The 101 Fun Things To Do With Your Kids 2015 - 14th Edition by RD Marketing and Media

CONTENTS

Published By: Free Things to Do Things to Do for Single Parents

Contact: info@rdmarketingandmedia.com

Things to Do in the Garden

Production: Rachael Best

Things to Make and Create

Sales: Peter Bradley

Things To Do on Car Journeys

Articles Contributed By: Stacia Ragolia, Jennifer Saltiel, Marissa Rothkopf Bates, Kate Keehan

Days Out

Design: Martin Venter

Fun Things to Learn that Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Never Done Before

Rainy Days Things for the Best Sunny Days Things To Do as a Family Things To Do With Your Friends Things To Do when Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Stuck On Your Own and Your Friends are on Holidays New Games to Make, Create and Invent Fun With Water 4

RD Marketing and Media

Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to secure names, addresses and particulars of entries, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions. All information is accepted as correct at time of going to press. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, without the written permission of the copyright holder, application for which should be addressed to the publisher. Such written permission should also be obtained before any part of this publication is stored in a retrieval system of any nature.

A BIG WELCOME

TO PARENTS AND CHILDREN

The Irish summer is sporadic, to put it mildly. The weather can go from a balmy sunny morning, to lashing rain for the afternoon. Rain can last for weeks at a time, driving parents and children crazy! With the global economic recession appearing to have its grip on Ireland, many parents now find themselves out of work and at home more than they were before. Finances are tighter for most of us and this year, foreign holidays and planned summer activities and camps for children might not be affordable. With all of the above in mind, we have re-visited our editorial in order to offer solutions for every scenario. We’re still called ‘101 Fun Things….’, but you’ll notice that we’ve added so many things to do to this year’s edition, that we should just be called ‘Hundreds of Things to do with Your Kids’! We have added a section of free activities at the start of the publication, and still have our sections full of suggestions for rainy days, solo ventures, and suggestions for single parents. If you find yourself inventing something new to do this summer, we would love you to let us know, so that we can include it in next year’s publication! Email us your suggestions at info@rdmarketingandmedia.com. We would be delighted to hear from you.

THINGS

TO MAKE AND CREATE

During the summer there is more time for little minds to become creative. Here are some ideas of things to make and do during the long summer days. 1 HAIRY HEADS Materials: Old pop-sock or tights Grass seed Soil 2 small elastic bands Decorations Put 2 teaspoons of grass seed in the bottom toe of the tights. Add 1-2 cups of soil or compost. Make sure the seeds stay in the top of the head; otherwise you’ll have hair sprouting from under the eyes. Use the small elastic to pinch off a nose about half way up the head. Use the second elastic to tie off the bottom. Decorate by pasting on eyes, mouth, ears, or what ever else intrigues the children. Use paper, felt, coloured plastic, markers, pipe cleaners, any materials you have on hand. Keep the Hairy Head in a small dish with water in the bottom. The ‘hair’ should sprout in less than a week. Children can style the hair with elastic bands, clips and scissors. 2 PAINT YOUR OWN T-SHIRTS Let the kids create a work of art they can wear! Materials (plain t-shirts, fabric paint, cardboard, brushes, and sponges) •Have the kids start with an 10

old T-shirt or piece of fabric in the beginning. Put a piece of cardboard under the first layer of fabric to make sure there is no leaking. •Some fabric paint comes in squeeze bottles which is good for lines, or they can use a paint brush or sponge. •Once the children are used to working with fabric paint, they can start working on good clothes. Hints •Designs from handprints are interesting and make a great present for granny. •If they need pattern ideas, use the pictures in a child’s colouring book for line drawings. •Kids can use a sewing pencil if they want to draw a design on the shirt, and then use the paint to fill in the design. We used 4 plastic ketchup bottles (from the pound shop). We bought one for the purple, red, yellow, and blue dye. We mixed the dye (per the instructions) cooled it to “warm” and then poured it into the bottles. We wet the t-shirts, wrung out the water, then the children swirled the shirts, put the elastics on, and then dribbled the paint on. It was awesome, no mess at all (we did it on the grass). We let the t-shirts sit a few hours and then lay them out to dry. They turned out fabulous, all the girls were thrilled!

3 HANDPRINT PILLOW CASES Great idea for a gift for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day (or

anyone else too!) Materials (pillow case, permanent fabric paint, cardboard, brushes) Put a piece of cardboard in the middle of the pillow case so the paint doesn’t seep through. In the centre of the pillowcase, write the message: GOOD NIGHT DADDY Pour some paint onto a paper plate and stick both hands (of the child) in it and put the hand prints on either side of the message.

THINGS

TO MAKE AND CREATE

is good for lines, or they can use a paint brush or sponge. •Once the children are used to working with fabric paint, they can start working on good clothes.

Hints •Designs from handprints are interesting and make a great present for granny. •If they need pattern ideas, use the pictures in a child’s colouring book for line drawings. •Kids can use a sewing pencil if they want to draw a design on the shirt, and then use the paint to fill in the design. We used 4 plastic ketchup bottles (from the pound shop). We bought one for the purple, red, yellow, and blue dye. We mixed the dye (per the instructions) cooled it to “warm” and then poured it into the bottles. We wet the t-shirts, wrung out the water, then the children swirled the shirts, put the elastics on, and then dribbled the paint on. It was awesome, no mess at all (we did it on the grass). We let the t-shirts sit a few hours and then lay them out to dry. They turned out fabulous, all the girls were thrilled!

3 HANDPRINT PILLOW CASES Great idea for a gift for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day (or anyone else too!) Materials (pillow case, permanent fabric paint, cardboard, brushes) Put a piece of cardboard in the middle of the pillow case so the paint doesn’t seep through. In the centre of the pillowcase, write the message: GOOD NIGHT DADDY Pour some paint onto a paper plate and stick both hands (of the child) in it and put the hand prints on either side of the message.

THINGS

TO MAKE AND CREATE

9 DECORATE A PAIR OF FLIP-FLOPS It’s a familiar sound of summer: the flip-flop-flip-flop patter of rubber sandals, worn by kids everywhere. These inexpensive beach shoes are trendy and readily available at places including chain clothes shops, supermarkets, chemists and even petrol stations! Flip-flops come in a wide range of colours, but crafty kids can add fun embellishments. If the decorations look faded or worn out by summer’s end, these fun foot fashions are so inexpensive that you’ll want to start over again next year! What you’ll need A plain pair of flip-flops Favourite decorations such as silk flowers, plastic “gems,” buttons, shiny paillettes, thin silk or grosgrain ribbon, rickrack trim, small plastic or stretchy toy animals, feathers... whatever suits their fancy! Hot glue gun (for adults only) What you’ll do • For silk flower, gem or paillette flip-flops: Remove stems from flowers and reserve some leaves if desired. Let kids design their foot fashions, then an adult can hot glue the flowers, gems or paillettes to the upper straps, making sure they don’t interfere with toes! • For button flip-flops: If the buttons have shanks, remove them with a shank remover (sold in craft stores) or use pliers to twist the shank back and forth until it breaks off. Then hot glue the buttons to the upper straps. • For ribbon or rickrack flipflops: Cut ribbon to fit along 18

straps, and glue in place. Add trim to sides of soles, if desired. Another option: Cut ribbon into strips that are six or seven inches long and tie the strips around the straps until they’re full. • For animal flip-flops: Select plastic toy animals that are “long and low,” such as alligators, iguanas, snakes, worms, etc., and glue them to the upper straps. • For feather flip-flops: Glue on as many as your ticklish toes can stand! 10 MAKE PAPER BAG PEOPLE What you’ll need Large paper shopping bag or grocery bag (don’t worry about designs on the outside) Scissors Handheld hole punch; if you don’t have one, use sharp-tipped scissors to punch holes Several paper clips Yarn or twine Several sheets of newspaper Masking tape Markers or crayons What you’ll do • Cut off the bottom of the bag and trim off any handles. Cut along one corner so the bag lies flat. Fold the bag in half and draw a large outline of a person, like a giant gingerbread man, with rounded hands and feet. • Cut through both layers of the bag to get two “paper people” patterns. Using paper clips to hold the two pieces together, punch holes all around the outside edge, about one inch apart and one inch in from the edge. Remove paper clips. • Place each pattern plain side

up (any advertising logos on the outside of the bag will be hidden inside when sewn together). Use markers or crayons to decorate the front and back of the paper person. • Cut a long length of yarn or twine and wrap a piece of masking tape around one end to use as a “needle.” Place the paper patterns on top of each other, with the ad logos facing inside. Sew the pieces together, lacing the yarn through the holes. • When you have about 10 holes left, stop sewing and stuff the paper person with small balls made from crumpled newspaper. Finish sewing it together and tie a knot at the end. • For extra fun, tie on some lengths of yarn at the top of the head for “hair.”

THINGS

TO MAKE AND CREATE

11 MAKE A MARBLE AND STRAW PAINTING

drops of water.

Near the end of the summer holidays, you’re ready to lose your marbles. Instead, pull out a handful of real marbles for a fun time.You can create fascinating abstract designs with marbles and paint.

• One more technique: Drag a string through a paint puddle. Use a new piece of string for each colour.

What you’ll need Deep aluminium lasagne tray, preferably with a flat bottom Craft paper Masking tape Poster paints in assorted colours Glass marbles Drinking straws (optional) String (optional)

To celebrate the long, sunny days of summer, try a craft that captures the strong rays of the sun! This project also lets kids tear paper into lots of little pieces - an activity that will appeal to young “mess makers.”

What you’ll do • Cut a piece of craft paper to fit the inside of the tray. Secure the paper to the tray with some tape. • Place a coin-sized pool of paint on the paper, then add one or more marbles to the tray and tilt the tray back and forth. As the marbles roll around, they will spread the paint in an abstract design. • Remove the marbles and wash them to remove the paint. Wait until the painting is dry before repeating the process with another colour, if desired. • For a different effect, add several colours of paint at one time and let the marble motions blend the colours together. • To make “blow art,” place the tip of a drinking straw right next to - but not in - a puddle of paint. Blow gently to spread the paint outward. If the paint is not moving easily, thin it first with a few 22

12 MAKE A TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER

What you’ll need Package of tissue paper in assorted colours Clear contact paper Hole punch What you’ll do • Tear various colours of tissue paper into tiny pieces. Use scissors or tear the edges by hand whatever artistic look you prefer. Place the tissue paper bits in a bowl. • Cut two identical lengths of clear contact paper. Very young children may be able to complete a 6-x-6” square before wandering away. Older children who love creative projects may enjoy something as large as a 24-x-18” rectangle. • Remove the protective paper from one sheet of the contact paper and lay it flat on the table in front of you. The bits of tissue paper, when placed on the sticky surface, will form the “coloured glass” - either a planned drawing or abstract design. When you are finished, an adult with a steady hand will “sandwich” the artwork by covering it with the second sheet of contact paper.

THINGS

TO MAKE AND CREATE

Another option: Trim the sealed artwork into a shape such as a flower, butterfly or arched church window. Punch holes at the top, add a yarn or ribbon hanger and loop the colourful suncatcher over the window lock in a sunny window. (It can also be taped to a window.) It should last several months before the colours fade. But then you’ll have a great excuse to do this fun project again!

What you’ll do • Use the marker to clearly print a different word on each pebble. Start with familiar nouns, including the names of family and friends, household objects, toys, foods and pronouns such as I, we, they and us.

“Poetry pebbles” are a homemade collection of tactile words that can be arranged in any creative order.

• Verbs, such as sleep, eat, play, live and says, should be recognisable (also be sure to include various forms of be, like am, was and were). Add other parts of speech that are needed for fluid sentences, such as with and because.

What you’ll need Bag of translucent glass pebbles. Find them in your craft store in the floral department, or at your local pet store where aquarium supplies are sold. They often come in a variety of colours; if desired, use different colours to distinguish between nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, etc. Permanent fine-tipped marker

• Add fun adjectives and adverbs, including crazy, silly, colourful, soft and funny. Reserve a few pebbles -- you can write new words on them as needed. Help very young children create simple sentences with the poetry pebbles. The pebbles are also great for word recognition games. Older children can use the pebbles to create stories and

13 MAKE SOME PEBBLE POETRY

Dictionary for correct spellings and inspiration

poems. • Store the pebbles in a drawstring shoe bag or a tight-fitting box lined with a piece of felt.

14 SUMMER PLAYDOUGH FUN Playing with dough helps develop hand strength, muscle control, and eye-hand coordination. It can also be a wonderful outlet for emotions and creativity. If your child is not happy putting her hands into the dough, do not force her to but try coaxing her with a drier dough or try heating it slightly in the microwave (low heat and test it yourself before giving to the child!) You can also experiment with different colours and adding glitter. Below is a collection of different recipes you can make at home for a fraction of the commercial price and making it yourself provides for language and mathematical experiences. Get goopy.

Basic Dough Thinned down with water, this recipe makes paste for sticking or a finger-paint base. 1 cup salt 2 cups flour 1 cup water Colouring optional Keeps at least one week in a plastic bag in the fridge. Dough for Cutters 1 pound of flour 1⁄2 cup of salt a few drops of olive oil water to mix Colouring optional Put all dry ingredients into a bowl and then add oil and colouring. Pour the water in slowly while you pull the mixture together with a spoon. When the mixture begins to bind, squeeze together with your hand and knead until quite smooth.

Long-Life Dough This dough lasts longer and is similar to the texture of storebough dough. It will last a long time if kept in an air-tight

container. 1 pound flour 1 cup salt 3 teaspoons cream of tartar A few drops of olive oil 1⁄2 pint cold water colouring Place all dry ingredients together in a non-stick pan and mix. Add oil and colouring. Slowly mix in the water while stirring. When mixed, continue to stir over a gentle heat. The mixture will stick to the pan so you must continue to stir. When the mixture turns into a ball, remove it from the pan and knead it until smooth. It is ready for use when cool. Air-Drying Dough When exposed to the air, this dough will dry very hard and can then be painted and glazed. 1 cup corn flour 2 cups bicarbonate of soda 11/4 cups water

Cook over a medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened to a doughlike consistency. Turn onto a board and knead lightly. Cover with a damp cloth until cool then shape as desired. Keep any unused portions covered with a damp cloth or aluminium foil. Stretchy Dough This is a lot of fun to play with, but it does not keep. 1⁄2 bag self-rising flour just under 3⁄4 pint of water Goopy Slime This is a favourite! Lots of fun and very messy. 2 cups water 1⁄2 cup cornstarch food colouring Boil the water in a pan. Add the cornstarch while stirring. When well mixed, add the colour. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. Play with on a plastic surface (for ease of cleaning).

FUN THINGS

TO LEARN THAT YOU’VE NEVER DONE BEFORE We live on a small island; therefore we are surrounded by water, so knowing how to swim is very important for everyone. Children learn to swim much easier than adults; they are fearless and take to instruction quite easily. So this summer why not check out where the nearest lessons are available and give it a go. Swimming can be fun for all the family. If you know how to swim already, well done, and be safe this summer.

16 LEARN TO PLAY TABLE TENNIS Practising this game during the summer holidays will teach fast reactions. It’s a game for 2 or 4 players and is an Olympic sport! 17 LEARN TO PLAY TENNIS Parks Tennis Coaching for children nationwide Parents who are looking for a low cost healthy activity for children can avail of this low cost subsidised tennis coaching for girls and boys, 6 to 17years, beginners and improvers, in 165 venues nationwide

small fee which varies according to duration and venues. On arrival they will be greeted by local friendly tennis coaches. This is a huge opportunity to engage young people, not only in tennis-specific skills, but also in additional fundamental movement skills necessary for their physical well-being. Times & venues vary log onto parkstennis@eircom.net or Phone 01-8338711. Sponsored by The Irish Sports Council. 18 GO TO SUMMER CAMP

What better way to make the most of their leisure time than introducing them to tennis on your local public tennis courts, community centres or club in every County in Ireland. All venue listed on website. It takes place mostly during July but times and dates can very. Some programmes operate all year round. Girls and boys, have fun, meet new friends, and learn to play tennis. Use of racquets and balls is included in the fee. All children need is their beloved trainers and tracksuit, &

There are hundreds of summer camps to choose from in Ireland. They cover activities as diverse as football, art, cooking and sailing, and the list of themes is virtually endless! You can go mountain biking, rock climbing, horse riding or swimming. Most are well supervised and relatively inexpensive. Remember to always check out the level of supervision and that the camp is registered and insured. 19 LEARN TO SWIM

20 LEARN TO SAIL A sailing holiday is a wonderful experience for children. But for it to be equally wonderful for the parents, it does help to plan ahead. Some people have been sailing on the high seas single handed with children as young as 4 months. Children absolutely adore the romance and excitement of boats. Lifejackets for emergency use are provided on all charter yachts. Check you have children’s jackets before you leave the marina. For anyone under 7, we recommend taking their own lifejacket that fits and that he/she likes wearing. Children should wear lifejackets at all times and you can tie your lifejacket to a central point in the cockpit so that while at sea, you can move freely but only as far as the guardrails. The skipper’s command must be obeyed quickly and without question, whether it is a parent or not. Take a look at the Irish National Sailing School website www.inss.ie for more information on sailing in general, as well as details of courses in South Dublin.

THINGS TO DO

ON CAR JOURNEYS

Car journeys with children can become loud, distracting for the driver, boring for children who then become whiny and sometimes even carsick. The following few tips should give a few ideas to make the particularly long car journeys pass that little bit quicker, and with less trauma. 21 A TRAVEL GAME FOR THE CAR Here’s a game to play on those boring car rides! This project is rated VERY EASY to do. What You Need Cardboard Construction paper Ice-lolly sticks Scissors Ruler Pencil Glue How To Make It 1. Cut a piece of cardboard into a 6x6” square. 2. Lay four ice-lolly sticks across it like a Noughts and Crosses board and then glue them down.You may have to cut the ice-lolly sticks so there are no cracks. 3. Fun Ideas: •Take any colour of construction paper (let’s say it’s Easter). Cut out eggs as your pieces. Make 10 - 5 of any colour for one person and 5 another colour for the other person. •You can use chips. •You can colour your cardboard. 4. Next, Noughts and Crosses!

HAVE A FAMILY ‘IMAGINE THIS’ SESSION Gather your family around the table, or laze out in the back garden with this storytelling game. It also makes a great in-the-car game if you’re heading off on a journey. Each round of the game begins with the first speaker saying “Imagine this...” and introducing the start of a story (“Imagine this:You are a princess in a castle...”). Each family member then adds a line (for instance, “...and I have a pink pony!”). Continue until everyone has added a line, or keep going around and around if you’re all on a roll. Remember, each line can be as silly as the person wants to make it -that’s part of the fun!

DAYS OUT The Summer is the perfect time to spend an entire day out visiting new places and things. The following tips include visits to places that you wouldn’t have time to do on a normal afternoon after school. VISIT A CASTLE The one thing we do not lack in Ireland is access to beautiful buildings with lots of history! We have some of the most internationally famous castles and stately homes, and many of them are open to the public. Bunratty Castle attracts visitors from all over the world! Wherever you live in the Ireland, there will be a stunning castle near you – Kilkenny Castle, Cahir Castle, Blarney, Bunratty are just a few of the superb examples we have. This summer why not make your way to an ancient castle or restored stately home and explore its history and gardens?

VISIT A MUSEUM Museums aren’t always boring! If you enjoy history, then the traditional idea of a museum will intrigue you for hours. However, there are museums with various themes that are hives of information and entertainment without necessarily having an educational tone. Some museums are full of stuffed animals and birds, and others with historic toys! In many cases, visiting a museum would be your only chance to get up close and examine many species that you wouldn’t otherwise encounter. There is a museum in Scotland that is home to Dolly the Sheep, who was the first cloned animal in the world! Other museums, or sections of museums are dedicated to items from other cultures.You can imagine that you are in an entire other continent walking among their exhibits. If you are interested in invention, there are museums entirely devoted to Irish inventors or inventions.You would be surprised at what everyday items have been invented right here in our small country! Most museums are free to visit and are well worth the effort. If you enjoy your experience, consider making a small donation to help preserve the museum’s artefacts.

VISIT A CHOCOLATE FACTORY Butlers Chocolate Experience is the ultimate chocolate discovery tour in Ireland and is an ideal venue for family days out! Based in the home of Butlers Chocolates, Ireland’s favourite luxury chocolatier, this fun and educational tour is a must for chocolate lovers of all ages. Children will become immersed in a world of chocolate as they watch the chocolate movie, travelling through time to discover the history of chocolate and its origins in the Aztec civilisation. They will then follow the journey of chocolate through the ages, as they explore a treasure trove of chocolate artefacts and Butlers memorabilia in the chocolate museum. They can then enjoy the chocolate aroma in the chocolate gallery and see the factory in operation! Finally, everyone gets the opportunity to dress like a chocolatier in the experience room and try their hand at decorating their own chocolate novelty to bring home!

Butlers Ultimate Chocolate Experience (€12.50 per person) includes entry to the Chocolate Movie, Chocolate Museum, Chocolate Gallery and a visit to the Chocolate Experience Room. Located just 5 mins. from the M50/M1 junction near the airport. Catering for groups up to 50 children and coach parking is available. Tours run daily Monday to Saturday (Production takes place Monday to Friday), advance booking is required. To book tel. Clare on 01- 6710599 or email experience@butlers.ie. www. butlerschocolates.com/chocolateexperience.

Head Bridge won the 2011 Engineering Project of the Year in the Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards and a Commendation in the category for Heritage Award for Building or Infrastructure Projects for the Institution of Structural Engineers. The Structural Awards are the world’s pre-eminent awards for structural engineering excellence. MIZEN CAFÉ Homemade lunch, snacks, teas & coffees, GIFT SHOP Souvenirs, books, cards & toys, Toilet & Baby changing facilities

VISIT THE HIGHEST WATERFALL IN IRELAND

OPENING HOURS DAILY June—Aug 10am—6pm Mid -Mar, Apr, May, Sept, Oct 10.30am-5pm NovMid-Mar Weekends 11am-4pm

Visit Ireland’s Highest Waterfall set in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow.

TICKET PRICES Adults €6 Seniors/Students €4.50 Child u12 €3.50 Child u 5 Free Family Ticket (2A3C) €18 Groups 10+ less 10% 00 353 28 35225/35115

•Experience Ireland’s Highest Waterfall •Explore Nature in the Parkland •Enjoy a Woodland Walk •Indulge in a Sizzling BBQ or Picnic •Have a fun-filled time at the Playground! Open 7 Days a week. Summer Opening Times (May – August) 9.30am to 7pm (Last Entry 6.30pm) W: www.powerscourt. ie/waterfall VISIT A SIGNAL STATION Mizen Head Signal Station at Ireland’s most Southwesterly point, in West Cork, is a dramatic place to visit. The Visitor Centre with Café, Gift Shop and Toilets is up at the car park. There are some displays in that building too. But then the outdoor experience starts! The path to the Signal Station goes down the cliffs to the Bridge and out to the point and the former Keepers’ Quarters with its interpretive displays. Along the way there are several paths up to wonderful views north up the coast to the Sheep’s Head and Beara Peninsulas and south down to the sea arch. There is plenty to do and see.

www.mizenhead.ie

At Butlers, we have been providing little

moments of happiness through chocolate to devoted fans since 1932. Now, you too can visit the home of Butlers Chocolates and discover the magic and verve of a real-life chocolate factory. The Butlers Chocolate Experience is a vibrant tour; packed with nuggets of knowledge and insider secrets.

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There’s loads to see and do as you immerse yourself in the world of chocolate; learning about our origins and history, seeing our experts at work, and putting your skills to the test. It’s a fascinating blend of the history of chocolate and the Butlers story and the exclusive opportunity to see the inner workings of our unrivalled chocolate factory.

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A real treat for budding chocolatiers or chocolate enthusiasts, a visit to the Butlers Chocolates is an experience for all ages, one that everyone in the family can savour and enjoy. The tour caters for a maximum of 50 participants per session, so there’s plenty of room for everyone to get involved. Perfect for the young, and young at heart, the Butlers Chocolate Experience is a feast of enjoyment – a golden chance to immerse yourself in our world!

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Watch the chocolate movie Learn about the origins of chocolate and its history through the ages See our chocolate artefacts Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the factory See how Butlers fudge, toffee, chocolate bars and assortments are produced Learn the techniques of chocolate decoration Decorate their own chocolate novelty and bring it home as a treasured souvenir Taste our delicious chocolate along the way Afterwards why not enjoy a delicious hot beverage in the onsite Butlers Chocolate Café

Find us: We’re located in Clonshaugh Business Park, Oscar Traynor Rd, Dublin 17, five minutes from the junction of the M1 & M50. Opening Hours: Tours (1.5 hours approx) run at 10.0am, 12.0pm and 3.30pm Monday to Saturday and Bank holidays. Admission prices: €13.50 per person, €50 for family ticket (2 adults, 2 children). All tours must be booked in advance. Senior Citizens can avail of a 10% discount or a 5% discount by booking online at

This is a world renowned whale and dolphin watch location and often there are seals under the bridge. The Bridge was closed for demolition and reconstruction for 18 months and reopened in March 2011. In November Mizen 45

DAYS OUT VISIT A SIGNAL STATION Mizen Head Signal Station at Ireland’s most Southwesterly point, in West Cork, is a dramatic place to visit. The Visitor Centre with Café, Gift Shop and Toilets is up at the car park. There are some displays in that building too. But then the outdoor experience starts! The path to the Signal Station goes down the cliffs to the Bridge and out to the point and the former Keepers’ Quarters with its interpretive displays. Along the way there are several paths up to wonderful views north up the coast to the Sheep’s Head and Beara Peninsulas and south down to the sea arch. There is plenty to do and see. This is a world renowned whale and dolphin watch location and often there are seals under the bridge. The Bridge was closed for demolition and reconstruction for 18 months and reopened in March 2011. In November Mizen Head Bridge won the 2011 Engineering Project of the Year in the Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards and a Commendation in the category for Heritage Award for Building or Infrastructure Projects for the Institution of Structural Engineers. The Structural Awards are the world’s pre-eminent awards for structural engineering excellence. MIZEN CAFÉ Homemade lunch, snacks, teas & coffees, GIFT SHOP Souvenirs, books, cards & toys, Toilet & Baby changing facilities 46

OPENING HOURS DAILY June—Aug 10am—6pm Mid -Mar, Apr, May, Sept, Oct 10.30am-5pm Nov-Mid-Mar Weekends 11am-4pm TICKET PRICES Adults €6 Seniors/Students €4.50 Child u12 €3.50 Child u 5 Free Family Ticket (2A3C) €18 Groups 10+ less 10% 00 353 28 35225/35115 www.mizenhead.ie GET A FAMILY PORTRAIT TAKEN Make a day out of getting that special picture taken of the whole family! Choose from basic packages to fun sessions where the kids can dress up or the family pet can be included. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to guide you through the process and make sure you get that perfect shot: •Consider coordinating your outfits! This doesn’t mean that everyone has to wear exactly the same thing, but if everyone wears earthy tones, pastels or shades of a particular colour, it helps the flow of the picture and ties the family together nicely. Steer clear of brightly patterned

clothing or logos that might distract from the people in the photo. •Make sure the kids are prepared for what to expect during their photo shoot! Let them bring any props such as a favourite toy that will help them to feel more natural in front of the camera. Joke around and have fun to bring out those natural smiles! •Minimise cost by planning around what you already own. You don’t have to go out and buy new or special clothes for the kids - in fact, it may look stiff and unnatural if you do. •Know what you want and communicate this to your photographer ahead of time. Make sure to have a chat about the location, props and poses you’re planning on using. •Be spontaneous! Family portraits don’t have to be posed in a studio. Outdoor photos offer natural, flattering lighting and endless options. Consider getting your family photo taken walking the dog, dancing, or jumping in the air!

DAYS OUT

GO TO THE BEACH There is little that kids love more than a trip to the beach! Whether you live near the seaside or have to travel a bit further, sea, sand and surf are always a big treat. Let your kids try their hands at building sand castles, or burying Mum and Dad! There might be caves to explore, or rock pools to examine for beach wildlife. Remember, no environment is risk free so follow these tips to ensure a safe and fun day out for everyone: • Learn to swim, and swim near a lifeguard. Children should never go into the sea unless they are confident swimmers, and should never swim unsupervised by parents. Don’t rely on body boards and other flotation devices in place of swimming ability. Swimming is always safer with a lifeguard on duty and a swimming buddy, like a sibling or friend. It’s more fun, too! • Always obey warning signs and flags, and never tamper with lifesaving equipment. Lifebuoys 50

may look fun, but they are there for emergencies! Signs and flags are there to alert you to beach rules and safety conditions. •Don’t forget sunscreen! Sunscreen is essential to protecting you and your family from harmful UV rays that can lead to painful sunburn. It should be applied frequently during your time at the beach, especially after spending time in the water. Be safe and have fun! VISIT A PLANETARIUM A visit to a planetarium is an engaging and educational trip for the whole family. Kids will be awestruck by the experience of getting up close and personal with the night sky. Check www.astronomy.ie for your nearest planetarium with features such as a digital theatre, an observatory, special exhibitions and daily activities for kids to teach them about astronomy in an exciting way!

DAYS OUT

VISIT A FARM There is bound to be an open farm somewhere near you, where members of the public can feed and pet farmyard animals such as sheep and chickens. It’s a great way to teach kids about their local agriculture and to have respect for animals. Different farms offer different levels of involvement, so check your local farm to see what your kids can get up to. We’ve given details of some great farms below. Fruit farms are another great option, where the whole family can visit and pick their own fruit. It’s a fantastic way to encourage kids to eat healthy produce and support local farmers.

COPPER COAST MINI FARM Copper Coast Mini Farm call themselves the friendliest little pet farm in the world! Set on the stunningly beautiful Copper Coast the farm features a giant roofed sandpit equipped with buckets and spades, friendly 54

farm animals, a pedal go cart track, picnic barn and museum, playhouses, animal barn and cosy tearooms serving home baking and luxury coffees. For opening times and admission fees check out www.coppercoastminifarm.ie or phone on 051 396870 Birthday parties and school, scout, play groups are also catered for. Feed and pet the friendly animals and find out where our food comes from. This venue is part of the family friendly initiative led by Failte Ireland. Facilities include free parking, baby changing room, bottle and baby food heating, high chairs, spare bibs, colouring and toy table in the tearooms, buggy and wheelchair access, and disabled toilet. Staff are trained in first aid and customer care.

Copper Coast Mini Farm is located on the R675, 5 minutes from Tramore, Co Waterford.

STONEBROOK FARM At Stonebrook Pet Farm, you can meet all your favourite farmyard animals and enjoy a spectacular setting. Activities include collecting fresh eggs, bottle feeding pet lambs in the spring, holding baby chicks, ducklings and more! They are open weekends and bank holidays from 2-5pm during May and June, and Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 2-5pm during July and August. Guided tours run at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Visitors can bring their own picnic to the large play area, or enjoy a cuppa in the Country Kitchen. They cover group bookings and parties by appointment. For more information visit www. stonebrookpetfarm.com or email stonebrookpetfarm@eircom.net. Alternatively call Jackie on 086 266 1720

DAYS OUT GO TO A DRIVE-IN CINEMA Movie Junction is a 2 screen drive-in cinema in Fota Retail Park, Carrigtwohill, Cork, just a 5 minute drive from Cork City. A 2 screen Dublin version will be opening soon. Both open 7 nights a week showing the best of Hollywood Blockbusters, Classics and Kids Movies. Experience a different concept for Cinema in Ireland, where people can enjoy freshly made warm popcorn while they wait for Four Star Pizza to deliver their favourite hot food to their car as they enjoy the latest blockbusters. People donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to turn off their mobiles, and they can bring their children with complete peace of mind. The kids movies are always a big hit with families such as the Lion King and Happy Feet 2, as well as new releases.

With the largest screens ever at 2,500 square feet, customers listen to the films via their car radio on a dedicated channel. There is tiered parking for full view on screen for every carâ&#x20AC;¨and space for 100 cars per screen. Heaters/demisters are provided on site. For screenings and times, visit www.moviejunction.ie

DAYS OUT

VISIT A DISCOVERY CENTRE The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Craigavon, Co. Armagh. 028 3832 2205 Experience the history of the Lough and its wildlife through exciting exhibitions and stroll the shoreline on a peaceful guided walk.

VISIT A NATIONAL PARK There are six national parks in Ireland. Taking a walk in one is a chance to immerse yourself in raw, unspoilt nature. The landscapes of these protected areas vary dramatically. From the Burren’s shattered limestone rock garden to Killarney National Park’s shimmering lakes and exquisite natural woodland, each and every park is a hiker’s dream. Of course, you don’t have to go hiking to enjoy the beauty of the national parks. Just a sit down and leisurely picnic in a national park is a wonderful way to spend a sunny day out. The Burren is probably Ireland’s best known national park. More than 700 different flowering plants and ferns have been recorded there. Thus, although the Burren represents only 1% of the land-mass of Ireland, 75% of the Irish native species are contained in the area. Killarney National Park was established in 1932 to protect one of Ireland’s most precious natural habitats. Beneath the wild, rugged summits of the country’s highest mountains, it encloses a beautiful sylvan landscape of ancient woodland, spectacular waterfalls and quiet lakes.   A great place to start exploring is the Muckross Estate, 5km south of Killarney Town on the famous Ring of Kerry. Most routes centre around Muckross Lake, and the quickest circuit takes around three hours. There 62

are optional side-trips to Torc Waterfall, and these can add two or more hours to your walk. With mountains, moorlands, lakes and woods, Glenveagh National Park in north-west Donegal offers a real wilderness feel. Experienced hikers might be tempted to climb the two highest peaks – Errigal and Slieve Snaght, and there are many shorter waymarked trails too. In fact, there are guided family walks that would be suitable for younger children. Ballycroy National Park in northwest Mayo is the newest in the country. Dominated by the Nephin Beg mountain range, it is a remote and unspoilt wilderness where Atlantic blanket bog and mountainous terrain stretch into the distance. Several of the imposing Twelve Bens are within the Connemara National Park so it’s little wonder that there’s plenty of challenging hiking on offer. But there are also more sedate routes. Pick up nature trail booklets at the visitor centre near Letterfrack. There are plenty of discoveries to be made in Connemara that young and old will be keenly interested in. Remnants of times past include ruined houses, a disused lime kiln, old sheep pens, an ice house, ancient walls and Tobar Mweelin, a well which was formerly used to supply water to Kylemore Castle. The Wicklow Mountains National Park is more usually simply referred to as Glendalough, and offers a network of nine waymarked trails. If you’re handy with a map and compass, that’s just the start. This park is also a great place for spying on nature. It is one of Ireland’s major deer habitats and bird species include ravens, red grouse, skylarks and meadow pipits. Each national park has it’s own online information. Take a look at http://www.discoverireland.ie/ Things-To-Do/Activities-and-Adventure/Walking-and-Hiking/Find-a-Walk/national-parks

VISIT AN AQUARIUM A visit to an aquarium is a great way to spend a day out, and is ideal if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s raining! An afternoon spent wandering around an aquarium is enjoyable and relaxing for children (and adults) of all ages. Galway Atlantaquaria, National Aquarium of Ireland offers a view of the world of water through clear and interesting displays, informed helpful staff and exciting live presentations and animal interaction sessions. The aquatic life are shown in habitats that would be almost exactly like their habitat in the wild, and so is a fantastic way to view and learn about the marine life of Ireland without having to get into the cold Irish Sea!

EXPERIENCE TITANIC The Titanic Experience Queenstown, Cobh, Co. Cork. Retrace the footsteps of Titanicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Queenstown Passengers. Check-in and secure your ticket to voyage across the Atlantic on the most luxurious liner of her day.

VISIT A MODEL RAILWAY West Cork Model Railway Village is a great day out for the whole family. Not just for train enthusiasts, it has indoor and outdoor play areas. See the advert for more details. West Cork Model Railway Village Clonakilty West Cork 023 33224

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THINGS

TO MAKE AND CREATE

15 Make a ‘Footerfly’ print This is ideal for babies and toddlers. Just make sure to get everything ready first! Pick two or three colours of paint. Paint the toes and ball of your toddlers foot with one colour, the heel with another colour and the mid-section of the foot with the third colour, if using. Make a print with the painted foot. Repeat the painting of the second foot. When you are making the print, place the foot on the ‘wrong’ side of the first print, as if the feet were crossed, rather than standing properly. The end result is that the footprints should look like butterfly wings, with the big toes as the outermost tips of the tops of the wings. Paint the body of the butterfly, with antennae inbetween the two footprints.

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