Rainy days don’t have to mean bored kids and cabin fever. Carlow has plenty of great options for keeping little ones (and big ones) entertained when the weather turns wet — from indoor play centres and adventure activities to museums, cinemas and cosy library corners. Here’s our round-up of the best rainy day activities for kids in Carlow.
Indoor Centres
#### Big Blue Barn
The Big Blue Barn Playcentre, located in the Deerpark Business Complex on the Dublin road in Carlow, is a great option when the weather isn’t playing ball. Kids will love the 7-metre-high spiral slide and the 4-lane astra slide, while parents can relax with a coffee and let the little ones burn off some energy. They also run toddler sessions during the week — it’s worth checking their current timetable before you go.
#### The Dome Family Entertainment Centre
Take the family bowling at the Dome Family Entertainment Centre in Graiguecullen. With multiple 10-pin bowling lanes and one of the largest indoor kids’ play areas in the country, there’s plenty here to keep everyone entertained for hours. The centre also has a Laser Dome for older kids, plus a diner serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with snack options in between.
#### Rancho Reilly
Alongside its outdoor activities, Rancho Reilly’s in Graiguecullen has indoor slides and a good-sized soft play area. If the rain clears up, there are picnic tables too, so you can make a day of it.
#### G2 Adventure Centre
G2 is a large indoor activity centre in the Strawhall Industrial Estate with a huge range of things to do. It’s home to Ireland’s fastest indoor go-karting track, along with an indoor astroturf pitch for bubble soccer, a roller-skating disco rink, tag archery, indoor wall climbing and a zipline — plenty to fill a whole rainy afternoon.
History & Heritage
#### County Carlow Military Museum
The County Carlow Military Museum, located in a 19th-century church on the grounds of St Dympna’s Hospital on the Athy Road, is a fascinating stop for families interested in history. It’s privately run and holds a large collection of artefacts covering local, national and international conflicts, including material from World War I, the War of Independence and 1916. There’s also a military vehicle display, a WWI trench and 1916 memorabilia. Opening hours and admission prices are worth checking directly with the museum before you visit, as these can change.
#### Carlow County Museum
Carlow County Museum tells the story of the varied history and heritage of County Carlow, from the archaeological treasures of Old Leighlin Cathedral and Saint Mullins to notable figures such as scientist John Tyndall, Volunteer Kevin Barry and raconteur Val Vousden. Look out for the original gallows trapdoor from Carlow Gaol and a 340-million-year-old fossilised squid among the exhibits. Kids can pick up a Detective Quiz at the museum to guide them through the collection as they explore.
Catch a Movie
Who doesn’t love popcorn and a good film?
- The Carlow Omniplex runs a kids’ club with discounted rates at weekends, generally continuing through school holidays — check current times before you head in.
- The IMC Cinema at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre on Barrack Street also runs a regular kids’ club.
Or skip the trip altogether and create your own home cinema experience. Get the kids involved in setting up the “cinema” — arranging seating, making tickets, choosing snacks — then settle in and enjoy the show.
Related: Make Your Own Home Cinema
Get Reading
Visit your local library — every library in the county has a junior section, making it a great spot for a rainy afternoon. Read together, or check out the free events and activities many libraries run for kids. It’s worth checking opening times and event schedules before you go.
Or head to your local bookshop and treat the kids to a new book. Take your time browsing for something special, then go home and read it together.
Go Swimming
Graiguecullen Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre is a modern facility housed in what was once the old National School building. Facilities include a 25m deck-level heated swimming pool, a toddler pool with a viewing area for parents, a sauna, steam room and coffee dock. It’s open year-round, with public swim sessions, aqua aerobics and individual and group lessons on offer.
Visual Centre for Contemporary Art
On a rainy day, the Visual Centre for Contemporary Art in Graigue is well worth a visit. It’s one of Ireland’s leading contemporary art spaces and is genuinely family-friendly, with free activity sheets available at reception featuring facts about the artists and questions to get kids thinking. The centre regularly runs family workshops, parent-and-toddler art sessions and shows for under-12s, plus a drop-in Make and Do table where kids can draw and create to their heart’s content. Check their current programme before visiting, as workshops and sessions vary throughout the year.
Get Outside
Sometimes you’ve just got to embrace the rain! Pop on the raingear and wellies and head out for a walk. Most kids love splashing in puddles, and it’s a brilliant way to burn off pent-up energy from being cooped up indoors. For more inspiration, check out our Top Ten Things to Do Outside in the Rain.
Warm up afterwards with a hot bath or shower, dry clothes and a hot chocolate. Then settle in with a board game or a movie for a perfect end to a wet day.
Related: 50 Fun Rainy Day Activities for Kids, What to Do on a Rainy Day and Activities for a Rainy Day
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best indoor activities for kids in Carlow on a rainy day?
Carlow has a good range of indoor options, including play centres like the Big Blue Barn and Rancho Reilly, bowling and play at the Dome Family Entertainment Centre, and adventure activities at G2 Adventure Centre. Museums, the library and the local cinemas are also great choices when the weather’s poor.
Is there anywhere in Carlow for toddlers on a rainy day?
Yes — several indoor centres, including the Big Blue Barn, run dedicated toddler sessions, and the Visual Centre for Contemporary Art offers parent-and-toddler art classes. It’s best to check current timetables before visiting.
Are there free things to do in Carlow when it’s raining?
Yes. Visiting your local library is free and most branches have a junior section along with regular kids’ events. The Visual Centre for Contemporary Art also offers free activity sheets for children.
What can we do in Carlow if all the indoor centres are closed?
A walk in the rain in raingear and wellies can be great fun for kids, followed by a warm bath, dry clothes and a cosy movie or board game at home.
Related Articles
- 50 Fun Rainy Day Activities for Kids
- What to Do on a Rainy Day
- Activities for a Rainy Day
- Top Ten Things to Do Outside in the Rain
Browse More Rainy Day Ideas
Looking for more ways to fill a wet afternoon? Browse our full collection of rainy day activities for more inspiration, or save this article so it’s handy the next time the forecast turns grey.
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