20 Family Activities in Kerry

Welcome back to our blog, thanks a million for taking the time out of your day to check out our latest list of fun family activities. This time around we are taking a virtual trip to The Kingdom.

Kerry has so much to offer, it wasn’t easy narrowing it down to just 20 activities. I tried to include a broad range of things to do and see so that there is sure to be something to suit everyone.

Let’s jump straight in:

1. Tralee Bay Wetlands

Picture By: Tralee Bay Wetlands

Get active and have fun at the same time with a range of water-based activities available at Tralee Bay Wetlands. Choose from taking a trip on one of the pedal or rowboats through the large shallow lake, or adrenaline and adventure seekers might like to have a go on the state-of-the-art outdoor climbing wall. Embrace a slow pace of life as you enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape while creating laughter-filled memories for you and your friends.

Relax and sit down enjoying the panoramic views of the Activity Lake while enjoying Warbler & Wren Coffee along with a large variety of Homemade Desserts & Cookies.

Click here for more info

2. Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium

Picture By: Dingle-Peninsula.ie

Oceanworld Aquarium is located in Dingle, County Kerry and is Ireland’s largest aquarium. The Aquarium hosts a collection of magnificent Sand Tiger Sharks, Gentoo Penguins , Asian Short-Clawed Otters                    and includes an abundance of different fish species. Experience this enchanting underwater world and learn the wonders of the ocean.

If planning a trip to Oceanworld, make sure you pop into Bean in Dingle afterwards for a coffee. I guarantee you it will be one of the nicest cups of coffee you have ever tasted. You can thank me later.

I’d highly recommend factoring in an ice cream stop in Murphy’s too.

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3. Killarney National Park

Picture By: Valerie O’ Sullivan

Explore the rich heritage and culture of Ireland’s oldest national park. With its remarkable variety of flora and fauna and cultural traditions, Killarney National Park is unique and has a wealth of places to explore and enjoy. The park is spread out over more than 10,000 hectares and includes lakes, mountains, oak and yew woodlands, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House & Gardens, Muckross Traditional Farms, Killarney House and Gardens, Ross Castle, and it is home to the only red deer herd in Ireland. There are walking trails in the park to suit all levels and some are wheelchair friendly.

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4. Aqua Dome Tralee

Picture By: Aquadome Tralee

The Aquadome is currently closed due to Covid 19 restrictions, however I wanted to include it in the list as it is a great spot for the kids, and hopefully they will be in a position to open their doors again soon

The Aqua Dome is one of Irelands Largest Indoor Waterworld’s & Premier Tourist Attractions located on the Wild Atlantic Way. The Aqua Dome offers tropical temperatures all year round and is a Great Day Out for all the family whatever the weather! It is brimming with exciting features that captures the imagination of both child and adult alike. The Aqua Dome is fun for swimmers & non-swimmers. Attractions include: 90 meter high flume slide, Lazy River, and River Rapids.

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5. Sandy Feet Farm

Picture By: Sandy Feet Farm

The family-run open farm is situated in a rural setting near the village of camp on the main Tralee-Dingle Road, taking the Conor Pass route. Set in the most stunning location, surrounded by mountains and boarded by wetlands and a long, wide sandy beach, it has something for everyone that visits.

Depending on the time of year, baby animals are waiting to be cuddled and fed. Enjoy feeding the various rare breed animals, exploring the farm, playing in the playground, taking a trailer ride around the farm, racing the pedal go-karts, to checking out natural play and sensory garden or eating in the fabulous café.

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6. Derrynane Beach

Picture By: Independent.ie

Derrynane is an extensive sandy beach in Derrynane Bay, County Kerry. It is a safe and sheltered beach, ideal for swimming and other water sports. This beach is lifeguarded during the bathing season. The beach is located on the Ring of Kerry, 1 mile outside of Caherdaniel. Derrynane Beach was listed among the top 25 beaches in Europe by Tripadvisor’s travellers choice awards in 2020.  One of only two Irish beaches on the list, the other also in Kerry “Banna Beach”, both have been described as “beautiful” by those who have visited the Kerry beaches.

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7. Killarney Falconry

Picture By: Kerry Gems

An once-in-a-lifetime experience to interact first-hand with one of nature’s top predators and viewing their aerial acrobatics and maneuverability in free flight against the backdrop of the MacGillycuddy Reeks.

The birds are trained using traditional falconry techniques by the professional falconers who will draw on their vast knowledge and experience to assist with your up close and personal handling of the birds of prey. This wonderful and exciting experience that appeals to everybody of all ages and ability will be yours when you interact directly with the predator when it flies from aloft onto your gloved fist.

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8. Slea Head Drive

Picture By: Flipflops and Floaties

Starting and ending in Dingle, this is one of Ireland’s most scenic routes, it takes you on a journey through historic sites, Irish speaking villages, famous Hollywood film locations with close up views of the world renowned Blasket Islands and distant views of the Skellig Islands on the south western horizon. You will find some stunning beaches along the route too, get out stretch the legs and have a little picnic to keep the kids happy.

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9. Skelligs Chocolate Factory

Picture By: Skelligs Chocolate

Located on The Skelligs Ring, just off the main Ring of Kerry road and nestled along the Wild Atlantic Way. Skelligs Chocolate is Ireland’s only fully ‘open plan’ chocolate production kitchen where you can get up close and see your chocolatey treats being made in front of you. Taste some ridiculously fresh (and free) chocolate samples as you take in the incredible scenery. Visitors see all of the production of the yummy treats, and entry is free.

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10. Banna Beach

Picture By: Independent.ie

Banna Beach is 7 miles north west of Tralee. It’s a beautiful Blue Flag beach with miles of golden sand. The beach sits in Tralee Bay, with Kerry Head and the Maulin Mountain to the northwest. A large car park can be reached by turning off the R551 at Banna Cross. It includes disabled spaces and the beach has disabled access down a short slipway. Ranked number 23 on a list of the best beaches in Europe in 2020, this is definitely a worthy spot for a day trip with the family.

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11. Crag Cave

Picture By: Crag Cave

Discovered in 1983 and thought to be over 1 million years old Crag Cave is a magical wonderland of stalagmites and stalactites. It is an all weather visitor attraction located in Castleisland Co. Kerry 2 km off the N21. In addition to visiting the Cave itself and learning about the formation of the cave, the kids will also love the onsite activity centre.

The Crazy Cave Activity Centre is Co. Kerry’s number 1 house of fun. Located in the world famous Crag Cave Visitor Centre, Crazy Cave covers 2 floors and has a wide range of fun filled areas. An all weather location Crazy Cave is ideal for children up to 12 years of age and is fun and healthy!

The Visitor Centre at Crag Cave also has a Garden Restaurant & extensive Gift Shop. The Garden Restaurant offers delicious home cooking with home made scones & pastries available from 10am. Hot meals, light lunches, healthy salads & tasty treats are all available daily.

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12. The Playdium

Picture By: The Playdium

The Playdium is Kerrys largest indoor soft play centre for kids under 12 years old. Parents, who must remain and supervise their children, are provided with modern café facilities, comfortable surroundings, TV and Internet access to while away the hours in comfort. 

Kids of all ages (over 3 years) can enjoy the thrills (but no spills) of indoor Mini Kart Racing at The Playdium.

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13. Waterworld Watersports

Picture By: Waterworld Watersports

The Maharees, Castlegregory is the home to Ireland’s oldest family run watersports centre, Waterworld. Waterworld, with her sister company Splash Sports can cater for the watersports enthusiast above and below the water, with dive courses for beginners to instructor levels, daily dive trips around the Maharees islands, Waterworld was Ireland’s first 5 Star Gold Palm Instructor Development Centre and Ireland’s first National Geographic Dive Centre and has won several industry awards, including PADI’s Education Award, Environmental Award and PADI Certificate of Recognition for Excellence.

Youngsters can join in the family fun of scuba diving too with the Bubblemaker Experience. This is a great way to introduce children to scuba diving in a pool in less than six feet of water. The PADI Bubblemaker program is for children age 8 and above. No pre-training is required.

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14. Kerry County Museum

Picture By: Kerry County Museum

Visit the informative Kerry County Museum in Tralee and travel back in time to learn about the county’s archaeology and history.

Explore times gone by through its array of artefacts, interactive galleries and hands-on activities. This fascinating venue highlights the rich heritage of County Kerry.

Families with children can avail of free museum activity booklets and the Fairy Trail is also open until the end of August.

Click here for more info

15. Splash Sports

Splash Sports is a watersports centre in Sandy Bay Castlegregory. They have a whole host of activities including: Aqua Park, Water Trampoline & Slide, Paddle Boats, Canoes, Sea Safari, Boogie Boarding etc.

You can take part in one of the mega clubs which are run daily or hire a paddle boat or canoe to just laze around the bay. Enjoy the full size water trampoline’s and the new aqua summit slide. 

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16. Kingdom Waves Surf School

Picture By: Kingdom Waves

Kingdomwaves Surf School runs surf lessons and surf hire at both Inch and Banna Beach in County Kerry.  Two  beautiful ‘Blue Flag’ beaches surrounded by the Kerry Mountains and both popular stops on the Wild Atlantic Way. Both beaches have been voted the best beach in Ireland by Tripadvisor visitors in recent years. Beauty aside, the consistency of the surf make both beaches an ideal place to take a surf lesson.

Inch Beach, located on the Dingle Peninsula is one of the most famous beaches in Ireland and is only 20 minutes from Dingle town. It is also part of the Reeks District. Banna Beach is only 15 minutes from Tralee. From Killarney, Inch and Banna beach are around a 40min drive.

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17. Blennerville Windmill

Picture By: Blennerville Windmill

Ireland’s largest working Windmill & home of Kerry’s model railway.

A visit to Blennerville Windmill Centre will involve viewing a short video presentation on the history of the windmill and its surroundings. There will be time to browse in the exhibition on emigration and the Jeannie Johnson followed by a guided tour of the Windmill. Children particularly like to see how flour is made by turning the ancient quorn stone. The final leg of the tour is a visit to the Kerry Model Railway which is always of interest to children and the young at heart! They also have an interesting display of vintage farm and home equipment.

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18. Lakes of Killarney, Boat Cruise

Soak up the tranquil landscapes and reflecting waters of Lough Leane from a comfortable, covered, heated vessel: MV Pride of the Lakes. Live commentary helps you enjoy scenery from the peaks of Magillycuddy’s Reeks to the ruins of Innisfallen Abbey, and maybe even spot eagles or sika deer. Multiple departures daily with shuttle transfers from Killarney town centre.

Click here for more info

19. Dingle Sea Safari

The Dingle Sea Safari Rib Experience has been voted the number one activity to do while visiting the Dingle Peninsula. This unique Dingle Boat tour takes in the breath-taking majestic coastline of Dingle Bay – the caves and the cliffs all the way to the Great Blasket Islands!

Get an up close view of the Great Blasket Island, see the rock formations, seals, caves. Encounter puffins, whales and dolphins and much more on the Dingle Sea Safari Adventure!

Duration: 2.5-3 hours

Click here for more info

20. Kennedy’s Pet Farm

Picture By: Kennedys Pet Farm

Kennedys Pet Farm is a family-run farm with loads to offer for your day out and more. It is the ideal venue for family days out in Killarney, where you can relax while the kids enjoy the safe and fun-filled surrounds of the farm.

Pets from fur to feather, indoors and outdoors, ready to be cuddled, fed and admired – deer, pigs, piglets, calves, lambs, goats and kids… ‘Roisin’, ‘Dawn’ – the little brown donkeys with their foals. Pot bellied pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, cute cuddly puppies, ducks, ducklings, geese and goslings in the pond. ‘Freddy’ the scarecrow and mother hen brooding over her fluffy chicks, while ‘Prince’ the peacock struts her stuff around.

Unique indoor and outdoor playgrounds are every child’s dream and a most unforgettable experience, rain or shine you’ll have great time!

Click here for more info

And that’s a wrap on our 20 family activities in Kerry. I hope you found some inspiration in there for the Summer months ahead.

If you’re planning a family holiday in Kerry this Summer, check out:

Manor West and The Rose Hotel

Last but not least, don’t forget to share this post with your family & friends and lets inspire others to get out there and explore our beautiful country.

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