Looking to keep the kids entertained on a rainy day over the summer? Look no further, here are some of our top things to do indoors:
Playtown Tullamore
A day of fun and education is guaranteed at Playtown Tullamore. Opened in June 2017 in the Axis Business Park, Playtown Tullamore is an indoor miniature town, encouraging imagination, creativity and exploration. Children can explore 30 different themes within this safe environment, with the adventure beginning as they arrive at the indoor town’s ‘airport’ – passports at the ready!
The little ones can drive around Playtown’s motorway, learn the rules of the road, get their very own personalised ‘driver’s licence’ and refuel at the ‘Colton Motors Drive Experience’ garage! In Playtown, there’s a pet hospital, fire station, supermarket and much more. Plus, there are sensory walls and a sensory walk to accommodate children of all abilities, while parents can also relax at the café and snack station with a coffee.
Admission for children aged six months to three-year-olds is €9 each and ages four and over are €11. Adults and non-playing teenagers are €2.50. Babies under six months are free with a paying child.
For more information and to book, check out Playtown Tullamore
Tearaways
Located just an eight-minute drive from Birr Town, Tearaways Pet Farm in Rathcabbin is home to a range of friendly animals. There are rabbits, ponies, pigs and even alpacas. While there’s a host of activities to enjoy outdoors, including an outdoor playground, barrel train and go-cart track, Tearaways is prepared for all weather conditions, with indoor activities to explore too.
At Tearaways, there’s a purpose-built 6,000-square-foot indoor activity centre with slides, crawling tunnels, ball pits and a separate toddler area. And while your kids play and have fun, you can relax at the coffee shop on-site. Tearaways also caters for groups of all sizes for birthday parties, with entry being €13 per child mid-week and €15 at the weekend (Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays). This includes entry to Tearaways, party meal, drink and party bag.
General admission to Tearaways is €10 per child (18 months-12 years) and €5 for an adult or teen.
Visit Tearaways to book and for more information
Jumpin’ Jacks Fun Factory
Located in Sragh Business Park, Tullamore, Jumpin’ Jacks has long been a popular family entertainment centre, particularly for birthday parties. Suitable for children up to 12 years of age, Jumpin’ Jacks have four separate play areas for kids to safely run free. There’s a toddler area for children up to two years of age, with a large ball pool, and a two-tier, soft-play area for 2-5-year-olds, with a soft slide and climbing pods. For 5-12-year-olds, their three-tier soft-play area has a soccer and basketball court. Plus, swing-along ropes, climbing stones, obstacles and the famous Big Blue Slide.
And after all the fun, children (and adults!) will need to refuel. Cosmic Café, located within Jumpin’ Jacks, offers a full hot and cold food menu with speciality coffees, teas and confectionery. Admission to Jumpin’ Jacks is €8 per child.
Check out the Jumpin’ Jacks Facebook page
Cosmic Bowl
Bowling is the perfect activity for the entire family and friends – children and adults can both get involved. Based near Jumpin’ Jacks in Tullamore, Cosmic Bowl offers 10 bowling lanes, with ball walls on all lanes and they can even provide kiddie ramps for the younger bowlers. Compete to see who can get the first strike!
Within Cosmic Bowl, there are other entertaining arcade games too, including air hockey, racing games and pool. And did you know that Michael Jackson’s bowling shoes are on display within the centre? According to dailyedge.ie, visiting Cosmic Bowl was one of his favourite things to do in Ireland during his stay in 2006! Cost is €25 per lane for one hour or €4 per game. Cosmic Bowl also has a pizza café.
Keep an eye out on the Cosmic Bowl Facebook page for opening times and more information
Science Centre at Birr Castle Demesne
Birr Castle Demesne is renowned for its award-winning gardens and plentiful walkways. But one of the most striking features on the grounds is the famous Great Telescope, designed and built by the Third Earl of Rosse in the early 1840s. It is the largest telescope in the world! While the telescope is based outdoors, within the grounds of the castle, families can immerse themselves in the wonder of the interactive Science Centre.
Discover the photography, engineering and astronomy that took place at Birr Castle in the 1800s, with various astronomical instruments, cameras, photographs and more relics on display. General admission to Birr Castle Demesne, which includes access to the Science Centre, is €10 per adult, €6 per child (4-17 years) and free for children under three years. A family ticket for two adults and two children is €28. Guided tours are also available.
Book on Birr Castle Demesne
Swimming Pools
Swimming is not only an enjoyable activity, but it’s also a great way for kids to get some exercise. Offaly has an abundance of swimming pools to choose from. In Birr, there’s Birr Leisure Centre, with a 25-metre heated pool, separate toddlers pool and poolside Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. The County Arms Hotel in Birr also has a 16-metre indoor swimming pool, a dedicated kids’ pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room.
In Tullamore, both the Tullamore Court Hotel and Bridge House Hotel, Spa & Leisure consists of swimming pools which are open to both residents and visitors. Aura Leisure Centre in Tullamore has a 25-metre swimming pool and offers lessons with experienced staff for both adults and children. Also check out Clara Swimming Pool in the town of Clara, Edenderry Swimming Pool in Edenderry and Portarlington Leisure Centre in Portarlington. Make this summer the time to learn a new skill!
Cinema Time
If you’re really stuck for something to do with the family, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the cinema. The IMC Cinema in Tullamore shows the latest new films and there is a range of family-friendly films coming to the theatres this summer. Long-time fans of Toy Story will be able to take off ‘to infinity and beyond’ with LIGHTYEAR, a film based on the legendary Space Ranger. Minions: The Rise of Gru is released this month (July), as is DC League of Super-Pets.
Check out the listings at IMC Tullamore