Best Family Days Out Near Kilmeaden
Kilmeaden makes a handy base for family days out, with the Greenway on the doorstep and the rest of Waterford’s beaches, farms, and indoor play centres all a short drive away. Here are 10 of the best.
1. Waterford Greenway
Free
You don’t have to go far. The Greenway runs straight through Kilmeaden village, giving you flat, traffic-free walking and cycling in either direction, with bike hire available nearby for younger riders.
2. Waterford Suir Valley Railway
Paid
Also based right in the village, this heritage narrow gauge train runs alongside the River Suir on the old railway line. A short, easy ride that suits toddlers and younger children particularly well.
3. Activate Waterford
Paid
A short drive into Waterford City gets you three floors of soft play, climbing walls, bowling, laser tag, and mini golf under one roof, an easy pick when the weather rules out anything outdoors.
4. Splashworld, Tramore
Paid
Waterford’s indoor waterpark, with slides, a wave pool, and lessons for all levels. Open all year, so it’s worth keeping in your back pocket for the days Tramore beach isn’t an option.
5. Pirates Adventure, Tramore
Paid
A pirate-themed indoor centre with mini golf, ten pin bowling, and go-karts. Pairs well with a trip to the beach or Splashworld if you’re making a full day of it in Tramore.
6. Busy Barn Mini Farm, Dunmore East
Paid
A compact, family-run petting farm on the way to Dunmore East, with farmyard animals to feed, an outdoor play area, and indoor soft play for backup on a wet day.
7. Ardmore Open Farm & Mini Zoo
Paid
Further along the coast, this 16 acre farm is home to over 250 animals, from rare breeds to a few more unusual species, plus indoor soft play and a cafe for a longer stay.
8. Fenor Bog Walk and Play Park
Free
A flat 500m boardwalk through a rare wetland reserve, good for spotting dragonflies, with one of Waterford’s best playgrounds directly across the road for afterwards.
9. People’s Park, Waterford City
Free
If you’re in Waterford City anyway, the People’s Park has two playgrounds, open lawns, and a Victorian bandstand, an easy stop between errands or shopping.
10. Tramore Beach and Amusement Park
Free & Paid
A 5km blue flag beach with dunes to explore and a seasonal funfair right behind it, a dependable option for a full day out once the sun makes an appearance. The beach costs nothing to enjoy, while the funfair charges per ride.
