, cakes and coffee and seats up to 65 people.
Open: Easter to Halloween 10.30-5.00
Splash Valley Aqua Park
Splash Valley Aqua Park, located at Hidden Valley Holiday Park, Rathdrum is just 20km from Arklow and is sure to be on the top of the list for adventurous kids! Positioned on a man-made lake with water flowing through from the Avonmore River, Splash Valley is Ireland’s newest & largest Aqua Park with over 30 obstacles and 1,800 square metres to conquer!
Splash Valley is open to both campers and day-visitors, and sessions last one hour - 10-minute safety briefing and 50 minutes on the water.
If you’re looking for fantastic fun for the whole family from ages 7 plus, this is for you! If you are not taking part, enjoy the fun from the 360-degree viewing platform with a coffee or ice cream from the onsite café.
Open: Daily during summer season. Book online in advance to avoid disappointment.
Greenan Maze, Farm and Museums
Greenan Maze & Farm is one of Wicklow’s most popular family destinations within easy reach of Arklow, a 22km drive through rolling countryside. Families of all ages will enjoy a wonderful fun-filled and active day in the outdoors with a taste of heritage, cultural and nature education on a traditional farm set in the beautiful Wicklow hills.
With a full-sized Celtic hedge maze, Solstice maze, three museums: a traditional farm-house museum, bottle museum and farm barn with horse drawn implements, there is lots to here to entertain for hours!
The tranquil nature-walk meanders by the farm animals and includes a fun treasure hunt and a fairy tree walk.
The on-site coffee shop serves tasty treats and gourmet coffees, and some local crafts and environmentally friendly products. Plenty of picnic tables and undercover outdoor seating for groups and parties.
Open: Opening times: 10am to 6pm, last entry 5pm.
April/May: Weekends only and Bank Holiday Mondays
June/July/Aug: Open every day.
Sept: Weekends only.
Clara Lara FunPark
Clara Lara FunPark is a fabulous natural outdoor adventure park with acres of fun for the whole family, in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, just 25km from Arklow! Clara Lara is the place to come for a day away from the world of screens. Children can play outdoors, run around, use their imagination, stretch their physical fitness, and not notice time going by.
Kids will love plunging into the lake from the swing ropes and raft, rowing across the shallow lake, zip-lining, sliding from the tree house and climbing on the pirate ship and the bravest will enjoy the Aqua Shuttle water slide!
The park is suitable for young families, however older children are welcome to visit with their younger siblings.
Clara Lara is a full day out – bring your picnic or come prepared with you charcoal and BBQ pack and make use of the one of the many BBQ areas provided. If you don’t fancy cooking the Café offers a good range of hot food options, sweet treats, and coffees.
Open daily June to Sept 10.30am- 6pm.
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