Celbridge Summer Playscheme and Children's Activities

Every summer, families in Celbridge and the surrounding north Kildare area look for somewhere dependable to send children while school is out - somewhere supervised, active, and genuinely engaging rather than just babysitting with a different postcode. The Celbridge Summer Playscheme and Children’s Activities programme, run by Celbridge Community Services, does exactly that. It runs across July and August, keeping children aged 5 to 12 occupied with a structured mix of sports, creative workshops, and supervised play. It suits working parents who need consistent cover, and children who simply want a proper summer with friends and things to do.

What to expect

The programme splits into two age groups - 5 to 8 year olds and 9 to 12 year olds - so activities are pitched at the right level rather than thrown together. Days run from 10:00am and include sports sessions, arts and crafts, outdoor play, and group games. The mix rotates across the week, which means children are not doing the same thing on Monday as they are on Friday. It is the kind of variety that keeps a ten-year-old interested across a full week rather than bored by Wednesday afternoon.

The playscheme is based at Celbridge Community Hub, a community-run facility in the town. Staff ratios are kept to a standard that keeps things safe, and the programme is designed for repeat attendance - you can book for a single week or run across multiple weeks through the summer. Lunch is not provided, so children bring a packed lunch. Early booking is advised as places fill quickly in popular weeks.

Getting there

Celbridge sits about 25 kilometres west of Dublin city on the R403, with easy access from the M4 motorway at Junction 6. The town is well served by Dublin Bus route 67 from the city, and the 120 also connects via Leixlip. If you are driving from within Kildare, Celbridge is signposted from Maynooth and Naas. Parking in the town centre is generally available on street and in car parks near Main Street.

While you’re in Celbridge

Celbridge is also home to Castletown House, the largest Palladian mansion in Ireland, with extensive parklands along the Liffey that are free to enter. A summer morning at the playscheme pairs easily with an afternoon walk along the river. There is more to see in Celbridge and across Co. Kildare.

Good to know

• Runs throughout July and August 2026; programme starts 1 July
• Daily sessions from 10:00am (typically to 2:00pm)
• Age groups: 5-8 years and 9-12 years
• Price: from €50 per week
• Bring a packed lunch - lunch is not provided on site
• Early booking advised; contact Celbridge Community Services to reserve a place
• Check the organiser website for weekly availability and booking details