Things to do in Sligo
You can’t always depend on the weather in Sligo, but you can depend on having the perfect family breaks in Sligo no matter what. Packed with fun kids’ activities, visitor centres and more, Sligo is the place to be for some family activities when it’s raining. Here’s a list of the top things to do in Sligo with kids on a rainy day.
1. Zero Gravity Skatepark
Located in the heart of Sligo, Zero Gravity was opened by local skater Neville Dunbar in 2015 and is the largest indoor skate centre in the North West of Ireland. Built with the finest timber and birch plywood, the Centre is suitable for beginners, novice and professionals of skateboarding, BMX-ing and rollerblading. You can rent all the gear you need at Zero Gravity and lessons are available on weekends.
2. Vertigo Collooney
Containing a state of the art climbing wall, a high ropes adventure course and a hurricane simulator, Vertigo Collooney is the perfect spot for thrill seeking families. Both children and adults can enjoy the activities thanks to the safety harness system in place. Who will make it to the top of the climbing wall first? Place your bets!
3. Waterpoint Aqua Park
Waterpoint Aqua Park is a one stop shop for a fun day in Sligo with kids. Located in Enniscrone, the water park boasts an indoor heated pool with a 65-metre flume water slide, a separate kiddie’s pool for babies and toddlers, an inflatable obstacle course, Funzone activity centre and a climbing wall.
4. Happy Days Adventure Play Centre
Ideal activity in Sligo for a rainy day, Happy Days Adventure Centre has two separate soft play areas: one for babies and toddlers and another for older children. Both areas have a variety of slides, ball pools and other fun activities. All the family are welcome at Happy Days, it’s great exercise for everyone. There’s a cafe for adults to relax in while keeping an eye on the little ones having fun in the play areas.
5. The Model Art Gallery
The Model is home to one of the most notable public art collections in Ireland: The Niland Collection. It features the largest public holdings of work by Jack Butler Yeats in existence and a broad range of both traditional and contemporary works of many other artists. Children are welcomed to The Model and the gallery often hosts events such as arts and crafts camps and workshops to get them inspired.
6. Surfing in Sligo
Surfing is a perfect rainy-day activity in Sligo. It doesn’t matter if you get wet when it’s raining! The Strandhill Surf School in Sligo runs both adult and children’s surf lessons every day. Lessons last for 2.5 hours and all necessary gear is provided. If you’re enjoying your family breaks in Sligo for more than a few days, why not enrol your children in surf camp – they’ll be standing on that board in no time!
7. The Rose of Innisfree Boat Tour
Sail on Lough Gill aboard the all-weather Rose of Innisfree boat. Kids will love spotting wildlife while adults enjoy Yeats-inspired scenery and fresh scones on board.
8. Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
Step back over 5,000 years with a visit to Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, one of Europe’s oldest megalithic sites. Children can explore ancient tombs and hear fascinating stories of Ireland’s past.
9. Rosses Point Storytelling & Seal Watching
Even in light rain, families can enjoy Rosses Point, where legends of mermaids and fairy forts capture children’s imaginations. On brighter breaks, take a short seal-spotting boat trip.
10. Sligo Abbey
Step back in time at Sligo Abbey, a striking medieval ruin located in the heart of the town. Dating back to the 13th century, the Abbey features impressive stone carvings, high arches, and a peaceful cloister. Kids can explore the grounds while learning fascinating stories about Sligo’s monastic history. It’s an educational yet fun stop, perfect for families looking to combine culture with adventure.
Where to Stay in Sligo
For families planning a short break or weekend getaway, choosing the right base makes all the difference. Set against the stunning backdrop of Benbulben, Clayton Hotel Sligo is one of the top family-friendly hotels in the region. The hotel offers spacious family rooms, a leisure centre with a swimming pool, and a separate pool area for kids to keep younger guests entertained. Its central location also makes it easy to access all the best things to do in Sligo with kids, from indoor play centres to beaches and cultural attractions.
Sligo offers a variety of engaging indoor activities for kids on rainy days, from the thrilling Zero Gravity Skatepark and Vertigo Collooney’s climbing adventures to the educational Eagles Flying Centre and the fun-filled Waterpoint Aqua Park. However, your Irish adventure doesn’t have to end here. Just a few hours away, Cork awaits with its own unique attractions. With so many things to do in Cork with your kids, you would be crazy not to consider adding Cork to your bucket list.
FAQs: Things to Do in Sligo with Kids
Try Waterpoint Aqua Park, Zero Gravity Skatepark, or a family-friendly boat tour.
Mix indoor fun at Vertigo Collooney with culture at The Model, then finish with a beach walk or surf lesson at Strandhill.
Rosses Point and Enniscrone are safe, sandy, and family-friendly, with lifeguards in summer.
Sligo means “shelly place”. It inspired poet W.B. Yeats, and its tombs at Carrowmore are older than the pyramids.
Four-Star Hotel in Sligo
A family break away in Clayton Hotel Sligo is the perfect spot for exploring the best that Sligo has to offer. Relax in our spacious family rooms with delicious dinning options for all the family.
