As parents, we all know how expensive it can be to keep kids entertained, so we’ve put together a list of brilliant things to do with the children in Kerry that won’t cost you a cent.
Here are our suggestions for the best free things to do in Kerry with kids.
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Free Things to Do in Kerry With Your Kids
There are lots of fun, free things to do with kids around Kerry, from family walks and cycling to visiting the library and exploring ring forts and fairy trails.
Go for a Family Walk in Kerry
Kerry is packed full of spectacular walks, from casual strolls through Killarney National Park to one of the many Blue Flag beaches, which offer truly spectacular ocean views.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can tackle a stretch of the mighty Kerry Way trail, a spectacular 230km walk taking in the best of what the Ring of Kerry has to offer.
Or simply wander around Killarney, Dingle, Tralee and Kenmare and take in the wonderful character of each town.
Go for a Family Cycle
Take out your bicycles and get active. Follow an established cycle trail or find an off-road route. We like to bring our bikes to Killarney National Park, which is packed full of trails away from the main roads.
Find more cycling route ideas on the Destination Killarney website.
Enjoy Reading Time and More at the Library
There are 9 branch libraries across County Kerry, and they’re a wonderful, free resource for families.
All Kerry libraries host a popular annual summer reading programme for kids, while many branches run or host parent and toddler groups, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts, book clubs, games and activities, exhibitions and more.
There’s also free computer access and the option to borrow books and DVDs. For a change of scenery, why not visit a different branch to your local one?
Enjoy Play Time at the Playground
There are some great playgrounds throughout the county, and it’s an activity that’s both free and good fun. Bring some snacks and drinks, or pack a picnic lunch, and make an afternoon of it.
One favourite is Tralee Town Park and Playground, situated in the middle of the town and covering some 80 acres. That’s sure to tire out even the most active kids — don’t forget to check out the Rose Garden too.
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Step Up and Back in Time at Staigue Fort
Staigue Fort, just off the Sneem–Waterville road, is one of the largest and finest ring forts you’re likely to see in Ireland. It consists of a massive circular rampart surrounded by a bank, standing on a low hill with great views of Kenmare Bay. Ten flights of steps, built in an X shape, give you access to the top of the rampart.
You’ll also find further forts at Leacanabuaile in Cahersiveen, Lohar and Caherdaniel.
Enjoy the Gardens at Muckross
Muckross House & Gardens in Killarney is open all year round. The House has stood since 1843, and even Queen Victoria stayed there in 1861 — the same year the owners began work on the now-famous gardens.
There’s a fee to visit the House, but you can enjoy the Gardens and Killarney National Park for free.
See Prehistoric Footprints
Did you know you can see prehistoric tetrapod footprints, predating dinosaurs, at the Tetrapod Trackway on Valentia Island? Here you’ll find one of only four sets of prehistoric footprints in the world, giving an invaluable glimpse of the transition of life from water onto land.
Access to the trackway is by a steep pathway down to the rocks. This route is rocky as well as steep and won’t suit buggies, but kids will enjoy the climb down. At the bottom of the hill is an information plaque where you can read about the trackway before making the final descent to the beach where the footprints themselves can be seen.
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Visit Charlie Chaplin
Did you know that Charlie Chaplin brought his family on holiday to Waterville in County Kerry every year for ten years, starting in 1959? The actor became so beloved by the community during his stays that a permanent bronze statue of Charlie Chaplin now stands in the town, and there’s an annual Chaplin film festival held there each year.
Discover Fairy Trails in Kerry
There are three fantastic fairy trails in Kerry to discover:
- Glenbeigh Fairy Forest, Glenbeigh — 1km from Glenbeigh Village towards Rossbeigh beach, you’ll find the Glenbeigh Fairy Forest. From the picnic area, follow the path leading upwards into Faha Wood, where you can spot approximately 50 fairy houses along the way.
- Fairy Trails at Derrynane House, Derrynane — collect your fairy trail map at the tearooms and explore the gardens to find them all. Can you spot the one shaped like a boot? Afterwards, take a walk to the nearby sandy beach to play and paddle.
- Bonane Fairy Trail, Kenmare — a short fairy walk with lots of fairies hidden among the trees, plus a very old ring fort where, apparently, the fairies like to come and dance under the stars.
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More Free Fun Awaits
Kerry has no shortage of free adventures for families — the hardest part is deciding where to start. Whether it’s a walk, a cycle, a trip to the library or a fairy trail hunt, there’s a free outing here for every kind of family day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to find free things to do in Kerry with kids?
Yes. Kerry has an abundance of free outdoor spaces, walking and cycling trails, libraries, playgrounds and historic sites that families can enjoy without spending anything.
Do I need to book library activities in advance?
Some sessions, like storytelling or summer reading programmes, can get busy, so it’s worth checking with your local Kerry branch library ahead of time.
Are the fairy trails suitable for very young children?
Yes, the fairy trails mentioned are generally gentle, short walks that suit toddlers and young children, though a buggy may not always be practical depending on the terrain.
Is the Tetrapod Trackway buggy accessible?
No. The path down to the trackway is steep and rocky, so it’s better suited to children who can walk and climb down comfortably rather than buggies.
Is there a cost to visit Muckross House and Gardens?
The Gardens and surrounding Killarney National Park are free to explore. There is a fee to enter Muckross House itself.
Related Articles
- Top 10 Things to Do in Kerry With Your Kids
- Things to Do With Preschoolers in Kerry
- 40 Fun Family Things to Do on The Ring of Kerry and Beyond
- Best Outdoor Places in Kerry for Families
- Ireland’s Blue Flag Beaches
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