With school out for the week, it’s the perfect time to keep young minds and hands busy, and Dublin and beyond are full of exciting activities for all ages. From creative workshops to animal encounters, there’s no shortage of family-friendly events to make the most of the week off.

Whether you’re looking for something active, educational or just a bit of fun, you’ll find a host of attractions and experiences sure to keep the whole family entertained. Get ready to enjoy the best of what Ireland has to offer this mid-term!

Teidi Tours
Croke Park | February 20th & 21st

A special treat awaits young visitors at Croke Park this mid-term as Teidí Tours make their much-anticipated return! Each child will create their own GAA Museum sports teidí to take home before embarking on a family-friendly guided tour of the iconic stadium.

Starting in Cú Chulainn’s Den, little ones will bring their Teidí to life—choosing, stuffing and naming their new furry friend, complete with a special GAA Museum training kit. Then, it’s time to explore Croke Park, with stops at the dressing rooms and pitchside, where new teddies can join in on the adventure. The experience also includes entry to the GAA Museum, where children can follow the Junior Explorer trail through interactive exhibits.

Tickets are extremely limited, so book online in advance to secure your spot!

Creative Waste Reuse Workshop for Kids
Rediscovery Centre | Febuary 15th

Head to the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymum for a fun, hands-on Arts & Crafts workshop this mid-term! Children aged 6 to 12 can transform waste materials such as fabric, cardboard and sweet wrappers into imaginative creations. A fantastic opportunity for young makers to get creative and craft sustainably.

Tickets are €10, available for advance booking.

Airfield Estate, Dublin
Dublin | Open Daily

Step into nature this mid-term at Airfield Estate, where adventure and relaxation go hand in hand. Wander through scenic gardens, meet friendly farm animals and take part in hands-on activities designed for all ages.

Kids can explore nature trails, get creative with seasonal crafts and join special workshops in butter-making, science experiments, seed sowing and mini-beast hunts. Parents can unwind in the peaceful surroundings or discover the history of Overends House. Daily activities include egg talks, donkey meet-and-greets and more.

Enjoy 30% off with the Mid-Week Spring Offer, available Monday to Thursday and pick up an Irish Daily Mail this week for an exclusive extra offer.

Alpaca Walking
Cornstown House  | Febuary 15th & 21st, 12-5pm 

Visitors can meet friendly alpacas and enjoy a gentle stroll through a scenic wildlife corridor, surrounded by nature. In summer, the air is filled with the scent of wildflowers as bees and butterflies flit between blooms, offering a peaceful escape from the bustle of city life.

The experience begins with an alpaca meet-and-greet in the farmyard before setting off on a relaxed walk across the fields and winding through a young forest. There’s also a chance to try traditional skills such as carding and spinning wool from Border Leicester sheep and alpacas and maybe even have the opportunity to milk a goat or feed baby lambs and kid goats.

Alpaca walks are open to those aged 16 and over, though one adult may bring a child aged 12–16 along for the adventure.

Brigit's Garden Mid-Term
Galway | Open Wednesday-Sunday

Head off on an Earth Quest around the 11 acres of Celtic Gardens, woodlands and trails – work as a team and solve fun challenges. Younger children can become Nature Detectives – look for lots of exciting things in nature and everyone gets rewarded at the end! More fun awaits in the natural play area with a tall lookout climbing tower, giant swing, stepping logs, see-saw and sand-pit. And don’t miss checking in at the Fairy Village to see who’s at home.

Enjoy a delicious lunch or refuel with a coffee, hot chocolate and treat in the Garden Café, overlooking the gardens, and find something unique in the Giftshop.

Kidspace Play Centres – Rathcoole & Rathfarnham
Dublin | Open Daily

Kidspace is open daily for play throughout the mid-term break and will also host a variety of exciting events and camps at both Rathfarnham and Rathcoole.

At Kidspace Rathfarnham, little ones can enjoy a memorable brunch with their favourite character, Bluey, on February 23rd. The fun doesn’t stop there, as the Mid-Term Camp runs from February 17th to 21st, with the option to book for the full week or individual days.

In Rathcoole, the magic of Fairy School will transport children to an enchanting world on February 16th. Then, on February 20th, kids aged 6+ can enjoy Laser Quest Night, with the option for parents to stay and watch or relax at the Nest Café.f

With so many fun activities on offer, Kidspace is the perfect destination for families this mid-term break. Pick up an Irish Daily Mail this week for an exclusive discount offer on General Admission only.

Go Quest Indoor Challenge
Carrickmines | Open Daily

GoQuest is open daily throughout the mid-term break, offering an action-packed experience for families, teenagers and adults. The indoor, multi-challenge arena features 52 unique challenge rooms, blending light physical, skill and mental tasks with three levels of difficulty.

GoQuest Arena is designed for older children, teenagers and adults, while GoQuest Junior, now newly upgraded, caters specifically to younger families and children aged 9 to 13. It’s a unique adventure where everyone can take part together, making it the perfect family activity.

After the challenge, unwind with a coffee and snack in the relaxed surroundings of the snack bar.

The Playcentre – Trim & Kingscourt
Meath & Cavan | Open Daily

Purpose built indoor play and party centre’s located in Trim Co. Meath & Kingscourt Co. Cavan. With 4 levels of play equipment, children are guaranteed a stimulating and social experience during their visit! While the kids play, adults can relax in the modern seating area which overlooks the play areas while enjoying a hot drink, sweet treat or perhaps something from the extensive hot food menu available.

Pick up an Irish Daily Mail this week for an exclusive discount offer.

Mid Term Family Fun | Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Bunratty | February 22nd & 23rd

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is the place to be this mid-term break, with two days of family fun.

The Wobbly Circus brings a spectacular blend of comedy, circus skills and interactive entertainment, while resident musicians keep the atmosphere lively with traditional seisiúns. Step aboard the Bunratty Express for a magical train ride through the enchanting woodland of the Folk Park, and enjoy a day packed with music, laughter and adventure.

Konor the Clown will also be on hand with puppet shows, magic tricks and plenty of surprises for an unforgettable family day out.

National Reptile Zoo – Kilkenny
Kilkenny | Open Daily

Step into the fascinating world of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates at Ireland’s only reptile zoo. Home to over 150 creatures, from snakes and lizards to crocodiles and spiders, the National Reptile Zoo offers a unique hands-on experience. Meet the zookeepers, take part in hourly animal encounters and explore habitats designed to mimic the creatures’ natural environments.

With an Animal Encounter Zone, Nocturnal Realm, Education Rooms and a Play Area, there’s plenty to discover—plus a coffee shop and souvenir store to complete the adventure. Pick up an Irish Daily Mail this week for an exclusive discount offer.

Dublin International Film Festival
Dublin  | 20th February - 2nd March

For 11 days in February 2025, Dublin will become a vibrant hub of cinematic brilliance as the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) celebrates the art of storytelling. From 20th February, the festival will bring the best of Irish and international cinema to the capital. Experience world premieres, intimate screenings, exclusive Q&As, and lively celebrations. DIFF offers a unique journey into the world of film, set against the buzzing atmosphere of Dublin.

This year, in partnership with acclaimed Irish animation company Cartoon Saloon, DIFF will screen films that have influenced their work over the years. Don’t miss Genius Loci and The Triplets of Belleville at The Light House on 22nd February.

Jurassic Newpark
Kilkenny  | Open Daily

Step into a world of adventure at Jurassic Newpark, where dinosaurs roam, fairy trails sparkle and endless fun awaits!

Wander through the Dino Trail, bounce through time in the 50-metre inflatable adventure park and hop aboard the Jurassic Newpark Train for a dino-filled ride. Little explorers can swing into action at the adventure playground or search for hidden fairy doors along the magical Fairy Trail.

Enjoy 25% off all online tickets this February with code FEB25 and get a FREE activity magazine on arrival.

Puffin Rock Habitats Exhibition
The Ark, Temple Bar  | Febuary 19th-22nd 

The mid-term break is the perfect time to plan a fun and educational family day out. The Puffin Rock Habitats Exhibition is now open, offering a free interactive experience that brings young visitors on an exploratory journey through four captivating habitats – Marine, Intertidal, Grassland and Wetland.

Created in collaboration with The Heritage Council and Cartoon Saloon, this unique exhibition aims to inspire a deeper understanding of Ireland’s natural world and biodiversity. Funded through Creative Climate Action, an initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme in partnership with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, the exhibition combines creativity and conservation to engage young minds.

Families can drop in to explore the exhibition for free and continue the adventure by booking a spot in an accompanying workshop. A perfect way to spark curiosity and appreciation for Ireland’s wildlife this mid-term!

The National Wax Museum Plus - Dublin
Dublin | Open Daily

The National Wax Museum Plus offers a museum experience like no other, bringing Irish history, heritage and pop culture to life through an interactive and entertaining journey.

From life​ l​ike wax figures to hands-on exhibits, visitors of all ages can step into a world where history meets fun. Whether exploring the country’s rich past, meeting famous faces or simply enjoying a unique day out, the National Wax Museum Plus promises an unforgettable experience. Pick up an Irish Daily Mail this week for an exclusive discount offer.

Akumakon
Galway | Febuary 14th-16th

Akumakon returns this weekend for another exciting weekend of anime and manga celebration.

As one of Ireland’s longest-running conventions, Akumakon is organised by the University of Galway Anime and Manga Society. This student-led, non-profit event has grown over the years, with all profits going to charity. Akumakon 2024 saw over two thousand attendees, making it one of the largest conventions of its kind in Ireland.

Since its debut in 2010 (skipping only 2021 and 2022), Akumakon 2025 will be the 12th edition of this popular event, and organisers are aiming to make it bigger and better than ever before.

Mid Term Events at Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo | Open Daily

Dublin Zoo has a fantastic line-up of activities this mid-term, offering fun and educational experiences for children and families

On Wednesday 19 February, the Young Zoologist Workshop invites children aged 6 to 12 to discover how animals are cared for and learn about their behaviours in a hands-on, interactive session from 10am to 2:30pm. On Thursday 20 and Friday 21 February, the Junior Spring Workshop explores seasonal changes through creative activities. Running from 10am to 2:30pm, it is designed for children aged 6 to 12, with no direct contact with animals. On Saturday 22 February, Dinosaur Discovery takes families back in time at Zoorassic World. Meet Stan, the full-size T. rex skeleton, learn about the link between birds and dinosaurs, and take part in a hands-on fossil dig.

The Zoo is also open daily for general visits with booking available online, in advance.

First published on Rollercoaster.ie