Before we know it, the lunch boxes will be given a rest and it will be midterm break. Whether your kids are off for a two-day midterm or the whole week, it’s a fantastic time to relax, unwind and spend some family time together.
We’ve gathered a mix of some family-friendly and family-approved activities, both indoors and outdoors, from all around the country.
For further inspiration, visit https://thefamilyedit.ie/
EPIC Museum
A fully interactive experience awaits you at EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin. \ Nick Bradshaw
A fully interactive experience awaits you at EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin. Suitable for all ages, it is a wonderful way to discover what makes us Irish - from our language, art, music, dancing and so much more. They have some fun activities over the midterm break, including an Antarctic Explorers Camp suitable for 7 - 12 year olds. For any family looking to make a full day trip, just a short walk away is The Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship. Once you step onboard you get an insight into what life was like onboard a famine ship and the stories of people during one of the most famous, and most difficult times in Irish history. Visit www.epicchq.com
Colin Glen
If you’re looking for adventure, Colin Glen, nestled in the heart of Belfast, might be just what you’re looking for. It is one of Ireland’s leading outdoor adventure parks and is spread over three sites, a land of storytelling and two sports parks with world class attractions. A 200-acre forest park, Colin Glen boasts activities such as The Black Bull Run, Alpine Coaster, Ireland’s longest zipline, Gruffalo Trail, high-ropes, driving range and so much more. Remember to pack your comfy shoes and rain gear! Visit www.colinglen.org
Fota House and Gardens
While its famous neighbour Fota Wildlife Park may be more well-known, Fota House and Gardens is also deserving of a visit and is well-loved by many families. The house itself is closed for much of February, but the gardens are worth a visit. Bring the scooters for the kids and they are guaranteed to love checking out all the paths, open grass areas, trees and the incredible mix of flowers, plants and bushes. Bramley Lodge Restaurant is a minute’s drive and is an ideal spot for a family lunch or dinner. Visit www.fotahouse.com
Jurassic Newpark, Co Kilkenny
Little ones can run wild at Jurassic Newpark in Kilkenny.
Moving dinosaurs, fairy trails, talking trees, ride-on baby T-rex, go karts and a playground… we think it’s safe to say that kids will adore a trip to Jurassic Newpark! Entry also includes access to the mini wildlife farm where you can see a variety of animals including emus, goats, alpacas, llamas, ducks, sheep and lots more! Depending on how close you live, an individual, monthly or annual pass are options to choose from. While some times of the year are reserved for residents of Newpark Hotel, your little ones can run wild at Jurassic Newpark for the February midterm break! Visit www.jurassicnewpark.com
Suir Valley Railway
What a wonderful opportunity to support a community heritage project in Kilmeadan, Co Waterford? Open for the midterm break, Waterford Suir Valley Railway allows families to enjoy a scenic train journey along the banks of the River Suir. It helps to bring some of the old railway network back to life, for the benefit of kids and adults of all ages. And while you’re in the area, why not pay a visit to nearby Mount Congreve Gardens with 70 acres of gardens and their Stables Café and Secret Garden shop? Visit www.wsvrailway.ie
Atlantaquaria
The aquarium in Galway is known for being popular with locals and visitors alike. It is Ireland’s largest native species aquarium where education, awareness and conservation of ocean and life under water are celebrated. Kids will marvel at the selection on view over two floors of exhibits and adults will be delighted with free parking and WiFi! Located along the world-famous Salthill Promenade, it’s ideally placed for a great day out. And while in the area, take a walk, scoot or cycle along the Prom, followed by coffee and a treat at some of the great cafes on offer, including favourites Ground & Co. and Coco Cafe Salthill. Visit www.nationalaquarium.ie
Playtown Tullamore
A children’s play museum located across three levels of imagination, creativity and exploration, there is something to entice kids of all ages to get involved. It’s all located indoors so it’s a wonderful choice for a rainy day in Co Offaly! There are over 30 themes to get involved in, from a hair salon to pizzeria, garda station to school, doctors and supermarket. No matter their interest, kids get to immerse themselves in play areas that imitate real life. The top floor has lots of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) based activities, with two creative rooms with options for ages four to 99! Visit www.playtowntullamore.ie
Glenveagh National Park
Lying in the heart of Donegal, Glenveagh National Park is a treasure waiting for families to explore it. There are trails for all ages and abilities to choose from, and Glenveagh Castle and Gardens are also a delight and adventure. Facilities include a visitor and education centre, restaurant and tea rooms, wild play area and playgrounds, toilets and baby changing area.
Cycling is allowed at the park, which can be a great way to include younger and older children. Bring water and a picnic so you can stop to eat when suits, or when little tummies demand it! Visit www.nationalparks.ie/glenveagh/
Throughout
Ireland
Greenways For an activity that doesn’t cost too much and is suitable for all the family, cycling is a hard one to beat! Whether you use a bike trailer or child seat, mountain bike, hybrid or electric bike, a trip along a Greenway is a great choice for all ages in your family. We are lucky in Ireland to have a selection of fabulous Greenways throughout Ireland - from the Waterford Greenway to the Great Western Greenway, the Limerick Greenway to the Carlingford Lough Greenway, there are choices across all provinces. Make sure to bring plenty of drinks and snacks - and check those tyres!
Castles February midterm break can be the perfect time to mix a bit of fun with a bit of local or national history. What better way than to explore one of the many castles located all throughout Ireland? From Blarney, Bunratty and Birr to Kilkenny and King John’s, help bring the school books to life, while also having a family day to remember.
Read more
Living Life: travel tips from the experts
Making staycationing with a baby, child’s play
Before we know it, the lunch boxes will be given a rest and it will be midterm break. Whether your kids are off for a two-day midterm or the whole week, it’s a fantastic time to relax, unwind and spend some family time together.
We’ve gathered a mix of some family-friendly and family-approved activities, both indoors and outdoors, from all around the country.
For further inspiration, visit https://thefamilyedit.ie/
EPIC Museum
A fully interactive experience awaits you at EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin. \ Nick Bradshaw
A fully interactive experience awaits you at EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin. Suitable for all ages, it is a wonderful way to discover what makes us Irish - from our language, art, music, dancing and so much more. They have some fun activities over the midterm break, including an Antarctic Explorers Camp suitable for 7 - 12 year olds. For any family looking to make a full day trip, just a short walk away is The Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship. Once you step onboard you get an insight into what life was like onboard a famine ship and the stories of people during one of the most famous, and most difficult times in Irish history. Visit www.epicchq.com
Colin Glen
If you’re looking for adventure, Colin Glen, nestled in the heart of Belfast, might be just what you’re looking for. It is one of Ireland’s leading outdoor adventure parks and is spread over three sites, a land of storytelling and two sports parks with world class attractions. A 200-acre forest park, Colin Glen boasts activities such as The Black Bull Run, Alpine Coaster, Ireland’s longest zipline, Gruffalo Trail, high-ropes, driving range and so much more. Remember to pack your comfy shoes and rain gear! Visit www.colinglen.org
Fota House and Gardens
While its famous neighbour Fota Wildlife Park may be more well-known, Fota House and Gardens is also deserving of a visit and is well-loved by many families. The house itself is closed for much of February, but the gardens are worth a visit. Bring the scooters for the kids and they are guaranteed to love checking out all the paths, open grass areas, trees and the incredible mix of flowers, plants and bushes. Bramley Lodge Restaurant is a minute’s drive and is an ideal spot for a family lunch or dinner. Visit www.fotahouse.com
Jurassic Newpark, Co Kilkenny
Little ones can run wild at Jurassic Newpark in Kilkenny.
Moving dinosaurs, fairy trails, talking trees, ride-on baby T-rex, go karts and a playground… we think it’s safe to say that kids will adore a trip to Jurassic Newpark! Entry also includes access to the mini wildlife farm where you can see a variety of animals including emus, goats, alpacas, llamas, ducks, sheep and lots more! Depending on how close you live, an individual, monthly or annual pass are options to choose from. While some times of the year are reserved for residents of Newpark Hotel, your little ones can run wild at Jurassic Newpark for the February midterm break! Visit www.jurassicnewpark.com
Suir Valley Railway
What a wonderful opportunity to support a community heritage project in Kilmeadan, Co Waterford? Open for the midterm break, Waterford Suir Valley Railway allows families to enjoy a scenic train journey along the banks of the River Suir. It helps to bring some of the old railway network back to life, for the benefit of kids and adults of all ages. And while you’re in the area, why not pay a visit to nearby Mount Congreve Gardens with 70 acres of gardens and their Stables Café and Secret Garden shop? Visit www.wsvrailway.ie
Atlantaquaria
The aquarium in Galway is known for being popular with locals and visitors alike. It is Ireland’s largest native species aquarium where education, awareness and conservation of ocean and life under water are celebrated. Kids will marvel at the selection on view over two floors of exhibits and adults will be delighted with free parking and WiFi! Located along the world-famous Salthill Promenade, it’s ideally placed for a great day out. And while in the area, take a walk, scoot or cycle along the Prom, followed by coffee and a treat at some of the great cafes on offer, including favourites Ground & Co. and Coco Cafe Salthill. Visit www.nationalaquarium.ie
Playtown Tullamore
A children’s play museum located across three levels of imagination, creativity and exploration, there is something to entice kids of all ages to get involved. It’s all located indoors so it’s a wonderful choice for a rainy day in Co Offaly! There are over 30 themes to get involved in, from a hair salon to pizzeria, garda station to school, doctors and supermarket. No matter their interest, kids get to immerse themselves in play areas that imitate real life. The top floor has lots of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) based activities, with two creative rooms with options for ages four to 99! Visit www.playtowntullamore.ie
Glenveagh National Park
Lying in the heart of Donegal, Glenveagh National Park is a treasure waiting for families to explore it. There are trails for all ages and abilities to choose from, and Glenveagh Castle and Gardens are also a delight and adventure. Facilities include a visitor and education centre, restaurant and tea rooms, wild play area and playgrounds, toilets and baby changing area.
Cycling is allowed at the park, which can be a great way to include younger and older children. Bring water and a picnic so you can stop to eat when suits, or when little tummies demand it! Visit www.nationalparks.ie/glenveagh/
Throughout
Ireland
Greenways For an activity that doesn’t cost too much and is suitable for all the family, cycling is a hard one to beat! Whether you use a bike trailer or child seat, mountain bike, hybrid or electric bike, a trip along a Greenway is a great choice for all ages in your family. We are lucky in Ireland to have a selection of fabulous Greenways throughout Ireland - from the Waterford Greenway to the Great Western Greenway, the Limerick Greenway to the Carlingford Lough Greenway, there are choices across all provinces. Make sure to bring plenty of drinks and snacks - and check those tyres!
Castles February midterm break can be the perfect time to mix a bit of fun with a bit of local or national history. What better way than to explore one of the many castles located all throughout Ireland? From Blarney, Bunratty and Birr to Kilkenny and King John’s, help bring the school books to life, while also having a family day to remember.
Read more
Living Life: travel tips from the experts
Making staycationing with a baby, child’s play
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