kids Activities
kids Activities
Morning Art Classes
Did you know that one of your hosts at Willowbrook is an experienced art therapist? Now, all the skills she has learned in that space are put to use in a light-hearted way when children of our guests and local children from the area attend her art and craft classes. The class costs €10 per child (€8 for guests) and is suitable for children aged from 4 – 12 years old. Each class children are guided through the process of making a different piece of art which they can take home with them as a memento of their time at Willowbrook. No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. Bookings are essential. For locals, the class generally runs from 11.30am-12.30pm on a Saturday morning, and for those staying on site, 10am-11am on Saturdays and most days during the summer depending on demand. Please note that the class takes a break for a week from time to time so please call ahead to confirm dates before making any promises of art classes to little ones! (Call us on 09498 61307 to confirm dates and book a place for your child / children).
The Faerie Garden
Find the Faerie scavenger hunt
For those who like to go for a little wander in wonder, in search of their faeries, we have a little scavenger hunt which will take you all over the site in search of the magic that exists around us. You will find the faerie map on the wall of our little wash up kitchen in the toilet block. How many Faerie doors can you find?
Orienteering (kind of)
For those who fancy a bit more of a challenge, we have developed an orienteering course with a difference! We have a number of hidden codes, planted in areas so discrete that only those with their eyes peeled and their map scanned would ever notice them. And when you find all the codes and put them together, what does it mean? Can you figure it all out? We have an easy and a difficult course – some help from an adult may be needed.
The Wishing Wall of Willow
Make a wish, whisper it to your little bit of ribbon, weave it into the living willow wall or tie it to the willow for the wind to take your intention to the world. You’ll find the wishing wall of willow on the walk down towards the river and lake. Children must be accompanied by an adult in this area.
The Toto Schillaci Pizza House
If your kids like pizza, they’ll get a real kick out of making their own. Our Toto Schillaci pizza house including wood fired pizza oven is available for our guests. Pizza packs are available at the time of booking, or they may be booked on site, and include wood for the fire, pizza bases, tomato paste, cheese, and a range of toppings. Clear instructions on how to use the pizza oven are provided (obviously the adults need to do the cooking part). It’s lots of fun.
Alpaca Walks
A big hit with the kids and adults alike here at Willowbrook are the alpacas from the nearby Hayfield Alpaca Farm. You can book an alpaca walk around site where your group will be invited to lead two alpacas around our paths and grasslands, and to feed them. For pricing, availability and to book an Alpaca Walk, call Dermot on 086 6012546
Fishing
We make fishing a bit easier for kids here at willowbrook. While most adults will choose to fish off the banks of the river lung, you will also find a few Perch and Poach in our little lake also. Our Japanese tea house on one side of the lake is a nice little gated platform where kids can cast out a line in safety. We do not provide fishing gear, but you are very welcome to bring your own. Children must be accompanied by an adult when fishing.
S’mores
An immensely popular part of our site during the summer is our communal fire pit. You can bring your own wood, or purchase a pack of logs on site, you can have a tipple, play a guitar, sing a song, but let’s face it…. For the kids it’s all about the s’mores…
Children’s summer / easter / Halloween camps
In July, August, and in between school terms, we run week-long art and nature camps for 6-12 year-old children. We wanted to create an alternative to the many sports-based camps that are available for kids of that age, as we recognise that not all children are into sports, and we recognise the benefit of exposing kids to something a bit more creative. In our camps we make arts and crafts, we search for our materials in nature (sometimes we get a bit muddy) we have personal challenges, and most importantly we play. The goals of our camps are to develop in the kids’ artistic thought, self-expression, problem solving, social skills and friendships. The kids have an absolute ball! For info on any up-coming camps see our Upcoming Events page.
