ANY MID-TERM BREAK is obviously a highlight of the academic year for anyone who’s still in school…

But when you’re a parent or guardian who needs to come up with ways to keep the children entertained during their week off, things can be a little bit more challenging. 

This year’s mid-term break is taking place between 16 and 20 February (19 and 20 February for some primary schools), which is coming up soon. In this week’s edition of the Allianz Home Magazine, we’re looking at some of the best activities you can do as a family to make this mid-term break special. 

Day at the museum

If your family is looking for a day out, then one of the best ways to keep your kids busy — both physically and mentally — is to take them to a museum, especially one that specifically caters to the interests of kids. 

Ireland is full of wonderful options for curious young minds, no matter what they’re interested in. For young athletes and sports fanatics, there’s the GAA Museum at Croke Park and Explorium: The National Sport and Science Centre.

For those who love animals, nature and science, there’s the Natural History Museum. 

For the young history buffs, there is more than enough to keep you busy, starting with EPIC: The Irish Immigration Museum, the National Museum of Ireland in Co Mayo, Kilmainham Gaol, Wicklow Gaol, and many other places of historical significance. 

Or, if you’re just looking for a bit of fun, there is always the Leprechaun Museum, the Illusion Museum and the National Wax Museum Plus. 

The great outdoors

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It’s important to get out into the fresh air in springtime, and with Ireland’s many parks, forests, greenways and nature walks, you’ll never be stuck for natural beauty. With over 10 greenways in Ireland now, it’s a great opportunity to rent bikes and go for a family cycle.

Whether it’s Glendalough in Wicklow, Diamond Hill in Galway, or Muckcross House in Kerry, there are many child-friendly mini-hikes and nature trails that are perfect for classic family-friendly activities like collecting leaves, acorns and pinecones for scrapbooks, taking your dogs out for a walk, or even a kickabout in an open green space. Kids have bundles of energy, and there’s no better way to let them express it than by enjoying nature. 

Kids interested in animals might also be enthusiastic about the chance to see new birds arriving on our shores as part of their migration patterns. Swallows, whimbrels, corncrakes, and more can be seen in Ireland during the spring months, as well as birds that are more commonly native to Ireland, such as starlings, robins, and goldfinches.

Remember to bring binoculars, a birdwatching guide, a notebook for recording which birds you’ve spotted, and of course, any picnic essentials that might come in handy.

Celebrate the lunar new year

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This year’s mid-term break lines up with the lunar new year, often celebrated as the Chinese New Year. While events will be taking place across the country, Asia Market in Ballymount is throwing a Lunar New Year Carnival Celebration, a free family event from midday to 5 pm on 21 February, complete with face-painting, lion dancing and traditional Chinese music.

There will be plenty of cuisine and culture to enjoy, and you can either learn more about it here or look out for whatever local celebrations are happening in your specific area, such as the Termon Complex in Donegal, which is hosting an all-ages roller disco on 16 February.