MidTerm Family Activities
This midterm join us in The Connacht Hotel - one of Galway’s most loved family friendly hotels
Mid-Term Family Activities
Looking for ways to burn off school‑holiday energy? Mid‑term breaks are a wonderful excuse to unplug, reconnect with your children and explore Galway’s great outdoors. As one of Galway’s favourite family‑friendly hotels, The Connacht Hotel offers a home base with everything you need – from a supervised kids’ club to a 20‑metre indoor pool and toddler pool. Friendly Fellows Kids Club entertains children aged 3‑12 on weekends and school holidays with games, crafts and movie nights. While the kids are happily occupied, parents can unwind in the leisure centre or enjoy a coffee in our cosy lounge.
Galway and Connemara are bursting with family‑friendly activities during mid‑term. Here’s a curated list of our favourite adventures – all within easy reach of The Connacht Hotel.
Wildlands Adventure Park – Moycullen (approx. 20 minutes from Galway)
Wildlands is a 20‑acre woodland escape where kids (and grown‑ups) can soar, climb and zip to their hearts’ content. Their signature Zip ‘n’ Trek course rises up to 15 metres and stretches for over one kilometre. With four circuits of varying heights and difficulty, over 40 rope and bridge obstacles and ten zip lines (the longest runs almost 100 metres), it’s a great way to test your nerve. A junior zip course and indoor “Fun Walls” climbing arena mean younger siblings aren’t left out. Wildlands also offers Celtic challenge rooms, ninja and net adventures, fairy trails and orienteering. Book ahead and don’t forget gloves!
The Enchanted Forest – Slieve Aughty Centre, Loughrea
For something a little gentler, take your little explorers to the Enchanted Forest at Slieve Aughty Riding Centre. Hidden in the Kylebrack Woods, this fairy‑themed walk leads past fairy doors, gnome houses and streams. Each visitor receives an Enchanted Forest pack with a map, wishing‑tree hanger and “fairy dust”. Pony rides into the forest are available for children aged five and up, and the nearby Three Towers Eco Kitchen serves wholesome snacks when bellies start rumbling.
Burren Nature Sanctuary – Kinvara
Set on a 50‑acre organic site, the Burren Nature Sanctuary is a one‑of‑a‑kind interpretive centre that celebrates the Burren’s landscapes and wildlife. Explore indoor and outdoor play zones, a rock garden, nature trail, fairy woodland and Geo Dome. The sanctuary protects habitats of shattered limestone, ancient woodland and a disappearing lake, and the Burren Bubble houses the national collection of Burren wildflowers and orchids. Young animal lovers will enjoy meeting farm animals like Frisky the goat and Emilia the Juliana pig.
Brigit’s Garden – Rosscahill
This award‑winning Celtic garden invites families to connect with nature and heritage. Four gardens represent the Celtic festivals of Samhain, Imbolc, Bealtaine and Lughnasa discovering, all set within 11 acres of woodland and wildflower meadows. Stroll along the 1 km Sun Trail, let kids tackle the Earth Quest challenge, explore a living willow play area or visit the thatched roundhouse and ring fort. Don’t miss Ireland’s largest calendar sundial and the Garden Café’s home‑baked treats.
Turoe Pet Farm & Leisure Park – Loughrea
Celebrating over 30 years in business, Turoe Pet Farm combines Ireland’s largest indoor bouncy castle and Jungle Town play frame with a friendly pet farm. Kids can bounce and slide indoors, then head outdoors to feed pigs, goats and llamas or stroll a 14‑acre farm walkway. An outdoor pavilion provides Ireland’s first covered playground, so playtime isn’t weather‑dependent. Wristbands for children aged 2–12 give access to all indoor play areas.
Leisureland, Salthill – Galway’s indoor waterpark and family funfair
If your kids love swimming pools and water slides, Leisureland Galway is a must‑visit during the mid‑term break. It’s 25‑metre pool with six lanes is ideal for both serious swimmers and splash‑about sessions, and there’s a learner pool for younger children. On selected days, a plunge pool and inflatable obstacle course are added for extra excitement. The leisure pool’s 65‑metre water slide and giant Commando‑Run inflatable make Leisureland feel like an indoor waterpark. Families looking for dry‑land fun can enjoy the nine‑hole adventure golf course with views of Salthill promenade – perfect for friendly competition. It also boasts a fully equipped gym, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and group fitness classes (yoga, Pilates, spinning, aqua aerobics) help parents relax while the kids take part in swimming lessons or aquafit dance classes.
Monkey Business, Knocknacarra – indoor jungle‑gym fun
For an indoor playground that keeps children happy whatever the weather, head to Monkey Business Galway. This popular soft play centre in Knocknacarra (behind B&Q) has become a top destination for families seeking soft and indoor play. Monkey Business prides itself on safe, imaginative play. Its equipment and facilities are designed to support children’s development. The centre features ball pools, slides, climbing frames, bouncy castles, a disco room and a painting corner, plus a baby/toddler area for little ones. There’s also a Lego building station and a coffee bar for parents.
Monkey Business is an excellent choice for kids’ birthday parties, communions and school tours. The centre’s café serves coffee, tea and light snacks, and there’s plenty of parking nearby.
Pallas Karting & Paintball – Tynagh, Co. Galway
Older children and teenagers will love Pallas Karting, home to Europe’s longest karting track. A family track of 500 metres suits beginners aged 10+, while thrill‑seekers aged 16+ can tackle the 1,500‑metre GP track. For team battles, the facility also offers paintball and lower‑impact “splatball” (recommended for ages 10+) across four themed battle zones.
Eile Mental Activity Park – Furbo
Set on a hillside overlooking Galway Bay and Lough Corrib, Eile Mental Activity Park offers outdoor adventures for children aged 10+. Activities include laser tag, paintball, archery, disc golf and orienteering. Games are run in both Irish and English, with a special emphasis on Irish folklore and culture. Modern gear and scenic landscapes create an immersive experience; packages are available for birthday parties and school outings.
Killary Adventure Centre – Leenane, Connemara
Nestled on the shores of Ireland’s only fjord, Killary Adventure Centre is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The centre offers more than 20 activities ranging from kayaking and canoeing, rock‑climbing and abseiling to zip‑lining, archery and clay‑pigeon shooting. Accommodation is available on site, and the centre hosts family days, summer camps and guided hikes. With breathtaking views of the fjord and surrounding mountains, Killary is perfect for families who love getting muddy and adventurous.
Practical Tips
Book ahead: Many attractions require pre‑booking, especially during school holidays.
Check age and height restrictions: Some activities have minimum ages or height requirements (e.g., Wildlands’ Zip ‘n’ Trek requires a minimum height of 1.4 m. Pallas Karting’s family track is for ages 10+).
Bring appropriate clothing: Outdoor parks recommend weather‑appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear and sometimes gloves.
Verify opening status: A few facilities (e.g., Loughwell Farm Park and Kidsplace) have temporary closures; visit their websites for the latest information.
At The Connacht Hotel, we’re here to help you plan the perfect family break. After a day exploring Galway’s best attractions, return to the hotel for a swim in our 20‑metre pool and a relaxed dinner, utilise our gym and coffee dock, then drop the kids at our Friendly Fellows Kids Club for evening fun. Mid‑term breaks have never been so easy – we look forward to welcoming you!
