10 things to do with kids in Cork if it’s raining

Ireland is not called the Emerald Isle for nothing. An abundance of green, as we all know, is a result of a regular dose of rain.

This can make school holidays with kids particularly tricky if outdoor play is less of an option, or you simply don’t fancy standing in drizzle at the local park.

However, Cork has something for everyone for when those days occur, and we’ve put together our top 10 rainy days out in Cork with kids.

1) Airtastic, Little Island

Pick from a game of indoor crazy golf, with a cool space vibe, ten pin bowling, or let the kids burn off some restless energy at an ‘inflata and ninja park’ with an exciting Gladiator zone, demolition ball, drop slides, and more.

There’s also an amusement arcade and American-style diner for when they need refuelling.

air-tastic.com

2) Cinema

Catch then newly-released Smurfs or learn How To Train Your Dragon on the big screen.

The Arc in Cork offers a special Kids Combo with popcorn, sweet treats and a drink and Crazy Tuesday ticket prices at €6.50, all day.

cork.arcinema.ie

3) Toy Soldier Factory, Macroom

From the ‘We Make It, You Paint it’ workshops to the premium ‘Make and Paint Workshops’, this is an experience that won’t disappoint.

Choose from a range of miniature figures, get creative and take tiny masterpieces home to display.

toysoldierfactory.ie

4) Titanic Experience, Cobh

Retrace the footsteps of the Titanic’s last passengers who boarded from Queenstown (now Cobh) four days before its ill-fated voyage ended in the Atlantic.

A guided tour features real passenger stories, eyewitness accounts and immersive audio experiences to take you on a unique and moving journey back in time.

titanicexperiencecobh.ie

5) Tír Na Sí, Watergrasshill

With an indoor soft play centre and outdoor farm and playground on a traditional farm homestead, you can hedge your bets and try both, or settle yourselves indoors.

A cosy, farmhouse-style cafe, with a fabulous pizza oven and an assortment of homemade cakes and scones, is the perfect place for a sit-down and a chat while the kids play.

Open Fridays and Saturdays, booking advised.

tirnasi.com

6) Cork Opera House

Take the little ones to see the timeless children’s classic Dear Zoo, brought to life on stage (August 9-11) with an engaging show of puppets, music and audience interaction.

Bigger kids can shake if off to Taylor Fever (August 13-17), the ultimate tribute act to Taylor Swift, or enjoy a night of anthems and heartbreak songs at Sweet And Sour, a tribute to pop sensations Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo (August 8).

corkoperahouse.ie

7) Swimming

Fun for all ages, the pool is a great way to break up the day, whether for a spot of splashy play, a bit of exercise, or a chance to practice those all-important swimming skills.

Contact your local leisure centre for timetables and pricings.

8) Cré Pottery Studio, Skibbereen

West Cork’s first Paint-Your-Own-Pottery Studio, Cré Pottery lets you unwind with family, older kids and friends while exploring your creative side.

Choose a piece of pottery and have fun decorating it with a selection of colours, stamps, and brushes. Prices start from €10 (inclusive of all paint, glaze and firing costs).

crepotterystudio.com

9) Blackrock Castle Observatory

Step back in time and travel to the furthest reaches of the galaxies at Blackrock’s 16th century castle, home to MTU’s award-winning science centre and observatory.

Learn all about the cosmos with a child-friendly, interactive guided tour led by an astronomer in a planetarium dome. You can also see Ireland from space and find out about alien worlds.

bco.ie

10) Library Time

From free Lego clubs to story-telling, books to capture children’s imagination and then wind them down at bedtime, plus a host of community events, there is no place like a library.

corkcoco.ie