Rain doesn’t have to mean a day stuck staring out the window. Laois has plenty of ways to keep kids entertained when the weather turns wet — from indoor play centres and swimming pools to cosy library visits and a good old-fashioned movie afternoon. Here are our favourite rainy day activities for kids in Laois.
Indoor Play Centres
Indoor centres are a lifesaver on a really wet day, letting the kids burn off energy without a raincoat in sight.
- Roll n’ Bowl, Portlaoise has a dedicated play area for under 4s, multi-level soft play for 4–12 year olds, a roller disco, indoor soccer, bowling, Laser Quest, and a “make your own teddy bear” activity. There’s a snack café on site and baby changing facilities, plus outdoor crazy golf for when the rain finally clears.
- Clown Around, Portarlington is another popular indoor play centre with plenty to keep younger children busy.
Opening hours and activity availability can vary, so it’s worth checking with each venue directly before you head out.
Catch a Movie
Few things beat popcorn and a good film on a rainy afternoon. Check what’s showing at the cinema in Portlaoise — many cinemas run kids’ clubs or discounted weekend screenings, so it’s worth checking current listings and offers before you go.
If you’d rather stay in, why not create your own home cinema experience instead? Get the kids involved in setting up seating, dimming the lights, making tickets and choosing snacks, then settle in together.
Related: Make Your Own Home Cinema
Get Reading at the Library
A trip to the local library is a brilliant, low-cost rainy day option. Every library branch in Laois has a junior section, and many run free events and activities for kids throughout the year — well worth checking their calendar before you visit.
Mountmellick library has a junior book club along with a coffee dock and exhibition gallery. Other branches across the county — including Portlaoise, Portarlington, Mountrath, Rathdowney, Stradbally, Timahoe, Ballylinan, Borris-in-Ossory, Durrow and Abbeyleix — all offer books for readers of every age, with extra activities often laid on during the summer. Check opening hours before you make plans, as these can vary by branch and season.
Go Swimming
A swim is a great way to fill a rainy afternoon, whatever the age of your kids.
Portlaoise Leisure Centre has a 25m six-lane pool, a learner pool suitable for adults and children, and a kiddies’ fun pool. Some centres run inflatable or family fun sessions at set times during the week — check current times and availability directly with the centre, as these can change.
Portarlington Leisure Centre also has a good pool with a learner pool and an on-site café, making it an easy option for a family swim session.
Get Outside
Sometimes the best thing to do is just 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 a great way to burn off pent-up energy after being cooped up indoors.
Warm up afterwards with a hot bath or shower, dry clothes and a hot chocolate. Then settle in with a board game or a movie for a cosy end to a wet day.
Related: Top 10 Things to Do Outside in the Rain, 50 Fun Rainy Day Activities for Kids, What to Do on a Rainy Day, Activities for a Rainy Day
Frequently Asked Questions
What indoor activities are there for kids in Laois on a rainy day?
Laois has a couple of great indoor play centres, including Roll n’ Bowl in Portlaoise, which offers soft play, bowling, roller disco and Laser Quest, and Clown Around in Portarlington. Both are ideal for keeping kids entertained without needing to go outside.
Are there swimming pools in Laois suitable for kids?
Yes, both Portlaoise Leisure Centre and Portarlington Leisure Centre have pools suitable for families, including learner pools for younger children. It’s worth checking each centre for current session times before you visit.
Is the library a good rainy day option for kids in Laois?
Definitely. Every library branch in Laois has a junior section, and many run free children’s events throughout the year, making it a relaxed and free way to spend a wet afternoon.
What can we do if we’d rather stay at home on a rainy day?
Setting up a home cinema, playing board games, or simply enjoying hot chocolate after a puddle-splashing walk are all easy, low-cost ways to make a rainy day at home feel special.
More Rainy Day Ideas
Looking for more inspiration? Take a look at our other rainy day guides for fresh ideas whenever the forecast turns wet, including tips for getting outside in the rain and dozens more fun activities to try at home.
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