Some useful ideas about how to amuse, entertain and stimulate your kids of all ages indoors in Kilkenny in August.  We also take a look at the Kilkenny Arts Festival family events and workshops.

 

Join in the Summer Reading Challenge, Circus Stars, at any of the local libraries. It is suitable for children of all reading abilities and runs until August 19th. The challenge is to read six books and they receive rewards and incentives at different stages.  Adults are encouraged to take part too this summer.

 

Take a dip at the Watershed, which has a variety of pools to suit all the family and kids under 3 swim for free.

 

Drop in to ‘The Big Scream’ – Film Morning for Parents every Thursday in Billy Byrne’s, John Street, Kilkenny organised by Cuidiú, Kilkenny.

 

Check out the local cinema, the Kilkenny Omniplex, for the latest kids’ films. There’s a kids’ club at noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Films showing this month include The Smurfs, Cars 2, Mr Poppers Penguins and Horrid Henry the Movie.

 

Let the kids burn off some steam at Jellie Tots Playcentre, Loughboy, which has equipment suitable for children up to 12 years old.

 

Get creative by making your own pottery with Ciara O’Sullivan Ceramics at The Studio, Bennettsbridge.

 

Hire a lane at the K-Bowl in MacDonagh junction and see who will be first to get a strike.

 

Wander around Market Cross & McDonagh Junction Shopping Centres. There is family entertainment provided in both – keep an eye out for regular events.

 

Visit the local book shops and browse through the wide selection of children’s books. The Book Centre, Khans, Dubrays and Stonehouse Books, in the city, all have a great Children’s section.

 

Explore the Butler Gallery in Kilkenny Castle. Admission is free and it is open seven days a week.

 

There are also some great ideas in our ‘what to do on a rainy day’ section on our website, www.mykidstime.ie, to keep the kids entertained whilst stuck indoors.

 

 

We love the look of this year’s Kilkenny Arts Festival’s family and children’s events and workshops, some of which are free. Running from the 5th to 14th of this month, Kilkenny Arts Festival promises an ‘eclectic and entertaining’ mix of family and children’s events and workshops.

 

Family highlights this year include Holy Mary, written by Eoin Colfer, and performed in the Watergate Theatre, Parliament Street, Kilkenny on Friday & Saturday, August 12th &13th. Described as a moving, magical and hilarious children’s play it is a must-see for children and adults alike.

 

David Donohue, bestselling author and backwards-speller extraordinaire, will be making an appearance at The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle on Saturday, August 6th.

 

Joe Brennan’s Star Boy will enchant audiences at The Ormonde Hotel. Suitable for two and a half year olds upwards, it’s a delightful tale of a small boy who loves to explore.

 

Also appearing at the Ormonde are The Amazing Few with an exciting, interactive and fun performance, which features bubbles, balloons and things that go POP!

 

There are a variety of workshops which involve birdsong recording, bookbinding, paper craft and humourous sculptures. Booking is essential.

 

Details of this and other family events during the month are on our website.

 

Sign up for our free monthly Kilkenny Newsletter for parents at www.mykidstime.ie/signup, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mykidstime.kilkenny and Twitter at Mykidstimeklkny