Transitioning from summer to school can lead to many mixed emotions – especially when we didn’t quite get the sunny weather we all hoped for this summer!
But you can still hold onto some of that holiday feeling by taking advantage of the last few days and taking the family away on a fun adventure. Along with outdoor attractions, there are plenty of indoor attractions across Offaly to choose from, if the weather doesn’t pick up.
Should you need some inspiration against the back-to-school blues, check out these great family-friendly attractions:
Jump for joy!
With a toddler area, a large ball pool area, and a soft two-tier play area complete with slides, climbing pods, swing-along ropes and more, Jumpin’ Jacks in Sragh Business Park, Tullamore, will provide tons of fun for the young‘uns! There’s a café on-site, so parents can keep an eye on the kids while enjoying tea or coffee.
Also within Sragh Business Park is Cosmic Bowl, providing the ultimate bowling experience for both kids and adults to get involved in, as well as Adventure Golf. So you don’t have to worry about missing out on your golf fix if it rains, as this 18-hole crazy golf course is all indoors! Cosmic Bowl also has a café where you can finish off the day with hot food and drinks.
Get creative
Looking for a fun-filled day of creativity and artistry for the whole family? Glasshammer Studios in Rhode has recently launched their Family Creative Day, where a family of up to 10 people can unleash their imagination and create unique masterpieces together.
All materials and refreshments are provided by Michelle O’Donnell, an internationally acclaimed glass artist, who says, “This day caters for people aged 8 to 80 and we charge a fee of €500 for up to 10 people. People like to bring grandparents and it really is an incredible experience bringing families closer, while nurturing their artistic talents in a welcoming and supportive environment.”
Glasshammer also offers courses for people with disabilities, corporate groups and the opportunity to make glass memorial pieces for those that have passed away.
Meet the animals
There’s no doubt that children love animals. And did you know that animals can have a positive impact on your well-being? Studies have shown that interaction with pets can boost your mood and decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone). So a visit to Tearaways Pet Farm and Activity Centre can be beneficial to both adults and children!
Just outside Birr, Tearaways is home to lots of friendly animals that you can get up-close to including goats, pigs, alpacas, sheep, a pony, a donkey and more. There’s a range of outdoor facilities at Tearaways such as an outdoor playground, go-kart track and their popular barrel train. But for rainy days, there’s a purpose-built 6,000 square foot indoor activity centre with slides, crawling tunnels and more. There’s also a coffee shop where parents can relax as the kids have fun.
Al-pack a punch!
Another fantastic animal experience can be found at Hushabye Farm Alpacas in Killeigh – home to Ireland’s friendliest alpaca herd! During a visit, you can meet-and-greet the alpacas and gain an insight into life on a working alpaca stud farm, as well as learn all about the animal.
For a truly unique experience, you can even stay overnight in a beautifully renovated, two-bedroom stone cottage on the farm. Wake up to the alpacas roaming around freely outside!
Wonders of science
For those with an interest in Science, visit the Science Centre at Birr Castle Demesne. The science story of the Parsons family, who have lived at Birr Castle for over 400 years, is revealed through the wonders of early photography, engineering and astronomy with a special emphasis on the brilliant design and assembly of the world-famous Great Telescope (which you can stop by in the Castle grounds).
At the Science Centre, you will discover astronomical instruments, cameras, photographs and photographic equipment used by the Third and Fourth Earls and Mary, Countess of Rosse, in the middle and late 1800s. This includes the world’s oldest surviving darkroom. A fun and educational experience for all.
Grainne O’Malley, General Manager at Birr Castle Demesne, says “Also on display is electrical and engineering equipment originally belonging to Charles Parsons and used in his experiments, as well as a large area devoted to the botanical work carried out in the Demesne. There are lots of fun trails for families to explore here too.”
Swim your worries away
Not only is swimming a great way to get some exercise, but it’s also been proven to boost your mood by releasing endorphins in your brain (which are the hormones that make you feel good). So a great way to refresh your mind and beat the back-to-school blues is by going swimming.
Offaly has many indoor pools with both kid and adult pools including Aura Tullamore, Birr Leisure Centre and Clara Swimming Pool. And if the sun does happen to shine, you should also check out the outdoor pool in Banagher, located in the River Shannon – but be safe!
Play time
Offaly is home to a wide range of playgrounds for younger ages, with everything from slides to swings and climbing frames. And all are free-of-charge. There are playgrounds in Birr, Shinrone, Kinnitty, Edenderry, Tullamore, Clara, Kilcormac and more.
Or, for an indoor play experience, visit Playtown in Tullamore. Playtown allows children of all ages and abilities to explore their own miniature town, complete with over 30 themes to engage their imaginations. There’s a mini airport, motorway, dentist, credit union and more. There are also ICE Rooms, which stands for ‘Imagine, Create and Explore’ and is based on the educational principles of S.T.E.A.M (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts and Maths).
An outing which combines fun and learning – a great way to gently ease the kids back into school work!