When it comes to family activities, our emerald aisle can seem smaller than ever.
Every activity guide says to take the kids out to the zoo or to Tayto Park. But what if we just want an inexpensive, low key day out?
That is where we have got you covered. These unique outings and activities will keep the kids happy as a clam:
Museums Madness: Kids love these interactive exhibits
Most museums can be boring for children - everything is ‘hands off’ and ‘don’t touch’. No wonder they don’t have fun. The key is to take them to interactive, hands-on places they can have fun at.
Imaginosity in Sandyford, Co Dublin is a creative, educational, interactive space for children up to the age of eight, promoting learning through play.
Tara's Palace Museum of Childhood in Co Wicklow is a magical miniature world suitable for all ages and features the country’s largest period dollhouse.
The Natural History Museum, aka ‘the dead zoo’ is great for children that love animals. It is filled with taxidermy creatures, big and small.
For the Freethinking: Arts and Crafts
One of the most engaging activities is doing a craft together. Not only is it fun but it teaches motor skills and inspires creativity as well.
McDonald’s Family Fun Day will have exciting crafts tailored to young children. They will also have balloon animals, face painting, games and colouring.
The next one is on October 31st, so make sure to pop by in costume. The fun-filled day is taking place at selected restaurants and you can visit the website to find a participating store near you.
The Phoenix Park visitor centre has free children’s workshops (age 5-12) on Sundays from 10am-12.30pm, involving art, nature awareness and heritage. Their playground and tables also provide the perfect picnic spot afterwards.
Castle Craze: Grounds perfect for a wild child
These three castles have something unique for each child to channel their inner adventurer and explore the ancient grounds.
Malahide Castle has a fantastic playground, complete with a fast zipline.
Bunratty Castle is bordered by a whole fairy village and a live petting zoo.
Birr Castle Gardens are home to the largest treehouse in Ireland, complete with slides a hobbit hut, climbing frames, a bouncy pillow, and sand pits.
For Future Vets: Activities for animal lovers
For children who love creatures of all sizes, take them somewhere they can see them all in front of them.
Two of the best aquariums are in Bray and Galway. Take them to see swimming sharks, sea urchins and all kind of sea life.
The Reptile Zoo has over 100 different animals to meet. They also have an animal encounter zone and a soft play area for younger children.
Children get tired of the same old outing, so change it up with these unique, fun activities.
