There is so much you can explore in Dublin but what are the best things to do with your kids? A city whose cobbled streets are laced with history, fairytales and music. From Trinity College, to impressive museums and galleries. Most of them, are free to enter. You will certainly be spoiled for choice with indoor activities.
The coastal city of Dublin is the best of both worlds – exciting city activity and relaxing beach break. In the city you’ll find Botanic Gardens, beautiful parks and tranquil riverside scenery. Meanwhile on the coastline there are craggy cliffs lined with ancient castles and miles of unspoiled sandy beaches. So in our opinion it’s perfect for a family escape.
Are you ready to discover our best things to do in Dublin with your kids? Let’s go!
Family Friendly Places to Stay in Dublin
Child Friendly Restaurants & Cafes in Dublin
1. Imaginosity, Dublin Children’s Museum
This dedicated children’s museum encourages learning through play. Therefore helping children up to 8 years old be their most creative and inquisitive selves!
The changing exhibitions cover science, maths, engineering, environmental awareness, arts and culture. In addition, the hands on workshops and activities are guaranteed to spark your child’s imagination. That is to say, it will keep them entertained for hours!
Booking in advance is recommended – click here or call 01 2176130.
Opening Hours: Opening hours vary, check the website for more info.
2. Aqua Zone at the National Aquatic Centre
This Water Park in the National Aquatic Centre, has some of the biggest and best water rides in Europe. In other words, it’s the perfect family day out. Older children can enjoy a wave pool, whilst the younger ones will love the pirate play area. In addition, the lazy river and bubble pool are perfect for a more relaxed experience. This would be a true favourite thing to do with your kids in Dublin for sure.
Opening Hours: Open daily 10am – 6pm
3. The Ark
A cultural centre built for children which offers live theatre, engaging exhibitions and creative activities. Certainly, a great way to introduce children to Art, and encourage their love of dance, music, painting and performing. The current programme of events include a Lego Animation Workshop, Young Inventors Camp and Early Years Visual Art. That is to say, the Ark is one of the best things to do in Dublin with your kids.
Opening Hours: Opening hours for exhibitions, workshops and performances vary – check the website for more info.
4. The Chocolate Warehouse
Opened in 2001 by Natasha Caffrey, whose grandfather Thomas Caffrey was the founder of Caffreys Confectionery in the 1930’s. Natasha’s aim was to give children in Ireland special memories, through this journey learning all about chocolate.
In others words, a fantastic option for a rainy day. You can discover how chocolate is made and the influence of Ireland’s chocolate production. Watch live demonstrations, and of course taste test and decorate your own chocolate.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4.00pm
5. National Museum of Ireland
Finally, this museum is spread over four sites (three in Dublin and one in County Mayo). Covering natural history, archaeology, arts and history. Our favourite for kids is the Natural History centre, also known as ‘The Dead Zoo’ which showcases 10,000 specimens.
Group tours, workshops and lectures run regularly. It will certainly give you a unique insight into some amazing creatures. For instance, feel the weight of an elephant tooth or handle a lion skull. Discover how dinosaurs took to the skies. Moreover, sketch a picture of the giant stuffed giraffe Spotticus, who has his own twitter account! (@SpotticusNH)
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm. Sunday & Monday 1pm- 5pm
6. Airfield Estate
A 38-acre estate with a working farm, manicured gardens, an award winning restaurant and a stately family home. The estate, left to the Irish people in 1974, is now a charitable hub running social enterprises for local communities.
On the farm you can taste fresh milk from the Jersey herd, meet two fostered Donkeys, collect eggs from the free range hens and watch baby animal feedings.
They also run workshops such as Bee Keeping and Nose to Tail Butchery, to encourage visitors to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.
Address: Overend Avenue, Dundrum, Dublin, D14 K4K0
Opening Hours: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm / 6 pm (winter / summer)
7. Malahide Castle
Popular with families all year round, Malahide Castle boasts amazing grounds with lots to do. The outside space is really the main attraction here. Firstly you will find a large playground, picnic sites, a fairy trail, a walled garden and a butterfly house. Most importantly there’s loads of open green space and woodland for the kids to run around in. Lastly, there’s a visitor centre with an educational interactive exhibition and a great café too.
In addition, guided tours of the castle are available. Inside you can admire The Oak Room, The Small & Large Drawing Rooms and the Great Hall, learning all about its 800 year history.
Address: Malahide Demesne, Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Opening hours: Open daily 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
8. Phoenix Park
An award winning park is known as ‘Dublin’s playground’, which covers an area of over 700 hectares. Within it you will find the excellent Dublin Zoo, a medieval tower house, a Victorian walled garden and a herd of wild fallow deer roaming the woodland. In addition, the interesting visitor centre has regularly changing art exhibitions and a large playground for the kids. So you really could spend all day exploring this beautiful space, if the weather is good.
Address: Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, Ireland
Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (individual attractions may vary)
9. Dublin Bay & Beaches
If the weather is sunny, exploring Dublin’s coastline is a must for long windy walks, a paddle in the sea and all the ice cream you can eat. Craggy cliffs, sandy beaches, pretty seaside towns and countless cafes line Dublin Bay, all waiting to be discovered. It’s fairly easy to travel around by DART train to the pretty coastal suburbs such as Howth and Dun Laoghaire.
From Howth you can take the 15 minute ferry to Ireland’s Eye – a beautiful island with a long sandy beach and breathtaking views of Dublin Bay.
If you are visiting in March, you might catch the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival in Howth – a great opportunity to teach the kids about where their food comes from, and to sample some delicious seafood.
10. St. Stephen’s Green
Finally, a lovely city centre park with an ornamental lake, children’s playground, 3.5km of paths for cycling and walking and plenty of open green space. A lovely spot for a picnic, popular with local dog walkers, joggers and families. During the summer there are often live concerts on the bandstand too.
Address: St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
Opening Hours: Open during daylight hours
11. Discover Dublin By Boat
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Dublin with kids, you definitely need to head to the water. Hop on board for a 45-minute cruise on the River Liffey to see the sights and monuments of Dublin from a different viewpoint. In summary, the all-weather boats delve into the history of Dublin all against a backdrop of stunning scenery.
Address: 94 N Wall Quay, North Dock, Dublin, Ireland
12. The National Wax Museum Plus
Want to take your little ones to meet their idols? Or introduce them to yours? The National Wax Museum Plus is home to plenty of famous faces and historical ones too. Initially set up by Madame Tussaud, the National Wax Museum Plus introduces you to some of the most significant influences in Ireland’s rich history and your popular pop culture influencers. On this occasion, get your camera out and snap away.
Address: The Lafayette Building, 22-25 Westmoreland St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 EH29, Ireland
13. Little Museum of Dublin
You cannot visit Dublin without visiting the Little Museum of Dublin. It’s a right of passage. Why not see if your visit coincides with one of the many events they hold! Immerse yourself in the guided tour around the museum, where you are encouraged to get as much of the visit as possible, making it more fun for both adults and children alike.
Address: 15 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 Y066, Ireland
14. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Ever wondered what makes Ireland the country it is today? EPIC Museum is the Irish immigration museum with all the answers. The museum is interactive, allowing you to get more from your visit and get hands-on with history as you learn about how people entered Ireland and formed part of its history. Plus, you get a free return visit within 30 days if one visit isn’t enough to do everything you wish!
Address: The Chq Building, Custom House Quay, North Dock, Dublin 1, Ireland
15. Dublin Zoo
A list of things to do with kids in Dublin isn’t complete without visiting the zoo. Dublin Zoo is one of the best zoos globally, and there are plenty of animals to see and learn about during your visit. Officially Ireland’s most prominent family attraction, there is a reason why over 1 million visitors pass through the gates each year. If you are visiting Dublin, heading to the zoo is a must.
Address: Saint James’ (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin 8, Ireland
That’s it for now! We hope that you have found this mini guide on the best things to do with your kids in Dublin valuable. Dublin is a great city break destination that can be visited all year round. We will keep updating this page if we find more kids friendly activities in the city.
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