The holidays always bring the family together, reminding us of what we work so hard for all year long.
They are a time of celebrating in heated homes on winter nights and endless fun for ages one to 100.
But they also take a lot of preparation: shopping for Christmas gifts, cooking festive recipes, and reminding the kids they must be good if they want Santa to come.
That’s why we have suggested some fun outings for the family as December approaches, for those times you need to get out of the house for some parental sanity.
Or if you simply desire to cosy into the Christmas spirit.
1. See a holiday panto
There are some wonderful pantos planned for the holiday season. A theatre outing is a special way to change up the normal routine and treat the family to a laughter-filled evening of entertainment.
Here is what is on this year:
The Snow Queen at the Gaiety Theatre from November 25th - January 6th.
Polly and The Magic Lamp at the Olympia Theatre from December 21st - January 6th.
Robin Hood at The Helix from November 23rd - January 20th.
2. Visit your local Leisureplex
Leisureplex is the perfect place to take your little ones to get out their Christmas excitement jitters. With an indoor adventure play area and activities for the whole family, you can count on an exciting day out in a safe environment.
They have three activities set up:
Zoo Adventureland: This play area has a maze of slides, tunnels and ball pools for the kids to get lost in for hours! And they’ve comfortable seating areas, so parents can relax while watching the kids having fun. Separate toddler area for under 3’s. (Available in all locations, excluding Cork).
Toddler Mornings: Toddler time runs every Monday to Friday 10am-1pm (Stillorgan 9am-1pm) and weekends until 12pm (Stillorgan & Coolock only). With complimentary tea or coffee for parents, it’s not only the little ones who are looked after.
All throughout the holidays, the entertainment centre offers bowling, Quasar, Zoo Adventureland, pool, and delicious meals. And with prices starting from just €6 per activity, this really is the perfect venue to make some special memories over the Christmas period.
3. Bring the kids ice skating
Immerse your family in a winter wonderland by taking the children to a nearby ice skating rink. They will love learning how to glide across the ice and engaging in the fun holiday sport. Many places have a small, kid-friendly rink as well with rentable padding and helmets.
They can also grab a penguin or panda buddy to hold on to with convenient handles to keep them safe and confident on the ice.
Kid-friendly ice skating rinks are located in Cork, Blanchardstown, Mullingar and Waterford Ice rinks.
Not sure if your kids will like it? The rinks allow you to bring your children on the ice to test the waters before you buy a ticket.
These family outings are a fun and unique way to engage your children’s creativity and build physical skills as well. And they will make for treasured memories and possibly the beginnings of entertaining family traditions.
