Roller Tots
With plastic skates specially designed to help little ones keep their balance, this activity is a great way to introduce your children to the fun of rollerskating. Ages 2 to 6 years.
Weekend and midweek breaks at Center Parcs are tailor-made for families with young children. Our woodland resort is full of outdoor play areas, and activities perfect for pre-school children aged 2 to 4 years. Whether you prefer to relax in your cosy lodge, wander through woodlands and spot wildlife, make sandcastles on the beach, splash in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, or enjoy dining in our family-friendly restaurants, there are endless opportunities to create cherished family memories.
Longford Forest
Nestled in 400 acres of beautiful historic forest just five kilometres from Ballymahon, Longford Forest is our first resort in Ireland. You’ll find plenty of activities, restaurants and accommodation options tucked away amongst the trees, offering everything you need for a perfect short break.
What's included in your family break
- Fully equipped family-friendly lodges
- 400 acres of woodland to explore together, with pushchair-friendly pathways
- Exciting outdoor adventure play areas for children of all ages, dotted around the village
- Free entry to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise with children’s water play areas and rides and slides
- Free Baby Dolphins session for infants under 3
- Access to the sandy beach nestled within the forest
- Complimentary Ella’s Kitchen baby food in selected restaurants
- Free Leisure Bowl Mini Disco for little ones to dance and play
Mini Trek
This exciting aerial rope course is specially designed for younger children, giving them the chance to have their very own adventure in a safe, secure environment. Age 2-5 years.
Chestnut's Picnic
Join Chestnut the squirrel for songs, stories, fun and games… bring your little ones and their favourite cuddly toy along to Chestnut’s Picnic from some fun with their furry friends. Ages 18 months to 5 years
Baby Owls
Our Baby Owls session is a great chance for you, along with little ones to enjoy meeting Pop, our very own sleepy barn owl, and some of his feathered friends in the forest. Minimum age 1 year.
Cupcakes for Little ones
A fun, creative activity for little ones as they learn how to decorate their very own delicious cupcakes. Ages 3 to 9 years.
Face Painting
Transform your child for the day into a beautiful butterfly or a ferociously cute tiger. We use washable face paints to avoid laundry incidents. Minimum age 2 years.
Lodges for all the family to enjoy
Our lodges are thoughtfully designed for comfort and a relaxing family break. Each lodge features:
- A cot (you’ll need to bring your own linen)
- Twin beds (bed guards are available on request)
- Toddler step in the bathroom
- Chalkboard for creative minds
- Highchair
- Ample storage space for your pushchair or scooters
- Spacious layout with separate lounge area for when little ones are napping
- Stairgates in two-storey lodges
- Woodland views for wildlife spotting
Please be aware that some lodges have steps to the entrance, so check this when booking.
Restaurants for all the family
From quick bites to leisurely dinners, relax and enjoy quality dining moments with your little ones at our family-friendly cafes and restaurants. Here's what you can expect:
- Space for highchairs and pushchairs
- Free Ella’s Kitchen baby food
- Activity sheets and crayons
- Children’s menus
- Play areas (selected restaurants)
- Facilities to warm milk or baby food
- Allergen information is available
Top tips:
- Make your restaurant bookings in advance, especially for popular early evening slots
- If little ones need an early bedtime after a busy day, don’t worry - order delicious food delivered to your door with Restaurant Runner
Swim, play and splashing family fun
Discover water play areas for little ones, plus the famous Wild Water Rapids and rides and slides for older children and adults. You’ll find:
- Splash pools and children’s water play areas
- Indoor and outdoor pools
- Free use of swim jackets (these are swimming aids and not lifejackets)
- Free, bookable Baby Dolphins play session for under 3s
- Spacious family changing rooms, with baby changing, large lockers and buggy park
- Refuel at Canopy Café with poolside snacks, meals and drinks
- Play pens and highchairs in the pool area
Top tip: hire a Family Cabana for a cosy, peaceful retreat – perfect for a break between splashing adventures!
Visit Aqua Sana Spa during your break
Indulge in some adult relaxation time at Aqua Sana Spa. Available to book as part of your break – and did you know you can visit Aqua Sana Spa on a Spa Day or Spa Break even when you’re not staying at Center Parcs? With up to 25 nature-inspired spa experiences to explore and a wide range of treatments, take some time out for you in a spa like no other.
Babies and toddlers from 3 to 23 months can be booked into the Center Parcs Crèche & Activity Den for up to 3 hours.
Top tips for your woodland adventure
- Book early arrival to access your lodge from 2pm
- Hire a pushchair, cycle, trike or trailer from the Cycle Centre
- Treat yourself to some relaxing "adult-time" by booking your little ones into the creche (up to 23 months)
- Pre-order groceries before you arrive
- Don’t worry if you forget anything, ParcMarket is open daily for any essentials
- Swimwear and accessories can be purchased at Aquatique
- Book your child onto a 3-hour unaccompanied activity while you visit Aqua Sana Spa
- What can we do with three and four year old children at Center Parcs?
- What is the best time for my children to visit Center Parcs on a pre-school break?
- Are we allowed to bring our dogs?
- How can we be sure our lodges are the right accommodation types for our younger children?
- Does the crèche accommodate pre-school children?
- What activities can adults take part in while the children are at the crèche?
Read more about visiting Center Parcs with a pre-school aged child
Blog article
How crafting benefits children
In our digital age, the power of craft has never been so important for boosting children’s confidence, creativity and personal skills
Blog article
How nature nurtures children
Research from The Wildlife Trust has discovered that nature-based activities have a profound effect on primary school children’s wellbeing. Find out how your little ones can immerse themselves in the great outdoors at our resorts.
Blog article
How to teach a child to cycle
Cycling is good for your health and good for the soul, and Center Parcs is the ideal place to get children started. Here’s how…
Blog article
Printable colouring sheets for your little ones
We've created some Center Parcs colouring sheets, perfect for keeping little hands occupied. Download them from the Center Parcs blog website.
Blog article
How to help children to not be afraid of animals
Some children can be wary when they encounter animals, but there’s plenty you can do to help put them at ease
Blog article
We are the Howells, and this is family
We asked the Howell family to tell us about their weekend break at Center Parcs. From slipping and sliding down the Wild Water Rapids to a delicious meal at The Pancake House. Find out what there family of six plus nanny Christine got up to during their break
Other child-friendly breaks
Be inspired by other family breaks from breaks with a baby to older children and teenager breaks
