Looking for rainy day activities in Offaly to keep the kids busy when the weather turns? Whether you’re in Tullamore, Birr, Edenderry or anywhere in between, there’s plenty to do indoors (and a bit of outdoor fun too, if you don’t mind getting wet). Here are our favourite ways to fill a wet afternoon with the kids in Offaly.
Indoor Play Centres
- Jumpin Jacks Fun Factory, Tullamore – let the kids burn off energy on the play equipment while you relax with a coffee. Jumpin Jacks also offers bowling, pottery painting, golf and a teddy factory, with free parking on site.
- Tons of Fun, Edenderry – a popular indoor soft play centre where kids can run wild while parents get a well-earned break.
- Birr Castle Demesne – for something a little different, the science museum and historic giant telescope make for a fascinating rainy day out.
- Belmont Mills Water Mill & Studios, near Ferbane – see a working water turbine in action at this atmospheric spot.
Catch a Movie
Popcorn, comfy seats and a good film – hard to beat on a wet day. The Tullamore Omniplex, located in the Bridge Centre, has a kids’ club with special offers at weekends and during school holidays, along with kids’ meal options. It’s worth checking current times and offers before you head in, as these can change.
If you’d rather stay in, why not set up your own home cinema? Get the kids involved in arranging seating, making tickets and picking the film, then settle in together. For step-by-step ideas, see our guide to making your own home cinema.
Get Reading
A trip to the library is a lovely way to spend a rainy afternoon. Offaly has library branches in Birr, Banagher, Clara, Daingean, Edenderry, Ferbane, Kilcormac and Tullamore, each with a junior section stocked for readers of all ages. Many branches also run free children’s events and activities throughout the year, with extra sessions during the summer months. It’s a good idea to check opening hours and event listings with your local branch before you go, as these can vary.
Go Swimming
The Aura Leisure Centre in Tullamore has a 25m six-lane pool, a 5m learner pool suitable for adults and children, and a dedicated Kiddies’ Fun Pool. Weekend family sessions often include pool toys, inflatables and music to make splash time extra fun.
Birr Leisure Centre, Edenderry Leisure Centre and Clara swimming pool are also open to the public and worth checking out for a rainy day swim. As with any leisure facility, it’s best to confirm current public swim times before you set off.
Get Outside
Sometimes the best thing to do on a rainy day is simply to embrace it. Pop on the raingear and wellies and head out for a walk – most kids love splashing through puddles, and it’s a great way to burn off pent-up energy after being cooped up indoors.
When you’re back, warm up with a hot shower, dry clothes and a mug of hot chocolate. Round off the day with a board game or a movie snuggled up on the couch – the perfect end to a wet day in Offaly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rainy day activities in Offaly for younger kids?
Soft play centres like Jumpin Jacks Fun Factory in Tullamore and Tons of Fun in Edenderry are great choices for younger children, with plenty of space to run around safely indoors.
Are there swimming pools in Offaly suitable for family swim time?
Yes, Aura Leisure Centre in Tullamore has dedicated family and kiddies’ pool areas, and Birr, Edenderry and Clara also have public swimming facilities.
Do Offaly libraries run activities for kids?
Many library branches across Offaly, including Tullamore, Birr and Edenderry, run free children’s events throughout the year, with extra sessions in summer. It’s best to check with your local branch for current listings.
What can we do if we don’t want to go far from home on a rainy day?
A home cinema set-up, board games, or a wet-weather walk followed by hot chocolate are all easy, low-cost ways to enjoy a rainy day without leaving your area.
More Rainy Day Ideas
If you enjoyed these suggestions, 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
Browse our full collection of rainy day ideas any time you need fresh inspiration for a wet afternoon with the kids.
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