I have put together a list of things to do with your family in February in Dublin and surrounding areas. I find sometimes when you are looking for things to do you totally forget what is on so this is a handy guide that you can keep coming back to. Some events are a little drive outside Dublin but I have linked all events so you can see where they are and what suits you best. Hope it gives you some ideas of things to do!

National Museum of Ireland

Friday 1st February – Thursday 28th February

We bring history to life for over a million visitors every year. At our three Dublin sites and one in Mayo, the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) holds the national collections of Archaeology, Decorative Arts, History, Ethnography, Folklife and Natural History in trust for the people of Ireland. Our mission is to put people – visitors, staff and partners – at the centre of all that we do, and engage with them in new and creative ways. And with over four million objects in our collections, we have a continual source of inspiration for our programmes.

Please click on the link below to discover all the events taking place across the four Museum sites.

https://www.museum.ie/Visit-Us/Events

Dublin Chinese New Year Festival 2019

Friday 1st – Sunday 17th February

Sow-prise! Dublin Chinese New Year Festival returns Feb 1 – 17 2019, welcoming Year of the Pig.

Dublin Chinese New Year Festival marks the Year of the Pig with a two week programme of events from Feb 1 – 17 2019.

Explore the full programme at www.dublinchinesenewyear.com and immerse yourself in Chinese culture as Dublin City celebrates!

This is the 12th edition of the festival, which began in 2008, so this year we celebrate the final zodiac animal – The Pig.

The programme includes talks, visual arts, performance, film, music and many family-friendly events, inviting all ages to be part of this cultural celebration.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1529875443825257/

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – The Film: Live – NCT

Saturday 2nd February 12.00pm – 1.30pm

National Concert Hall

Earlsfort Terrace

Dublin D02 N527

“We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – The Film: Live in Concert”

Created by Stuart Hancock  and City of London Sinfonia

Author: Michael Rosen

Composer : Stuart Hancock

Adults €25

Children €15

Family tix for four ( 2 adults and 2 children ) €70

A Lupus Films production in association with Bear Hunt Films and Walker Productions for Channel 4, Universal Pictures and Herrick Entertainment with the support of Creative Europe – MEDIA programme of the European Union.

© Bear Hunt Films Limited MMXVI

https://www.facebook.com/events/787525824925020/

Explorium Ireland

Opening Hours:

Science & Sport: Mon – Fri 3pm – 6pm.

Sat + Sun 10am – 6pm.

Junior : Mon – Fri 9.30am – 5pm.

Sat + Sun 10am – 6pm.

Find us just off exit 13/14 on the M50 South or Northbound OPPOSITE LAMB DOYLES, Blackglen Road, Sandyford, Dublin D18 N1F2

A key philosophy at Explorium is to challenge both mind and body so we have also created sporting areas that will encourage our visitors to push their limits.

Find more information on their website below:

https://www.explorium.ie/?fbclid=IwAR1OyIu3fPH6H0zuH5F7qp2vNCVheH4j872xert1d8ZYDXYhy2h2JG7N-7s

Children’s Workshop – Build a birdfeeder  –  Botanic Gardens

Saturday 2nd February  11.00am – 1.00pm

National Botanic Gardens of Ireland

300 Botanic Road

Dublin 9

A fun kids’ workshop where we will be making bird feeders to help our feathered friends during the cold winter months. Be sure to wear old clothes since we may be making a mess.

Suitable for ages 6-12. Booking Essential. Call (01) 804 0319/ 857 0909 or email botanicgardens@opw.ie to book.

Storytelling week – Airfield Estate

Until 3rd February

Airfield Estate

Overhand Way

Dundrum

Dublin 14

?Who doesn’t love a good book!

To celebrate storytelling week, join us from the 26th January – 3rd February to enjoy storytime at Airfield Estate.

We’ll be reading a selection of children’s books in the Lily Butler room at 12:30 pm and 2 pm.

Storytime is taking place each day except on Monday and Tuesday.

Drop in and enjoy the magic of a great story.

https://www.facebook.com/events/402589540497853/

Grandparents go free at Imaginosity each term-time Tuesday

Tuesday 5th, 12th, and 26th Februar

Imaginosity

Dublin Children’s Museum

Beacon South Quarter

Sandyford

Dublin 18

Don’t forget Grandparents go FREE each term time Tuesday at Imaginosity, Dublin Children’s Museum!

https://www.facebook.com/events/303347713843520/

Imaginosity Wobbler & Toddler Mornings

Tuesday 5th – Friday 8th February 9.30 – 11.30am

Imaginosity

Dublin Children’s Museum

Beacon South Quarter

Sandyford

Dublin 18

Wobbler and Toddler Mornings take place at Imaginosity every Tuesday-Friday during term time from 9.30-11.30am.  Wobbler & Toddler mornings are designed for our youngest visitors and their parents and carers, scheduled during quiet mornings, these mornings allow young children to explore the museum at their own pace, incorporating structured activities that will promote early learning and pre-school readiness. All Wobbler & Toddler activities are included with general admission to Imaginosity.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2270976709798008/

String Play | Spike Cello Fest 2019 – The Ark

Friday 8th February: 10.15 – 11.15am and 12.15pm – 1.15pm

Saturday 9th February: 2.00pm – 3.00pm and 4.00pm – 5.00pm

The Ark

11a Eustace Street

Dublin 2

Enjoy a musical trip through an ordinary day in this fun concert for Ages 5+.

Join three friends on a musical journey through an ordinary day as they converse, argue, travel, play and interact using only their instruments. String Play is a light-hearted non-verbal performance with musical improvisation at its core, bringing young audiences on a playful and expressive adventure without the need for words.

String Play is performed by Mary and Katherine Barnecutt and Matthew Jacobson. It was devised as part of the ‘Fun Size Jazz’ series, an artist development collaboration between Improvised Music Company and The Ark in 2018, which encouraged jazz and improvising musicians to create new work for young audiences.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2221228371536307/?event_time_id=2221228384869639

The Curious Cello | Spike Cello Fest 2019  –  The Ark

Friday 8th February: 10.30am – 1.30pm

Saturday 9th February: 10.30am – 4.30pm

The Ark

11a Eustace Street

Dublin 2

Discover an unusual cello you can play without  having taken any lessons! A fun new music installation by composer Jonathan Nangle.

Jonathan has taken the body of an old, broken cello and brought it back  to life – but it’s not quite the same as a normal cello anymore! It now has special paint on the outside that not only looks cool but also conducts electricity. This means you will be able to make this cello play lots of new and unexpected sounds using just your hands. Come and try it out and see what kind of weird and wonderful new cello music you can make!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1757984754310419/

Young Chef 2019 – Airfield Estate

Sunday 10th February 10.00am – 12.30pm

Airfield Estate

Overhand Way

Dundrum

Dublin 14

Is your child a budding chef or do they love to help you out in the kitchen?

Our kids’ cookery classes might be right up their street! All classes are suitable for 8-12 year olds who love all things food! Each class is based on a seasonal theme and will begin by exploring what’s available in the garden and will then move on to prepare and cook a selection of themed recipes.

Classes will be led by our education team in a relaxed and fun environment which will allow the children to see the process of food from farm to fork and get hands-on, learning kitchen safety and correct utensil care.

10th February – Soup and Sides

There is a charge of €25 per workshop (€22 for Airfield Estate members) and the day will run from 10 am – 12.30 pm.

If you would like to book all 11 classes for a reduced rate of €250 and €220 for Airfield Estate members, then please phone 01 969 6666 (options 1)

https://www.facebook.com/events/370494277039602/

Tiny Tots Tuesday: Gymboree! – EPIC

Tuesday 12th February 10.30am – 12.00pm

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Custom House Quay

Dublin D01 T6K4

This February at EPIC we are delighted to welcome the Gymboree team to our Tiny Tots Tuesday! Learning is made fun through this workshop of music, dance and games for little hands and feet.

There will be tea and coffee provided by Bakehouse, as well as some treats on the day!

Participants at this event can also avail of a 20% discount on tickets to our museum and in our museum gift shop – simply show a staff member your Eventbrite ticket to avail of the offer (discount does not apply to items already discounted).

This event is suitable for children aged 6 months – 3.5 Years.

Pre-Booking is mandatory for this event as spaces are limited.

https://www.facebook.com/events/211641396407084/

Children Art Classes – Botanic Gardens

Saturday 16th February 11.00am – 4.00pm

*10 Euro per child. Booking Essential Call 01 857 0909*

Budding Artists

Join our ‘budding’ artists, a creative workshop especially for younger children taking place once a month, under the attentive eye of artist Niamh Synnott. Children are encouraged to take a closer look at the natural world all around them to inspire fun art-making activities. Suitable for 4 to 7 year olds.

Time: 11.00am-12.30pm. Meet at the Education and Visitor Centre

Cost: €10. Booking Essential

Hardy Annuals

Why not join us for a guided discovery of the natural world where you can observe, engage, and be inspired by your surroundings. Participants in this art programme will be encouraged to use materials in fun and interesting ways while taking inspiration from the world of plants on show at Glasnevin. Suitable for 8 to 12 year olds.

Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Meet at the Education and Visitor Centre

Cost: €10. Booking Essential

https://www.facebook.com/events/937235093128005/

Young Farmer Classes 2019  –  Airfield Estate

Sunday 17th February 10.00 – 12.30pm

Airfield Estate

Overhand Way

Dundrum

Dublin 14

Perfect for animal lovers and outdoor explorers, we’re running a series of classes for young farmers aged 8-12.

Each class will focus on the farm animals at Airfield Estate. Our team will be working with the young farmers as they get hands-on with life on our farm, learning about our animals and how they’re cared for.

Cost: €20 per workshop (€18 for Airfield Estate members) and each day will run from 10 am – 12 pm.

If you would like to book in for all 4 workshops please call us directly on 01 969 6666 and save

https://www.facebook.com/events/487539231768275/

Imaginosity – Curiosity Mid Term Camp

Monday 18th – Friday 22nd February  9.00am – 2.30pm

Imaginosity

Dublin Children’s Museum

Beacon South Quarter

Sandyford

Dublin 18

Join the Imaginosity Funstigator Team this mid-term break for ‘Curiosity Camp’ and explore the very best Imaginosity has to offer with different daily themes and fun-packed activities.  Curiosity Camp will run from Monday 18th – Friday 22nd February 2019 and campers will explore topics including; Science, Engineering, Drama & Movement, Art and much much more, alongside daily supervised play in Ireland’s only interactive children’s museum.

Camp runs daily from 9.00am-1.00pm (4-6 years €120 per week) and 9.00am-2.30pm (7-8 years €135 per week) – daily options are also available.  Book your child’s place now by calling 01-2176130.

https://www.facebook.com/events/670349316693261/

February Mid Term Camps – Airfield Estate

Monday 18th – Friday 22nd February  9.30am – 2.30pm

Airfield Estate

Overhand Way

Dundrum

Dublin 14

This February why not let the kids enjoy a mid-term with a spark of energy at Airfield Estate?

Choose from our Adventurers or  Explorers camps where kids can experience our urban farm and gardens with a sense of learning and enjoyment.

Camps run daily from 9.30 am – 2.30 pm

There’s also a new After Camp care which means your child can stay at Airfield Estate until 5.30 pm with full care provided by our education team.

Cost: €150 per child

Aftercare: €75 per child

Discounts available for siblings and members

https://www.facebook.com/events/965936390270484/?event_time_id=965936403603816

Lego Animation Workshops  –  The Ark

Tuesday 19th – Friday 22nd February

2 separate sessions per day 10.30 am – 1.00pm and 2.30pm – 5.00pm

The Ark

11a Eustace Street

Dublin 2

Make your own Lego movie in this practical workshop with Brick Flicks. Part of Fantastic Flix at The Ark.  All you need to bring is your favourite Lego character to cast as the star of your film.

With plenty of hands-on learning and simple demonstrations, you will work in small groups to create a set, storyboard and plan for your movie, which you will then film, edit, and record using iPads.  Presented in partnership with the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival.

Book via :

The Ark

11a Eustace St,

Temple Bar, Dublin 2

p: +353 (0)1 670 7788

e: boxoffice@ark.ie

@TheArkDublin

Giddy Studios February Mid Term Art Camp

Wednesday 20th – Friday 22nd February  10.00am – 3.00pm

Giddy Studios

Dun drum

Dublin 14

We run a gorgeous art camp on mid term breaks and school holidays.

Come and enjoy some creative arts and crafts projects and of course lots of pottery painting too!

Perfect way to get a break from screen time and make new friends in a lovely environment!

Day 1: Wednesday 20th February

Day 2: Thursday 21st February

Day 3: Friday 22nd February

Projects include pottery painting, foam clay, beads, fabric etc. On 1st day of each camp week glazed pottery project is done. All others days have acrylic pottery projects. Each of the days are themed. Pottery will vary from the image attached – you can always be assured that the quality of the projects is of equal value.

Suits Age 5 to 11. Bring a packed lunch. Wear pre-loved clothes. For Drop-off & Collection – if you are in and out of the car park in 15 minutes you don’t need to pay parking fees.

Price: €30 per day. Camp day runs from 10am to 3pm (early drop from 9am & late collection is charged at €5 p/hr p/person).

This is a very flexible camp – you can book just one day or multiple!

Email enquiries to helena@giddystudios.com

Call 01 2960303 – Payment is taken by credit card over the phone at time of booking.

https://www.facebook.com/events/367570673810009/

Anyone 4 Science Harry Potter Workshop Greystones

Thursday 21st February 10.00am – 3.00pm

Anyone4Science

Greystones Educate Together National School

Blacklion

Greystones, Co. Wicklow

Investigate the science behind the magic as you explore the world of Harry Potter.  Learn how to create the best potions, make colour disappear; create your own perfume formula; dragon blood recipes and more…

10am – 3pm

Suitable for ages 5 -13 years.

€45 one day camp – Family discount applies.

Early Bird discount €40.50 – until Jan 31st 2019

https://www.facebook.com/events/244327516314977/

One Day Junior Songschool – National concert Hall

Thursday 21st February  10:30am – 2:30pm

National Concert Hall

Earlsfort Terrace

Dublin D02 N527

Junior Songschool is for students aged 8 -12 years old who are interested in writing and recording songs, performing them in concert, learning about music technology, and meeting people who love music as much as they do…not to mention forming bands and having fun!  Make music and new friends!

Please bring your instrument and a packed lunch.

Free concert for family and friends at 2pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/293435388180160/

The Fairies & The Hobbit King  –  Wells House

Sunday 24th February 1.00pm – 4.00pm

Wells House & Gardens

Ballyedmond

Gorey Y25 CF96

Meet the Hobbit King and celebrate with him as he unveils the Hobbit House and then embark on his magical treasure hunt and take home your very own treasure!

Magic is all around us here at Wells and the Hobbit King has heard of its enchantment and has announced his royal visit! The Fairies are not wasting time in organising this spectacular party and you are all cordially invited for a fun-filled day and celebratory Fairy Hunt. Only those who believe in magic to attend.

€3 per child for the treasure hunt including a take home treasure  – kicking off at 1pm! Ticket to be purchased on the day at Wells House.

For more information contact info@wellshouse.ie

Entry is €10 per car.

https://www.facebook.com/events/273277816677967/

Bring Along a Baby – National Concert Hall

Monday 25th February – 10.30am – 11.30am and 12.30pm – 1.30pm

National Concert Hall

Earlsfort Terrace

Dublin D02 N527

Bring Along a Baby is an informal, relaxed, accessible chamber music recital of the highest standard, aimed primarily at parents, while babies or very young children sleep, feed and play.  There is no pressure to keep still or quiet, leaving parents free to sit back and enjoy the music. In fact, we encourage the babies to interact naturally with the music, and we have play mats and soft toys to this end.  Of course, the babies benefit from the music as well, so it’s a win-win.

Presented by NCH in association with Classical Kids

https://www.facebook.com/events/1228102870654742

Hope you like our suggestions!

Have a great February:)

Eimear x