Another day has come, pouring since morning, getting bored at home? Don’t know what to do with your little darlings to keep them busy? Looking for things to do on rainy Days? Here are some great ideas for rainy day activities for kids in Tipperary.
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Theatre
The Source Arts Centre, Thurles, is the perfect venue for a wet day. They have a year-round programme of cultural events including theatre, live music, comedy, dance, cinema and theatre.
They run regular events such as plays or concerts for children, and also put on some brilliant workshops that are perfect for families. Keep a look out for these seasonal events! The Arts Centre also has a library and even a bar for a soft drink before the show.
Indoor Activity Centres
Jump ‘n’ Gyms
Work off some steam at Jump ‘n’ Gyms Activity Centre in Stereame, Nenagh. This multi-level soft play area has many facilities to cater for all age groups up to twelve years, including slides, a plastic ball pit, a bouncy castle, shooting cannons, a play house and much more. Admission is free for children under one and €8 for older children. There is a relaxation area for adults and the venue is fully air-conditioned.
Upper Limits Climbing Wall
Learn a new skill while having lots of fun by climbing with supervision at Upper Limits Climbing Wall, based in Upperchurch, just outside Thurles. Upper Limits is Tipperary’s only indoor climbing and bouldering wall. Suited for 6+ years, it’s perfect for rainy days, parties, improving your fitness or for a family challenge. It costs €7 per person and no previous experience is required. All equipment is provided – bring runners, comfortable clothes and a sense of adventure!
Mitchelstown Caves
On a rainy day, visit the Mitchelstown Caves! Don’t be misled by the name; the Mitchelstown caves are actually just outside Cahir in Co.Tipperary. This is one of the largest and most complex cave systems in Ireland. You can get a guided tour to follow the ancient passageways and visit massive caverns. The inside of the limestone caves are stunning and may keep the little ones occupied for a while as they take in the sheer size of some of the stalactites. Make sure to see one of Europe’s finest columns, the inspiring “Tower of Babel”, which stands some 9 meters in height. The rich history and fascinating science associated with the caves means it will be fun for parents too!
Go Swimming!
Thurles Leisure Centre
At the leisure centre in Thurles, they have a 25m, 5 lane swimming pool. They offer TLC Swim School lessons for kids and for adults, there is a spa area with a sauna, steam room and spa pool. Adults cost €6.00 and children cost €3.50. They also have deals for families.
Roscrea Leisure Centre
On a rainy day, head to Roscrea Leisure Centre with the kids. They have a 25m pool, a learner’s pool, a kiddies pool with water features and a fully enclosed flume slide which the kids are sure to love! Adults cost €6.00 and children cost €3.50. They often run events or classes for families throughout the year.
Catch a movie
Who doesn’t love popcorn and a good movie? Take in a movie with lots of popcorn and ice creams at one of Tipperary’s great cinemas.
- IMC Thurles, Thurles Shopping Centre
- Clonmel Omniplex
- Ormond Cineplex, Nenagh
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.
Or why not visit your local bookstore and treat the kids to a new book? Spend time browsing for that special book and go home and read it together.
Enjoy some Heritage
For some automobile history, visit the Museum of Transport in Clonmel in the Gortnafleur Business Park. Kids can go on a historical journey into motorised vehicles and get the chance to see some old vehicles, signs, period petrol pumps and other items. They have a fleet of collected and fully restored classic cars which includes a 1904 Clement Talbot. There is also a coffee shop to have a snack afterwards.
Tearaways Pet Farm & Activity Centre
As well as outdoor activities, Tearaways in Rathcabbin also has a range of indoor activities for when the weather isn’t quite so nice! Their purpose built 6,000 square foot indoor activity centre has 2 level adventure play area, with a 4 lane wave slide, 2 tunnel slides, crawling tunnels, cargo nets, ball pits and a separate toddler area for the little ones. There is also a coffee shop for parents to relax in whilst the kids play.
Ormond Castle
Ormond Castle, located on othe River Suir on the east side of Carrick-on-Suir, is the best example of an Elizabethan manor house in Ireland. Built in the 1560s, the rooms are beautifully kept and decorated and you can see the plasterwork portraits. Guided tours are available for €5. You can find out about the fascinating history of Thomas Butler, 10th Earl of Ormond and his wife. Ormond Castle is open daily from the end of March to the end of October each year.
Get Outside
Sometimes, you have 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