1 Turn the lights out for Earth Hour
Saturday March 28
Earth Hour started in 2007 as a lights-off event to raise awareness about climate change. This year it takes place on Saturday, March 28 at 8:30pm local time, offering a great opportunity to teach kids about climate change and its impact on the environment. Sign up here, then watch the video together and be ready to flick that switch on the day. You could even have dinner by candlelight to mark the occasion.
2 Booking the nearest theatre to see the new SpongeBob movie
From Friday 27Â
It’s finally here! From Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Movies comes The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water an all new 3D adventure that’s as wild and funny as its name. For the first time, SpongeBob SquarePants, the world’s favourite sea-dwelling invertebrate, comes ashore to our world for his most super-heroic adventure yet. Life in Bikini Bottom couldn’t be better for eternal optimist SpongeBob and his friends: loyal starfish Patrick, the sardonic Squidward, scientist squirrel Sandy  and crustacean capitalist, Mr Krabs. When the top secret recipe for Krabby Patties is stolen, SpongeBob and Plankton must join forces to battle fiendish Pirate Burger Beard (Antonio Banderas) with his own plans for the delicious delicacies.
In cinemas nationwide and also available in Irish too (a first for a Hollywood studio to do this!) so you can take your little GaeilgeoirÃ. Get booking.
3 Spring bike ride in stunning Killarney
All weekend!
A weekend bike ride is the most wholesome activity we know. Picture the family free-wheeling around the leafy green paths of Muckross House, Killarney, then stopping for a lake-side picnic with lashings of ginger beer. It’s the Famous Five 2.0. Explore the stunning route from Muckross House to Dinis Cottage – it’s roughly 16km long, pretty flat all the way and takes in Muckross Abbey with its arresting ancient yew tree that rises from the centre of the cloisters and Torc waterfall. Picnic at Dundag beach or pop into the house cafe for refreshments and revival. Bike hire is available from Killarney Rent-a-bike, €15 per bike per day (with optional toddler seat FOC). Or a child trailer is available for an additional €10 per day. Locks and helmets  included.
 4  The Enchanted Treasure Chest Workshop, The Ark, Dublin
From Saturday March 28 until Sunday April 5
Imaginations are running wild at The Ark in Dublin, where a mysterious treasure chest has been found. Children aged between two and four years can join artist Bethan Parkes to discover the secrets of the chest in a visual arts-based workshop. You and your toddler will work together using your imaginations and create a make-believe land filled with magical things, making your own (simple) characters and props that live in the magical land using coloured papers, fabric, stickers, feathers and more.
5 Family tours at Botanic Gardens
Sunday March 29Â
Spring is finally here, so take the family outdoors to the stunning Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin. The guided tour between 12 and 2.30pm takes in all the spring tree walks and takes in the beautiful rhododendron blossoms. Meet at 3pm in the Car Park.
