Brought to you by McDonald's.
Enter ALL the happy faces because school's out and it's time for two weeks jam-packed with activity!
Now comes the part where we begin to wonder how we're going to keep them entertained. Well, here are just a few ideas sure to keep them occupied, giggling and having fun all day.
1. DSPCA Easter Kids Camp, Rathfarnham, Dublin
So, the DSPCA is running a four day
kids camp starting the week of April 23. From 9am to 4pm, kids aged six to 11 years will learn LOTS of new and exciting things about the animals in the DSPCA's care - that's dogs, cats, rabbits, piggies - you name it. It's the perfect way to go about introducing kids to animals while also helping them to understand how and why we need to care for them. Trust us, they will LOVE it.
2. McDonald's Family Fun Day
Pencil it in! On
April 18, McDonald's restaurant is hosting an amazing
Family Fun Day (12pm to 4pm). It's especially catered to kids aged five to 12. Expect lots of games (plus games ALL the family can play at their table too), activities, face painting, balloon animals and more. Simply pop into McDonald's, grab your favourite meal as you would, but this time, it promises to be EXTRA fun, and at no additional cost either. (Hurrah!)
You'll find participating restaurants in Galway, Dublin, Cork, Kerry, Kildare, Westmeath, Tipperary, Limerick and Carlow to name a few.
(See McDonald's online right here for a full list of participating restaurants)
3. Junior Einsteins Science Club Easter Camps
Yep, there's lots of them taking place and all over Dublin too.
The day is sure to spark their interest in science, getting them curious and excited to learn, even taking part in lots of
egg-speriments (sorry, not sorry). Junior Einsteins Science Club is all about teamwork, promoting creative thinking and most importantly, getting kids to have fun with science. They host family events too around the country, so keep your eyes peeled!
- Monday April 15: Dunboyne, Malahide and Swords
- Tuesday April 16: Knocklyon, Naas and Maynooth
- Wednesday April 17: Balbriggin, Howth and Dunboyne
- Thursday April 18 : Glenageary
- Friday April 18: Celbridge and Swords
- Tuesday April 23: Greystones, Leixlip and Swords
- Wednesday April 24: Greystones, Knocklyon and Sandymount
- Thursday April 25: Howth, Malahide, Leixlip and Rathfarnham
- Friday April 26: Clontarf, Glenageary, Greystones and Naas
4. Easter Art Camp at Kilruddery House, Wicklow
With five whole days submersed in the scenic outdoors, kids will have an endless amount of inspiration to help get the creative juices flowing and build on those artistic talents. They'll learn plenty about the fundamental techniques of working with clay, painting, mixed-media collage and more. Perfect for getting them outside AND bringing home a few precious pieces of art. Get them involved
here.
5. Nore Valley Park, Kilkenny
Home to one of the longest-running Easter egg hunt in Ireland,
Nore Valley Park makes for a most beautiful setting in which kids can scurry around searching high and low for their eggs and claim those yummy chocolatey treats after. There's also a pet farm, go-karting, crazy golf and if you're feeling like a little staycation, why not camp or check into one of their wooden lodges?
6. Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre, Offaly
Home to Ireland's tallest tree house (impressive), Birr Castle has plenty to keep the kids happy. Their
Easter Family Quest takes place from 9am to 5pm daily, from April 13 to 28, and promises to get little ones exploring the grounds, learning more about nature, discovering wildlife AND even being taken back in time. The perfect setting for all the family to enjoy.
7. Lough Key, Roscommon
The perfect haven for a fun-filled family day out. Lough Key is kitted out with everything the family could possibly want to make for a terrific day. There's the Adventure Play Kingdom, walking and cycling trails, orienteering, woodland safari, boat tours and of course, the Lakeside Cafe with a whole host of foodie options the kids will love. This Easter break however is seeing something EXTRA special hit Lough Key. Expect craft classes, colouring competitions, the Mad Hatter Magic Show, golden ticket giveaways and even… a chance to meet the Easter Bunny himself. Check it out
here.
8. Egg Hunt at Bridgit's Garden, Galway
On April 21 and 22, the Easter Bunny will be making a visit to Bridgit's Garden once more for the
annual family egg hunt! Ensuring everyone has oodles of fun, there will be two different hunts - a mini hunt for very young children within the Celtic Gardens and a MIGHTY hunt for those that bit older who'll enjoy getting up to lots of fun on the nature trail.
There's a prize for everyone and activities will start from 1pm onwards. Don't miss it!
Now, to make lots more precious family moments over the break.
Brought to you by McDonald's.
To find out more about McDonald's Family Fun Days and where your nearest McDonald's restaurant is
The next family fun day will take place on Thursday April 18, from 12pm to 4pm at participating restaurants. 
