Living in Ireland means every parent needs a solid backup plan for rainy days — and let’s be honest, even our summers can throw plenty of them at us! Whether you’re stuck indoors with restless kids or just want a change of scene, Meath has loads of great options for keeping everyone entertained when the weather won’t cooperate. Here are some of our favourite rainy day activities for kids in Meath.
Indoor Play Centres
#### Zone Extreme Activity Centre
The Zone Extreme Activity Centre in Navan offers 54,000 square feet of indoor activity space, so the weather is never a problem here. Kids and adults can try karting, paintball, laser tag, laser clay pigeon shooting, a laser maze, archery and a shooting simulator. The centre can cater for large groups, making it a great choice for parties or family days out. Most activities are suitable from age 8 and up, with paintball recommended for ages 13 and over.
#### Funtasia
At Funtasia in Bettystown, there’s plenty to keep kids entertained — a multi-level jungle zone play area, a cosmic bowling alley, fairground rides, a 3D motion theatre, simulators, and video and arcade games.
#### Puddenhill Activity Centre
Puddenhill Activity Centre in Garristown is a 4,500 square foot indoor soft play centre with large and small play areas, dedicated party rooms, a separate toddlers’ area, a football cage, a climbing wall and a parents’ coffee area. The centre also runs regular mother and toddler groups.
#### Best O’Matz
Located in Kells Business Park, Best O’Matz is a great indoor play centre for a rainy day, with a climbing wall, two slides, air cannons, a football pitch and more. Their sensory room offers a calm, therapeutic space for children with special needs or anyone who needs a quieter break.
Go Swimming
A wet day is the perfect excuse for a swim at Aura Leisure Centre, which has two locations in Meath — Clonmagaddan in Navan and Newhaggard Road in Trim. The Aura Swim Academy runs classes for children of all ages and abilities, and the centres also host Family Fun Swim events with inflatable bouncy castles, treasure hunts and raft races for the whole family to enjoy together.
Catch a Movie
Popcorn, ice cream and a good film — you can’t go wrong on a rainy day. Meath has a couple of cinemas worth checking out, including the Arc Cinema in Navan and the Vue Cinema in Ashbourne, both of which run family-friendly kids’ clubs and weekend morning screenings at reduced prices. It’s worth checking their websites for current showtimes and ticket prices before you head out.
If you’d rather stay in, why not set up your own home cinema experience? Get the kids involved in arranging the seating, making tickets and picking the movie, then settle in for a cosy night together.
Related: Make Your Own Home Cinema
Get Reading!
Your local library is a brilliant rainy day option — every library in Meath has a junior section, and many run free events and activities for kids. It’s worth checking opening times and event listings before you go.
A browse in a bookshop is always a lovely treat too, especially if there’s a new book in it for the kids. Eason in Navan and Ashbourne both have lovely children’s sections, along with regular weekend storytimes.
Visit the Theatre
Solstice Arts Centre in Navan brings a varied programme of music, theatre, visual arts, cinema and dance from local and international artists. They regularly run family workshops and events and welcome visitors of all ages. Pop in to see the current gallery exhibition and grab a bite afterwards in the Solstice Café. Check their website for the latest programme of events.
Alternatively, see what’s on at The Venue Theatre in Ratoath, which often runs family events and is fast becoming one of the best live entertainment venues in County Meath. They also offer kids’ activities and classes, including art, ballet and music clubs.
Slane Castle
Set in the middle of a 1,500-acre estate in the heart of the Boyne Valley, Slane Castle is a wonderful spot for the history lovers in the family. Home to the Conyngham family since 1703 and just a few miles from the site of the Battle of the Boyne, the castle’s historical tours cover its colourful past. Guided tours run at set times throughout the day — check the website before you visit.
Irish Military War Museum
This museum in Starinagh is both fun and educational, giving kids the chance to learn about Ireland’s involvement in both World Wars. Visitors can tour the interactive museum, handle original weapons, explore a replica WWI trench and even sit in a tank.
When the weather brightens up, it’s worth coming back for one of their family days — the museum also has a petting farm and playground.
Get Outside
Sometimes you’ve just got to embrace the rain! Pop on the raingear and wellies and head out for a walk. Balrath Wood, Mullaghmeen Forest Park and Hungry Hall Park all have sheltered spots to duck into if a shower catches you out. Most kids love splashing in puddles, and a bit of fresh air is often the best 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.
Afterwards, warm everyone up with a hot bath or shower, dry clothes and a mug of hot chocolate. Then settle in with a board game or a movie for a cosy end to a wet day.
Related: 50 Fun Rainy Day Activities for Kids & What to Do on a Rainy Day & Activities for a Rainy Day
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rainy day activities for kids in Meath?
Meath has plenty of indoor options for a rainy day, including activity centres like Zone Extreme, Funtasia, Puddenhill and Best O’Matz, plus swimming at Aura Leisure Centre, a trip to the cinema, the library, Solstice Arts Centre or The Venue Theatre.
Are there indoor play centres in Meath suitable for toddlers?
Yes — Puddenhill Activity Centre in Garristown has a dedicated toddlers’ area and runs regular mother and toddler groups, making it a great choice for younger children.
Is Slane Castle open on rainy days?
Slane Castle’s guided historical tours take place indoors as well as around the estate, making it a good option even in wet weather. It’s best to check the website for current tour times before visiting.
What can we do outside in Meath even when it’s raining?
Sheltered walking spots like Balrath Wood, Mullaghmeen Forest Park and Hungry Hall Park are lovely for a rain-friendly walk, with plenty of tree cover to duck under during showers.
Related Articles
- 50 Fun Rainy Day Activities for Kids
- What to Do on a Rainy Day
- Activities for a Rainy Day
- Top 10 Things to Do Outside in the Rain
- Make Your Own Home Cinema
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