Sherpa Kids
Holiday HQ: The Great Outdoors
The Great Outdoors invites school-aged children 4–13 years to step outside, get moving and enjoy screen-free adventures inspired by natural resources we come across every day.
Children will take part in outdoor play, nature-led creativity, and exploration-based challenges that are inclusive for all ages. From navigating spaces and working as a team to hands-on making using natural materials, everyday balances movement, creativity and confidence-building in a safe, supportive setting.
With flexible booking options and trusted childcare delivered by experienced teams, Holiday HQ gives families peace of mind while children enjoy busy, enriching days and come home happy-tired.
Running from 30th March to 10th April — bookings are now open! Scroll to see what we have planned and secure your spot today.
Open to school aged children 4-13 years old
A brand-new theme every day, packed with exciting activities and festival-inspired fun
Extended Hours - Open from 8:30am to 5:30pm
Make & Take workshops using creative, nature-led ideas
Screen-free experiences that encourage imagination, creativity, and connection
National Childcare Scheme (NCS) Accepted
Outdoor play and physical movement (weather permitting)
Yummy snacks provided at 3:30PM
What is Holiday HQ?
Holiday HQ offers children an unforgettable break from school with a dynamic blend of activities and enriching experiences. Our holiday programmes feature a new theme each season, with daily activities ranging from arts and crafts to sports and STEM, no two days are the same. We ensure every child’s holiday is not just entertaining but an opportunity for growth, helping them build friendships, explore interests, and return to school with lasting memories. We're the experts in fun! Find out more by clicking the button below.
The Great Outdoors Schedule Highlights
Please note, these core activities run across all our services, with Programme Coordinators adding extra fun through special events and workshops. For the full schedule, please contact your school directly.
Week 1 - 30/03 - 03/04
Children will dive into an exciting Great Outdoors adventure filled with exploration and teamwork. They’ll learn to use compasses to navigate maps and complete clue-based trail missions, while taking part in energetic team games like capture the flag. Through hands-on STEM challenges, they’ll build shelters, design rescue devices, and test hurricane-proof structures. Children will also create their own survival gear and mini terrariums to take home, bravely try new flavours in the Wild Missions Challenge , and work together to solve the final Escape Camp mission. It’s a fun, action-packed week of discovery, creativity, and outdoor adventure!
Experiences:
- Hurricane Challenge: Build and test storm-proof structures
- Survival Gear Creation: Craft personalised explorer equipment
- Pocket Gardens: Create a take-home mini Terrariums
- Wild Missions Taste Challenge and more...
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Mon, 30th of March
Children will kick off their Easter holidays with the Compass Quest, where they’ll learn how to use a compass to navigate a map, follow directional clues, and work together to reach their final destination. They’ll also build their own Survival Explores Kit, creating handmade compass bracelets and exploring survival challenge cards to prepare for an action-packed Easter break full of discovery.
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Tue, 31st of March
Children will dive into adventure with Ranger Rumble: Survival Top Trumps, where they’ll design and battle their own survival-themed cards, creating exciting stats, skills, and special powers before competing against their friends. They’ll also test their bravery in the Wild Mission Challenges, earning points as they describe flavours and textures while trying unusual (but safe!) foods.
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Wed, 1st of April
Children will jump into action with our hero activity Territory: Wildlands, a fast-paced strategy game where teams race to capture the flag while defending their own base. In STEM Rescue Devices, they’ll work together to design and build simple rescue tools, testing their inventions through teamwork and creative problem-solving.
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Thur, 2nd of April
Children will take on the Hurricane STEM Challenge, working in small teams to design and build houses or structures like towers strong enough to withstand powerful winds, learning about hurricanes while developing teamwork and problem-solving skills. They’ll also create their own Pocket Gardens, building a personalised indoor garden using natural materials they collect and provided supplies.
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Fri, 3rd of April
Children will develop practical outdoor skills through Shelter Build, working together to construct shelters using available materials while learning the basics of survival in a fun, hands-on way. The adventure continues with Escape Camp: The Lost Explorer, where children solve themed puzzles and uncover survival clues to unlock the final mission.
Week 2 - 07/04 - 10/04
Children will dive into energetic outdoor games and creative nature-inspired activities. They’ll build teamwork and coordination through Monkey Soccer and action-packed Trial Tag, before putting their skills to the test in The Great Outdoors Tournament. Creativity will shine as they craft camouflage masks, design personalised explorer hats, and paint their own wooden bird models to take home. Young scientists will get hands-on with the messy and fun Mud Explosion Experiment, while nature lovers create Cheerio bird feeders to support local wildlife. It’s a vibrant week full of movement, imagination, teamwork, and outdoor discovery!
Experiences:
- Personalised Explorer Hats: Design and decorate take-home creations
- Wooden Bird Painting: Paint and customise 3D bird models
- Mud Explosion Experiment: Messy, hands-on science fun
- Enjoy Trial Tag, Monkey Soccer, Cheerio Bird Feeders, and so much more!
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Tue, 7th of April
Children will get active with Monkey Soccer, using only their arms and hands to pass and score goals while building teamwork, coordination, and strategy. They’ll also design and decorate their own Great Outdoors Hat, adding colours and patterns to create a personalised explorer look.
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Wed, 8th of April
Children will unleash their creativity by designing their own Camouflage Masks, inspired by wildlife, before testing how well they can blend into their surroundings. In the messy and exciting Mud Explosion Experiment, they’ll mix mud and natural materials to create fizzy, erupting mud monsters while exploring simple science concepts.
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Thur, 9th of April
Children will connect with nature by creating their own Cheerio Bird Feeders, threading cereal onto string or pipe cleaners to hang outside and help support local wildlife. They’ll also design and paint their own Wooden Birds, bringing three-dimensional models to life with bright colours and creative patterns.
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Fri, 10th of April
Children will jump into Trial Tag, a high-energy game with exciting twists where they race through different zones and complete mini challenges to stay in the game. The adventure concludes with The Great Outdoors Tournament, a full day of outdoor fun packed with games, challenges, and creative activities — celebrating children’s skills, teamwork, and achievements before the journey comes to an end.
Affordable School Holidays
We proudly support the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), helping make high-quality childcare more affordable for every family through our Before School, After School, and Holiday Programmes — including Mid-Term, Easter, and Summer. From September 2024, each child will receive a minimum deduction of €2.14 per hour from their childcare bill.
What to (or not) Pack:
During holiday periods, we ensure your child is welcomed into a safe and inviting environment, supported by trained and caring staff who are ready to make their holiday experience the best it can be. To help us provide the smoothest day possible, we ask families to pack a few essentials:
A packed lunch similar to school (small break at 10 AM, big break at 12 PM)
A labelled water bottle—staying hydrated is important for all the fun ahead
No nut-based products, please, for the safety of all children
Comfortable clothes that can get messy during creative play
All personal belongings clearly labelled
Please keep toys from home at home—we’ll have plenty to keep children entertained!
New to Sherpa Kids?
Our passionate team of Garda-vetted, professionally trained staff are ready to welcome your child and immerse them in an exciting world of new opportunities. Find out more about Sherpa Kids and how to enrol your child in our clubs today!
What our families say about Holiday HQ
Looking for more information about our Holiday HQ?
Yes, all our services are Tusla-registered, making them eligible for NCS subsidies of up to €3.75 per hour for children aged 4-15. The exact subsidy depends on your NCS application.
For assistance, contact your Programme Coordinator or visit our online guide: https://www.sherpakids.ie/parent-support/national-childcare-scheme-ncs/
Holiday HQ in Action
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