If ‘It’s raining, it’s pouring, staying at home is boring’ is the soundtrack chorus to your week so far, fear not: here are a few all-weather activity options to keep the kids amused in and around the Big Smoke:
No need for the kids to stay at home bouncing off the walls when they can do just that, literally, at Jump Zone. Suitable for anyone over five, Jump Zone is the biggest indoor trampoline park, not only in Ireland but, in the whole of Europe. If you can gather a group together for a game of Dodgeball, it’s brilliant fun.
Pottery painting at Giddy Studios is a great way to spend a creative and chilled-out few hours. Drop in, pick a piece of pottery and paint away to your heart’s content. Kiddie entertainment. Mum and dad art therapy.
Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre
The Living History Tours at Dalkey Castle are a great introduction to medieval times and even better craic, brought to life by a group of fun and colourful characters. What better way to learn about the people of the time than by meeting them.
Awesome by name, awesome by nature, this Dublin climbing centre is one of the largest and most modern indoor climbing centres in Europe, with friendly staff and instructors and plenty for the kids to do – from bouldering for the teeny tinies in the KABZ (Kids Awesome Boulderz) section to the fantastic Kids’ Club for the 6-16s. There are climbs to suit every type of rock climber, no matter your experience.
A change from the movie theatre, The Lambert Puppet Theatre is Ireland’s only purpose-built puppet theatre, has performances most weekends and is currently showing Jack and the Beanstalk.
AquaZone at the National Aquatic Centre
On a cold spitting-rain windy Irish day, AquaZone is one of the better places to get soaked, with its water slides, lazy river and wave pool.
Let’s face it, Dublin’s Wax Museum is no Madame Tussauds, but what they lack in substance they make up for in enthusiasm. The kids will enjoy Kids World, that is home to a few of their favourite characters like Peppa Pig and Sponge Bob Square Pants and there are plenty of activities lined up for the Midterm Break to keep them busy too. Who’s taking the microphone for a go at WaxFactor?
Why didn’t they have places like this when we were young? Specifically for the under 9s, Imaginosity is Dublin’s Children’s Museum with so much fun to be had you almost forget that the exhibitions and activities are educational. Mid-term will be busy, so it’s best to book your visit on their website or by calling ahead.
National Museum of Ireland – Natural History
Also known as ‘The Dead Zoo’ there is no child in Ireland who hasn’t loved a visit to The Natural History Museum with it’s vast collection of Irish native taxidermy animals. Free to enter, the museum is older and dustier than the many modern more interactive museums, which only adds to the charm and the feeling of taking a step back in time.
A perfect day out for any ‘70s Baby’ parents! Open Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends Spin is an 80’s style Roller Disco that is bright, loud and fun and with skating lessons for everyone from complete beginners there’s no excuse for anyone not to get their skates on.
Ciara Whelan is a first-time mama; proud owner of one baby girl and her dada, five cats and fifteen pairs of Converse. She is a keen tea drinker though it has been nearly eleven months since she got to finish a full cup. When Ciara isn’t playing peek-a-boo or singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, she makes her bread and butter producing TV commercials and programmes, the latest of which she also presents alongside her partner Jon Slattery for TV3. The Holiday Show currently airs every Wednesday at 8pm.
