Rain doesn’t have to mean a boring day at home. Kildare has plenty of ways to keep the kids busy and happy when the weather turns wet, from cosy indoor play centres to swimming pools, cinemas and libraries. Whether you’re after somewhere to burn off energy or a quieter afternoon curled up with a book, here are our favourite rainy day ideas for families in Kildare.
Support the Arts
The Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge has a dedicated Children’s Art Space, which regularly features interactive art exhibitions for kids. It’s a lovely spot for children to explore while you grab a coffee at the on-site CaToCa café. The centre also runs children’s events and workshops at weekends and during school holidays, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you visit.
Indoor Play Centres
Kildare has a good spread of indoor play centres for exactly this kind of weather. Pop in, let the kids burn off some energy, and enjoy a coffee while they play.
- Playzone at M4 Business Park, Celbridge
- Fun Factory at M7 Business Park
- Tricky Tricksters/Magic Castle at Toughers Business Park, Newhall, Naas
- Jungle Den, Monread Commercial Park, Monread Road, Naas
- Playbarn, Johnstown, Naas
- Joey’s (best suited to 0–6 year olds), Naas Town Centre
For a different kind of indoor fun, take the family bowling at K-Bowl Family Entertainment Centre in Newhall, Naas. Ten-pin bowling here works well even for younger kids from around age three, and there’s a café on site for refreshments afterwards.
Fancy something a bit different? There’s also an 18-hole indoor crazy golf course at Toughers Business Park, Naas, for a fun round of mini-golf whatever the weather.
Catch a Movie
Who doesn’t love popcorn and a good film? The Odeon cinemas in Newbridge and Naas run kids’ clubs with discounted screenings, particularly during school holidays. Times and offers can change, so it’s worth checking the cinema’s website before you head out.
If you’d rather stay in, you can recreate the magic of the cinema at home. Get the kids involved in setting up a “cinema” in your sitting room — arrange the seating, make tickets, dim the lights — then settle in together.
Related: Make Your Own Home Cinema
Get Reading
A trip to your local library is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon. Every library in Kildare has a junior section, and many run free events and activities for kids as well. It’s worth checking opening times and what’s on before you go.
A visit to a local bookshop is another lovely option — let the kids take their time picking out something new, then head home to read it together. Barker & Jones in Naas has a dedicated children’s section upstairs and a coffee shop on the first floor, making it easy to turn a book browse into a proper outing.
Related: Libraries in Kildare
Be Active
Swimming is a brilliant way to use up energy on a wet day. Naas and Athy both have public pools with kids’ pools and family changing facilities, plus a café on site. Both venues run family swimming sessions and swimming camps during school holidays, and Athy pool has an inflatable obstacle course for older, more confident swimmers at weekends. Timetables can vary, so it’s best to check with the pool directly before you set off.
Get Outside
Sometimes the best thing to do on a rainy day is to just get out in it. Pop on the raincoats and wellies and head out for a puddle-splashing walk — it’s a great way for kids to let off steam, rain or shine. For more ideas, check out our Top 10 Things to Do Outside in the Rain.
Once you’re home again, warm up with a hot shower, dry clothes and a mug of hot chocolate. Then it’s time for a board game or a film on the couch — the perfect 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 can we do with kids on a rainy day in Kildare?
Kildare has plenty of indoor options, including play centres, bowling, indoor crazy golf, swimming pools, cinemas and libraries — as well as arts events at the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge.
Are there indoor play centres in Kildare?
Yes, there are several across the county, including play centres in Celbridge and Naas, suited to a range of ages.
Is it worth going out in the rain with kids?
Absolutely — with the right raingear, a walk in the rain can be a great way for kids to burn off energy, followed by a warm bath and a cosy afternoon at home.
Where can we go swimming on a rainy day in Kildare?
Public pools in Naas and Athy both have kids’ pools and family changing facilities, with swimming camps and family sessions during school holidays.
More Rainy Day Ideas
Looking for more inspiration? You might also like:
- 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
- Libraries in Kildare
Save This for Your Next Rainy Day
Bookmark this page or save it to your phone so you’ve got it handy the next time the forecast turns wet — no scrambling for ideas required.
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