With the summer holidays here and the weather so far this year unpredictable, Cool Planet Experience in Wicklow has the perfect solution for stir-crazy kids, rain or shine.
The climate changed-centred visitor attraction – the first of its kind anywhere in the world – is busy putting the finishing touches to its programme of summer workshops. And if the previous form is anything to go by, these will sell out quick!
The idea behind the 1hr 15 minute-long workshops is that children aged 6-12 will be having so much fun, they will hardly notice they are learning all about the science behind climate change.
There are two workshops to choose from:
• Slime Labs take a closer look at environmental science with slime, goo, jelly balls and seaweed; Saturday 6th and 13th July @ 11am and 2pm, €15 per child.
After making their own slime, kids will play with, pop & stretch it to discover how these unusual materials can be used to save the planet – think edible water bottles & sustainable packaging.
• At the Stomp-Rocket Workshops, kids will discover the link between climate and energy – how clever storage and conversion can deliver clean and free power; Tuesday 2nd and 9th July @11am, €12.50.
Stop-rockets work by converting stored energy – trapped air in a 2lt bottle – into moving energy, aka rocket thrust, by applying pressure; basically, stomping on the bottle that is connected to the rocket!
Kids will learn about the link between climate & energy too – how clever energy storage is capable of fuelling the world, cleanly and for free.
This workshop is split into two groups – older kids/younger kids – with older kids investigating the forces of flying too; gravity, thrust, drag.
Plus, a deal combining the two workshops for €20 is available at 11am and 1.30pm sessions, Friday 5th and 12th July.
Workshops take place in The Dome – where Prince Charles was recently treated to a goo ball demonstration – and they are capped at 15 children per session, to ensure everybody has the chance to be fully involved.
All materials are supplied and, at the end of the Stomp Rocket workshop, kids get to take away the finished article, which they have made and decorated themselves.
More dates and workshops are to be released for July and August – keep an eye on the website for details.
Parents can meanwhile sup coffee at the Avoca café or enjoy the beautiful Powerscourt Gardens, before heading on to join the kids for the main Cool Planet Experience.
More Info
Suitable from age 7 upwards, the hour-long, European Museum of the Year-nominated experience takes visitors on a fun, interactive journey to discover what is making our climate change, the science behind it and how we can help to create a healthy future for all.
Admission for the main experience costs is priced at €9.50 for adults; child €5.50; student/OAP €7.50; family ticket €27.00. Under 7s go free, although some elements of the tour may not be suitable for younger visitors.
Cool Planet is open daily, 10am-5pm.
For more information and to book, visit Coolplanetexperience.org
Address:Â Powerscourt Demesne, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
