As the midterm rolls around, you might be wondering how you are going to keep your kids busy over the coming weeks.
Irish weather is notoriously unpredictable, but your family needs to be kept busy, rain or shine. Whether you need to dodge downpours or get to enjoy a crisp and clear autumn day, there is plenty to do in Cork over the midterm.
From indoor workshops to outdoor adventures, we have found some of the best things to do with kids this midterm, no matter what the weather brings.
Indoors
Family Sunday at the Glucksman
Exposure to art is so important for a child’s developing mind. Research proves that art helps children develop problem-solving, cognitive, emotional, and social skills, as well as their overall development, enhancing their abilities in self-expression and sensory processing. A trip to a gallery is a great way to spend a family day out, and the Glucksman offers Family Sundays every Sunday until November 2nd, where creative facilitators lead workshops inspired by current exhibitions. The days are free, but a donation of €5 is welcomed.
The Glucksman, University College Cork Ireland, Co. Cork, T12 V1WH
Planet Entertainment Centre
This playful place is a haven for kids with lots of energy! There is plenty to do here for kids of all ages. The family entertainment centre is great for a family day out, where kids can go bowling, play interactive darts, battle thorough rounds of laser tag, work on their pool playing skills, climb, jump and frolic in Cosmo’s Funworld soft‑play area, and enjoy a film at the cinema. Each entertainment option is individually priced, with 90 minutes of soft play time costing €12 per child.
Planet Entertainment Centre, Old Mallow Road, Blackpool, Co. Cork. T23NR4R
Cork Library network
Libraries bring much more to the table than endless opportunities for imagination and an overdue fee these days. They are the heart and soul of many communities, supporting play, education and more. Many local libraries will have a line up of events happening over the midterm, from story book reading to lego building spaces to colouring classes and more.
Just a few examples include:
- ‘A Fairy House in Mayfield’ workshop, October 18th at the Frank O’Connor Library, Mayfield
- Junior Book Club on October 29th at Tory Top Library, Ballyphehane
- Toddler Music Time, October 18th, at Ballincollig Library
- Halloween Storytime, 31st October, at the Frank O’Connor Library, Mayfield
Check out what is on for free at libraries across Cork HERE.
Halloween Fun At Fota
Looking for something fun to do with the kids this Halloween? Come along to Fota Wildlife Park from 25th October to 2nd November, where the Activities Team will be running Halloween-themed fun. There’s no booking required, you can just drop by and join in. On Saturday 25th, Sunday 26th, Monday 27th October (Bank Holiday Weekend) and Friday 31st October there will be face painting from 12 noon to 2.45pm in The Marquee, and on October 31st, join in on their Spooky Ranger Talks in The Tropical House, where a Fota Ranger will talk through some of the park’s more mysterious species such as snakes and reptiles. Find out more HERE.
Fota Island, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, T45 CD93
Old Cork Waterworks Spooky Fun Camp
If spooky science is something your kid would love, these one-day camps are perfect. Taking place at the Old Cork Waterworks Experience, the hands-on Halloween camp is for kids aged 7 to10, with creepy crawlies, spooky bats, and fun creations to take home. Choose your date, either Thursday 30th or Friday 31st of October, and join the fun from 10am to 2pm. It costs €25.00 per person.
Lee Rd, Sunday’s Well, Co. Cork, T23 N828
Halloween Family Event at Cobh Heritage Centre
Cobh Heritage Centre is running a family-friendly Halloween event from 4pm daily, from October 25th to 30th. Halloween stories, a colouring station with spooky-themed pages, and mini pumpkin decorating to take home is on the line-up. Each child will also receive a Trick or Treat bag, and your ticket includes a self-guided tour through the museum’s enchanting exhibits. Tickets are €10.00 per child, €12.00 per adult, or €45.00 for a family of two adults and up to three children. Costumes are welcome, find out more HERE
Cobh Heritage Centre Cobh, Co. Cork, P24 CY67
Outdoors
Fota House and Gardens Creepy Crawl Trail
Fota House and Gardens Creepy Crawl Trail runs from October 26th to 30th, featuring live performers, spooky stories, dancing, and interactive fun throughout the grounds. It is lots of fun for children up to the age of 12. Children under two go free, while a child’s ticket is €10.00. Find out more HERE.
Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, Fota Island, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, T45 Y642.
Spike Island Spookfest Trail
Taking place daily from October 25th to 31st, the Spike Island Halloween event includes a kid-friendly Halloween quiz trail, sweet treats, and a fun exploration of the island’s historic fortress. Unwind at the island’s café or browse the gift shop, and continue the adventure at the child-friendly museums, interactive exhibitions, and scenic walks. Find out more HERE, with tickets at €19.00 per person, or a family ticket of two adults and two kids for €77.95.
Spike Island, Kennedy Pier,Cobh Co. Cork P24 E446
Clonakilty Park Adventure Centre
Kids of all ages can catch a thrill at Clonakilty Park Adventure Centre by tackling a two‑level high ropes course, fly down a 100 m zip line, scale a 65ft climbing tower, or take the leap from the power‑fan jump – ideal for kids with lots of energy who love running around and taking on a sporty challenge. For something a little bit more relaxed, there is the 18‑hole maritime‑themed Adventure Golf course. Ticket-wise it’s €20.00 per person for the Adventure Centre for a two hour session, or €8.00 for adults and €6.00 for kids under 12 to play Adventure Golf.
Clonakilty Park Adventure Centre, Park Road, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
The Halloween Trail at Charles Fort
Down in Kinsale, this atmospheric event allows kids to roam the historic site and uncover ghostly surprises from October 25th to November 2nd. This event is free for children under 12 years of age, who must be accompanied by an adult, with €5.00 entry or a senior citizen entry for €4.00. The events run from 10am to 4pm. Find out more HERE.
Summer Cove, Kinsale, Co. Cork, P17 AY18
Seaside Alpacas
Seaside Alpacas began its journey as Alpaca Walk West Cork, and it is a wonderful, educational day out where people of all ages can engage with animals and learn about them in the unique setting of a coastal alpaca farm. The Full Farm Experience, including an alpaca trek to the beach and a fibre craft demo starts with an introduction where you meet the alpacas and learn about their heritage, behaviour, and handling. Then, enjoy a guided walk with your own alpaca. After walking them back, you’ll help feed the alpacas and enjoy a spread of snacks, fruits, and tea. The tour ends with a fascinating demo in the Fibre Craft Workshop, showing how alpaca fleece is transformed into beautiful handmade yarn and knitwear. A family ticket for two adults and two children is €104.00.
Ardra House, Union Hall. Co. Cork, P81 HX58.
Leahy’s Open Farm Halloween Boo event
Alongside the opportunity to pick your own pumpkin, the Halloween Boo event at Leahy’s Farm includes haunted trailer rides, forest walks, and spooky encounters with witches, running from October 25th to 31st. This event is suitable for children up to 12 years old, with tickets for €22.50.
Leahys Open Farm Ltd Dungourney, Midleton, Co. Cork, P25 KW14
