99% of guides to the best things to do in Dublin with kids contain the exact same recommendations.
Now, don’t get me wrong – the likes of Dublin Zoo and parks with decent playgrounds are the old reliables.
However, there’s plenty of other great family activities in Dublin that’ll keep the kids (and the adults!) amused.
In the guide below, you’ll discover a mix of ideas for memorable family days out in Dublin with stuff for toddlers right the way up to teens.
The best things to do in Dublin with kids
Photos courtesy Fionn McCann via Ireland’s Content Pool
The first section of our 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!
1. Explorium
Photos via Explorium on Twitter
One of the newest things to do with kids in Dublin is the recently relaunched Explorium in Sandyford, which reopened in January 2024.
This was a long-standing favourite amongst parents and its closure in 2020 was met with a lot of dissapointment.
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.
There’s also a science maker’s lab, a climbing centre and plenty more. Just keep in mind that only the Junior Explorium for kids 2 – 7 is open at the moment.
2. Dublinia
Photos courtesy Dublinia via Ireland’s Content Pool
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 weapons, discover some quirky tales and play Viking games.
3. The Chocolate Experience
Photos via Butler’s
The Butlers, The 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
4. Zipit Forest Adventures
Photos courtesy Fionn McCann via Ireland’s Content Pool
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!
Restrictions: Kids must be 7+ and over 1m tall
5. Family-friendly walks (and ice cream…)
Photos via Shutterstock
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
Photos via Viking Splash on FB
There aren’t many things to do with kids in Dublin 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. GoQuest
Photos via GoQuest on FB
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!
Age limits: Different age limits apply but the minimum age is 5 on a family team
8. 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.
9. Bounce n Beyond
Photos via Bounce n Beyond on FB
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.
Age limits: Ninja Bounce is for kids aged 5 to 17-years-old. The soft play area is for kids under 5
10. Zero Latency Dublin
Photos via Zero Latency Dublin on FB
The reviews for Zero Latency Dublin in Sandyford chuck it to the top of many guides to unique family days out in Dublin.
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.
Age restrictions: 10+
11. Parks galore
Photos via Shutterstock
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:
12. AquaZone
Photos via AquaZone on FB
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’.
Restrictions: Kids 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult while kids 9 -12 must have an adult on the premises
13. 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 escaped 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’,
14. Jump Zone
Photos via Jump Zone on FB
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 things to do in Dublin with kids that the adults will enjoy too, Jump Zone is a good shout.
Age restrictions: 5+
15. Fairy trails
Photos via Malahide Castle on FB
Some of the best things to do in Dublin with kids gently trick them into getting out in the fresh air and active.
Fairy trails have popped up in many parks in Ireland in recent years 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
16. Fort Lucan Adventureland
Photos via Fort Lucan on FB
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
Age restrictions: 3 up to 13
17. Dublin Bay Cruises
Photos via Shutterstock
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
18. Rainforest Adventure Golf
Photos via Rainforest Adventure Golf on FB
If you’re looking for 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.
Restrictions: Kids under 15 need to be supervised at all times
19. The Natural History Museum
Photos courtesy James Fennell via Ireland’s Content Pool
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!
20. The ‘old reliables’
Photos courtesy Siobhan Leahy via Fáilte Ireland
There’s plenty of things to do in Dublin for kids that have stood the test of time.
I’m in my mid 30s now, but the likes of Leisureplex and Dublin’s many cinemas are handy options if you’re stuck for ideas.
You’re generally rarely far from a Leisureplex or a cinema and they’re easy go-tos when it’s piddling down and you need to escape the house for a bit.
Need some more? See our bumper guide to indoor activities in Dublin
Things to do with toddlers in Dublin
Photos via Shutterstock
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
Photos via Airfield Estate on FB
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.
Animals 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
Photos via Leisureplex on FB
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
Photos via Shutterstock
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
Photos via Shutterstock
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.
What kids activities in Dublin have we missed?
I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant things to do in Dublin with kids from the guide above.
If you have any kids activities in Dublin that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and we’ll check it out!
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.
Emily M
Tuesday 17th of January 2023
Loved this list! It was extremely helpful and also a delight to read
Lí
Thursday 12th of January 2023
Comprehensive and diverse list! Thank you. I'd add The National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland. It's super fun for kids and adults alike, and well worth a visit!
Nina Harper
Thursday 18th of August 2022
What a brilliant collection of fun things to donin Dublin! Great 👍🏻 thank you
Lluisa
Sunday 17th of July 2022
Thanks for your help
Treacy
Sunday 19th of June 2022
What an excellent website, really really useful