Five Ways to Entertain Your Family on a Rainy Day this Summer

Ah, the summer holidays! No more manically filling lunchboxes at 7am, or frantically searching for that missing school shoe. Now’s the time to loosen the reins on the routine, open the back doors and let the kids play outside. Well, that’s the theory anyway. But unfortunately, our climate doesn’t always allow for that. So when the rain starts to pelt down and cabin fever sets in, it’s useful to have a couple of rainy day activities in your back pocket. Here are five ways to entertain your family when the rain pours this summer.

1. Get Arty

If your kids love arts and crafts then put a trip to IMMA, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, top of your to-do list this summer. The museum offers a program of free family workshops that will inspire and delight. Bring your little ones and spend the morning learning about contemporary art and making your own artworks in the gallery. Teens are catered for too, as the gallery offers creative experiences for 12-18 year-olds, that include making and discussing art and working alongside the artists in residence.

2. Get Cultural

If they still haven’t had their fill of culture, pay a visit to The Ark cultural centre in Temple Bar. The Ark is a space where children aged between 2 and 12 years-of-age can explore theatre, music, literature, art, film and dance. This season, they are offering a range of exciting summer camps exploring the world of animation. From making their own Lego animated movie to creating a cast of sea creatures, there’s plenty to get their imaginations blooming.

3. Get Wetter

Sometimes the only way to deal with the rain is to embrace it! With our abundance of lakes, rivers and coastal waters, Ireland is the ideal place to try out some water sports. And once they’re in a wetsuit, they’ll hardly notice the rain. Head west and explore The Blueway, a network of water trails that stretch from Mayo to Galway where you’ll find a host of instructor-led activities. From kayaking to kite surfing, you’re sure to have an unforgettable day out.

4. Get Active

Kids treating the sofa like a trampoline? Save your sofa and take them somewhere specifically designed for bouncing about. There are a number of indoor trampoline parks dotted around the country where they can literally bounce off the walls without you fearing for their safety. Try Jumpzone in Dublin, Jumplanes in Limerick or Adventure Alley in Wexford.

Or why not grab your togs and make a splash at Aqua Zone in the National Aquatic centre? Kids can practice surfing on the flow rider, whizz down giant flumes or simply take it easy drifting along the lazy river. It’s just like being on a sun holiday without having to worry about applying any sun cream.

5. Get Learning

Too wet for a trip to the zoo? No problem. You can still get up-close and personal with some of the world’s most impressive creatures - including the now extinct dodo - at the Natural History Museum in Dublin. The historic building was originally added as an extension to Leinster House, with the collection delighting visitors since 1857. And it’s the perfect place for a spot of drawing so bring some notebooks and colours.

Or, if you’re after a unique Irish historical experience, then a short dash away you’ll find The Little Museum of Dublin. Voted the top museum in Ireland on TripAdvisor, this charming venue explores our history - from the Rising to U2 - through a collection of objects donated by the public. Worksheets are available for kids and the guided tours are lots of fun.

Banking On The Go

You can’t control the weather but it’s now easier than ever to control your money when you’re out and about with the AIB Mobile Banking App. Not sure you can stretch to that second ice cream? Check your balance at a glance without having to log in. Splitting the bill is easier too as you can transfer to another Irish account on the go from your mobile. The My Spending section of the App will also give you a quick overview of your income and spending each month, making it easier to budget for days out and treats.

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