Ards Forest Park is one of the most versatile outdoor destinations for families exploring the north-west coast. Offering a unique blend of sandy beaches, mature woodlands, and safe play areas, it ranks among the best things to do with kids in Donegal. The diverse landscape means you can build sandcastles on the shore and explore nature trails all within a single afternoon.

Prices start from £4.20 (€5.00) per car for standard day entry, making it an affordable option for a full day of outdoor exploration. There are no separate per-person admission fees to enter the walking trails or beach areas, allowing families to enjoy nature on a budget.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this park perfectly balances active adventure with relaxing scenery. It provides a safe, expansive environment where children can run free, discover local wildlife, and experience the great outdoors.

Key Features

• Diverse Ecosystems: Features a spectacular mix of salt marshes, sand dunes, rocky shores, and dense pine woodlands.
• Interactive Nature Trails: Includes short, manageable walking loops with educational signage designed to engage young minds.
• Sandy Beach Access: Direct pathways lead safely from the forest trails onto the wide, shallow shores of Sheephaven Bay.
• Enclosed Wooden Playground: A dedicated play area with modern climbing frames, slides, and swings tailored for energetic children.

Detailed Highlights

• The Sand Dune Trail: This gentle walk is perfect for younger children as it guides them through unique coastal terrain. Kids love watching the landscape transition from high trees to open sand, providing an exciting sense of natural discovery.
• Ards Beach: Unlike typical rocky forest rivers, this park opens up to a sweeping, sandy beach. The shallow waters of the bay are ideal for paddling, building sandcastles, and collecting unique seashells on a warm afternoon.
• The Wooden Adventure Playground: Positioned conveniently near the main amenities, this playground features wooden structures that blend seamlessly into the forest. It gives children a safe space to climb, slide, and burn off leftover energy.
• The Salt Marsh Boardwalk: A purpose-built wooden walkway allows families to cross safely over the marshlands. It offers a brilliant vantage point for kids to spot local wading birds, small crabs, and unique coastal plants without getting muddy shoes.
• The Fairy Village: Tucked away along one of the shorter woodland paths, children can search for small, hidden fairy doors carved into the bases of the ancient trees. It adds a touch of magic and keeps little ones motivated to keep walking.

Named Trails and Routes

• The Binngorm Trail: A scenic 3.5-mile loop offering sweeping elevated views across the bay.
• The Salt Marsh Trail: A flat, easy 0.7-mile route utilising the wooden boardwalk.
• The Sand Dune Circuit: A 1-mile path showcasing coastal vegetation and sand structures.
• The Nature Trail: A short 0.5-mile educational walk with descriptive signs highlighting local flora and fauna.
• The Red Trail: A longer forest trek designed for older children and adults seeking a hiking challenge.