DUBLIN

Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo: Wild Lights opens Friday November 3rd and runs right through until January 7th. Giant, beautifully lit lanterns crafted into the shape of animals light the way to Chinese performers, Chinese food, hot drinks and a Chinese Craft market.

Suits: The whole family. Time: 5pm to 9pm. Tickets: Children (€15), Adults (€20). Book tickets here.

The Atomic Garden – Plants In The Space Age: This Saturday, head on a themed guided walk through the Botanic Gardens and learn about growing lettuce in outer space, gardening with radiation, cyborg flowers and ‘Moon Trees’. Yes, they exist!

Suits: All budding gardeners and space explorers. Time: 2.30pm from visitor centre. Tickets: €5. More information here.

Dundrum on Ice: As of earlier this week, Dundrum On Ice is back. It’s open until early January with the exception of Christmas Day, so bring along your would-be Olympic skaters and take a turn. Plenty of other public ice rinks also open for winter this week, so check out what’s local to you and head accordingly.

Suits: 3+. Time: Sessions 10am – 6pm weekends, 3pm – 8pm weekdays. Tickets: Children under 12 (€14), Adults (€16). Book sessions here.

Ice-skaters Stacey Walsh, Carmen Hickey and Sonia Clarke at Dundrum on Ice in 2016. Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Dublin Book Festival: There’s plenty to delight young readers on this year’s Dublin Book Festival Children’s Programme. The Winter Garden at Smock Alley is the place to be on Saturday and Sunday, where the whole family can sip on hot chocolate while panning out on a bean bag and listening to stories. There’s even an opportunity to pen your own story while you’re there.

Suits: All ages. Time: 12pm-5pm, drop-in. Tickets: Free. More info here.

CORK

The Mystery Gang at The Everyman: Wolfe Stage School are back this Sunday to solve another spooky tale at Cork’s Everyman Theatre. Expect fun, giggles and family-friendly theatrics to round off the mid-term break.

Suits: 7+. Time: 1pm and 6pm. Tickets: €20/conc. €17. Find out more here.

KILDARE

Sensational Writing: What colour is Thursday? What does excitement taste like?Children’s author Debbie Thomas is on hand on Saturday  at the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge to teach kids all about writing with the senses. This is a fabulous workshop for word-lovers, readers and writers.

Suits: Ages 8-12. Time: 10.30am. Tickets: €12. Book tickets here.

Debbie Thomas, host of Riverbank Arts Centre's Sensational Writing Workshop. Facebook / Riverbank Arts Centre Facebook / Riverbank Arts Centre / Riverbank Arts Centre

MEATH

Ghost Hunters at Tayto Park: The Spirits Of Meath festival winds down this weekend with Ghost Hunters at Tayto Park. Kids will be able to join the team of Ghost Hunters and track down the cause of strange happenings at the park’s Spooky Mansion!

Suits: 6+. Time: 12pm – 4pm. Tickets: €6 or included with park wristband purchase. Find out more here.