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Past Bedtime – Sleeping babies in buggys…

June 8th, 2010 | Tots2Teens | Comments (2)

We went on holiday last week – to Wales for a family party and then a few days break.  It was such a great holiday but a very different holiday given that my little man is now ‘gumping’ (jumping!) and running about like crazy, not much relaxing or lazing about!

We spent most of the day running in the park, splashing in the pool and eating our way around the small Welsh village we were staying in.

At night time we used to put my son in his PJ’s and blanket in the buggy and head for a stroll. Once he would be sleeping soundly my husband and I would head back to the hotel lobby and have a drink and a bit to eat. It would normally be around 9.30pm before we would head up to the room and pop junior into his cot still sleeping soundly.  What I noticed was the amount of funny looks we got from people who would look into the buggy and then look at us disapprovingly… mainly older people I have to say but I did feel like they were thinking that baby (21 months so not really a baby) should be in bed.

It wasn’t as if he was in the middle of a rowdy pub or if we were having a good old hooley it was a bite to eat and a drink and we were all on our holidays!

Would anyone else do as I did or am I as the looks suggested a ‘bad’ mother??

Filed under: Blog on June 8th, 2010 by Tots2Teens | Comments (2)

Whats On In June

June 4th, 2010 | Claire Hayes | Comment (0)

Dublin is a great place to be this bank holiday weekend, with lots of
events for all the family.  Choose from Bloom in the Park, Outdoor
Movies in the Park and of course the Docklands Maritime Festival.  See
full details on our family events page.
June Family Events

The National Wax Museum in Temple Bar has recently re-opened with
great attractions for the kids, including the Wax Factor Studio (where
they can make their own YouTube video!).  

Bloom in the Park is at the Phoenix Park between the 3rd and 7th June,
with plenty of fun for kids including interactive wildlife workshops,
bug hunts, crafts and an outdoor entertainment stage.

Imaginosity is also at Bloom from the 3rd to 7th June, with their ‘Big
Tent’ packed with children’s workshops and street games.

The Docklands Maritime Festival is back for the bank holiday weekend
(4th to 7th June) with their stunning tall ships, street theatre,
musical entertainment and amusements.

Outdoor Movies in the Park is at The People’s Park, from the 5th to
7th June, where you can see free screenings of popular classics and
animated movies, while having a picnic.

Animal Magic at The Ark, on both Saturday 5th and Saturday 12th June,
is for children 3-6 yrs and 7+ yrs, who will construct a moving pop-up
illustration of their favourite wild animal.

Go Kids Go is a new indoor play centre at Blanchardstown, suitable for
all children up to 12 yrs, with a Go Kart Track, slides, ball pools,
rope climbs, moon climbs, an indoor football pitch and lots more.

The Dublin Shakespeare Festival, from the 7th to 12th June, is
suitable for older children, who will see the Bard’s performances at
Dublin’s idyllic parks, beautiful cultural monuments and schools.

The RTE Concert Orchestra will join Tom Chapin at the National Concert
Hall on 13th June for a Family Concert.

The SCOOP Foundation’s Baby Rave is a fun day out for young children
and their parents, at Wood Quay Civic Offices on 13th June, and
features music, games, dancing, art, face painting and more.

The 1st Dalkey Book Festival will take place from the 18th to 20th
June, with lots of fun for children including talks, storytelling,
performances, face painting, music and puppet shows.

The AIB Street Performance World Championship will be back at Merrion
Square from the 17th to 20th June.  See the best contortionists, piano
jugglers, magicians, break-dancers and comedians.

On Father’s Day (20th June), you can join the Teddy’ Bears Picnic at
the Royal Marine Hotel, for face painting, a treasure hunt and family
races, in aid of Barnado’s.

Also on the 20th, all Dads and Granddads can visit Imaginosity for
free, in celebration of Father’s Day.

See our Family Events page on Dublinkids.ie for full details of the above.
Arts and Crafts in June

Did you know that there are regular art workshops every weekend at
Dublin’s museums, including the National Gallery, the Chester Beatty
Library, the National Museum, Collins Barracks and the Huge Lane
Gallery?  See a full list and times here.

The Little Masters Workshop at Imaginosity is throughout June, for
children 4+ yrs.

It’s Family Day at Chester Beatty Library on the 5th and 6th June,
where backpacks are available free of charge.

At the National Museum on 6th June, Solve the History Mystery by
having a look at mysterious objects, which all the family can touch
and explore together.

The Art Kart theme at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre on 6th June is
‘Animals in the Phoenix Park Zoo’.

Sunday Explorer for Families is at the Irish Museum of Modern Art on 6th June.

On Bank Holiday Monday (7th June), take part in ‘Family Time’ at the
National Gallery’s Atrium Workspace.

My Museum: Animal Tales is at the Natural History Museum on 13th June,
where you can join the storyteller in the Discovery Zone to hear some
animal tales!

The monthly New Parents Tour at the National Gallery is on Wednesday 16th June.

We add art workshops every week to Dublinkids.ie, so visit us during
June if you are looking for arts and crafts for the kids.

Feel free to forward this guide to your friends.  Please visit
Dublinkids.ie during the month of June as we find more events for
children and families.

DublinKids.ie

Filed under: How to Entertain the Kids on June 4th, 2010 by Claire Hayes | Comment (0)

Ireland’s National Leprechaun Museum proves popular with Families

June 3rd, 2010 | Tots2Teens | Comment (0)

Since opening in March, the National Leprechaun Museum has welcomed over 8,000 visitors to its Dublin premises, with more than half of these being families and children.

Based in the heart of the city, the National Leprechaun Museum is a national cultural entertainment centre that takes families deeper into Irish and Celtic culture to discover what really lies behind the well-known tales of Irish cultural iconography – leprechauns, rainbows and pots of gold.

The National Leprechaun Museum is the first ever visitor attraction dedicated to Irish mythology and promises to open up a fun and magical world full of fascinating folklore and enchanting stories.  

The one-storey, 16,000sqft museum is structured like a fairytale story, with 12 individual chapters each transporting visitors to the heart of Irish cultural identity and imagination. Each chapter represents either a part of Irish mythological history or recreates an experience typically associated with leprechauns. The result is a series of captivating, interactive experiences – from the first ever sighting back in the eighth century, through to modern day representations of the leprechaun in film and popular culture – with plenty of adventures in between.

Audiences can feel what it’s like to journey deep beneath the rocks of the Giant’s Causeway, open up their minds to the sights and stories of Ireland’s mythical otherworld on a trip to fairy hill, experience what it’s like to live in a leprechaun-sized world and journey to the end of the rainbow to see if the elusive crock of gold really exists.

The museum’s director and creator, Tom O’Rahilly said: “The National Leprechaun Museum is a first; nothing like it exists anywhere else in the world. Irish culture is famous the world over – even Walt Disney came to Ireland to look for leprechauns. However, not many people know the real stories behind the country’s folklore. We want to give visitors an experience to remember, taking them to the heart of Irish identity and imagination, telling the amazing tales that make up Celtic culture and offering some surprises and new experiences along the way. We hope the National Leprechaun Museum will join The Guinness Storehouse, The Dublin Writers Museum and The Book of Kells as one of the main visitor attractions in the Irish capital.

KEY FEATURES FOR FAMILY

* Family ticket ( 2 adults, 2 children) cheaper than most other attractions at €27.
* Museum is accessible, with level access throughout.
* Baby changing facilities
* Bag Drop
* Coffee shop with Drawing Area
* Outdoor Area
* LUAS stop nearby
* Dublin Bike station nearby
* Parking at Jervis Shopping Centre

National Leprechaun Museum | www.leprechaunmuseum.ie

Filed under: Blog, How to Entertain the Kids on June 3rd, 2010 by Tots2Teens | Comment (0)

Gymboree Summer Camps

June 2nd, 2010 | Claire Hayes | Comment (0)

Come and have a great summer at our Summer Camps located at Spawell Leisure Centre in Templeogue.  Our centre offers a 2000 square foot indoor playground as well as an outdoor space in which children will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of games and activities.  Most importantly, on a rainy day the kids will still be able to play sports, music and have fun in our indoor playground.    

The camps combine our different programs such as Arts, Music and Sports into one fun experience.  And every day the children will also Travel to different regions of the world in an imaginary journey.

At our camps your children will not only receive personalised attention as the maximum group size is of 20 kids but they will also be able to develop their social skills in a richer and not overcrowded environment.

Our Summer Camps specialise in programmes for young children between the ages of 3 and 6.

Dates:

Week 1: June 28 – July 2

Week 2: July 5 – July 9

Week 3: July 12 – July 16

Week 4: July 19 – July 23

Week 5: July 26 – July 30

Week 6: August 9 – August 13

Week 7: August 16 – August 20

Time:
Camps run daily from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Cost:

€100 p/w for 1 child

€180 p/w for 2 children

€100 for first camp

€80 for each week thereafter

€30 deposit for each camp

Camps are “drop off” and children need to bring a packed lunch.

For further information please visit: www.playandmusic.ie

Book your place NOW!

Call 01 493 8829

Filed under: Blog, How to Entertain the Kids on June 2nd, 2010 by Claire Hayes | Comment (0)

Imaginary Friends

June 1st, 2010 | Claire Hayes | Comment (0)

Having imaginary playmates is a pretty normal part of growing up-especially in the toddler years-and they serve several important functions:  

Having an invisible friend can make those long trips to the moon or back in time a little less lonely …Read More

Filed under: Blog, Childrens Health on June 1st, 2010 by Claire Hayes | Comment (0)

Sport Day

May 28th, 2010 | Claire Hayes | Comment (0)

After much anticipation sports day finally arrived today.  With one son off sports with an injury, it was down to the younger one to bring home the silverware ( or even better the gold ! )

First event the 70m sprint.  With nerves rising they line up at the start line.  I can see the stress in his face and pray to god he doesn’t trip over.  Ready, steady, go ….. and their off.  Bit slow on the take off but making good ground now.  Second place.  Oh the jubilation.  I know they we always have to tell them it’s the participation that counts, but secretly we want them to win a medal to see that smile on their faces.    

And then the moment I’d been dreading.  The mother’s 100m sprint.  Now its been a while since I had to break into any sort of a run so this was the equivilant of running the marathon for me.

With much egging on from the small ones we lined up at the start.  It seemed a long way to the finish.

The whistle goes and we’re off.  My legs immediately turn to jelly and I stumble.  God, that would be embarrassing wouldn’t it.  I made up some ground and eventually come 3^rd.  Honestly by the looks on their faces I might as well have won the marathon.  With the usual gaudy trophy we head home happy.

Unfortunately for me my legs will be feeling the pain of victory for many days to come.

Filed under: Blog, How to Entertain the Kids on May 28th, 2010 by Claire Hayes | Comment (0)

New Stay at Home Dads TV Series…

May 25th, 2010 | Tots2Teens | Comment (0)

Are you about to become or have you recently become a stay at home Dad?

Hollybrook Films is developing a TV series on stay-at-home dads. We are looking for Dads who are about to stop work/ take redundancy in the near future or who have lost their job recently and have decided to become the main stay-at-home parent for the short term at least. Or maybe you’re about to become a new dad and you will be minding the baby after maternity leave.

The series will follow the experiences of a number of Dads from first day at home with the kids over a few months – the good aspects of spending a lot of time with your children, the school runs, playgrounds etc. as well as the less attractive elements of changing nappies and housework. You might be trying to get a new job, retrain, or set up your own business as you juggle childcare. Or your partner is earning the income and it works for your family at the moment for you to be at home.

We’re looking for people all across the country and from any sector – farming, construction, finance, manufacturing or small business owners – all dads.

If you would be interested in talking to us, please contact Ciara on 086-1091245 ciara@hollybrookfilms.com

Visit our website http://www.hollybrookfilms.com/dad/

 

Filed under: Blog, Dads on May 25th, 2010 by Tots2Teens | Comment (0)

Actimel proven to fight kids’ infections…

May 25th, 2010 | Tots2Teens | Comment (0)

A new study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that Ireland’s second biggest dairy product seller, yoghurts and drinks containing Actimel, fight infections in toddlers and young children.

Danone, the French dairy group, said the results of a study led by Dr Daniel Merenstein of Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM) show that kids who started the day with the yogurt drink were almost 20 per cent less likely to suffer an infection, including ear and sinus infections, than their classmates.

Although carried out on a specific product, Actimel, the study raises the prospect that more of the drinks – produced by Glanbia in Ireland for instance, could have similar health benefits.

The study was a randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled study – the gold standard in clinical research design. This study was conducted during the winter of 2006-2007 in 638 healthy children, attending 358 different day care schools at least 30 hours per week and aged 3-6.

“.To our knowledge this is the largest probiotic clinical trial conducted in the U.S. and provides much needed data,” say the authors of the study. “We studied a functional food, not a medicinal product; parents will thus feed their children without any physician input and we felt it was best to assess [the drink] under similar conditions.”

“Our study had mixed results,” says Dr Merenstein. “Children in school or daycare are especially susceptible to these illnesses. We did find some differences in infection rates but this did not translate to fewer missed school days or change in daily activity. It is my hope that safe and tolerable ways to reduce illnesses could eventually result in fewer missed school days which means fewer work days missed by parents.”

“It is important that more of these products are put under the microscope by independent academic researchers,” he concludes.

However, despite suffering from fewer infections children who were given the drinks still took as many days off school as their classmates.

From the website of AIB Global Treasury Services www.fxcentre.com

Source: Business World

Filed under: Blog, Childrens Health, Your Health on May 25th, 2010 by Tots2Teens | Comment (0)

Excuse my French…

May 24th, 2010 | Tots2Teens | Comment (0)

Every year about this time when it comes to booking holidays I remember the resolution I made after last years holiday to make an effort to learn another language. I did German for my leaving cert and having never used it, it is completely lost.

With France being my destination of choice I  imagine how fantastic it would be to speak French rather than just trying to communicate by speaking English with a French accent or speaking in a loud voice with dramatic hand gestures!

I saw in The Times yesterday that Alliance Francaise are running courses from June to September for Adults, Teens, Kids and Toddlers. Toddlers was the one that jumped out – maybe I can send my little guy along and in a few years have a personal translator! Good idea Maman!

Filed under: Blog, Family Holidays on May 24th, 2010 by Tots2Teens | Comment (0)

10 ways to enjoy a summer staycation in Ireland

May 20th, 2010 | Martina Hennesy | Comment (0)

 Sizzling Summer Staycations
~ 10 ways to enjoy a summer staycation in Ireland!~

May 2010: Summer is here, and it’s time to Staycation!  With tightening wallets, looming ash clouds, and bargains galore to be had, there has never been a better time to holiday in Ireland!  

For inspiration for the perfect family holiday, and a list of family friendly hotels with kids clubs, B&Bs, farm stays, self catering and campsites, see www.discoverireland.ie or keep an eye out for the Discover Ireland Summer Special Offers brochure (Kids go Free!) in tourist information offices, and national newspapers, from 2nd June.  In the meantime here are our top ten family fun ideas to keep you busy in Ireland this summer.

1 – Have a Ball at the Beach!
Have the time of your life this summer, without straying too far, and embrace the beach staycation!  Ireland has some breathtaking beaches that are great for swimming and snorkelling, paddling, sandcastle-building, sand-dune climbing, picnics, walking or just relaxing!

Some beautiful, family-friendly beaches to visit around Ireland include Bundoran Beach in Donegal, Ballybunion and Banna Beaches in Kerry, Courtown in Wexford, Tramore in Waterford and Youghal Beach in Cork.  There’s always a wealth of affordable family accommodation near Irish beaches, including self-catering, caravan and campsites, and great value hotels and B&Bs.  

2 – Go Underground!  
For a truly adventurous and stimulating trip that all the family will enjoy, go underground and explore caves in their natural state. Your kids will learn about stalactites, stalacmites and pillars while they crawl, climb, and wade through the cave, while you take in stories of geology and animal life.  
Some of the best-known are the Aillwee Cave and the Doolin Cave in Clare, the Crag Cave in Kerry and the Dunmore Cave in Waterford.  

3 – Spy spectacular wildlife!
Few activities can make you and your family feel as “in touch” with nature as discovering our wildlife.  It’s a fun learning experience for people of all ages, and best of all, it doesn’t require a big budget or a lot of equipment as we are surrounded by wondrous wildlife in Ireland!

If you’re looking for an exotic experience, head to Fota Wildlife Park, which is only 15 minutes from Cork City, and come face to face with free roaming animals and birds from all over the world!  If flight is your fantasy, you could also visit Eagles Flying in Sligo or Birds of Prey in The Burren, Co. Clare. Or why not visit an aquarium to discover the underwater world in Dingle Oceanworld, Galway Atlantaquaria, Lahinch Seaworld or Sea Life in Bray.  

4 – Head to Ireland’s islands!
Wild, rugged and full of interesting and exciting things to do, Ireland’s islands are the perfect place to go on a family break.  There’s a whole different world to discover once you get to the islands from little cottages, deserted villages, ancient forts and monks cells, to fascinating walking and cycling trails, old lighthouses, beautiful beaches, whale watching, adventure sports such as surfing and diving, and festivals galore celebrating everything from Tedfest to Achill Yawls.
Islands like the Aran Islands off Co. Galway, Achill, Co. Mayo, Arranmore, Co. Donegal, Heir, Co. Cork, Inishbofin, Co. Galway and Tory off Co. Donegal are steeped in history. You can explore the islands by foot or bike, enjoy activities, meet and chat with wonderful people and stay in cosy accommodation.

5 – Visit a farm!
Staying on a farm, where you can milk the cows, collect eggs and see how all the animals live, is probably every child’s dream! So many farms throughout the country are now offering farmhouse holiday packages from traditional Irish homesteads to modern working farms.
You can also take advantage of the many activities and local attractions on offer nearby, including golfing, walking routes, stunning scenery, lakes, fishing, surfing and cycling.  Or why not visit a pet farm, like, Kia Ora Farm in Wexford or Glendeer Farm in Athlone.

6 – Families ahoy!
For a trip with a difference, go maritime this summer.  Head to New Ross and board the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a full-scale reconstruction of a 19th Century Famine ship, where you can walk in the footsteps of a group of Irish famine emigrants on their journey of hope across the Atlantic Ocean.   Nearby, you can also visit the 800 year old Hook Lighthouse, one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world.

7 – Have a heritage holiday!
Bring your family on a learning holiday this year and bask in Ireland’s unique heritage. Live the magic and mystery of the Prehistoric, Celtic, Viking, Anglo-Norman and native Irish communities dating back 5000 years at the Irish National Heritage Park in Ferrycarrig, Co. Wexford, or one of the many castles and folk parks of the Shannon Region.  For something completely different learn all about the universe, and even send a message into outer space at the Blackrock Castle Observatory, Co. Cork.

8 – Get active!
There’s nothing better than getting active on a family holiday, whilst taking in Ireland’s natural wonders!  Not only will it wear the kids out, but it’s a great bonding experience.  There’s so much to do, from rock climbing to sailing, hiking, cycling and water sports!
Get all the family on their bikes and head to Portumna Forest Park in Co. Galway, or the newly opened Great Western Greenway between Newport and Mulranny in Co. Mayo or sample the mountain biking in the Ballyhoura Mountains in Limerick/Cork.

9 – Cruise the Lakelands!
Swop the bedroom for a cabin this summer, and become captain of your own boat!  There are lots to do for a few days on board a cruiser – show the kids how to fish or kayak, and  tie up and explore riverside villages and heritage sites by bicycle or foot.  If you’re on a budget you can cook all your meals on board, or for those who would rather a break from chores, there are an array of great child friendly restaurants scattered along the river bank.
10  Fun Family Festivals!
There’s no better way to keep your family entertained than at a festival.  Some family summer sizzlers include, The Cork Midsummer Festival of the Senses from the 12th – 27th June, The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Festival in Co. Cork from the 1st – 9th July, and The Spraoi Festival in Co. Waterford from the 30th July – 1st August.

For a full list of festivals throughout the summer, visit www.discoverireland.ie/festivalsandevents

Watch out for the new Discover Ireland Special Offers brochure on 2nd June, kids go free is the theme, available in your local tourist office and in national newspapers.  There will be some great deals including two nights B&B in a 4 star hotel plus one dinner for 139pps, a B&B for a family of five for €169 a night, a two bed cottage from €375 per week, five nights camping for €175 for 2 adults and 4 kids, and a cruise from €160 for 8 people!  Hotels are also offering free passes to local attractions. These offers will also be available on www.discoverireland.ie/specialoffers.

Filed under: Blog, Family Holidays on May 20th, 2010 by Martina Hennesy | Comment (0)