Feels like the kids are only back in school after Christmas, and we are looking forward to the mid-term break already! Are you looking for ways to entertain them over the school holiday? Here’s our pick of the things to do with kids around Ireland for the February Mid Term 2017 which runs from February 18th to 26th 2017.
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Dublin & Wicklow
National Museum of Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland Archaeology, Decorative Arts & History and Natural History are all FREE to visit. They have a full program of events for families and children running across all 3 sites during the February Mid-Term.
Here are 3 we picked out:
- Museum of Natural History, Merrion Square has a fun family drop in activity on February 23rd, Fossil Favourites. Their Spring Into Action self guided trail sheet is available throughout the midterm break.
- Museum of Archaeology, Kildare Street, have a drop in session on February 24th, Mysteries of the Lake Bed where you get to be a real archaeologist!
- Museum of Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks has a fun Fantastic Silver Beasts and Where to Find Them family event running on February 23rd.
Junior Song School at the National Concert Hall
Junior Songschool run by Song School takes place February 25th and is a chance for 8-12 year olds to spend some time at the National Concert Hall, learning about writing, performing and recording songs.
Make music and new friends! Limited places so be sure to book early.
Ireland Angling Expo 2016
For something a bit different this mid-term, learn how to fish at the Ireland Angling Expo 2017, on February 18th & 19th at the National Show Centre, Swords.
The Ark
Come along to The Ark this mid-term and enjoy some creative workshops including:
- Foley Workshop: Creating Sounds for the Screen on Feb 18th
- Lego Animation Workshops from Feb 21st to 24th
- Storyboard Workshop: The Breadwinner on Feb 25th
Imaginosity
Imaginosity is a great place to visit this February Midterm. They will run some fun Workshops run from February 20th to 24th and are on a first come, first served basis and are suited for children aged 4+ years.
Pine Forest Art Centre
Head along to the Mid Term Art Day at Pine Forest Arts Centre on February 23rd. These camps are suitable for children aged 5 to 16 years.
Powerscourt Estate
Take a trip to Powerscourt Estate, for a fantastic family day out. Climb the Pepper Pot Tower, visit the highest waterfall in Ireland, and discover trees that are hundreds of years old, and enjoy the children’s playground.
Or pop along to Tara’s Palace, Museum of Childhood at Powerscourt House, the centrepiece of which is Tara’s Palace, one of the greatest doll’s palaces in the world!
Other Ideas
- The annual Audi Dublin International Film Festival (ADIFF) will run from February 16th to 26th and will have a full program of events for families and children including a visit from author Dame Jacqueline Wilson, and the Irish premiere of The Lego Batman movie.
- The Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray have Honk! Jar. on Feb 18th & 19th, La La Land on Feb 20th, Songs from the Shows on Feb 22nd & 23rd and All Shook Up the Musical on Feb 24th & 25th.
- The Irish National Stud has re-opened after the Winter Break and would be great for a visit over the mid-term break.
- The Chocolate Garden in Wicklow will have a Chocolate Workshop for kids this mid-term.
- The Pavillion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire has a host of family friendly shows running over the February midterm.
- Atlantic Coast Lifeguards are running a midterm training course for ages 16+ to become a pool lifeguard. The course takes place from February 17th to 26th 2017 and will give participants a Nationally and Internationally recognised certificate.
North West
Lough Key Forest Park & Activity Park
Located in Boyle, Co. Roscommon, the Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, offers hours of entertainment for all the family. A wonderful Adventure Play Kingdom will entertain the smallest visitors while the Boda Borg Challenge will test the mental skills and physical agility of everybody over seven!
Take a boat trip on the lake or out to the islands, try the Zipit courses, Tree Canopy Walk, & climb to the top of the Moylurg Viewing Tower.There are miles of biking trails and orienteering courses and loads of picnic spots as well as the Lakeside Café.
National Museum of Ireland – Country Life
At the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life in Turlough Park, Co. Mayo there are 3 fun workshops taking place for children and teens.
- Viking Shields on February 22nd for ages 4 to 6 years
- Vikings Raiders, Traders and Settlers on February 23rd for families
- Viking Helmets Workshop on February 24th for ages 5+
Hawk’s Well Theatre Sligo
The Hawk’s Well Theatre have a children’s workshop ‘Flights of Fantasy’ on Feb 20th & 21st & present ‘The Humours of Bandon” on Feb 28th.
Roscommon Arts Centre will host a Lego Building with Brickx Club on Feb 23rd.
An Grianan Theatre in Letterkenny presents The Wizard of Oz featuring the Letterkenny Musical Society on dates from Feb 28th to March 4th.
Galway
Brigit’s Garden
For a lovely family day, experience the magic at Brigit’s Garden. Four Celtic themed gardens based on the seasonal festivals surrounded by 11 acres of nature trail, ogham trees, children’s discovery trail, living willow play area, an ancient ring fort (fairy fort), Roundhouse and calendar sundial , the largest in Ireland.
There is also a family-friendly cafe for lunch/refreshments after your walk.
Galway City Museum
The Galway City Museum is open daily over the midterm break and will have some workshops running for kids and teens.
Most events are FREE but booking may be required for some.
Galway Atlantaquaria
Galway Atlantaquaria are open throughout the midterm break. Take a trip to see the eels, jellyfish, rays, sharks, crabs and more.
Town Hall Theatre
The Town Hall Theatre presents Cinderella featuring Bosco with the Lambert Puppet Theatre on February 26th.
Limerick, Clare & Tipperary, Kerry
The Hunt Museum, Limerick
The Hunt Museum have their drop in Arts & Crafts on the first Saturday and Sunday of every month.
Glor, Ennis
At Glor, Ennis on February 25th see Spraoi by Branar Theatre Company at 12pm & 2pm and you can enjoy a FREE Youth Trad Singing Circle from 2pm to 4pm and The Humours of Bandon by The New Play Company from 8pm.
Shannon Heritage
Visit one or all three of the Shannon Heritage sites in the Southwest this mid-term for an action packed day of fun.
- King John’s Castle in Limerick
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park in Clare
- Craggaunowen in Clare
Other Ideas
At the Lime Tree Theatre the Limerick Youth Theatre presents Frank Pig Says Hello at Belltable on Feb 24th & 25th.
Kerry County Museum
You will find the Kerry County Museum in Tralee and children can take the Pangur Bån Trail on a journey of discovery through the museum to solve mysteries, discover items and explore the past.
South East
National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny
The National Craft Gallery in Kilkenny host a workshops for families one Saturday each month. There will be one over midterm break on February 18th.
Wexford Arts Centre have a host of classes and activities for families in February 2017 including The Art of Potion Making on February 11th & Saturday Art Club runs every Saturday from 10.45 to 12.15pm and for younger children Little Artist Club runs on Saturdays at the same time.
Other Ideas
- The Irish National Stud has re-opened after the Winter Break and would be great for a visit over the mid-term break.
- Chocolate Garden in Wicklow have a Chocolate Workshop for kids this February mid-term
North East
Solstice Arts Centre, Navan
The Solstice Arts Centre will run Punch Lion Comedy workshops for children on February 25th and families can enjoy an afternoon of comedy at The Punch Lion Comedy Show on February 26th.
Droichead Arts Centre
Enjoy an evening of comedy for children on February 26th at Droichead Arts Centre.
Cork
Anyone for Science runs a ‘Space Themed’ One Day Workshop on February 23rd at Lifetime Lab.
The Blackrock Castle Observatory will be open for visitors over the mid-term break.
Pay a visit to the Toy Soldier Factory visitor centre and see the world’s largest model battle scene of the Battle of Waterloo. You can also cast and paint your very own miniature to take home.
Organisers please list your event/class or camp for FREE!
You might also like 100 Free Activities for Kids & 50 Fun Indoor Activities for Kids
Do you know of any more family events taking place near you ? Let us know in the comments below!
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