Laya City Spectacular: One of the best-loved events on the family summer calendar returns to Dublin’s Merrion Square this weekend, and to be honest, you’d be mad not to go. With something for kids of all ages, expect to be amazed by fantastical street performers while the smaller members of the family get involved with the huge amount of free child-friendly activities throughout the weekend.
Suits: Big and little kids of all ages. Time: 12pm–8pm. Tickets: Free. More info.
The Gruffalo: Dun Laoghaire’s Pavilion Theatre finishes its run of The Gruffalo this weekend, and if you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out. The show, brought by Tall Stories Theatre Company is wild fun, and a brilliant family show.
Suits: Children aged 3+. Time: Saturday 8th 2pm and 4.30pm, Sunday 9th 11am and 2pm. Tickets: Child €13; Adult €15; Family €49. More info.
Wild Air Run: The Avonmore Supermilk Wild Air Run comes to St Catherine’s Park in Lucan this Saturday. This inflatable 5k run is like completing a run within a bouncy castle – basically incredible.
Suits: Children aged 7+. Time: 10am-4pm. Tickets: Child €18.50; Adult €32.50; Family €80. More info.
Bosco and Cinderella: Introduce your kids to the unadulterated joy of Bosco this Saturday at Dundrum’s Mill Theatre where Paula Lambert (the voice of Bosco) and the Lambert Puppet Theatre put on the story of Cinderella.
Suits: Children aged 4+. Time: 2pm. Tickets: €10. More info.
Sheep and Lambs Kids Workshop: You’ll make farmers out of your kids yet… at least if you bring them to the Young Farmers series at Airfield Estate in Dundrum. This Saturday is the turn of sheep and lambs, and kids that attend will learn all about taking care of the animals, as well as the responsibilities of farm life.
Suits: Children from 8-12. Time: 10am-12pm. Tickets: €16. More info.
Family Fun Race Day: If you like an aul flutter, take the family to Naas Racecourse on Saturday where they have a full day of family activities planned including face painting, a bouncy castle, pony rides and an onsite petting zoo.
Suits: Kids aged 2+. Time: Doors open at 12.30pm with the first race going to post at 1.35pm. Tickets: Family admission is €25 on the day or €20 if you book online. More info.
Childsplay at Triskel Gallery Space: Come over all arty and introduce the kids to gallery hopping with Childsplay, a gorgeous exhibit inspired by zoo animals of the world. Australian artist Michael Kempson created the prints with his grandchildren in mind, so this is the perfect first exhibit for smallies.
Suits: Children aged 6+. Time: Saturday 11am-4pm Tickets: Free. More info.
SpaceUp Ireland: This is a full day event for families who are enthralled by space. Part of Cork’s Summer Of Space, this is a full day of discussion and panels at CIT where no question about space is too obscure – a must for wannabe space invaders.
Suits: Children aged 12+. Time: 10am-5pm. Tickets: Free. More info.
Earagail Arts Festival: There are loads of circus-themed family events taking place this weekend at the Earagail Arts Festival. Most family events take place on the village green and are free of charge, so make a weekend of it.
Suits: Children aged 1+. Time: from 12.30pm. Tickets: Free. More info.
Clonmel Junction Festival: Check out the Lego workshops at the Clonmel Junction Festival today. Taking place throughout the day, and aimed at a variety of age groups, this is a brilliant opportunity for fans of building to expand their horizons.
Suits: Children aged 4-8. Time: 10am-5.45pm. Tickets: €5. More info.
Underage Open Mic at the Roisin Dubh: This Sunday sees the second Underage Open Mic at one of the country’s most popular live music venues. Open to secondary school-age musicians and bands of any genre and with a full back line including drum kit and acoustic guitar available on the day, allow your musician to shine on stage – and lap up the glory. Email openmicgalway@gmail.com to book a spot.
Suits: Kids aged 12+. Time: 3pm. Tickets: Free. More info.
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