Another wet morning, another day of “I’m bored” from the kids? You’re not alone. Donegal gets more than its fair share of rainy days, but the good news is there’s plenty to keep the family entertained without ever getting soaked. From soft play centres and swimming pools to cinemas, museums and a mini zoo, here are some of the best rainy day activities for kids in Donegal.
Indoor Play Centres
Make your way to one of Donegal’s indoor play centres, where you can enjoy a coffee while the kids let off some steam.
Dizzys Den
At Dizzys Den in Bundoran, there’s plenty to entertain kids on a rainy day, including a large climbing frame with interactive sounds, a three-lane astro slide, rope bridges and labyrinth climbs. There’s also a football and basketball area, plus a separate space for under-4s with a ball pool and padded slides. Toddler activity mornings run during the week — it’s worth checking current days and times before you head out.
Arena 7
Arena 7 Entertainment Complex in the Ballyraine Industrial Estate in Letterkenny has a wide range of indoor activities for kids to enjoy. Wayne’s World is an adventure and soft play centre with a tiny tots area and ball pool, plus slides and an obstacle course for bigger kids. For older kids, there’s a large multi-level laser quest maze and bowling.
Bundoran Glowbowl & Macks Amusements
At Macks Amusements & Bundoran Glowbowl, there’s something for the whole family. Glowbowl has computerised ten-pin bowling across several lanes, with lightweight balls and ramps for little ones. The amusements area has kiddies’ rides, teddy cranes, ball games, car simulators and basketball. There’s also an ice cream parlour nearby for when you’re finished.
Century Play
At the Century Play Complex in the Old Town, Donegal, you’ll find junior, toddler and baby play areas, plus sports areas and arcade games. There’s a coffee dock for parents to relax while the kids play, and the centre runs regular themed events with new fun activities throughout the week.
Irene’s Fun World
Irene’s Fun World is a soft play area located in Drumrooske Business Park. It has multi-tiered soft play with tunnels and a ball pit, plus a private movie room and disco room. There’s a café on site, and fitness classes and mother and toddler mornings for parents too.
Go Swimming!
Aura Leisure Centre
Enjoy some family fun at Aura Leisure Centre, Letterkenny. Alongside children’s and adult swimming classes, they offer family swim times and family fun sessions with inflatable bouncy castles, treasure hunts and raft races for all the family to enjoy together.
Waterworld Bundoran
Go swimming at Waterworld Bundoran, an indoor waterpark with facilities ranging from child-friendly to adventurous. There’s a wave pool, slide pool and a fast indoor water slide, as well as splash features and smaller slides for toddlers.
Ballyshannon Leisure Centre
Ballyshannon Leisure Centre in Townparks also has public swim times, with a 25m swimming pool and facilities for adults including a gym, fitness suite, sauna and steam room. Family rates are available — check with the centre directly for current prices and pool times.
Catch a Movie!
Who doesn’t love popcorn and a good movie? Take in a film with plenty of popcorn and ice cream at one of Donegal’s cinemas.
- Century Cinema in Oldtown, Letterkenny is an 8-screen cinema that also runs a Saturday children’s cinema club.
- Bundoran Cineplex in Drumacrin has homemade popcorn, free parking and regular offers and party packages.
- Eclipse Lifford is very child-friendly and runs a weekly kids club.
Alternatively, why not enjoy all the fun of the cinema without leaving home by creating your own home cinema experience! Get the kids involved in setting up seating, making tickets and choosing snacks, then sit back and relax.
Related: Make Your Own Home Cinema
Visit Tropical World @ Alcorn’s
Tropical World is Donegal’s own family-friendly mini zoo, located in Loughnagin, Letterkenny. It’s home to an impressive collection of tropical butterflies, reptiles and birds, along with Cotton Top Monkeys, Lemurs, Meerkats and giant tortoises. There’s also the popular Jurassic Land and Bug World features to explore.
Facilities include an indoor play area, full disabled access and an on-site café. It’s a great day out whatever the weather.
Enjoy Some Heritage
Donegal Castle
Donegal Castle in Donegal Town was built by the O’Donnell chieftain in the 15th century. Located beside the River Eske, the castle has been beautifully renovated and offers a fascinating insight into history, with French tapestries and information panels chronicling the castle’s long history. Guided tours run regularly — it’s worth checking current opening days and times before you visit, as these vary seasonally.
Donegal County Museum
Donegal County Museum in Ballyboe Glencar, Letterkenny, is housed in a building that was once part of the Letterkenny Workhouse. The museum has a wide range of artefacts covering Donegal life from the Stone Age to the 20th century. Children’s activity trails are available on the first floor gallery, offering a fun, free guide to the museum for kids. Temporary exhibitions in the ground floor gallery change throughout the year.
Get Reading
Visit your local library — every library in the county has a junior section, and it’s a great way to spend a rainy afternoon. Many libraries also run free events and activities for children, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you go.
Or head to your local bookshop and treat the kids to a new book. Spend some time browsing together, then go home and read it side by side.
Get Outside
Sometimes, you’ve just got to get out and get wet. Pop on the raingear and wellies and go for a walk in the rain — most kids love splashing in puddles, and it’s a great way to burn off pent-up energy from being cooped up indoors. See 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 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best indoor activities for young kids in Donegal on a rainy day?
Soft play centres like Dizzys Den in Bundoran, Century Play in Donegal Town and Irene’s Fun World in Letterkenny all have dedicated toddler and baby areas, making them great choices for younger children.
Is there anywhere to go swimming indoors in Donegal?
Yes — Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny, Waterworld Bundoran and Ballyshannon Leisure Centre all offer indoor swimming, with family sessions and facilities suited to different ages.
Are there any free or low-cost rainy day activities in Donegal?
Visiting your local library is a great free option, with junior sections and children’s events in most branches. Donegal County Museum also offers free children’s activity trails.
What can we do if we don’t want to spend money on a rainy day?
A walk in the rain in raingear and wellies, followed by a cosy hot chocolate and a board game or film at home, is a free and fun way to spend a wet afternoon together.
Related Articles
- Make Your Own Home Cinema
- 50 Fun Rainy Day Activities for Kids
- What to Do on a Rainy Day
- Activities for a Rainy Day
- Top 10 Things to Do Outside in the Rain
Save This for the Next Rainy Day
No printable this time, but it’s worth bookmarking or saving this page so you’ve got a ready-made list of ideas the next time the forecast turns wet.
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