5 Great Things For Kids To Do In Cork City

• By: Editor
• On: 04/Sep/2009
• In: Cork Travel Tips

(1) Cork City Gaol

Don't let the kids be put off by thinking that a boring day of history lies ahead of them when visiting Cork City Gaol. This is one of Cork city's most popular attractions with both young and old alike. Situated about 2km from the centre of Cork, this attraction will enthrall, entertain and educate in equal measure.

Audio-visual displays help to take you back in time and the life-like figures who sit in their cells are accompanied by realistic sound effects which really do create a sense of having travelled back in time. And afterwards, you can recouperate in the souvenir and refreshment areas of this well-worth visiting attraction. For more information, visit the official website of Cork City Gaol.

(2) The Planet

This is a fantastic place to bring the kids along to with absolutely loads of fun and entertaining activites for all ages.

The kids can escape to Cosmo's Funworld where 10,000 square foot of indoor fun exists with rope bridges, slides,  mini football, climbing wall, bouncing castles and much more! The great thing about Cosmo's Funworld is that there are various sections which cater for different age groups so no one will be left out of the fun.

The Planet also has a vast range of pool tables, video games & simulators to keep the entertainment at a high level. And yourself and the kids really should try your hand at The Planet's famous "Glow In The Dark Bowling"! And for a bite to eat, you can check out the fare on offer at the Apollo Diner where all tastes are catered for with a menu that ranges from chicken nuggets to more healthy options!

For more information, visit the official website of The Planet.

(3) Lifetime Lab

Located close to Cork city centre on Lee Road, Lifetime Lab is a great attraction which aims to provide educational learning on renewable energy, waste and water. Within the former Victorian Waterworks builings you can find out about each of these topics with trained staff always on hand to answer your questions as you explore the visitor centre, exhibition centre, steam centre and the schools resource & information centre.

We'd suggest you set aside at least an hour or two to take in everything that Lifetime Lab has to offer as an added bonus is an on-site kids playground and a sensory garden where you can take in some great views of Cork.

For more information, visit the official website of the Lifetime Lab.

(4) Cork Vision Centre

Another attraction that will interest the kids within Cork city is Cork Vision Centre where a range of exhibitions based around the theme of how Cork has evolved as a city along with various other exhibitions. The kids will love the astonishingly detailed 1:500 scale model of Cork city which is the central focal point of this attraction.

For further details, check out the official website of Cork Vision Centre.

(5) Fota Wildlife Park

Okay, it's not actually in Cork city itself but you really should take the kids out to Fota Wildlife Park for the day. Sitting only 10km east of Cork city, Fota Wildlife Park is guaranteed to provide you with a fantastic day out.

Pop along to meet a whole host of animals from exotic monkeys, cheetahs, zebras, flamingos, penguins, seals, red panda, ostriches, bison and much, much more! The exciting "Cheetah Run" takes place every day while wardens feed the animals every early morning and late afternoon. Talks on each animal species take place throughout the day too so you can ask as many questions as you want on your favourite inhabitant of the park!

Additional facilities include kids play area, picnic & rest areas, Serengeti Gift Shop, Awachi Tour Train, Maxi Zoo Tour Train, Jeep Safari, and Oasis Cafe for some refreshments or a lite bite. For more details, visit the official website of Fota Wildlife Park.

So that's our tips for top kids things to do in Cork city. Before you travel, check out our range of quality Cork hotels for the latest money-saving deals.

Are you planning to take the kids to Cork city for a break? If you've any questions, drop us a message in the comment box below and we'll try to provide you with even more tips for an enjoyable break.