10 Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Dublin

Overhead with of Dubli and River Liffey

Introducing guest blogger Sian from Ireland Before You Die

From fascinating museums to fun-filled city tours, parks to explore, and new experiences to try, there are plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Dublin.

As a city that prides itself on its eclectic nightlife and traditional pub culture, you may think Dublin isnโ€™t the ideal place to visit with kids. However, that is not the case, as the city boasts a whole host of activities suitable for all ages.

It is a haven for fun-filled adventure activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family, as well as several kid-focused museums and galleries that are sure to teach your little ones something new. There are plenty of things you can do with kids in Irelandโ€™s capital city, whether you’re visiting just for a weekend or staying a while and renting an apartment in Dublin.

No matter the weather, here are some fun indoor and outdoor kid-friendly things to do in Dublin.

This post is part of our Explore My City series – come and visit cities around the world through the eyes of locals


10. The Ark โ€“ a cultural hub for kids

In the cultural centre of Dublinโ€™s Temple Bar area, The Ark provides a space for children aged 2-12 to explore theatre, music, literature, art, film, and more.

Running several events and workshops throughout the year, The Ark is the perfect place to spark or nurture a love of the arts.

Address: 11A Eustace St, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 A590, Ireland

The Ark Dublin
The Ark credit: Facebook / @TheArkDublin

9. Airfield Estate โ€“ experience life on a farm

This working farm in Dundrum, County Dublin, allows people of all ages to experience what farm life is really like.

The Naturescape is an interactive outdoor play area for kids aged 4-12 with climbing frames, scramble nets, slides, swings, balance beams, tunnels and a zip wire.

Kids under four can enjoy the soft play area where they can take on the role of a farmer, chef, or gardener.

Address: Overend Ave, Dundrum, Dublin 14, D14 EE77, Ireland

Airfield Farm
Airfield Farm / credit: Instagram @airfieldfarm

8. The National Wax Museum Plus โ€“ Irelandโ€™s answer to Madame Tussauds

This privately owned waxwork museum is up there with the best kid-friendly things to do in Dublin.

With various attractions, from Father Tedโ€™s Room to great Irish writers, music and entertainment to time vaults, the National Wax Museum is a great place to spend the afternoon.

Address: The Lafayette Building, 22-25 Westmoreland St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 EH29, Ireland

Wax Museum Dublin
Wax Museum / credit: Facebook @waxmuseumplus

7. Dublinia โ€“ immerse yourself in Dublinโ€™s history

Travel back in time to Medieval and Viking Dublin at this immersive museum experience that recreates the cities streets as they would have looked in days gone by.

Perfect for the whole family, youโ€™ll get the chance to try on Viking clothes, visit a Medieval kitchen, and find out all you need to know about Dublinโ€™s fascinating past – one of the best historical places to visit in Dublin.

Address: St Michaels Hill Christ Church, Dublin 8, Ireland

Dublinia
Dublinia / credit: Facebook @dubliniaviking

6. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum โ€“ an award-winning attraction

Winner of Europeโ€™s Leading Tourist Attraction 2019 and 2020, EPIC is a must-visit.

Learn the stories of Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists, and even outlaws worldwide at one of Irelandโ€™s most high-tech interactive museums.

Address: The Chq Building, Unit 32 /33, N Wall Quay, North Wall, Dublin 1, Ireland

Epic Museum Dublin
EPIC / credit: Facebook @epicmuseumchq

5. Phoenix Park โ€“ the perfect place to spend a sunny day

As the largest enclosed public park in any capital city in Europe, Phoenix Park is a great place to explore and spend the afternoon with family.

With plenty of monuments, walled gardens, and wildlife, there is something for everyone at Phoenix Park.

Address: Dublin 8, Ireland

Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park Dublin / credit: CanvaPro @MzC_

4. Viking Splash โ€“ an unusual way to see the city

An unconventional way to see Dublin, Viking Splash is a 75-minute tour on an amphibious bus that floats along the Grand Canal Basin around the historic city.

With enthusiastic tour guides, this is sure to be an experience you wonโ€™t forget.

Address: St Stephens Green North, Dublin 2, Ireland

Viking Splash Dublin
Viking Splash credit: Facebook / @VikingSplashDublin

3. National Museum of Ireland โ€“ the perfect family outing

If you want to experience one of the best historical things to do in Dublin, then why not spend a whole day exploring the incredible National Museum of Ireland? Here you will learn about national and international archaeology, Irish history, Irish art, culture, and natural history.

No matter your age, you are sure to take something away from the incredible exhibitions on offer at one of the best museums in Ireland.

Address: Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2, D02 F627, Ireland

National Museum Dublin
National Museum / credit: CanvaPro @stevenallan

2. Imaginosity โ€“ a child-centred museum

Dublinโ€™s Childrenโ€™s Museum is the perfect spot to take kids in the city as it encourages children under nine to explore and become curious about the world around them.

The interactive exhibitions on offer here encourage learning through play, making it a fun-filled way for children to engage in educational activities.

Address: The Plaza Beacon South Quarter Sandyford Sandyford, Dublin 18, Ireland

imaginosity
Imaginosity / credit: Facebook @Imaginosity

1. Dublin Zoo โ€“ the third oldest zoo in the world

Not only will you get to see and learn about all the different animals at Dublin Zoo, but you will also be stepping into Irelandโ€™s oldest zoo and the third oldest zoo in the world.

With so much to see and do, the zoo is a perfect activity for all ages and definitely one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Dublin.

Address: Saint Jamesโ€™ (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin 8, Ireland

Dublin Zoo / credit: CanvaPro @Victor Karu

With thanks to Sian for contributing this guide to her home city. You may also be interested in learning more about Belfast with kids or taking a historic Dublin tour with our local experts.

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