Head off land and hop onto a paddleboard to experience Dingle’s stunning waters from a whole new vantage point. Book a family stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) tour with Wild SUP Tours and discover the best of Kerry’s coastline from the water. No experience is necessary as your well-trained instructors teach you everything you need to know about how to be safe and confident in the water.

The 300-acre Delphi Adventure Centre in the breathtaking Delphi Valley has indoor and outdoor activities for all the family to enjoy. Choose from adrenaline-fuelled thrills like canyon swinging and aerial trekking or take it at a slower pace by going hill walking or cycling. This all-weather resort has so many great things to do with the kids.

Just 30 minutes away from Dublin city is Emerald Park, Ireland's only theme park. Immerse yourself in Irish folklore with a visit to the Tír na nÓg experience and take a ride on the park's coasters, including the longest intertwining rollercoaster in Europe, Na Fianna Force. Then jump on The Quest, a boomerang coaster that brings you through trenches and castles, or the wooden wonder Cu Chulainn. After a day of adventuring, say hello to the Amur tigers, meerkats and buffalos at the zoo.

Immerse your family in nature with woodland and lakes at Castlecomer Discovery Park in Kilkenny. With over 80 acres to explore, you can hike the grounds, wander its pathways and enjoy a picnic in this beautiful part of the world. 

Youngsters love this discovery park, with its charming playground, climbing wall and mini zipline, as well as an Elf and Fairy Village. Entrance to the discovery park is free and onsite activities like ziplining can be paid for inside.

Explore water slides, assault courses, tree houses, boating lakes and kiddie-karts at Clara Lara Fun Park in Wicklow. Have a go on the largest water slide in Ireland or sail off on a pirate ship; enjoy this jam-packed family day out at this fun park. For a more chilled day, visitors can also have a riverside picnic and barbecue, try the mini-golf course or embark on miles of hillwalking in this spectacular countryside location.

With over 20 land and water activities, you'll find tons of fun things to do with the kids at Carlingford Adventure Centre and Skypark in Louth. Split into three zones: land, sea and sky, its activities include everything from canoeing and water trampolines to abseiling, laser quest and a Crystal Maze challenge. 

Bring the family and spend a day out on Carlingford Lough or flying through the trees; you’ll be glad you did.

Ziplining, tree canopy walks, Segways, escape rooms and even a woodland safari - there’s lots to keep the family entertained at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park. Spend the day exploring the 350 hectares of woods, lake and islands in one of Ireland’s most picturesque parks. You can even stay overnight if you have a caravan or want to camp.

Along the banks of the River Cabra in the Cabra Estate, Dun na Rí Forest Park’s 565 acres are a real hidden gem. If you have smaller kids, try the shorter walks of just 1.5 – 2km marked with various points of interest and plentiful wildlife. Highlights include the Icehouse, Toba na Splinne Holy Well and Cromwell’s Bridge. 

Kids can become budding explorers as they keep an eye out for the diverse flora, fauna and wide range of wild animals.

Book a trip with Dublin Bay Cruises and get a slice of Irish history as you cruise along Dublin Bay with great views of the city. This trip will take you past iconic landmarks such as the James Joyce Martello tower, idyllic Dalkey Island, home to colonies of adorable grey seals, and Ireland’s Eye. 

Your 75-minute trip brings you around the beautiful vista of Dublin Bay and is a chilled, relaxing way to experience the county from the sea.

Take a spin to West Cork where the kids can pretend they’re giants for the day in the Model Railway Village. Watch their eyes grow big as the miniature trains travel along the tracks in the handcrafted village, or play captain for an hour and steer one of the remote control boats around the small but mighty replica of Kinsale Harbour.

Make a day of it and enjoy a picnic beside the outdoor play area where the children can run wild while you take in the views of Clonakilty Bay.

Dress like a Viking and prepare for battle on a cruise along the River Shannon. Voyage to Lough Ree with Viking Tours Ireland and hear the fascinating tales of buried treasure and crusades from centuries ago. 

Setting sail from Athlone Castle, Captain 'Viking Mike' keeps kids big and small entertained for the duration of the 75-minute round trip with his seafaring stories and ancient titbits.