This is the situation all too often in our fair isle – the weekend arrives… and so do the rainclouds.  Depending on your children’s ages and interests, there are lots of things to do with kids in Waterford on a rainy day!

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Museums

Waterford Treasures

In the Viking Triangle in Waterford, there are three award-winning museums within a few paces of each other which are popular visitor attractions in the city. The Museum celebrates the ethnic, cultural and religious diversity of all who contributed to the making of Waterford, from Viking and Norman times, through medieval and recent Irish history right up to the present. 

Step inside Viking Waterford at the massive stone fortress Reginald’s Tower at the apex of the Viking Triangle, which houses Waterford’s Viking Treasures and gives the history of viking involvement in Waterford. A circular defence tower built at the beginning of the 13th century and used at various stages in its rich history as a mint, a prison and a military store, it is Waterford’s most recognisable landmark.

The second museum is Ireland’s only Medieval Museum (pictured above) and showcases beautiful treasures and artefacts from the middle ages. You can see two medieval chambers, the 13th century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault.

At the 1743 Bishop’s Palace, you can follow the story of Waterford city and its people from 1700 up to 1970 and get a wonderful insight into the history of what was up to the 1750s, Ireland’s second city. Take a breather and relax in the stunning gardens surrounding the Bishop’s Palace. Visitors to the Bishop’s Palace will see the oldest piece of Waterford Crystal in the world – a decanter made in the 1780’s.

Waterford County Museum

Also worth a visit is Waterford County Museum, Dungarvan, which hosts a permanent display on the history of Waterford County and admission is free. The Museum has a display case devoted to children, containing Victorian/Edwardian clothes, books etc. They also have a handling area where kids can hold replicas of Norman swords, helmets, tools etc

Visit the Library

What better way is there to spend a wet morning/afternoon, than a trip to your local library? All libraries in the county have a junior section. This is a great idea for a rainy afternoon – go and read with the children or take part in many of the free events and activities that take place. Maybe catch some free story-telling, and let the kids borrow some books to take home and read. Make sure to 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.

Browse Some Books

Following on from our last entry, the Book Centre in Waterford city is a fabulous child-friendly bookstore. They have an excellent kids’ reading area which is extensive and unique. They also have regular children’s events throughout the year, such as storytelling. They run free face painting on Saturdays between 3.30 and 4.30 p.m. Parents can relax and enjoy a coffee while browsing the books as the kids have some fun!

Play Centres

Activate Waterford

For a rainy day, head to Activate Waterford which has a great range of indoor activities for kids. They have an indoor ten pin bowling, a climbing wall, bouldering, a roller rink and much more. Their ‘Laser Wars’ is a high-tech laser tag adventure with over 18 different games to choose from, including Zombies and Vampires. They also have a soft play area suitable for children over 6 months with a tiny tot area, toddler area and a huge triple level play frame.

Splashworld

If the weather is bad or if the kids just want to have a fun day out, make sure to get the togs and towels ready for Splashworld. Located in Tramore in Waterford, Splashworld is the biggest indoor waterpark in the South East! Entry costs €10 for adults and €8 for children.

Runamuck

Run Amuck in the Riverstown Business Park, Tramore is a great children’s indoor activity centre. They have a soft play and a high-tech ‘Laserblast’ game. Another brilliant feature of this venue is their ‘Pottery Place’ where kids can paint their own pottery from €5. Parents can have a tea or coffee in the Mucky Angels Café while you let the kids run wild!

Pirates Adventure

How about a game of Mini Golf with a twist at Pirates Adventure? This family adventure centre in Tramore has unique Glow in the Dark mini golf. They also have many other great attractions, such as mini bowling, electric motor cycles, a pirate ship climbing frame and a soft play area.

If you have a favourite rainy day activity or place to go, tell us in the comments below.

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