27 Fun Things to do in Dublin With Kids in 2025

Over the last 10 or so years, I’ve somehow become the unofficial tour guide for my three little cousins, which means I’ve tried 99.9% of the various things to do in Dublin with kids.

We started our days out when they were 3, 4 and 9, so over time we’ve graduated from play centres and petting farms to zip-lining and science-based activities.

Below, you’ll find the family days out in Dublin that I’d happily do all over again – the ones that have kept everyone entertained (or for the most part, anyway…).

The best things to do in Dublin with kids

The first section of this guide to the best things to do with kids in Dublin is packed with outdoor activities to keep ’em away from screens.

The second section is for those of you wondering what to do in Dublin with kids when it rains and the final section contains toddler activities. Dive on in!

Indoor kids activities in Dublin

Rainy-day kids activities in Dublin come with one big warning – they get very busy when the weather starts to turn.

Book ahead where you can, keep a few backup options in mind, and don’t rule out an early or late visit to dodge the crowds. Here are some of the best spots to keep little ones happy while the rain does its thing.

1. Explorium

One of the newest things to do with kids in Dublin is the recently relaunched Explorium in Sandyford, which reopened last January.

This was a long-standing favourite amongst parents and its closure in 2020 was met with a lot of disappointment.

However, the home of adventure, science, sports and tech has returned. Here kids can see the Nikola Tesla lighting show or enter the gravity room.

Note that the Junior zone (ages 2 – 7) open daily 9:30am – 5pm, and the Science & Activities areas (ages 6+) open weekends and bank holidays 10am – 5:30pm.

2. The Chocolate Experience

The Butlers Factory Tour is arguably one of the best things to do in Dublin with kids when it’s raining out.

It’s here that you’ll get to see what happens inside a real-life chocolate factory and how, since long ago in 1932, the Butlers chocolate masters have been whipping up a storm.

During the 90-minute tour, you’ll see the process involved in transforming a variety of ingredients into some very tasty chocolates.

There’s also a movie, a glass-panelled walkway that offers a view into the factory and complimentary chocolates.

Related read: See our guide to the best outdoor family activities Dublin has to offer

3. GoQuest

GoQuest in Carrickmines has two sections – an ‘Arena’ for ages 13+ and a Junior section for ages 9-12.

Kids are given a time limit (90 mins for the Arena and 75 for the junior) and then they need to tackle physical, mental and skills-based challenges. GoQuest Arena has 29 challenges set inside a huge arena while GoQuest Junior has 22.

If you’re looking for active things to do with kids in Dublin, this is a great option! Different age limits apply but the minimum age is 5 on a family team.

4. The Ark

According to their website, ‘The Ark is a dedicated cultural centre for children’, that provides a space for little ones and their families to discover art.

Thanks to their work with leading Irish artists, The Ark holds performances (in a unique child-sized theatre), exhibitions and creative workshops.

You’ll need to buy tickets to the different shows and exhibitions but, going off the reviews, it’ll be well worth it. You’ll find The Ark in Temple Bar.

5. Bounce n Beyond

Bounce n Beyond in Ballyboughal is Ireland’s largest indoor trampoline and ninja park.

Visitors get 1 hour in the Ninja Bounce Park which is home to a trampoline park, a gymnast’s floor, a ninja wall and plenty more.

There’s also Europe’s Largest Virtual Arcade where you can get immersed in a whole new world courtesy of VR. There’s 1-player, 2-player and 6-player VR simulators so it’s good for small groups.

Ninja Bounce is for kids aged 5 to 17-years-old. The soft play area is for kids under 5

6. Zero Latency Dublin

The reviews for Zero Latency Dublin in Sandyford chuck it to the top of many guides to unique family days out in Dublin (note: participants must be 10+).

Zero Latency combines imagination with technology and transports players to a whole new world.

Now, it’s probably worth taking a look at the games on offer here in advance of booking. Some will be suitable for the little ones while others, like FAR CRY VR, won’t.

7. AquaZone

AquaZone is another handy option for those of you wondering what to do with kids in Dublin when it’s pouring down (it’s home to one of the best swimming pools in Dublin).

AquaZone is Ireland’s leading waterpark and you’ll find it in the Sport Ireland National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown.

It’s home to 8 rides, slides and experiences including the gravity-defying ‘Master Blaster’. Kids 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult while kids 9 -12 must have an adult on the premises

8. Incognito Escape Rooms

Few rainy-day kids activities in Dublin provide a setting for the whole family to work as a unit.

However, the folks at Incognito Escape Rooms on Usher’s Quay (5 minutes from Vicar St.) provide just that.

There are several themed escape room games on offer here (e.g. ‘Cabin in the Woods’) and each lasts for 1 hour.

Visitors need to ‘Get lost in the beauty of the cabin, but don’t get lost in the game! Escape the deadly clutches of StitchFace and flee Cabin in the Woods before time runs out’,

9. Jump Zone

Jump Zone has locations in Santry, Sandyford and Liffey Valley and is the first of its kind indoor trampoline park not only in Ireland but in the whole of Europe.

It’s suitable for children over 5 years and 1 meter in height to adults of 55+ years. Visitors can free jump, take part in aerobics and hop into a foam pit.

Oh, you can also play dodgeball! If you’re looking for fun things to do in Dublin with kids that the adults will enjoy too, Jump Zone is a good shout.

10. Dublinia

Dublinia is one of the most unique museums in Dublin. Now, Dublinia isn’t just any old museum – this place tells the history of Viking Dublin.

Decked out in Viking costumes and armed with some unusual items, Dublinia’s Living History guides will have no trouble in keeping young and old alike entertained.

During your visit, you’ll discover interesting facts, learn about Viking tools, discover some quirky tales and play Viking games.

11. The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is a place that’ll likely appeal to the older kids. It’s home to four floors of exhibits, including the Irish Fauna and the Mammals of the World exhibition.

There’s also exhibits on fish, birds and reptiles, and insects shells and crustaceans

In a nutshell, you’ll see loads of exotic stuffed animals and animal bones. If you’re looking for educational things to do in Dublin with kids, this is a great shout!

Note: The Natural History Museum on Merrion Street is closed for refurbishment, but parts of its collection are now on display in the Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks.

12. Rainforest Adventure Golf

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Dublin with kids when it’s raining, this next place should come in handy. When it lashes rain, as it often does in Dublin, finding something to keep kids occupied gets that little bit trickier.

Thankfully, there are a couple of places to play crazy golf in Dublin, like Rainforest Adventure Golf in Dundrum, to nip into for an hour or so.

There are two 18 hole courses here – an Aztec themed course and a Mayan themed course. Each course takes around 45 mins to play. Kids under 15 need to be supervised at all times

13. EPIC Museum

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum sits in Dublin’s Docklands by the River Liffey. It’s a world-class, fully interactive experience that brings the story of the Irish diaspora to life through motion sensors, digital galleries, and touch-screen exhibits.

Kids can stamp their passport as they move through 20 themed rooms covering music, sport, science, and migration.

It’s sharp, modern, and surprisingly fun – no dusty displays, just a fast-paced journey through centuries of Irish history in under two hours.

14. Leisureplex

A visit to Leisureplex is one of the more popular things to do in Dublin for kids, and it has stood the test of time.

Across its locations in Blanchardstown, Charlestown, Coolock and Tallaght, you’ll find bowling lanes, pool tables, soft-play zones, and arcade games.

The Blanchardstown branch even has Q-Zar laser tag for older kids. A handy option for big groups!

Need some more? See our bumper guide to indoor activities in Dublin

Outdoor family days out in Dublin

When it comes to family days out in Dublin, there’s no shortage of exciting adventures on your doorstep.

From forest trails and coastal walks to ziplining parks and petting farms, there’s plenty to keep kids entertained in the fresh air.

1. Zipit Forest Adventures

You’ll find Zipit nestled on a sloping site in the Dublin Mountains, a handy 15-minute drive from Dundrum Town Centre.

Zipit is a forest adventure park where children and adults can climb high into the treetops, swing into cargo nets, and even ride a BMX across a bridge, before zipping down one of the many ziplines. 

Now, if you’re looking for unique things to do in Dublin with kids, keep in mind that this is likely to only suit those that are a little bit older! Kids must be 7+ and over 1m tall

2. Fairy trails

Some of the best things to do in Dublin with kids to gently trick them into getting outdoors and staying active are fairy trails, and there are several in Dublin.

Two of the best known are arguably the trail at Malahide Castle and the one at Ardgillan Castle in Balbriggan. However, there’s plenty more, like:

• The Tymon Park Fairy Trail
• The Fairy Wood at Corkagh Park
• The Marlay Park Fairy Tree

3. Fort Lucan Adventureland

If you’re looking for things to do in Dublin with kids that need to burn off some energy, Fort Lucan is worth considering.

We used to visit Fort Lucan when I was a kid. To this day the thought of sitting at the top of the slide in the picture above scares the life out of me.

Anyway… Fort Lucan is Dublin’s biggest adventure playground, boasting 3 huge waterslides, Crazy Golf, go-karts, ziplines, high tower walks and much more

4. Toots Malahide Road Train

The brightly coloured Toots Train is a hit with younger kids exploring Malahide. It loops between Malahide Castle, the beach, and the village, offering hop-on, hop-off stops that make sightseeing easy for families.

The route passes playgrounds, gardens, and cafés, and tickets are inexpensive, with family passes available in summer. It’s a fun, low-effort way to explore the seaside village without dragging tired legs between stops.

5. Family-friendly walks

There’s heaps of short walks in Dublin that you can tackle with the kid(s) in tow. And many have places to grab an ice cream before you set off.

The Dun Laoghaire Harbour walk is a great shout (ice cream from Teddy’s is a good motivator) as is the Howth Pier Walk (Gino’s is hard to beat for sweet treats).

There’s also the Botanic Gardens (ice cream from nearby McGoveran’s Centra) and the brilliant Newbridge House (there’s a cafe that sells ice cream near the house).

6. Viking Splash

There aren’t many things to do with kids in Dublin that offer an experience like the hugely popular Viking Splash.

You climb aboard a bright yellow WW2 amphibious DUKWs, throw on a Viking hat and roar (literally) your way past many of Dublin’s top attractions.

The Viking Splash takes you by road and by water past the likes of the U2 studios and through much of Georgian Dublin.

7. Dublin’s parks

There’s plenty of parks in Dublin that are perfect for a family morning out.

If you’re looking for a ramble with a difference, the Phoenix Park is a good shout.

You can head off in search of the deer (I usually see them near the Papal Cross – handy parking here, too) and then head into Dublin Zoo, after. Some other excellent parks are:

• St Anne’s Park
• Bushy Park
• Herbert Park
• St. Catherine’s Park
• Marlay Park
• Fernhill House and Gardens

8. Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo in the Phoenix Park is Ireland’s largest and oldest zoo, home to more than 400 animals across habitats that mimic their natural environments.

From the African Savanna and Gorilla Rainforest to the Family Farm and Zoorassic World, there’s something for every age group.

Facilities are excellent – cafés, picnic spots, play areas, and plenty of buggy-friendly paths, making it an easy full-day outing for families.

9. Dublin Bay Cruises

Dublin Bay Cruises are one of the more unique family activities in Dublin. They leave from Howth, Dublin City and Dun Laoghaire, and they depart to a number of coastal locations.

My favourite is the one from Dun Laoghaire to Howth, as you get to soak up the views as you move through Dublin Bay and you can then grab an ice cream in Howth Village.

You can polish off your afternoon in one of the many restaurants in Howth before grabbing the DART back to Dublin.

Related read: Check out our guide to 29 of the best free things to do in Dublin

10. Dublin folklore walking tour

If your kids are old enough to handle a few ghost stories, the Dublin Folklore Walking Tour mixes history with a dose of the uncanny.

Led by expert storytellers, it weaves through medieval lanes and Georgian streets, uncovering myths about banshees, changelings, and infamous Dublin characters.

It’s a lively way to see the city’s older quarters while learning how folklore shaped Irish identity.

Things to do in Dublin with toddlers

Now that we have the best things to do in Dublin with kids out of the way, it’s time to see what’s out there for those of you with toddlers.

Below, you’ll find everything from ClapHandies and Airfield Estate Farm to organised toddler mornings and more.

1. Airfield Estate Farm

Airfield Estate is a great option for those in search of family activities in Dublin. It’s the capital’s only urban working farm and gardens, and there’s something for young and old alike.

The farm at Airfield is a terrific working example of environmentally sustainable Irish agriculture, and visitors are encouraged to explore, experience farm work up close and get hands on.

Animal-wise, there’s a Jersey dairy herd, Jacob sheep, Oxford Sandy black pigs, hens and donkeys too. You can also nip into the cafe and grab a pre-ramble coffee.

2. Leisureplex “Little Cubs” toddler mornings

While The Zoo Playland at Leisureplex (multiple locations) generally appeals more to slightly older kids, it’s also home to a separate toddler area.

The space is a soft play area and has several ball pools and slides.

There are also lots of tunnels, which are perfect for exploring (just keep in mind that height restrictions apply).

3. Storytime at Dublin libraries

A number of Dublin City libraries run toddler mornings that are suitable for ages 1-3, but apparently all ages are welcome.

The mornings are packed with stories, music and fun and visitors can stay in the library after and get to know other parents.

This is a handy one if you’re looking for easy-going things to do with toddlers in Dublin where you’ll get to know new people in the process.

4. Swimming lessons and TurtleTots

TurtleTots lessons are focused on teaching little ones lifesaving skills from a very young age.

Their goal is to help babies learn the skills needed to keep them safe around water until they can swim on their own.

Lessons take place right across Dublin and each is led by an experienced guide.

5. ClapHandies

ClapHandies takes place in a number of locations across Dublin City and beyond. It provides babies, wobblers and toddlers with a place to play, meet other kids and develop new skills en route.

There’s weekly classes, each of which is tailored to include a mix of experiences that are designed to engage both parents and toddlers alike.

FAQs

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years from those planning a family visit to Dublin.

In the section below, I’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you need an itinerary, here are guides to 1 day in Dublin, 2 days in Dublin and 3 days in Dublin.