Dublin is a capital city with a busy pace to match, but its relatively compact size and friendly atmosphere also make it a great destination to visit with children. From zoos to parks and plenty of splash opportunities, Dublin offers many educational and entertaining activities for children of all ages.
Spend the day at Dublin Zoo
Zoos are adored by most kids, from the budding vet who adores all animals to those looking for the deadliest predators (preferably at mealtime). Dublin Zoo has it all, including deadly (Amur tigers) and cute (red pandas) or funny (meerkats and penguins). It will keep most visitors interested and occupied for anything between two hours and a full day.
The best areas to see, all created in recent years to get the best of the zoo for visitors and animals alike, are the African plains, the islands that are home to chimpanzees and gorillas, the new habitat of Orang-Utan (where the great beasts you can actually cross your path, way up high), and the African forest for the elephants.
Don’t underestimate the attraction of City Farm! But try to avoid the weekend crowds and opt for a mid-week visit whenever possible.
Unleash Your Childhood Creativity at Imaginosity
Imaginosity is an interactive children’s museum that is ideal for younger children (up to approximately 9 years old). The museum is specially designed for little babies and is full of pieces that have been dreamed of being climbed, built and deconstructed, touched, pulled and pushed. The exhibits are all educational in their own way, including a play building zone, a doctor’s office to learn about the bodies, and a reconstructed tree house where fairies supposedly live. There are also shows for all ages, and the museum believes that drama helps children develop important skills like concentration.
See the mummies at St. Michan’s Church
Kids can get tired of sightseeing in Europe’s many churches, but Dublin is one church in particular that offers a very different kind of tour, one that includes an underground trip to see real-life mummies.
The Saint Michan Mummies are not for the squeamish, and the tour might not be appropriate for younger children as you will learn what ‘hang, draw and butcher’ really means. However, it does provide an hour of chilling fun for the older children and their older relatives.
Party at Phoenix Park
Dublin’s largest park has more than just an amazing zoo to entertain the kids. There are play areas and trails to explore, as well as a park visitor center that hosts several weekend craft workshops for kids ages 6-12. The park also has deer, which the kids love trying to spot, as well as bike trails so the whole family can ride a bike.
Escape the city at Saint Anne’s Park and Bull Island
The sprawling grounds of St. Anne’s Park are perfect for a bit of outdoor fun, and there’s a large playground, as well as winding walks along mysterious towers and ruins that add a fantastic sparkle. After experiencing the park, head to Bull Island, where you can enjoy views of Dublin Bay, Bull Island mouse hunting, long walks, or a good view of a hapless driver’s vehicle swallowing the tide (wait honored tradition immortalized in popular songs).
Both the parks in central Dublin and the parks outside the city center are worth a visit for some downtime alone, and even a stroll through the picturesque cemeteries could be popular.
Experience medieval life in Dublinia
Costumed artists and educational exhibits at this museum attached to Christ Church Cathedral help relive Dublin’s past. Dublinia focuses on medieval life in the Irish capital, with a special detour to Viking times. There are re-enactments of the plague and even a place where you can hit the guy in the reserves with mock bad apples.
Get in the spirit with local Gaelic games
Forget professional football! Ireland has its own brand of sports that will delight the whole family, with regular matches at Croke Park. Gaelic football is played exclusively by amateurs and is faster, more creative and fun for spectators. Hurling is even faster and is supposedly the sport that inspired Quidditch in the Harry Potter books.
Take a welcome tour
The Viking Splash Tour is a little known in town for its goofy hats, penchant for yelling at passersby, and striking yellow colors. This is not a tour that tries to blend in with the locals, and the kids will love the fun and noisy approach to seeing Dublin in an open-sided vehicle. The best part? The ridiculous looking bus looks so funny because it is also part of the ship! After touring the streets of Dublin, the amphibious vehicle drives directly into the water in the Grand Canal basin so that the whole family can enjoy the city from a different point of view. (Although note that this is only for children over the age of two, and each child must be accompanied by an adult.)
Get artistic on the ark
Dublin’s premier cultural center for children, The Ark, is dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of art in young creatives. The center hosts a regular program of events ranging from workshops for older children (how to design their own board games) to family recycling classes and engaging performances for all ages. The Temple Bar art center is particularly popular on rainy days, so be sure to reserve tickets in advance to ensure your spot.
Take a day trip to Howth
Do you need to go out more? On a dry day, Howth is a lovely place for a family trip that can last anywhere from a few hours or create a day of fun. DART can easily get to the waterfront and offers plenty to do including cliff walks, the National Transportation Museum, strolling docks, seal watching areas, and outdoor fish and chips. The sea air is refreshing for everyone, but keep a close eye on the little ones near the water and cliffs.
Jump to Malahide Castle
Malahide is a fun day trip away from Dublin’s relatively busy streets and is especially kid-friendly thanks to its fairytale castle and sprawling greens. There is a popular playground right next to the castle, as well as a botanical garden for viewing flowers while burning energy exploring the trails. Plus, older kids will love the chance to enter a real-life castle, and Malahide has one of the best castles near the Irish capital.
Enjoy fish and chips
There are plenty of fresh vegetables growing in the green Irish hills, but when in Dublin fish and chips are classic Irish food for kids. Head to a local chipper for a takeout feast (and even a battered sausage if you’re feeling particularly generous). The fried cod specialty is also a popular pub lunch, and you can even convince your little ones to try the mushy peas that always come on the side.
Dive into AquaZone
Sometimes the Irish weather beats us all, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put on your bathing suits for a day at the pool. Take a family break with a trip to the indoor water park in Blanchardstown, where there is a lazy river to float on and spiral slides or big drops for the more daring kids. Those under 5 will love splashing around on the pirate ship that is designed for the youngest visitors.
Explore the fascinating halls of the national museums
There is nothing boring about Dublin’s museums, and some of the best exhibits can be found in the National Museums. Children will especially like the Kildare Street exhibits on ‘Kingship & Sacrifice’, ‘Viking Dublin’ and ‘Medieval Ireland’. While at Collins Barracks, the sections on Easter Rising and “Soldiers & Chiefs” are an exploration of Irish military history.
Lose yourself in a story at the Leprechaun Museum
The National Leprechaun Museum may bring to mind little men in green suits, but the private museum is so much more than that. This guided tour will appeal to children (and the young at heart) who love a good story. The museum experience focuses on Irish myths and storytelling traditions, with the bonus of quirky rooms with displays filled with spooky woods or oversized furniture designed to make you feel like an Irish storyteller.
Where to breathe deeply and relax in Dublin’s parks
