Rain doesn’t have to mean a day stuck staring out the window. Kerry has plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained when the weather turns — from indoor play centres and museums to swimming pools, cinemas and cosy libraries. Here’s our round-up of rainy day activities for kids in Kerry to help you plan your next wet-weather outing.
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Indoor Centres
Bowling Buddies
Bowling Buddies in Tralee is an indoor bowling complex with automatic-scoring lanes, a retro diner-style café, a video arcade and friendly staff to look after the whole family.
The Playdium
The Playdium in Tralee is a large indoor play centre for children under twelve, with a soft play area, climbing frames, ball pools, indoor slides, kids’ go-karting and a dedicated Tiny Tots Play Area. There’s a café on site so parents can grab a tea or coffee while the kids play.
Museums
Kerry County Museum
Kerry County Museum is housed in the Ashe Memorial Hall in Tralee, named after Thomas Ashe, a Kerryman and member of the Irish Volunteers who died on hunger strike in Mountjoy in 1917. Explore the main gallery, the special exhibition gallery and the audio-visual room, plus a Tom Crean room, an Archaeology Hall and the Medieval Experience, where you can wander the streets of 1450 Tralee. There’s an interactive trail for kids to follow, along with regular children’s activities and events.
Muckross House
In Killarney National Park, Muckross House is a beautifully furnished nineteenth-century Victorian mansion with a fascinating history, including a visit from Queen Victoria. Tour the house, then explore the walled garden, restaurant and craft shop on the grounds.
Celtic Prehistoric Museum
The Celtic Prehistoric Museum in Dingle holds a large archaeological collection spanning the Jurassic, Stone Age, Bronze Age, Celtic and Viking eras. Highlights include Ireland’s only intact Woolly Mammoth skull with its tusks still attached, a complete baby dinosaur skeleton, a nest of dinosaur eggs, a Cave Bear skeleton, and an array of ancient tools, weapons and jewellery.
Catch a Movie
When the outdoors just doesn’t appeal, let the cinema be your warm, comfy haven.
- The Omniplex in Tralee and Killarney offers multiple screens and plenty of snack options to enjoy during the film.
- Cinema Killarney has family ticket deals and a Kids Club.
Or turn your own living room into a cinema. Nominate someone to load the film, someone to collect the “tickets” and someone to be the snack vendor. Once everyone’s settled on the couch, sit back, enjoy the show — and don’t forget the all-important “shush!”
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See the Sharks & Penguins
Dingle Ocean World Aquarium makes a brilliant rainy day outing. Located in Dingle town, it’s home to Ireland’s largest collection of sharks, a Polar Penguin Display featuring Gentoo Penguins, Sandtiger Sharks and eye-catching Amazonian displays. There’s also a Touch Tank and a 9m underwater tunnel to explore. A coffee shop overlooks Dingle Harbour, and during high season there’s a Kids Zone with activities such as face painting and arts and crafts.
Get Reading
When a rainy day just doesn’t appeal, head to your local library instead. Children are full of questions, and the library is the one place they’re guaranteed to find answers — in a book.
Libraries cater for all ages, from toddlers to school-age children, with a huge range of books to choose from. Let your child lose themselves in picking out their own read. Many libraries also run free events, such as storytime sessions and kids’ book clubs.
Go Swimming!
It’s hard to find a child who doesn’t love splashing about in water, which makes swimming pools a reliable rainy day win. It’s an affordable way to spend an afternoon while giving kids exercise and a chance to build social skills.
The Aqua Dome in Tralee is one of Ireland’s largest indoor waterworlds, with tropical temperatures year-round and plenty of features to capture the imagination of swimmers and non-swimmers alike — a great day out whatever the weather.
Get Outside
Sometimes you’ve just got to get out and get wet. Pop on the raingear and wellies and head out for a walk in the rain — most kids love splashing in puddles, and it’s often a great way to burn off pent-up energy from being cooped up indoors. For more ideas, check out our Top 10 Things to Do Outside in the Rain.
Warm up afterwards with a hot bath or shower, dry clothes and a hot chocolate. Then pull out a board game or snuggle up on the couch with a movie — the perfect end to a wet day.
You may also enjoy: 50 Fun Rainy Day Activities for Kids
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we do in Kerry on a rainy day with kids?
Kerry has plenty of indoor options, including play centres like The Playdium and Bowling Buddies, museums such as Kerry County Museum and Muckross House, an aquarium in Dingle, swimming at the Aqua Dome, and cinemas in Tralee and Killarney.
Are there indoor play centres in Kerry for younger children?
Yes. The Playdium in Tralee is designed for children under twelve and includes soft play, climbing frames, ball pools, slides and a Tiny Tots area, with a café for parents.
Is there an aquarium in Kerry?
Yes, Dingle Ocean World Aquarium features sharks, penguins, a touch tank and an underwater tunnel, making it a great rainy day trip for the whole family.
Where can families go swimming in Kerry when it rains?
The Aqua Dome in Tralee is an indoor waterworld with year-round tropical temperatures, suitable for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.
Are there free things to do in Kerry on a rainy day?
Yes — local libraries are a great free option, offering storytime sessions, book clubs and a wide range of books for children of all ages.
Related Articles
- Make Your Own Home Cinema
- Top 10 Things to Do Outside in the Rain
- 50 Fun Rainy Day Activities for Kids
Looking for More Rainy Day Ideas?
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