I have been to Westport more times than I can count, and it always has something new to offer.
This blog on Things to do in Westport with Kids & Family is straight from my own adventures, built on years of trips that have taken me from quick day escapes to long, lazy family getaways. I have cruised along those winding roads with my partner just for the thrill, loaded the kids into the car for lakeside fun, and even spent whole weeks doing nothing but chasing sunsets from a cottage window.
Westport might be small, but it’s overflowing with character. Along the way, I have found the best Westport family activities that can turn any visit into a story worth telling. Keep reading, and I will show you exactly how to make the most of your time here!
The Drive Steals the Show
If I’m honest, the drive to Westport is half the magic. Every trip I’ve taken, friends in the backseat or my family along for the ride, starts with that winding route setting the mood. The water glints through the trees, little towns slide by, and you get that mix of excitement and calm that only a great road trip can give. I’ve learned to slow down, pulling over at a couple of viewpoints instead of racing to get there.
My best drives have been summer ones, windows down, music up, and the kids yelling every time they spotted a boat on the Rideau. The first time, I treated it like a quick dash. Now I know the journey is part of the fun and one of the best Westport family activities you can have before you even arrive. It is also the perfect start to a list of family-friendly things to do in Westport.
Hiking Foley Mountain
If there’s one thing I’ll always recommend, it’s hiking up Foley Mountain. I’ve tackled it with my partner on a crisp autumn morning and again with my family on a golden summer afternoon. The climb isn’t tough, but my rookie mistake was underestimating how much water we’d need. Lesson learned. The payoff? A jaw-dropping view over Upper Rideau Lake, the kind that makes you forget whatever you were talking about.
With my family, it turned into a game of spotting landmarks from up high. Now it’s my unshakable Westport tradition. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Westport with family, and it’s also perfect if you’re hunting for outdoor adventures in Westport that are worth every step.
Sweet Treats and Small-Town Shopping
No Westport trip is complete without a stop at the fudge shop. I’ve done it as a quick sugar fix and as part of a lazy afternoon stroll through the village. The fudge? Dangerously addictive. Buy too much too early and it will vanish before dinner, trust me. The shops are a mix of hidden treasures and you can find this anywhere. Once, my partner and I got lost in a little antique store on Church Street, chatting with the owner about the stories behind each piece.
That random detour turned into one of my favorite trip memories. It’s one of those family day trips from Westport moments that make the journey richer, and a reminder that budget-friendly family activities don’t have to be boring.
The Rideau District Museum
The Rideau District Museum may be small, but it’s worth stepping inside, especially if the weather surprises you. One rainy afternoon, I brought the kids, thinking we’d just kill time. Instead, they were hooked, pointing out old photographs, asking questions about artifacts, and piecing together bits of local history.
I used to rush through it on earlier trips, but taking my time completely changed the experience. It’s a perfect option for rainy day activities in Westport for families and a fun way to mix a bit of learning into your Westport kid-friendly attractions list without anyone realizing they’re doing something educational.
Lakeside Relaxation and the Cove Hotel
One summer weekend, we booked a stay at a cottage near Westport, and it completely changed the pace of the trip. Having the lake right there in the mornings was something else with coffee in hand, kids already splashing in the shallows, and no agenda.
We’d head into town for ice cream in the afternoons and sometimes dinner at the Cove Hotel. The food there has been consistently good in my experience, and when I went with my partner, we lingered over a long meal, watching the light fade over the water. It’s the kind of slow, relaxed Westport experience I now recommend to anyone.
Paddle on Clew Bay
If you’ve got the energy (and the weather is on your side), add a kayaking trip on Clew Bay to your Westport itinerary. Local guides will take you out among the 365 islands scattered across the bay, sharing bits of history and pointing out wildlife along the way.
Seals often pop their heads up to say hello, and if you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins too. It’s a peaceful way to see Westport from a whole new perspective and something our family still talks about every time the word “kayak” comes up.
Evening Stroll & Sunset at Croagh Patrick Viewpoint
On one of our trips, we ended the day by driving just a short way out of town to catch the sunset with Croagh Patrick in the background. Even if you’re not planning to climb it, the viewpoint is worth the visit.
The way the golden light hits the mountain and reflects on the bay is simply unforgettable. It’s also a quiet moment after a busy day, perfect for winding down with the kids before heading back for dinner.
Westport Town Hall Theatre
If the Irish weather decides to change plans for you, don’t worry because Westport Town Hall Theatre is a fantastic indoor option. We once ducked in during a sudden downpour and ended up watching a brilliant local play. The kids enjoyed it as much as we did, and it turned an otherwise grey afternoon into one of the highlights of that trip. Check the listings before you arrive like there’s often live music, family shows, and cultural events that add something special to your stay.
Tip: Knowing What Works and What Doesn’t
After all these trips, I’ve learned a few things. Taking the drive slow is always the right move. Hiking Foley Mountain is a must, but bringing water and snacks makes it much more enjoyable. The fudge shop is best visited later in the day unless you want to carry melting chocolate with you.
Staying overnight, especially in a cottage, transforms Westport from a quick stop into a true escape. On the flip side, I’ve learned not to expect too much from the shopping – while there are a few standout spots, many stores are overpriced or not particularly unique. And visiting on a long weekend means being ready for crowds, especially on the roads in and out.
If you’ve been hunting for more ideas on things to do in Westport with kids & family, here are a few extra tips from someone who’s been there more times than I can count.
For Nature and Adventure Lovers
Croagh Patrick is one of those climbs you never forget. The air gets cooler as you go higher, and the view just keeps widening until you can see the patchwork of fields and the glitter of Clew Bay.
Honestly, even if you never reach the top, the walk along Bertra Strand can give you that same “wow” moment. I’ve spent afternoons there doing nothing but sitting on a rock, listening to waves, and wondering why I ever live anywhere else.
For Water Enthusiasts
The Blueway network is like an invitation to play in the sea. I’ve kayaked there on mornings when the water was so still it looked like glass, and I’ve tried stand-up paddleboarding where balance is optional but laughter is guaranteed.
Snorkelling around Old Head Beach is another world entirely — fish darting past, sunlight rippling through the water, and that slightly surreal feeling of floating in silence.
For Families with Kids
When I took my niece and nephew to the Pirate Adventure Park at Westport House, I thought it would be “a quick stop.” Five hours later we were still there, riding the miniature railway, racing go-karts, and braving the swinging ships. It’s the sort of place that makes kids giddy and adults forget they’re adults.
For Art and Culture Buffs
I once stumbled into the Westport Arts Festival without even knowing it was on, and suddenly the whole town felt like a stage. Musicians playing in corners, painters working in the open air, strangers turning into friends over shared cups of coffee.
Even outside festival time, places like Custom House Studios and the local galleries are perfect for slow afternoons where you just drift from one creative space to another.
For Relaxation Seekers
Westport knows how to spoil you. I’ve had days where my only plan was to float in a warm pool, drift between saunas and steam rooms, and emerge in that blissed-out daze you only get from a proper spa day. Sometimes, that’s all the adventure you need.
For Golf Lovers
The first time I played at Westport Golf Club, I had to stop more than once just to take in the view. You’re standing there with a club in your hand, but in front of you is Clew Bay framed by Croagh Patrick, and it’s almost distracting enough to ruin your score. Almost.
For Thrill Seekers
Zorbing down a hill sounds ridiculous until you try it. I’ve also had my aim tested in archery, gone paintballing with friends, and tried laser combat in the woods which feels like being in a movie, except you end up laughing too hard to be stealthy.
Bubble soccer is pure chaos, and zip-lining? Let’s just say it’s the kind of rush that stays with you long after your feet are back on the ground.
Final Words on Westport
What’s unforgettable about Westport for me isn’t just the activities, it’s the way the place feels after so many visits. It’s the quiet drive through tree-lined roads with the sun filtering in. It’s standing at the top of Foley Mountain and feeling like you’ve stumbled onto a secret view. It’s my kids running down to the water in the morning, or the way the fudge shop smells the second you step inside.
These are the things that make me keep going back. And when you’ve been as often as I have, you stop thinking of Westport as just a destination, it becomes part of your own personal map of favorite places.