Center Stage

Twelve reasons why Center Parcs is the perfect family-friendly getaway this winter.

If you love the warm and fuzzy vibes of cosy winter evenings snuggled up by the fire, yet long for the feeling of swimming in balmy waters with the heat on your skin, we have the perfect family escape for you… minus the expensive, transatlantic f lights to Florida.

Ireland’s newest, most exciting resort, Center Parcs is centrally located in Longford Forest, so an easy, accessible drive from almost anywhere in the country. The key attraction here is undoubtedly the 3,500 square metre Subtropical Swimming Paradise (heated to 29.5°C all year round), but the resort also offers more activities for the kids than you can count, as well as ample accessibility for granny and granddad.

Here are 12 epic family-centred reasons Center Parcs is the perfect break this winter...

1 FAMILY FUN TIME

It’s hard to pick an activity the whole family enjoys on a day off, nevermind a whole break away. And if you’ve more than one child to keep entertained, time away can often end in boredom. But Center Parcs has transformed its 400 acres into a winter wonderland that will spark that festive spirit, and make sure you spend quality time together as a family. Mum and dad will get to experience hands-on adventures with the kids, whether they’re into sports, outdoor activities, mountain biking, water sports, or arts and crafts. We can guarantee it will be the only time the children won’t begrudge you making them leave their screens at home!

2 BEAT MOTHER NATURE

Winter in Ireland guarantees one thing: cold! While the aerial adventures will have you working up a sweat, it’s also nice to know you can remain entertained, warm, and dry indoors if a downpour is forecast. Children can skate at the roller disco, while you can flex those muscles in the tenpin bowling alley, or cheer your mini adventurer on as they ascend the climbing wall. There is also pottery painting for the arty family, cupcake decorating workshops, build your own bear stations, badminton courts, and fencing.

3 SADDLE UP

Wrap up and embrace getting around by bike – we’re talking wheels for all ages and abilities. From adult and junior mountain bikes to tandems, tag-a-longs and trailers, you name it, they've got it. Cycle through the frost-glittering forest you'll only experience in winter, and take advantage of wheelchair and buggy accessibility at every turn.

4 OUTDOOR ADVENTURERS

Daredevils can fly across the woodland on the adrenalin-inducing zipline, and take on the aerial adventure of the tree-top-level obstacle course (kids under eight must have an adult). Water babies can indulge in kayaking, and electric boats, while little off-road explorers can take a spin in a convertible 4x4. Nature lovers can visit baby owls, or try falconry.

5 GET CRAFTY

Younger children will be well occupied with a number of messy, sticky and gooey epic indoor activities on offer. From Cupcakes for Little Ones to the Wizard Academy and Crazy Science (ideal for ages three to seven), it’s all hands on deck for arts and crafts in the woods. The Activity Den also offers music and games, as well as dress-up shows, making sure there's fun for all ages whatever the weather.

5 HAVE A FEAST!

Want to spice up your life in an Asian-infusion restaurant, or warm the palate with some home comforts? Whatever your fancy, Center Parcs caters for the whole fam, from the sweet-toothed in the Pancake House to the games-loving parents who want to catch a match and a beer in the Sports Café. You can also order your food to go and eat it on your private patio, or cook up a storm in your own kitchen if the weather isn't playing ball. Center Parcs takes food intolerances seriously – just ask at your restaurant of choice, or pop to the supermarket on site which also caters for all intolerances.

6 WATER BABIES

Did you ever think you could find tropical paradise in the middle of Ireland? The centrepiece at Center Parcs has to be the magnificent Subtropical Swimming Paradise, where the domed venue is heated to 29.5°C all year round – boasting activities for all ages (with an adult present) such as an indoor wave pool; Wild Water Rapids; an adventure water park for littlies, including mini slides, fountains and splash pools; plus a number of hair-raising water rides for older kids and adults. You can also rent your own family Cabana pool-side for the ultimate relaxation experience.

7 HYGGE HAPPINESS

After a long day of adventuring, you can curl up in front of your own log fire in one of the resort’s 466 magnificent wooden lodges that will instantly transport you to hygge happiness. This chill time is perfect for the kids to write their letters to Santa, or enjoy a toasty hot chocolate before a good night's sleep. It won't be long before the epic adventuring starts again, so the state-of-the-art kitchens should help mum and dad to unwind by making cooking a wholesome family meal super effortless. An additional 30 apartments are also available to choose from.

9 DOWNTIME PAMPER

Including the grandparents on your family break away is a clever way for mum and dad to take advantage of Ireland's largest spa, the Aqua Sana Spa, where they can choose from a variety of 21 relaxing spa experiences, and even more treatments. Mum and dad can also enjoy the P&Q of the Spa’s magnificent outdoor heated Hydra pool. For those who can’t quite break free from the family, the luxury Exclusive Lodges come with a hot tub and sauna, on your own private patio.

10 VISIT SANTA IN A WINTER WONDERLAND

Ponies, Santa and snow, oh my! Winter is coming, but not as you know it, because Center Parcs is promising a winter wonderland you’ll never forget. At snowfall, make your way to Santa’s Woodland Village on a pony-drawn carriage, where the Man Man in Red will be givingin Red will be giving out presents to all the good good boys and girlsboys and girls with the help of his elves. Thewoodswillbe decked out with more than boughs of holly - keep an eye out for the reindeer -and a spectacular light and sound show will take place regularly during December accompanied by singing reindeer and winter treats.

11 CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

And it’s not just the run-up to Christmas that promises to be spectacular – ’tis the season, after all. The resort is open for Christmas week, meaning mum and dad don’t have to cook on Christmas Day – the whole family can enjoy a festive feast in one of the restaurants. The Subtropical Paradise and Aqua Sana Spa are open over Christmas week, but you probably won’t have time, as you’ll be kept busy with visits to Santa’s Woodland Workshop, a festive treasure trail, a festive Teddy Bear’s Picnic, festive jingle skates, or festive pottery painting. And some very good children can even have a special breakfast with Santa himself up until Christmas Eve, as he fills up before the midnight toy rush.

12 SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP

If you need a last-minute Christmas gift, or forgot to bring Junior’s goggles for the water adventures, Center Parcs has got you covered. From clothes and sports shops to candy lands and decorative keepsakes, to a toy heaven that the kids will definitely not want to miss, there’s a one-stop shop for everyone in the family.

Epic family time is what Center Parcs is made for, with up to

100 activities; fully equipped, accessible accommodation; and up to 400 acres to explore. There’s something for everyone, whatever the weather. With ten family-friendly restaurants to choose from and Ireland’s only Subtropical Swimming Paradise, it’s perfect for small families and the whole clan. See centerparcs.ie for more information.