Winter Activities for Children

By Aoife O’Driscoll from Inspire Me Ireland

InspireMe.ie is a new online event guide that will allow you find out what’s going on anywhere in Ireland. You can search for things to do, based on your location, specific interests, accessibility issues or even whether you want an indoor or outdoor activity.

With the shorter days and changeable weather, it can be difficult to plan mini adventures with small children during the Winter months. Carefree days pushing the buggy in the park are few and far between. But cabin fever is very real! And everyone feels better after getting out into the world and the fresh air for a few hours.

There are lots of great ideas for things to do on InspireMe.ie. Here are just some child friendly events for the Winter months to get you started.

National Gallery of Ireland – Dublin
The National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin has regular, free drop-in sessions for families on Sundays. Specific family tours help make the works on display both fun and engaging for kids. There are free art-making workshop where children and their grown-ups are encouraged to work together on creative projects. The Gallery endeavours to welcome families and visitors of all ages and encourage them to feel comfortable in the Gallery. Find out more here. The Gallery is buggy-friendly and wheelchair accessible and there is a great restaurant on site. Merrion Square is across the road and has a lovely playground if you are lucky enough to visit on a dry day. It’s never too early to start art appreciation!

National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology – Dublin
The National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street has a challenge for mini archeologists. The Winter Trail activity sheet is available at reception, so be sure to pick up your pack and pencil, and then watch in delight as your children search for clues amongst the displays. Discover how Medieval lords, Viking children and Stone Age farmers passed the time and celebrated feasts in winters past. Entry is free, and no booking is required. Their history books will come alive before their eyes as they see the treasures of our past on display. Parts of the museum are not wheelchair accessible, although plenty of treasures are accessible to all. Find out more here.

Country Life Museum – Mayo
Staying with the National Museum, but moving West, the Country Life Museum in Turlough Park in Co Mayo, is always a super day out for all ages. There are often events specially organised for families, but any day is a good day to visit. To make the most of your visit, you can download some activity sheets here. Again, admission is free and there’s a lovely cafe if you want to refuel.

Hunt Museum – Limerick
Limerick’s Hunt Museum has a drop in Arts and Crafts Session every Saturday from 12-1pm. Children can explore their creative side with the help of the enthusiastic museum volunteers. It is suitable for children aged 2 and over and costs just €2 for one craft, €3 for both. This is a fun and friendly environment, and the perfect place to spend your Saturday afternoon. Find out more here.

Kerry County Museum – Tralee
The Kerry County Museum should definitely be on the to-do list for families in the South-West. Entry for adults is just €5 and children go free. Pangur Bán’s trail will help them discover a Stone Age survival kit, find out about Ireland’s animals and lose themselves in Celtic myths. The museum is wheelchair accessible and buggy friendly. Find out more here.

If you what to find more events in your locality visit www.inspireme.ie where you can also search events based on accessibility requirements. Perfect if you need a buggy-friendly event that has baby-changing facilities with parking near by. No excuse for hibernating this winter – time to get out there and be inspired at all the wonderful events and venues Ireland has to offer for children of all ages!

Bio

InspireMe.ie is a new online event guide that will allow you find out what’s going on anywhere in Ireland. You can search for things to do, based on your location, specific interests, accessibility issues or even whether you want an indoor or outdoor activity. Lots of inspiration for days out!