With the Summer holidays in full swing, it’s time to soak up as much outdoor play time as possible. Kilkenny has a great variety of places to visit to suit small children, and we’re not forgetting about the bigger kids! From parks and gardens to rivers and streams, Kilkenny is all about encouraging movement, creative thinking and fun for kids….
Here is our list of fun outdoor activities for kids this Summer
Go With The Flow River Adventures
Go with the Flow is an award winning company that offers incredible trails, eco safaris and white-water adventures in Kilkenny. Choose thrilling white-water adventures or a safari trail through wild and wonderful natural valleys that offer wild swimming and a host of interesting features like ancient oak woods, old navigation channels, weirs to shoot and rapids to ride.
Visit: www.gowiththeflow.ie
DUNMORE CAVES
Looking for an educational day out for all the family? Look no further than the Dunmore Caves. Now a show cave, it offers interesting insight into Kilkenny’s historical and geological past. The cave’s limestone chambers were formed over millions of years and were the site of a Viking massacre in 928AD. Please be aware that there are 700 steps down to the caves. Please wear suitable footwear.
Visit: heritageireland.ie
Kilkenny Countryside Park
Situated just 5km from the Dunmore Caves, you will find Kilkenny Countryside Park. It is the first park of its kind in Kilkenny that has a dedicated, dog space. The park is set over 17 acres with 3 themed walking trails, exercise equipment, hammocks to lounge around in and 2 vibrant hurling ball walls. On Sundays, you can expect to meet early morning dog walkers and the Kilkenny Countryside Junior Parkrun team setting up for their weekly 2km run. The Junior Parkrun is suitable for ages 4-14 and starts at 9:30am!
Visit: parkrun.ie
Nore Valley Park
Nore Valley Park is a fun day out for the whole family – particularly the animal lovers. With a range of cute and cuddly animals that the visitors can pet, feed and learn an array of fun facts about.
Don’t miss out on Nore Valley Park this Summer. They cater for all sorts of groups from birthday parties and summer camps to family camping trips! NEW for Summer 2025- jump into the fun with the indoor inflatable bouncy castle before getting sudsy at foam party which takes place at 4pm every day!
Visit :www.norevalleypark.com
Castlecomer Discovery Park
For families who love an adrenaline filled day followed by a picnic, then Castlecomer Discovery Park is the ideal place for you! The 80-acre activity park features a wide range of activities for all ages, from fun and challenging tree-top walks nestled high amongst the sycamore trees to skillful archery and water activities..
For the smaller children, there’s a playground, an elf and fairy village, a giant bouncing net and a Junior Woodland Adventure Course with low ropes and challenging obstacles.
Visit: www.discoverypark.ie
JUrassic Newpark
Plan a RAWR-some day out for all the family at Jurassic Newpark and journey back through time to learn about some of the mighty creatures that roamed the Earth long before us! Discover 17 life-size dinosaurs, from the Tyrannosaurus Rex to the towering beauty of the Brachiosaurus. NEW for Summer 2025, defend your castle at the Jurassic Castle, their new medieval themed playground. Let their little imaginations run wild at Jurassic Newpark this Summer.
Visit: jurassicnewpark.com
National Reptile Zoo
In the heart of Kilkenny City you will find the National Reptile Zoo where you will find an array of the world’s most interesting reptiles! They run regular information sessions, where you will get the chance to learn about the spectacular creatures that live there and what we can do to conserve their habitats. With hands-on experiences, a play area for kids and a coffee shop for the adults, the National Reptile Zoo is a great day out for the whole family!
Visit: www.nrz.ie
With a range of different tour options, Kilkenny is the place to be to enjoy the great outdoors, while learning the secrets of the county. After a morning of exploring, grab a picnic and head for one of our beautiful parks for a snack and a stroll.
PARKS & GARDENS
TOURS GALORE
- Jenkinstown Wood (pictured)
- Kilfane Gardens & Waterfall*
- Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum
- Kilkenny Castle Parklands
- Windgap (Bearna Breac Loop Trailhead)
*Kilfane Glen & Waterfall opens exclusively each year for July & August, with thanks to the Mosse family who are restoring the Romantic era gardens to their former glory,