Enchanting Transformations: This Saturday artist Jane Groves will be taking really young children on their first artistic journey at The Ark, and it’s going to be brilliant. She’ll be telling them about the mythical animals of Ireland and then helping them to create their very own imagined animal from a range of gorgeous textiles. The best bit is that adults get to play too.
Suits: Ages 2-5. Time: 10.15am for ages 2-3 and 11.45am for ages 4-5. Tickets: €11 per child with a 20% discount for Ark members. More info.
Atmosphere: Newtownsmith in Dún Laoghaire will be transformed into a fantastical celebration of all things aeronautical when Atmosphere returns this Saturday. There’ll be a trapeze show, with aerial dancers showing off their acrobatic skills and a balloon sculptor, who will be creating a special piece for the day. Expert kite flyers will give workshops on kite aerodynamics and design at the on-site Kite Zone, and the Fun Zone will be open with Bubbleman and humongous bubbles, climbing walls, volleyball skills, seaside games and strolling characters.
Suits: All ages. Time: 1-5pm. Tickets: Free. More info.
Puppets At Farmleigh: This Sunday, Farmleigh Estate turns into a world of puppetry, hosting four puppet themed events throughout the day. Children’s Puppet Playtime at The Motorhouse offers kids a chance to choose their very own puppets and perform in a show, and Rose McCormick will be performing a hilarious family puppet show in The Old Kitchen.
Suits: All ages. Time: Children’s Puppet Playtime is at 12pm and 2.30pm; Rose McCormick’s performances are at 1.30pm and 4pm. Tickets: Free on a first come, first served basis. More info.
Sunflowerfest: This weekend art and science will collide at a three-day music festival on Tubby’s Farm in Lisburn. Sunflowerfest is a super family-friendly festival with a dedicated Kidzone packed with a schedule full of arts, crafts, music, storytelling and lots more besides. There’ll be sewing workshops, circus skills camp and Irish Astronomical sungazing sessions, in this extremely safe, family friendly space.
Suits: 4+. Time: All weekend. Tickets: Day ticket without camping admits one adult and up to two children under 15 for £29.50. More info.
Sunrise Children’s Festival: This super popular children’s festival returns to the gorgeous Brigit’s Garden in Galway with a two-day programme of live music and theatre, comedy, circus, puppet shows, story-telling, yoga, fire artists and lots more, spread across four tented areas. The campsite is geared up for families, and the entire festival is geared towards the kids, so this is a great way to introduce your little people to festivals.
Suits: All ages. Time: All weekend. Tickets: Weekend family ticket, including camping for two adults and two children €169. More info.
Durrow Scarecrow Festival: The brilliant Durrow Scarecrow Festival kicks off on Sunday, when a weeklong celebration takes over the Laois town. On Sunday, the town square will be home to street performances, and live music as well as face painting and lots to keep the kids occupied.
Suits: All ages. Time: From 12pm. Tickets: Free. More info.
Annie: Cork Opera House is playing host to Annie for the next four weeks, and if ever there was a musical to bring the kids to, this is it. Expect dancing hot dogs and larger than life backdrops – this version of Annie was created specifically with kids in mind.
Suits: 4+. Time: 2pm and 7.30pm. Tickets: From €80 for a family ticket. More info.
Skibbereen Arts Festival: The renowned arts festival kicks off this week with a brilliant programme for the whole family. Saturday brings a rock and roll camp for kids in the Scout Hall. The workshop is designed for all boys and girls with an interest in music and takes in performance, singing, percussion, guitar, and piano with popular music.
Suits: 6+. Time: 2pm-4pm. Tickets: €10. More info.
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