By Siobhan O’Neill White

Are you wondering how to keep the children busy this summer? Check out our outdoor & indoor activity recommendations here on mams.ie. On sunny days, explore the Japanese gardens, get up close to world class thoroughbreds, enjoy the children’s play area, fairy trail and fantastic restaurant at The Irish National Stud. Learn the history of the Vikings with a trip to Dublinia, it’s fun and educational. SkyPark Carlingford is brilliant for adventurous families. Climbing walls, zipwires, archery, footgolf and more. I bravely did their biggest zipwire (amidst much screaming), while my children cheered me on! Great family fun and Carlingford is so beautiful, why not stay over at the Four Seasons hotel nearby.Planning a daytrip to the beach? Please only visit beaches with lifeguards and stay close to shore. Older children may think it safe to swim out, but please explain that invisible dangerous currents can pull swimmers under quickly, so always keep your children in your eyeline. My daughters were playing in the sea last year when my youngest stepped in a hole in the sand, and the seawater immediately came up to her neck. We got her out quickly, but it was a stark reminder that the sea is dangerous and unpredictable, so please be careful.On rainy days, there’s lots to do at home. Origami sounds tricky but is quite easy. Our son spent hours doing Origami with his late Nanna, creating treasured memories. You can pick up child friendlyOrigami kits from The Works Stores Ilac SC. Another fun indoor activity is collecting and paintingstones or seashells. It takes hours for the kids to wash, dry and paint the stones/shells and all you need is child friendly paint and lots of newspaper underneath!Decorating their bedroom is a fun project for children. Let them get creative picking paint colours and accessories, like cushions and throws. We love the personalised wall and door stickers from MyNameTags.ie - a cost effective way to give bedrooms a new look! The Arc Cinema Drogheda has parent & baby movie mornings running where you can bring your baby/toddler into the movie. Lights are dimmed, sound lowered and there is space for buggies.Contact siobhan@mumstown.ie to be added to mailing list. They also do a great deal for family cinema visits; 2 adults & 2 children, or (1 adult and 3 children), get movie entry, popcorn, sweets and drinks for €39.95. Great value, especially if you are on a budget.

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