Are you looking for rainy day ideas to amuse the kids? Living in Ireland, we are not always fortunate enough to have guaranteed sunny days during the summer holidays. So when the rain comes, we have some inspiring rainy day ideas for the summer holidays to keep everyone happy.

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The good news is, most of these rainy day ideas will work wherever you live in the world! This article is brought to you in association with Leisureplex Activity Centres, Dublin & Cork.

Leisureplex Activity Centres In Dublin & Cork

With 5 Dublin sites and 1 site in Cork to visit, you won’t be stuck for rainy day ideas at Leisureplex.

Have some epic family fun and enjoy everything from quasar to bowling and snooker to soft play, there really is something to amuse everyone in the family, no matter what your age.

The Zoo Playland at Leisureplex is the perfect place to let the kids run riot – they’ve got ball pools, slides and fully-padded play areas, so no need to worry about them getting too rough either. And with comfy seating areas for parents, there really is no reason not to make a trip to your local Leisureplex with the kids and their friends.

It’s absolutely perfect for playdates and birthday parties as well, and they’ve even got cool “Little Cub” toddler mornings for the littlest members of the family.

There really is something for everyone at Leisureplex!

Inspiring Rainy Day Ideas for Summer

Take In A Movie or Show

When the rain is pouring down and you are struggling to amuse the kids, a visit to the local cinema or theatre can be just what is needed.

From seeing the latest blockbusters to enjoying a matinee or evening show at the theatre you are sure to find some inspiration from local listings.

As an alternative low cost adventure, you could turn the TV room into a cinema, with homemade tickets, popcorn and darkened room. Or get everyone to write and perform a play or a puppet show.

You May Also Enjoy – Outdoor Cinema and Theatre Experiences for Summer 2019.

Visit An Activity, Discovery Or Play Centre

A visit to an activity, discovery or play centre offers a super way to amuse kids of all ages, especially if they offer several different activities to choose from. And parents usually get a break too with some time out to enjoy a cuppa or a catch up with friends.

We are lucky to have some amazing activity, discovery and play centres in Ireland with a vast array of activities to enjoy including:

• Bowling
• Soft Play
• Quasar
• Wall Climbing
• Trampolining
• Go Karting
• Indoor Skiing
• Zip Lines (indoor)
• Quests
• Ice Skating
• Archery (Indoors)
• Mazes (indoor)
• Skating
• Boda Borg at Lough Key
• Pottery
• Interactive Games & Exhibits
• Eco Discover Centres
• Science Discover Centres
• Aquarium
• LEGO

You May Also Enjoy – Amazing Mazes In Ireland to Puzzle Your Way In and Out Of! & 9 Amazing Adventure Centres for Families in Ireland

Escape With Your Friends

Escape Rooms have become very popular over the last number of years with many new places opening up around the country. We have a handy list of Escape Rooms here.

You May Also Enjoy – Free, Educational & Fun Places to Visit With Kids In Ireland

Go Underground

Get underground and out of the rain with a visit to a cave, mine or crypt. There are hundreds here in Ireland to choose from and often they offer guided tours and have other attractions attached.

An alternative is to go cave kayaking, combining both time on water and getting underground. And as you will be getting wet anyway, the rain shouldn’t matter!

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Hop On The Train, Bus Or Boat

Be a tourist for the day and hop on the train or bus to a new area. If you already have travel passes, this is a good low cost day out. Pick a public transport bus, train or tram route and stay on until the end of the line before returning home or go in the opposite direction to your usual route!

Have you ever been on a tour of your own city? It is surprising what you can discover on a bus tour around your own city or by going further afield.

Another great option is a boat tour. So if you have a river or lake near you, check out if there are tour boat operators and enjoy learning more about where you live and getting a different perspective of the town from the water.

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Go Back In Time

Visit a Castle or stately home to take a trip back in time. Many now offer interactive visitor centres and guided tours and some even have dress up facilities.

You May Also Enjoy – Take a Fairytale Road Trip Around Ireland & Horrible History Fans Will Love Exploring These Incredible Historic Places in Ireland

Low Cost & Free Rainy Day Ideas for Summer

Check Out Your Local Libraries, Museums & Galleries

Libraries often offer story times, workshops, games, colouring sheets and other fun activities alongside book rental. Many have summer reading schemes that kids and teens can sign up to so they keep up with reading during the summer months and get to discover new authors they may not have read before.

Many museums and galleries are free to visit and make for an interesting rainy day out. We have a list of the best museums to visit with kids in Ireland to get you started.

You May Also Enjoy – Summer Reading Challenge Ideas & 50+ Discover Places Around Ireland For Guaranteed Hands-On STEM Fun 

Get Creative With Art & Crafts

Inspired by your gallery or museum visit, break out the arts and crafts and get creative. Cover the kitchen table or floor with a disposable table cloth and let everyone get messy. From collages to paintings and pottery to drawing, the possibilities are endless!

You May Also Enjoy – Amazing Art Places for Kids In Ireland  & 50 Brilliant Ideas for Arts & Crafts for Kids That Are Worth The Mess

Have A Duvet Day

Remember duvet days, pre kids? On a rainy day there is no better feeling than shutting the curtains, staying in your pj’s and chilling out with your favourite movie, book, music or dusting off the board games or cards. Here are the 20 Best Board Games for Families & 15 Fun Card Games.

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Jump In Puddles

Embrace the rain with a trip outdoors. Get everyone into wellies and rain gear and go for a walk, jumping in muddy puddles is obligatory.

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Swim & Splash

A trip to the beach or local aqua park is always fun in the rain. Leave your clothes and towel in the car and hop in. You are going to get wet anyway! We have put together a list of places to swim and splash in Ireland and the best sandy beaches to visit too.

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Take A Road Trip

A road trip can be local or you could go further afield. Discover new places in Ireland that you may not have visited before or how about letting the kids take charge? Get them to look up the route and give you directions on how to get there!

You never know, you may get lucky and rain may have stopped when you get there! And be sure to pack some food and drinks for a ‘carnic’, a picnic in the car!

You May Also Enjoy – 99 Fantastic Places To Go In Ireland With Kids This Summer & Journey Into The Past With Our Favourite Mythical and Folklore Places To Visit In Ireland 

Get Messy In The Kitchen

A rainy day is perfect for getting messy in the kitchen. Whether you create sweet or savoury dishes, get the children to weigh, measure and mix. They will enjoy doing this and learn along the way.

If your children are old enough, get them to make the family dinner or lunch for that day while you relax, at least until it is time for the wash up!

Get the recipe and watch how the children could also make playdough, slime or honeycomb.

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Play Indoor Games

Make a fort or an indoor obstacle course. Set up an indoor disco or cinema. Have an indoor treasure hunt. Play board games, dressing up, cards or charades, the possibilities are endless. We have other indoor games ideas here.

You May Also Enjoy – 50 Fun Indoor Activities for Kids & Low Cost Things to Do with Kids in Ireland Recommended by Parents

Over to you now. Do you have any other inspiring rainy day ideas for Summer fun? Please share them with us in the comments box below.