Looking for rainy day activities for kids in Westmeath? When the weather turns wet, it helps to have a few reliable options up your sleeve. From indoor play centres and bowling to swimming pools, libraries and a fascinating castle, Westmeath has plenty to keep children entertained whatever the forecast. Here are our favourite picks for a wet-weather family day out.
Indoor Centres
#### Planet Family Entertainment Centre, Athlone
Planet Family Entertainment Centre in Athlone is a great choice for a family day out when the weather isn’t playing ball. It offers a range of activities including ten pin bowling, Quasar, astro-turf soccer pitches, American pool, snooker and video game simulators. Their “Adventureland” soft play area has slides, rope bridges, pulleys and a large ball pool, with a separate section for younger children.
#### Rock ‘n’ Bowl
If the weather is wet and miserable, Rock ‘n’ Bowl in Mullingar has ten pin bowling with smaller balls and ramps for younger children to use. There’s also the “Jungle Joes” Kids Play Area, suited to children up to 12 years old, with astral and spiral slides, a football pitch, a maze, rope bridges, ball pools and more. Alongside the play area, there’s kids’ go-karting and an American-style diner on site.
#### Jump4Joy Adventure Centre
Located in the Monksland Industrial Estate in Athlone, Jump4Joy is an adventure centre for children under 12, with bouncy castles, crazy golf, bungee trampolines, bumper cars, an inflatable adventure island, mega slides, air hockey, pool and more. Parents can relax in the on-site café while the kids play.
#### Kidz & Co.
Kidz & Co. Indoor Adventure Play Centre in Mullingar has plenty to offer on a rainy day. The soft play area includes slides, bridges and a separate toddler area, and there’s comfy seating and a café for parents to grab a coffee or something to eat while the children play.
Catch a Movie
Who doesn’t love popcorn and a good film? Westmeath has cinemas in both Mullingar and Athlone, many with kids’ clubs and family-friendly screenings during school holidays — it’s worth checking current listings and any age-specific offers before you go.
Alternatively, why not bring the cinema experience home? Get the kids involved in setting up a “home cinema” — arrange the seating, make tickets, dim the lights — then sit back and enjoy the show together.
Related: Make Your Own Home Cinema
Get Reading
Visit your local library. All library branches in Westmeath have a junior section, making them a great option for a rainy afternoon — settle in to read together or take part in one of the free events and activities many branches run. Westmeath has library branches in Athlone, Mullingar, Moate, Kilbeggan, Killucan, Castlepollard and Ballynacarraigy, with books for readers of all ages and regular activities, especially during the summer. It’s always worth checking opening hours before you head out.
Go Swimming
#### Mullingar Swimming Pool
Mullingar has a family-friendly public swimming pool with swimming lessons available. The 25-metre pool has a viewing balcony, a sauna and several family cubicles for added privacy.
#### Athlone Regional Sports Centre
Athlone Regional Sports Centre at Curragh has a 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool along with a separate toddler pool, poolside jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. There are plenty of kids’ activities too, including family fun sessions, a pool slide, and water games and competitions. It’s open seven days a week.
Athlone Castle
Athlone Castle and Visitor Centre sits on the banks of the River Shannon on the west side of Athlone town, and makes for a brilliant family day out whatever the weather. First built in the 12th century, the castle has a rich history, told through eight interactive, multi-sensory exhibitions designed with families in mind. 3D maps, audio-visual displays and illustrations bring the stories and characters of Athlone to life, and there’s a picnic area in the courtyard if the weather brightens up. It’s worth checking current opening hours and admission details before you visit.
Get Outside
Sometimes you’ve just got to 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. Check out our Top 10 Things to Do Outside in the Rain for inspiration.
Warm up afterwards with a hot bath or shower, dry clothes and a hot chocolate. Then why not settle in with a board game or a movie — the 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we do indoors on a rainy day in Westmeath?
Westmeath has several indoor play centres, including Planet Family Entertainment Centre and Jump4Joy in Athlone, and Rock ‘n’ Bowl and Kidz & Co. in Mullingar. Between soft play, bowling, arcade games and cafés for parents, there’s plenty of shelter from the rain.
Are there swimming pools suitable for young children in Westmeath?
Yes. Both Mullingar Swimming Pool and Athlone Regional Sports Centre have family-friendly facilities, including toddler pools, and run activities suited to younger children.
Is Athlone Castle a good option on a wet day?
Yes, Athlone Castle’s exhibitions are indoors and interactive, making it an enjoyable visit regardless of the weather. There’s also a courtyard picnic area if conditions improve.
Where can we go if we want a free or low-cost rainy day activity?
Your local library is a great free option — Westmeath has branches in Athlone, Mullingar, Moate, Kilbeggan, Killucan, Castlepollard and Ballynacarraigy, all with junior sections and regular activities.
Related Articles
- 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
Save These Ideas for Later
Keep this list handy for the next wet weekend — bookmark this page or save it to your phone so you’ve always got a few rainy day options ready to go for Westmeath.
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