Rainy Day Activities in Cork

This is the situation all too often in our fair isle - the weekend arrives... and so do the rainclouds. Slowly but surely cabin-fever takes hold! Whether it's the children or parents who are suffering from it, the only way to keep the peace is usually to brave the elements and pile everyone into the car. But, what to do? Depending on your children's ages and interests, Cork city and county holds all the answers!!!

1. Visit a play-centre and let the kids loose! Check out Go Safari (near Carrigtwohill), Monkey Maze (Glanmire), Jungle World (Midleton), The Planet (Blackpool), Chuckies Playzone (Wilton) and Little Rascals Funworld (Mallow) to name but a few!

2. Go to the Cinema. There are usually kids' discounted movie screenings, where adults attend at a reduced price and with special kids combo deals on popcorn on snacks. See what's on at some of the following Cork Cinemas: Omniplex Mahon Point, the Gate cinemas in Mallow, Midleton and North Main St., Cork, The Reel Picture Ballincollig and Blackpool, and Cinemaworld Douglas

3. Libraries: Visit your local library. The majority of the libraries in the county have a junior library. Great for a rainy afternoon, go and read with the children or take part in many of the free events and activities that take place.

4. Go swimming with the kids. The kids can make as much mess as they want and you don’t have to clean it up! Sounds like Heaven!! There are many swimming pools in Cork and most have mother and baby/toddler groups. See our listings on swimming for information on a swimming pool near you!

5. Surprisingly, quad biking is so much more fun in the rain and mud! Bridgefield Buggies near Castlemartyr is well set-up and provide all the necessary gear-they even have a shower block so you can wash off all the mud before getting back into your car!

6. Treat the kids to a day of arts and crafts-but keep your house clean! Crafty Hands in Midleton is fantastic- paint pre-cast figurines, make fridge magnets, create masks...the hours fly by here and you get to bring home your handiwork with you.

7. For a day of fun for the whole family, take in a show at one of Corks best known theatres-The Everyman Palace or The Opera House. For ideas on where to bring the family for a bite to eat, check out the article on Child Friendly Places to Eat in Cork!

8. Visit a museum - Cork Butter Museum, the Lifetime Lab and Cork City Gaol are all well-suited to children

9. Visit your local bookstore and treat the kids to a new book! Spend time browsing for that special book and go home and read it together!

10. Lastly, if you cannot leave the house, look at our ‘what to do on a Rainy day’ section, it is guaranteed to keep the kids entertained whilst stuck indoors!