Weekend Activities for kids in the D15 area

Meathead82

Hi all,

I was hoping some D15er’s could help me with this one (probably aimed at those with young kids who have the inside track on these sorts of things).

My sister and her husband have recently moved to the Castleknock area. Although I’m a born and bred D15er, I haven’t been living in the country for the last couple of years (but I am coming home for Christmas this year thankfully) and I was hoping to get some good Christmas presents for my two nephews (aged 2yrs and 5yrs) considering I don’t see them as much as good uncle should.

Anyway, I was hoping to steer clear of material gifts for the most part (I know I’ll have to pick them up something small or they’ll think I’m a terrible uncle) and get them something that they might be able to do on a weekend morning or afternoon with one parent while the other parent gets a bit of time to themselves. I was thinking along the lines of swimming lessons or something similar…..So what I’m really after is some advice of activities that might be on in the area at weekends that fit the bill? With regard to budget, I was hoping to spend between 250-300 euro for both kids. So if any parents out there have any ideas for me, I’d more than appreciate it.

Thanks
Meathead

Diddler1977

Drama classes in Draiocht

Swimming and diving lessons in the NAC

Riding lessons at Ashtown Stables

Ice skating at the rink in Castleknock

Gaspode

As a parent probably the best idea I can give you is to rein back on the budget a little, that seems way way OTT for a 2 and 5 yr old - but that's a discussion for the parenting forum maybe!

For that age groups something simple like Giraffe centre or similar would probably be best, followed by a bit of grub somewhere. THere's a place in town called the Ark that does a lot of childrens' activities you might find something there. Also check out Draiocht or any of the other theatres for a Christmas panto, always go down well.

January

Ah Giraffe centre, Gaspode, you bring back some memories! Long closed down now though!

As a parent, I'd HATE for my child to get a present like this... another activity to drag them too and they might not even like it...

What I suggest you do, is rather than buy them a course of something, when you are home for Christmas is to take them both off for the day, Go Kids Go in Coolmine would be perfect, then for some food in one of the restaurants in the centre, TGI's and Captain America's both have nice kids menu's and they don't break the bank. It'll give the parents an afternoon off too!

amdublin

I like idea of swimming classes - a skill that will stand to them. And something that a parent would have to buy themselves.

Murt10

Anything of interest here in Farmleigh House

http://www.farmleigh.ie/media/Farmleigh%20Christmas%20Programme%202012.pdf

Morag

Dublin zoo family annual pass is 165 quid for the year, for unlimited access.
https://www.dublinzoo.ie/68/Annual-Pass.aspx

Either parent can take time them or you can, when they are that young you can get a lot out of the pass by taking them in for many short trips on a regular bases to feature different animals.

amdublin

Sharrow wrote: »

Dublin zoo family annual pass is 165 quid for the year, for unlimited access.
https://www.dublinzoo.ie/68/Annual-Pass.aspx

Either parent can take time them or you can, when they are that young you can get a lot out of the pass by taking them in for many short trips on a regular bases to feature different animals.

Oh that's a really good idea Sharrow!

Diddler1977

Sharrow wrote: »

Dublin zoo family annual pass is 165 quid for the year, for unlimited access.
https://www.dublinzoo.ie/68/Annual-Pass.aspx

Either parent can take time them or you can, when they are that young you can get a lot out of the pass by taking them in for many short trips on a regular bases to feature different animals.

Oooh I like this one too!!!

anniehoo

Diddler1977 wrote: »

Oooh I like this one too!!!

Me too. It's a perfect way to knacker the kids out on a sunday afternoon while still being healthy fun. Most kids and adults love the zoo. I was there 3 times this year.Maybe sponsor them an animal so they would get extra excited for going there to see how their "zoo pet" is doing. I was animal obsessed at 5...you'd have been the BEST uncle ever if i got that as a present

BostonB

We use the Zoo a lot. With the pass you can just go in for a 30 mins and a coffee as suits. Great idea as a present.