Let your child run wild before it’s back to school time …
National Heritage Week takes place annually from August 16 to 24: a celebration of Ireland’s cultural, natural, and built heritage in communities of all sizes. Wild Child Day on August 23 has been a much-loved feature for 20 years, encouraging children to get creative and explore their environment. Here’s a sample of activities to get your kids involved (and off their screens!) …
For some real animal magic, pay a visit to Miri, an orangutan who has just joined Mujur – the first step in rebuilding the beloved group at Dublin Zoo following the passing of Sibu and Leonie in 2024 and 2025. To ensure their legacy lives on, Wexford artist James Kirwan was commissioned to paint a mural commemorating them, whom many families will remember seeing over the last 40 years. While you’re there, treat the family to exclusive Tiger Tamer, Lion’s Mane, Gorilla Crunch, Monkey Munch or Flamingo Splash açaí bowls at Oakberry’s newest location. Smoothies, matchas, coffee and treats are also available at the new spot. @dublinzoo_official @oakberry.ireland
Dream Point Experience, Dublin 1
Dream Point at Dublin’s Theatre of Light in the Point Square is already a family favourite since opening earlier this year. Spread over 21,000 square feet, it’s home to Ireland’s largest ball pit, inflatable forest, upside-down photo room, interactive art spaces, glow-in-the-dark corridor and Dream Café. The latest immersive experience for all the family is Dinosaurs – Journey Into The Perhistoric World – the first showcase of the hit installation in Ireland. Enjoy a 360 degree floor-to-ceiling projection, cinematic soundscapes and interactive animation over four themed chapters: The Awakening, Life, Water and The Prehistoric Kingdom. The new dinosaur room adds to Dream Point’s existing 90-minute timed experience, with no changes to ticket pricing. @dreampointexperience
Custom House Visitor Centre, Dublin 1
The Custom House becomes a canvas for creativity in this architecture-themed children’s tour and workshop that allows kids of all ages to engage with Dublin’s architectural heritage through drawing. After learning about the sculpture and design of the iconic building, kids can bring out their inner James Gandon or Edward Smyth by choosing to become “junior artists or architects” and colouring in themed worksheets. Booking is essential, but unfortunately there’s no wheelchair access available for these tours. @customhousevisitorcentreopw
A unique kids harbour heritage kayaking adventure at Moontour will reveal layers of local history and biodiversity with games and storytelling woven into the experience. Kids can also learn a few fun words of Irish along the way! The tour is suitable for children aged 10-15, with wetsuits, lifejackets and helmets provided. @moontourgaeilge
Ogham Grove at The Valley Riverside park and fairy trail explores Ireland’s ancient writing system, Ogham, and its profound link to native trees. Children aged 5-12 can craft their own signage on wood sourced from local trees, connecting literacy with the natural world. Garraí na Leanaí Drop-in & Play is a sensory playzone with songs, games and nature-based crafts, run in partnership with Dúlra Forest School. @dulra_cill_dara
Irish National Stud & Gardens, Co Kildare
A playful and educational outdoor day for children featuring nature-based games, crafts, “bug hunts” and pond dipping. Sessions run separately for different age groups, ensuring age-appropriate activities that foster curiosity. August 24 marks their last day of summer fun with music, storytelling and crafts included in the general admission ticket price. Look out for the stilt walker too … hard to miss! @irishnationalstudandgardens
A nature crafting and campfire storytelling evening begins with a workshop followed by stories shared around a campfire in a magical setting at dusk. Facilitated by Jeremy Casey of the Native Woodland Trust, alongside Jan Koutsky and Dr Sheena Burke, attendance is free with optional donations welcomed to support ongoing conservation efforts at Ardan Wood. @nativewoodlandtrust
A water sampling workshop at Newtown Woods offers a hands-on introduction to freshwater ecology that allows kids to collect stream samples and identify aquatic creatures against the Citizens Science Streams Index. The aim is to learn how “good” species indicate clean water and how other species tolerate pollution, offering a real-world lesson in biodiversity, environmental science and conservation awareness. @tramoreecogroup
Clogher Heritage Complex, Co Mayo
Introducing Children To The Wonders Of The Bog allows kids and caregivers to explore the unique flora, fauna and sand martin nesting wall in the west of Ireland’s wild bog landscape. After the walk, children can draw and paint at the Heritage Complex with snacks and refreshments for kids and accompanying adults, making for an engaging and restorative afternoon. @north_mayo_heritage_centre
Nenagh Courthouse, Co Tipperary
The Big Dig hosted by the Irish Society of Archaeology is an archaeological workshop where children can excavate a replica Viking house, uncovering treasures and artefacts dating back 1,000 years. These interactive sessions aim to transport young explorers back in time and spark curiosity about Ireland’s ancient past. @schoolofirisharchaeology
In this Ask The Archaeologist series, families can meet Galway’s Community Archaeologist Bernie Doherty to explore replica artefacts up close. Children are invited to create their own miniature monuments, designing and decorating them as they learn about Ireland’s archaeological heritage. This open format session makes heritage accessible and fun for all ages. @librariesgalway
Nature Network Ireland is hosting a “bug hunt” and art workshop for children to catch and identify insects using sweep nets and inspection pots, discovering their roles in the ecosystem. Afterwards, artist Ashleigh Ellis will lead a creative workshop in the EcoLab – transforming botanical finds into cyanotype prints and painting with oak gall ink made onsite. Tramore Valley Park Insect Project inspired this event, supported by Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks & Wildlife Service. @naturenetworkireland @communityfoundationireland @noticenatureireland
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