Things to Do in County Cork with Kids

Looking for some family time inspiration? We’ve taken care of it!

We’ve made a map of our favourite family activities, restaurants and playgrounds in County Cork. Take a look and decide where your next family time adventure will take you.

Family Activities in County Cork:

Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park is home to over one hundred animals from all corners of the world's five continents. Since opening its gates 35 years ago, the park has provided animals with the highest standard of care and quality of life. They play a huge role in the global conservation of species such as Sumatran tigers, Asiatic lions and African rhinos. The park runs daily feeding demonstrations and wildlife talks for visitors to learn about the work that they do.

The Farm Grenagh

Over 100,000 guests have visited The Farm Grenagh since it opened its 40 acres in 2012. The Farm shows what life was like in rural Ireland with its traditional farming methods and 1960's replica village. There's also a Tractor Ted Little Farm for younger visitors that is home to a fully motorised Tractor Ted. The Haystack Restaurant at The Farm serves everything from a traditional roast to a light sandwich. There really is something for everyone at The Farm Grenagh.

Perks Entertainment Centre

Perks brings a world of entertainment to Youghal, County Cork. There's laser tag, bowling, soft play, arcade games and lots more to enjoy. With free parking, no admission fee and over 70,000 square foot of indoor entertainment, Perks is the perfect place for some fun - whatever the weather!

Toy Soldier Factory

Pay a visit to the Toy Soldier Factory in Macroom to see the world's largest Battle of Waterloo exhibit with over 15,000 hand cast figures, their impressive Lord of the Rings model collection and attend one of their workshops where you can cast and paint your very own model to take home. You can also take part in their interactive tour where you'll learn how to pour metal into their spin casting machines.

Leisure World Churchfields

Leisure World have three locations in Cork. Their Churchfields branch has a 25-metre pool, a toddler pool and a fun children's pool with a play zone. There's also a giant water slide, astro turf pitches, a fully equipped gym and sauna / steam room for adults. Leisure World believe that 'everybody belongs' and so their services are open to members and one-time visitors alike.

Ballyhass Adventure Group

Ballyhass Adventure Group have been providing outdoor experiences for over 15 years, offering over 20 different activities from two locations in Mallow & Coachford Co.Cork. Why not take your teens on a camping experience? Teen camps are a great way to get your teen out of the house, active and making new friends. Getting outdoors improves so many aspects of your health such as improving vision and increasing happiness. Take this as a chance to get yourself active too and even create a family competition or family step goal for the end of the summer.

Child Friendly Restaurants and Cafés in County Cork:

The White Horse

The White Horse is one of Cork's oldest public houses - it was established in 1901. It's changed owners over the years and is now run by husband and wife, Joe and Maura Carey. Their lunch, dinner and Sunday menus offer locally produced, high-quality food at affordable prices.  They have a dedicated children's menu with tasty options such as a homemade pizza and a little roast of the day. Baby bowls are complimentary. Adults can order buffalo wings, crispy skin salmon and a wide variety of other dishes

Lemon Leaf Café

Situated in the heart of Kinsale, the award-winning Lemon Leaf Café opened on the town's Main Street in 2010. Their goal is to provide diners with great food in a relaxed atmosphere and to use local, fresh ingredients while doing so. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and have specially dedicated menus for children, vegetarians, vegans and diners who are gluten or dairy free.

The Cornstore

The Cornstore in Cork offers a welcoming, casual dining experience coupled with great quality, locally sourced dishes. Steals and seafood are their speciality and there's lots of other tasty options for veggies and vegans. Dining with children? There's a dedicated kiddie’s menu with sirloin steak as an option.

Son of a Bun

Son of a Bun has quickly become one of Cork's most popular burger joints since opening in 2015. Their main objective is to serve the best burgers possible along with great service in the ultimate setting. Their entire menu is homemade - from sauces to chicken wings and salads to desserts, it's all prepped on site. Even their locally sourced Aberdeen Angus beef is ground on site. It's no wonder they won 'Best Burger in Ireland' last year.

Market Lane

Market Lane is an award-winning restaurant on Oliver Plunkett Street in the heart of Cork City Centre. Their ingredients are sourced from the infamous local English Market and other local artisan producers. They serve a wide range of dishes including fish, meat, salads, game and sandwiches in a addition to coeliac and veggie options and a healthy children's menu.

Best playgrounds in County Cork:

Fitzgerald Park Playground

The massive playground at Fitzgerald Park has both a castle and a ship structure, three slides, five swings, a basket swing, a climbing pyramid and lots more. There's a variety of options to suit all ages of children and there's picnic benches overlooking the area for parents to relax at.

Douglas Playground

This modern playground is well maintained by the Douglas Community Association. There's climbing frames, slides, swings and a zip line among other attractions at the facility. There's lots of lush greenery surrounding the playground - perfect for a family walk before or after your visit.

The Lough Playground

The Lough is a natural lake that's fed by underwater springs about 1.5 kilometres from Cork City. It's home to a wildlife sanctuary, fishing spots and a popular children's playground. The playground dates back to the 1970's but has seen a massive refurbishment since. There's two springer units, sets of swings and a large boat for children to play on.

Japanese Gardens Playground

This playground might not look as modern as others, but it's set in the middle of some wide-open green space that is perfect for playing ball or chasing. The playground itself has swings, a slide and play tunnels - ideal for younger children. There's also picnic benches nearby.

Carrigaline Playground

Once a rundown football pitch, this wonderful area now has a playground, outdoor exercise machines and a skate park. The Playground has a tunnel slide, climbing wall and some swing sets and it's ideally located beside some picnic benches and a duck pond - perfect for some family time.

If your family love to get moving during family time, check out some activity days for an energetic family. 

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