"Staycation" rainy days kids activities
The hottest buzzword in travel speak this year is the "staycation" where people holiday at home or close to their home to save money. That is all very well for those in the US who have pools in their back garden and reliable summer weather for family outings and picnics. However, given the weather we have had in Ireland this summer parents taking a staycation at home and in holiday homes all over the country are pulling their hair out trying to keep the kids busy.
If you need some inspiration on how to "staycate" in Dublin and keep the kids busy here are our top ten "Staycation Rainy Day Activities" for those who are holidaying at home in Dublin or coming to Dublin for a break or an event. There are lots more suggestions for rainy day activities in our Rainy Days section as well as suggestions for the rest of the country.
Top ten staycation Dublin ideas
1) Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
Dalkey is a great day trip for some sightseeing and relaxing later in the restaurants and bars. From May till October there is a Living History Live Performance every half hour in the Heritage Centre with actors in medieval costume bringing the fascinating history of the castle and this heritage town to life.
2) Masks exhibition and workshops, The Ark, Temple Bar until 17th August
The Ark is Europe's first custom-built children's cultural centre with programmes to promote high quality cultural work by children, for children and about children. Mask workshops this summer will provide inspiration for young visitors and families to join skilled Ark artists to create unique masks to take home and keep. Daily workshops for children will run until 17th August.
3) Cabinteely House, Cabinteely Park
Cabinteely House will be open on Wednesdays & Sundays from July 16th to the 31st August. A guided tour of the house and Living History performances will be included every hour from 1pm to 4pm in association with Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre.
4) Imaginosity, Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford
Imaginosity is packed with carefully designed exhibits and spaces are opportunities for crawling, climbing, planning, imagining and playing. This is an exceptionally popular so always book ahead.
5) Dinosaurs Alive at Funtasia, Bettystown
Kids can get up close with roaring, standing, moving animatronic dinosaurs, the largest of which stands 24ft high and 70ft long. You will have to navigate two floors of amusements to get there so bring some extra coins.
6) Get Arty
The National Gallery of Ireland is located on Merrion Square (which is a beautiful square if the weather clears up and includes a small playground). The Irish work is impressive and they run Kids Sunday Art Workshops at 3 each Sunday.
The Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery of Modern Art has contemporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art and also runs activities including kid's clubs workshops. Free family days on Thursdays and at the weekends.
7) The National Aquatic Centre, Blanchardstown
Getting wet is not so bad if you are prepared. The National Aquatic Centre is one of the biggest and most exciting indoor attractions for families. It includes a lazy river, bubble pool, pirate ship, wave pool, surfing machine, water roller coaster, a 50m pool and diving pools.
8) Fry Model Railway, Malahide Castle
The Fry model railway is a unique collection of model's Irish trains. One of the largest exhibitions covers 250 sq ft. It is situated in the beautiful grounds surrounding Malahide Castle and is a treat for railway enthusiasts, children and adults alike.
9) Dublinia, St Michaels Hill, Christchurch, Dublin 8
This is a great attraction for adults and kids alike and will bring the medieval history of Dublin to life. Kids can experience first-hand the turbulent history of early Dublin and get a history lesson too.
10) Croke Park Experience
Sporty kids and parents can visit the GAA museum at Croke Park. Specially designed interactive exhibits allow kids to test themselves and take a tour of the dressing rooms, corporate suites, VIP section, media centre and the pitch side.
You will find lots of family friendly travel tips and advice in our research and advice section to help you book the right family holiday. Check out also the experiences of other parents and travellers in our parents forum and add your own experiences as we are a great believer in real parent's experiences as the best measure of whether somewhere will suit you for your family holiday.
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