Families are invited to join in a day of fun and games in the beautiful surroundings of Merrion Square Park, which promises lots of fun and entertainment. Children will get the chance to play the games that children played in 1916.
The Children’s Play Day will include children’s street rhymes and games, including skipping, marbles, penalty shoot-outs, relays and obstacle courses. The event will also tap into children’s imagination with creative messy play, art, dress up and den building.
On the stage of a circus style tent, there will be music and performances where well known personalities from RTE Junior will host sessions and engage audiences throughout the day.
Event Details
Play activities will include:
- Street Games – skipping (big rope and individual ropes), hop-scotch, hula hoops, marbles, ball games, yo-yos, chalk, tin cans
- Bunny hoppers and similar toys
- Dress up, props (tea sets etc)
- Parkour
- Teen ‘chill out’ area
- Giant Games – Jenga, Dominoes and Connect 4
- Giant balls
- Sand (buckets, spades etc)
- Lego, Mobilo
- Toy soldiers, dolls, action figures, cars etc
- Drama games and informal performance opportunities
- Parachute games
- Giant inflatable Do-Nut
- Pillow fight
- Loose parts play – dens etc
- Wooden go-carts
- Obstacle races
- Big Art Tent – facilitated by ‘Re-Create’
Dublin City Council and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs are collaborating in this event to promote Dublin as a child-friendly city. This is one of Dublin City Council’s family-friendly events taking place during the Easter holidays as part of the 1916 commemorations.
Circus Tent Stage
Hosted by Emma and Muirean from RTÉ Junior.
Drop in to enjoy Sing Along Sing Songs with Emma O’Driscoll from RTE Junior, magic shows by Reuben, and musical performances bythe Garda Band, The Henry Girls, young traditional musicians, Mochóirí, The Rowsome Sisters, and the students of the National Performing Arts School with their showcase “We Could Be Heroes”. Music and singing is at the core of this piece. It will include readings from The Proclamation and The Soldiers’ Song and a short play based on the 1916 Rising and its place in 2016. Be ready to answer “Ireland’s Call” at the finale.
Carousels
Experience the thrill of riding a carousel – whether you’re a little kid or a big one! We will have two carousels to suit kids of all ages.
Artists
Take a look at the artists of The Merrion Square Artists Association in action, as they capture the activities of the square on canvas.
Eats and Treats
There will be eats, treats, a picnic area and public facilities.
