If you are looking for fun things to do with the family during the Easter holidays, look no further! We asked our Conference & Banqueting Sales Manager Emma, who is also a mum, to put together a list of her top things to do. So whether you are local to the city, or you are planning a trip to Cork, from mum-to-mum, here’s our advice on the best things to do in Cork with kids this Easter.
Stay in a Family Friendly Hotel
Getting away to spend a few days in a family friendly hotel can be a great way to spend some quality time with your little VIP’s, and choosing a family friendly hotel with highly rated facilities for children is essential.
There are many hotels in Ireland which cater to families, for example, we have our in-house Cinema Room with free movie screenings every evening, our Aviators’ Childrens’ Playroom, Foosball for the older kids and an action packed schedule of events for the Easter weekend (see HERE). We are also as ASD-friendly (autism aware) hotel, for more information, click HERE.
Check out all family amenities at Cork International Hotel HERE
Fun Filled Day Trips
There is so much to do and see in Cork, plan a day out for you and the family to one of Emma’s preferred family friendly attractions…
- Tir Na Si Open Farm and Indoor Play Area – There’s so much here, it’s one of my favourite places to go – especially in the Spring and Autumn when the weather can be unpredictable! Lots of outdoor activities, and then a huge indoor play area for the kids to enjoy while you relax in the café. They have a cosy restaurant which offers a home-made, fresh and organic menu. Yum!
- Fota Wildlife Park – What’s not to love about Fota? Designed with families in mind, this is a fantastic day out for families of all ages. Ample Parking, Buggy & Wheelchair Friendly – not to mention the array of amazing animals to get the imaginations running wild!
- Ballincollig Regional Park – Situated on the South Bank of the River Lee, and luckily for me only 15 minutes’ drive away, this fabulous park with so much to offer. Fairy Trail walk, bicycle riding (or in my case scooter riding) pathways, large playground which has been recently upgraded, and picnic tables by the river for lunch. The park is beautifully maintained all year around with new gardens popping up regularly and wildflower patches throughout.
Book a stay in Cork from €99 at Cork International Hotel HERE.
Cinema Date
On those days where the weather is just too awful to even think about going out, and cabin fever has set in, going to the cinema is a fabulous treat for kids with the promise of Popcorn or ice cream. Mahon Point Omniplex has a great app to allow you to pick your seats when booking online (which is always an advantage with smaller kids). In the Shopping Centre itself, there are also baby changing facilities, family bathrooms and feeding rooms here and a soft play area on the second floor.
At Cork International Hotel, we also offer a family date night, €50 for a 2-course meal (from 5-7pm) for 2 adults and 2 children in the New Yorker Restaurant, including a movie screening in the Cinema Room at 7.30pm. Pre-booking essential, only available Fri & Sat evenings.
3 Night Family Break B&B for just €299 at Cork International Hotel HERE
Get Green-Fingered
Spring is a great time to plant flowers in the garden, or put those summer baskets together. If the weather is too bad to be outside, herbs can be planted indoors in small pots – watch them grow. Putting bird nests or bird tables together is always fun, especially watching the birds reap the rewards of your hard work! If you are travelling to Cork, why not visit Griffin’s Garden Centre, who host ‘Slug Club’ for kids every Saturday, where children can learn about wildlife and growing flowers and produce.
Easter Egg Hunt
Always a great day out over Easter, the following places provide fabulous entertainment and Easter Egg Hunts on Easter Sunday:
- Cork International Hotel
- Cork City Gaol
- Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens
- Leahy’s Open Farm
See the Cork International Hotel Easter Family Events Schedule HERE