Planning to explore Galway throughout the spring or summer months? Well, there are some fabulous family-friendly days out and places to see, including some hidden treasures along the Wild Atlantic Way that you may not have heard of or seen before.

With that in mind, we have narrowed down our favourite outdoor adventures across Galway that are perfect for days out with kids that we highly recommend you try out in the coming months. 

This award-winning Celtic Garden and Visitors Centre is a hidden gem of a place set within 11 acres of native woodland and wildflower meadows. Kids big and small can enjoy the nature trail, a historical ring fort, a thatched roundhouse and a crannog, and the calendar sundial believed to be the largest in Ireland. For the smallies, there is a discovery trail, a natural playground and they have lots of opportunities to explore throughout the gardens. A family day pass for two adults and three children costs €24.50 and under 2’s go free.

With heaps of entertainment including obstacle courses, a train-barrel ride, go karts, zip wire, mini golf and a nature walk Loughwell never disappoints. Explore the indoor and outdoor playgrounds complete with climbing frames, skittles and giant Lego before getting close and personal Peppa, a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, Piny, the tiniest miniature pony in the whole West of Ireland or with Black Beauty, a resident Shetland pony. Loughwell has a daily animal activity schedule so be sure to check it out ahead of your visit. A day at the farm park will cost you €12 per child and five euros per adult. Children aged 18 months to 35 months cost €5 each.

Enjoy Galway Atlantaquaria at your own leisure or plan your family visit around the daily tour times. Pop by each of the interactive and educational talks throughout the day and do not miss the big fish feeding times. Aquarium staff are extremely friend who is always on hand to assist and answer questions you or your kids may have. A family pass to the national aquarium for two adults and two children costs €33 and under two's go free. 

Whether your kids are animal lovers or adventure seekers, this petting farm has it all. Let the kids feed all your typical farm animals, explore an all-weather and buggy friendly nature trail or discover your inner child at 'Inflatable City', previously Ireland largest indoor bouncy castle. At Turoe Pet Farm the fun never ends, however, admission is a little higher than your usual farm at €40 for a family of two adult and two children. For this reason, we highly advise you bring a picnic along with you to keep costs down. 

Located just a half-hour drive from Galway city, The Burren Nature Sanctuary heritage site is a firm favourite for families of all ages. Smaller kids will love to explore the fairy woodland trail while the older crowd will love the unique geological features. Meet and greet friendly farm animals including rabbits, goats and guinea pigs then let the smallies run wild in the indoor soft play area and the outdoor adventure playground. The Burren Nature Sanctuary opens Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm with an admission price of €37 for two adults and three children.