Family Friendly Cafes and Activities in Waterford

Where better to go on a family adventure than County Waterford, famous for its spectacular scenery from the Comeragh Mountains and the stunning coastline, unique cuisine in the form of Blaa’s, craic and of course, the home of Pip & Pear!!

There are many things to get up to with your little ones and many of these are free! One of our favourites being a cycle along the Waterford Greenway. Check out our recent blog for a sample itinery.

Waterford’s beautiful coastline is home to numerous beautiful beaches that make for the perfect family day out. From Ardmore to Clonea, Bunmahon to Tramore and Dunmore to Woodstown there is ample opportunity to access the sea. Simply bring along a picnic with a bucket and spade and allow your little ones imagination to run wild. The sea breeze will be sure to build an appetite and tire them out.

Turning the attention to inland, why not take a trip up the mountains. If feeling super energetic why not hike up to Coumshingaun Lake where the views are spectacular. This is certainly not buggy friendly but we would recommend it to those of you kiddies above the age of four.

Mahon Falls is another option and potentially more family friendly. On the drive up to the main carpark, be sure to try out the magic road! If you stop at the bottom of the hill with the car in neutral, your car will roll backwards up the hill! Optical Illusion or fairy magic? Who knows!

Once you’ve arrived at the car park you will see the Waterfall in the distance. There is a windy path around 1.5 km in length. Whilst it is well paved, it can be a hard service to push buggies on so carrying your little one may be the best option.

Crough Woods is a great scenic and tranquil place to visit and bring your family, with the Mahon River flowing through Crough Woods on up to the Mahon Falls. The beauty of the walk with is sounds of birds and river and wind blowing through the trees is a great feeling, the distance from the starting point to the Mahon Falls is approx 3km. However, the main walkway from the entrance is just 0.68 km

Fenor Bog is located on the Copper Coast heritage trail in the village of Fenor, which is situated on the R675 coast road from Tramore to Dungarvan. The entrance to the bog is beside the Church car park. There is a boardwalk on the bog and as a result the site is accessible all year round. There is also a playground opposite the bog which is one of the best in Waterford.

Pirates Adventure, Tramore

Pirate’s adventure offer something for everyone under one roof. From their pirate ship climbing frame to their glow in the dark mini golf course, themed bowling lanes and electric bikes, there is no chance of your little ones being bored!

Toddler Mornings are held every week from 10am to 12 noon.

For more information: www.piratesadventure.ie

Splash World Tramore

This swimming pool is sure to be a pleaser! The 25m pool is equipped with a Wild & Wonderful Wave Machine, Indoor / Outdoor Water Slides, Bubble Pool, Paddle Pool, Water Cannons, Roaring Rapids and Splash Slides. There is a Steam Room and Sauna for parents too!

Parent & Toddler mornings every Tuesday & Thursday from 10:15–11am.

For more information: www.splashworld.ie

Run Amuck – Tramore

Run Amuck is a great venue for infants, toddlers and pre-school children to express themselves and have fun, in a safe and stimulating environment.

Parents & Toddlers: During school term between 9.30am and 1pm Monday to Friday term time and take advantage of the special Toddler Discount of €5 per child which includes a tea/coffee.

For more information: www.runamuck.ie

Ardmore Open Farm

Ardmore Open Farm and Mini Zoo aim to give families a day to remember. Visitors are given the opportunity to get up close and personal with a wide range of exotic and farm animals. Dedicated petting times are held throughout the day where kids and adults get to hold reptiles, furry favourites, birds and much more. Stroll around the facility at your ease and savour a huge variety of animals and birds from all over the world.

For more information: www.ardmoreopenfarm.ie