There are lots of family friendly and child friendly things to see and do with the kids. Have a look also at our Family Events section for forthcoming family friendly events to entertain the kids and what to do for free.

The Glenveagh National Park in Donegal has woodlands, deer, birds, mountains, lakes and beautiful glens. The landscape is magnificent and Ireland's highest peaks are here. There is a visitor centre to introduce the family to the wildlife, flora and fauna of the area.  A Scottish style castle is surrounded by one of the finest gardens in Ireland, which contrasts with the rugged surroundings. The visitor centre has displays explaining the Park along with an audio-visual show and it is accessible for members of the family with disabilities.

The beaches in Donegal are considered by many to be the most beautiful in the world and in particular the blue flag beach at Port Salon is breathtaking. Other blue flag beaches include Rathmullen, Bundoran, Dunfanaghy and Glencolmcille.

The Killybegs Maritime and Heritage Centre is situated within what was once the famous Killybegs Carpet Factory. The Heritage Centre is home to the largest hand-knotted loom in the world. Visitors will see live demonstrations of weaving of the hand-knotted carpets, a chance to meet and talk with one of the few handloomers remaining in this part of the country and enjoy a step by step account of how each carpet is individually designed and produced. Visitors are taught the unique craft of hand-knotting and have the opportunity to try their skills at one of the handlooms on display in the Factory. Enjoy too an insight into the history of one of the largest fishing fleets in Ireland, and take a journey into the past by listening to the experiences of some of the Killybegs fishermen who give their own personal account of life in bygone days. Kids will also have the opportunity to enjoy an interactive audio visual display in a fishing trawler wheelhouse, allowing them to step into the fisherman’s shoes and imagine the wonderment of the ocean and the skills needed to live alongside nature in its true sense. There is also a coffee shop on the premises and a local craft shop.

Donegal County Museum is housed in what was once the Warden's house of the Letterkenny Workhouse, which was opened in 1845. The Museum contains two galleries, workshop, storage area and offices. The Museum holds a substantial collection of original artefacts representing the history of County Donegal and covering subjects such as archaeology, history, social history and folk life. The Museum has two exhibition galleries. The first floor gallery contains artefacts which relate the history of Donegal from the prehistoric period to the present day. On the ground floor the Museum holds a wide variety of temporary exhibitions.

The family can learn how to surf at Adventure One Surf School, Silvertide in Kerrykeel. The school caters for individuals and families and wetsuits and boards are also provided.

Bundoran Adventure Park, Sea Road in Bundoran has all lots for the family. There are fun activities for the young kids, rides all the family can enjoy together and adrenaline filled thrills for the daredevils among the family.

Donegal Adventure Centre, Bayview Ave in Bundoran provides surfing lessons and multi-activity weekends, teen surf / activity camps and many options for families who want to enjoy an activity break together or who are looking for different things to do on holidays to keep all the children happy. They also have family friendly activities like indoor climbing wall, low ropes course, archery session and lots more.

Dunlewey Lakeside Centre in Gweedore is an impressive lakeside farm museum and family centre at the base of Mount Errigal, County Donegal‘s highest Mountain. There is a lot to do with the kids with story-telling boat trips, traditional music evenings, weaving demonstrations and guided tours of a weavers cottage among the activities on offer. Other attractions include an adventure play area, an audio-visual display on Dunlewey and a restaurant and tearoom. Children will also enjoy feeding the farmyard animals, which include red deer.

Glebe House and Gallery, Churchill in Letterkenny is set in woodland gardens, decorated with William Morris textiles, Islamic and Japanese art. There is a collection of three hundred works by leading 20th century artists including Picasso and a coffee shop in the summer.

Waterworld in Bundoran is an award winning Aqua Adventure Playground for children of all ages. It has family friendly facilities which include two leisure pools, a wave pool with five wave patterns and rapids, plus a slide pool with the Tornado Flume and the super fast Whizzer Slide. For the older members of the family, it also features facilities like sauna and steam room for parents, bathing rooms, steam cabinets, sea baths, sea water drench shower treatment rooms, juice bar and a relaxation bar.

Fort Dunree Military Museum houses a fascinating display of military memorabilia and artefacts as well as an array of large guns from the twentieth century. It is a must see for every family visiting the Inishowen peninsula should enjoy the historical exhibits.

Families in Donegal Town can visit O’Donnell’s Castle better known as Donegal Castle located by the banks of the river Eske. Guided tours are available, with guide books in English, Irish, French, German, Italian and Spanish. There is limited access for family members with disabilities.

For rainy days Arena 7 in  Ballyraine Retail Park, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal has 10 Pin Bowling Lanes, pool tables, snooker tables, Wanes World which is a children's activity centre and a large selection of amusement machines and video arcades.

Century Cinemas, Canal Road, Letterkenny has a six screen cinema and is another option for rainy days.

There are playgrounds in Town Park, Letterkenny, Porthall, Letterkenny, Festival Park, Buncrana, Marian Park, Buncrana, Moville, Culdaff, Ballyliffen, Castle Park, Newtowncunningham, St. John Bosco Senior & Junior, Drumacrin, Bundoran, Westend, Bundoran, Glencolmcille, Dolman Centre, Narin Portnoo, St. Marys Close and Gweedore.

Ireland visitor discounts is a fantastic free downloadable discount voucher for leading Irish cultural and heritage visitor attractions. You should download a form for each member of the family and bring this with you when you are travelling. Discounts include two for the price of one in leading tourist attractions, free admission at some attractions and between 10 and 20% off other attractions. This really could make a considerable saving for your family.

You will find lots of family friendly travel tips and advice in our research and advice section to help you book the right family holiday. Check out also the experiences of other parents and travellers in our parents forum and add your own experiences as we are a great believer in real parent's experiences as the best measure of whether somewhere will suit you for your family holiday. 

Sign up for our free newsletter to be kept updated with all of the latest special offers for family holidays and family travel news. Remember to enter our fantastic competitions which have super prizes and best of all are free.