Are you looking for activities for a rainy day in Wicklow? Need some ideas for things to do to keep the kids occupied when it’s wet outside? Then we have lots of suggestions here to make your job a little easier!

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Indoor Centres

Funworks

Fun Works is an indoor play centre located in the Croghen Industrial Estate in Arklow. They have climbing frames, roller skating and laser tag. Parents can enjoy a coffee while the kids run off some steam.

Zoom Adventure Play

Zoom Adventure Play, based in Charlesland, Greystones is a great rainy day option with 4 levels of fun. They have an extreme maze of tunnels, spiral slides and obstacle courses, a four lane slide and ball cannons as well as much more! They have a separate toddler’s area. For the grown ups, they have a coffee area with tasty homemade treats and free wifi. They also run a range of mid week activities for kids.

Bray Bowl

Take the family bowling at Bray Bowl located conveniently beside Bray Dart Station, which not only has 10 pin bowling, but Quasar Laser Tag, Pool, Retro Arcade Video Games, Air Hockey and Snooker which can be enjoyed by kids of all ages.

Wicklow’s Historic Gaol

Wicklow’s Historic Gaol is one of Ireland’s most interactive experiences. The museum tells the story of the gaol’s prisoners through an interactive tour led by experienced and passionate actor guides. On entering the building, you will be transported back in time and meet face to face with some of the most notorious characters to have walked the floors of this dramatic and history-filled building. You can experience the life that the prisoners led and even experience boarding the convict ship for a rough voyage to the New World.

Take a day tour – €9.50 for adults and €6.50 for children – or if you’d like something spookier, they have eerie night tours on offer. If you’re really brave, they also have paranormal tours. The gaol is open daily, and there is a café on-site.

While you’re there, visit the Wicklow Genealogical Museum to have a go at tracing your roots back in time!

Catch a Movie

Who doesn’t love popcorn and a good movie?

Take in a movie at the Omniplex Cinema located in Bridgewater Shopping Centre, Arklow. There is a kids’ club with discounted rates on weekends and during school holidays. They also offer special kids meals too.

Storytelling at the Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray is always a big hit with the kids! Different fun events are run intermittently throughout the year.

Alternatively, why not enjoy all the fun of the cinema, without ever leaving home, by creating your own home cinema experience! Get the kids involved in setting up the cinema, arranging seating, making tickets etc. then sit back and relax!

Related : Make Your Own Home Cinema

Get Reading!

Visit your local library. All libraries in the county have a junior section. Great for a rainy afternoon – go and read with the children or take part in many of the free events and activities that take place.  Check out library opening times before you make plans.

Visit your localbookstore and treat the kids to a new book.  Spend time browsing for that special book and go home and read it together.

Go Swimming!

Go swimming at Coral Leisure in Arklow, the largest leisure complex in the southeast! There is a 25m pool and seperate learner pool, sauna, steamroom, large gym and sports hall.

Children aged 9 years and under must be accompanied in the water at all times by a person over 18 years of age.  Toddlers swim for free!  Coral also have a pool and gym in Wicklow Town.

See The Sharks!

At Sea Life Bray Aquarium, you can go on a fascinating journey to the deep…without getting wet! They have over 30+ displays including: Rivers of the World, Nemo’s Kingdom and their breathtaking Tropical Shark Lagoon. They have a kids quiz trail and a colouring table. Feeding times take place throughout the day and children have the opportunity to handle some of the animals. They also have a soft play area and an indoor picnic area. Adults from €11.25 and children from €8.75.

Cool Planet Experience

Experience the story of climate change at the Cool Planet Experience in Powerscourt Estate & Gardens, Enniskerry, Ireland’s first interactive climate change experience. Kids can find out what is causing it, the science behind it and how they can help through immersion, gaming and competition. The journey takes one hour. They have different workshops and activities for kids throughout the year. Adults cost €9.50, children cost €5.50 and under 7’s go free.

Get Outside

Sometimes, you’ve just got to get out and get wet! Put on the raingear and wellies and go for a walk in the rain.  Most kids love splashing in puddles, and sometimes it’s a great way to release pent-up energy from being cooped up inside.  See our Top 10 Things to do Outside in Rain for inspiration!

Warm up afterwards with a hot bath/shower, dry clothes and hot chocolate. Then, why not pull out a board-game or snuggle up on the couch with a movie – a 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