FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Looking for the best things to do in Galway with kids? From splash-filled afternoons in Salthill to rainy-day adventures at Galway Atlantaquaria, the city and county are packed with family activities for every age, toddlers, primary schoolers, and teenagers alike.

The Hardiman Hotel on Eyre Square is your perfect base for a family break in Galway. You’re right in the heart of the city, a short walk from the train and bus stations, and within strolling distance of playgrounds, street performers, and Galway’s best family-friendly restaurants. Below, our team have put together their favourite family activities in Galway – all tried, tested, and parent-approved.

Whether you’re planning a weekend away or a longer family holiday on the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway has something special for every family.

Galway Atlantaquaria in Salthill is one of the best things to do in Galway with kids, rain or shine. Explore two floors of marine life, from native Irish species to touch pools where kids can hold starfish and spider crabs. The deep-water exhibit is a highlight for older children, with floor-to-ceiling views of sharks and rays. After your visit, stroll along Salthill Promenade for ice cream and don’t forget to kick the wall at the end, a Galway tradition.

Location: Seapoint Promenade, Salthill (10-minute walk or 5-minute drive from The Hardiman). All ages. Family tickets available. Open year-round.

A walk along the famous Salthill Promenade is a must for any family visiting Galway. The 3km seaside path connects the city to Salthill village, passing playgrounds, diving boards, and sandy beaches along the way. Younger children will love the playground at Grattan Beach, while older kids can try the diving boards at Blackrock. On a sunny day, pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at Silver Strand or Ladies’ Beach.

Location: Salthill (10–15 minutes’ walk from The Hardiman, or bus from Eyre Square). All ages. Free.

Leisureland is Galway’s go-to indoor attraction for families. The aqua park features a 25-metre pool, a dedicated learner pool for toddlers, and a 65-metre water slide that older kids will want to ride on repeat. On dry days, try the outdoor adventure golf course with views of Galway Bay.

Location: Salthill (10 minutes from The Hardiman by car or bus). All ages,  learner pool for toddlers, water slide for 8+.

Wildlands is one of Galway’s top-rated family attractions, set across 20 acres of woodland in Moycullen, just 15 minutes from the city. Older kids and teens will love the Zip ’n’ Trek aerial course, climbing walls, and archery, while younger children can explore Baile Beag,  a charming miniature village with a play shop, café, fire station, and Garda station. There are also fairy trails, disc golf, and bush golf for the whole family.

Location: Moycullen, Co. Galway (15-minute drive from The Hardiman). Activities from age 3+.

Treat the family to Afternoon Tea right here in The Hardiman. Our Children’s Afternoon Tea (€18 per child) features a selection of treats designed for younger guests, served alongside the adult Afternoon Tea (€38pp or €48pp with Prosecco) in the elegant Parlour Lounge. On weekends, enjoy live piano music while the children tuck in. It’s a special experience that makes a family break in Galway feel that little bit more memorable.

Location: The Parlour Lounge, The Hardiman Hotel. All ages. Served daily 1:00–4:30pm. Booking recommended.

Take the family on a 90-minute cruise along the River Corrib and into Lough Corrib aboard the Corrib Princess. The guided tour departs from Woodquay in Galway city centre and passes Menlo Castle, with commentary on Galway’s history and wildlife. Keep an eye out for swans, herons, and jumping salmon. Suitable for all ages.

Location: Departs from Woodquay (5-minute walk from The Hardiman). Seasonal. Approx. €20 adult / €10 child.

Galway is a foodie city and there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants within walking distance of The Hardiman. For burgers, Handsome Burger on Dominick Street is a local favourite. McDonagh’s on Quay Street serves legendary fish and chips in a casual, family-friendly setting. For something different, try Dough Bros for wood-fired pizza or grab a crepe from the weekend market at St. Nicholas’ Church.

Back at the hotel, the Gaslight Brasserie offers family dining with a children’s menu, and MacNeill’s Pub downstairs has a relaxed gastro-pub atmosphere for less formal meals.

All within a 5–10 minute walk of The Hardiman.

Eyre Square Location. We’re right on Eyre Square, in the heart of Galway City. Playgrounds, street performers, shops, restaurants, and the train and bus stations are all on your doorstep. No car needed to explore the city.

Family Dining On-Site. The Gaslight Brasserie offers family-friendly dining with a children’s menu, and MacNeill’s Pub serves relaxed gastro-pub food downstairs. Our Children’s Afternoon Tea (€18 per child) is a treat the kids will remember.

Spacious Room Options. Our Deluxe Rooms and Suites offer extra space for families. Cots are available free of charge. All rooms feature smart TVs and Nespresso machines, because parents need coffee too!

Day Trip Base for the Wild Atlantic Way. Galway city is a great base for a day trip to Connemara, the Aran Islands, Kylemore Abbey, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Burren.  

Q: What is there to do in Galway with kids?

Staying at The Hardiman in Eyre Square puts you right in the heart of Galway’s family-friendly attractions. In the city, families can visit Galway Atlantaquaria, stroll along Salthill Promenade, relax in Eyre Square, and enjoy street performers on Shop Street. Just outside Galway, popular options include Wildlands Adventure Centre in Moycullen and Burren Nature Sanctuary, making it easy to plan fun-filled days for all ages.

Q: Is Galway worth visiting with kids?

Absolutely. Galway is one of Ireland’s most family-friendly cities, with a walkable city centre, sandy beaches in Salthill, a national aquarium, adventure centres, farms, and some of the best scenery in the country on your doorstep. The city’s vibrant atmosphere,  street performers, markets, and live music makes it exciting for children of all ages.

Q: What are the best indoor activities for kids in Galway?

Galway has plenty of indoor activities for families, all within easy reach of The Hardiman. Highlights include Galway Atlantaquaria in Salthill, the pool and slides at Leisureland, and Wildlands Adventure Centre for indoor climbing and its Baile Beag play village. Planet Entertainment offers bowling and laser tag, while the Galway City Museum is a free, educational option. For younger children, Monkey Business in Knocknacarra and Busy Bees in Oranmore are popular indoor play centres.

Q: Is The Hardiman Hotel suitable for families?

Yes. The Hardiman is right on Eyre Square in Galway city centre, making it an ideal base for a family break. We offer Deluxe Rooms and Suites with extra space for families, complimentary cots, a Children’s Afternoon Tea menu (€18 per child), family-friendly dining at Gaslight Brasserie and MacNeill’s Pub, and a location that puts you within walking distance of Galway’s best family attractions.

Q: What are the best things to do with toddlers in Galway?

The Hardiman’s central location makes it easy to explore Galway with toddlers. In Salthill, the playground at Grattan Beach and the learner pool at Leisureland are ideal for younger children. Wildlands Adventure Centre’s Baile Beag play village and Monkey Business in Knocknacarra are great indoor options, while Burren Nature Sanctuary offers fairy trails, a petting farm, and soft play. Eyre Square, just outside the hotel, is perfect for safe, open play.

Q: Are there family-friendly restaurants near The Hardiman?

Yes, there are plenty of family restaurants within walking distance of the hotel: Handsome Burger (Dominick Street), McDonagh’s fish and chips (Quay Street), Dough Bros pizza (Middle Street), and the weekend food market at St. Nicholas’ Church. In the hotel, Gaslight Brasserie has a children’s menu and MacNeill’s Pub serves casual gastro-pub food.

Q: What family day trips can you do from Galway?

Staying at The Hardiman in Eyre Square puts you within easy reach of some of the West of Ireland’s best family day trips. Nearby options include Burren Nature Sanctuary in Kinvara and Turoe Pet Farm in Loughrea, both ideal for younger children. For scenic adventures, Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey (with its Victorian Walled Garden) offer plenty to explore. Families can also take a ferry to the Aran Islands or visit the Cliffs of Moher for a memorable day out.