9 Fun Things To Do in Dublin with Kids
Growing up in Dublin, I never thought there was much to do other than run around in the woods and the occasional playground. However, returning as an adult with my own children, we are never short of fun things to do. Dublin has come a long way since the 90’s, and some of my favourite days out with my kids make me appreciate our gorgeous parks, some with epic playgrounds. Dublin has really invested in its infrastructure for kids and families, which is so lovely to see.
So, here are my favorite things to do in Dublin with kids…
The Best Things to Do in Dublin with Kids
Viking Splash Tour
The Viking Splash Tour is a unique land and water experience through Dublin City Centre. Kids can don a Viking helmet as the unique yellow, boat-shaped amphibious vehicle takes you on a ride to remember. Visitors are taken to see key sites in the City Centre, including Christ Church, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle, before setting sail in the Grand Canal.
This is a brilliant, high-energy tour with visitors encouraged to roar at pedestrians!
Dublin Zoo
We’ve been to a few zoos globally and are constantly impressed by Dublin Zoo. Nestled in the heart of the Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo is a great day out for the whole family. There are over 400 animals to admire here at Dublin Zoo; we particularly enjoyed the Discovery Centre, which is a great place to seek shelter if it does start to rain!
Families can enjoy talks throughout the day with the keepers of various animals, including orangutans, lions, and gorillas. There are many play areas dotted throughout Dublin Zoo, which keep the day interesting and varied.
Tickets for Dublin Zoo cost 23 euros per adult and can be bought here.
Explorium
We loved our visit to Explorium, a hands-on science and adventure centre with lots of immersive activities. There is a full “junior town” for little ones to get involved in. There are scientific experiments such as the maker’s lab, robotics and experiments with light, sound and energy.
Families can also enjoy VR experiences, clip and climb and many more activities. This is a great multi-generational day out as grown-ups can get involved too!
Leprechaun Museum
The Leprechaun Museum is a quirky themed museum that takes you on a journey through Irish folklore and history. There is storytelling and plenty of photo opportunities. This is Ireland’s first museum dedicated to folklore and storytelling – a rich piece of Irish heritage.
Best Parks in Dublin for Kids:
Dublin is home to many lovely parks with brilliant playgrounds to keep the kids entertained.
Marley Park
Marley Park is located in South Dublin – it is a huge park which is great to visit as a family. You will find many trails to walk and explore, a huge playground, a cafe on site and stunning walled gardens with roaming peacocks and a bird aviary. Keep an eye out for yearly fun family events such as Christmas lights.
Merrion Square
If you are looking for a more central playground, the Merrion Square playground is a great option. It has a wonderful sculpture trail and play equipment for all ages. The sculptures are based on Oliver Wilde’s, “The Selfish Giant” story.
Phoenix Park
The Phoenix Park is located in Central Dublin and is known as the largest enclosed public park in any European City. There is a lovely, big playground suitable for kids of all ages. The Phoenix Park cafe is nearby, perfect for any refreshments needed or much-needed caffeine for parents!
St. Stephen’s Green
St. Stephen’s Green is a beautiful park in the centre of Dublin. It has ponds, plenty of green areas and a large playground. There are many swans and birds in this park, and it’s the perfect place to relax with some lunch or a picnic after exploring the adjacent Grafton Street.
Best Day Trip from Dublin for Kids – Saltee Islands
Fancy getting out of Dublin for the day? Then consider the Saltee Islands, a day trip that should be on every travel lover’s bucket list! This is a brilliant day trip from Dublin, and if timed correctly, you could even see puffins in the wild. The Saltee Islands are brilliant for bird watching and a great family day out.
The drive from Dublin to Kilmore Quay takes anything between 2 hours 15 minutes and 2 hours 40 minutes, depending on the route you take, traffic, and what part of Dublin you leave from.
Where are the Saltee Islands?
The Saltee Islands are around 5km off the Wexford Coast in South East Ireland. They are accessible via a short ferry ride during certain times.
Things To Do on the Saltee Islands
Bird Watching
Many people travel to the Saltee Islands to see the puffins during breeding season. However, this can be tricky to plan for some travellers, as there is a tight time frame during which the puffins visit to nest.
The puffins are generally there to nest between April and August, with peak viewing times around June and July. Just a short 20-minute ferry from Kilmore Quay in Wexford, the Saltee Islands offer stunning panoramic views and an idyllic day out.
We missed them by approximately 2 weeks as we couldn’t come any sooner due to school holidays.
Black headed gulls, gannets, kittiwakes, egrets, cormorants and razor bills are all brilliant bird species to spot if you can’t make it to see the puffins.
(FYI, you can also see puffins in Staffa Island, Scotland – a friend of mine went there recently and loved her experience!)
Picnic
We took some snacks and a packed lunch to enjoy on the island. We were super careful to bring any rubbish home with us.
Swim
Enjoy a swim whilst on the island; there is plenty of time to explore the island, then get in for a quick dip. The ferry picks you up from the beach, which is a good place to get in for a swim.
Kings Chair
Visit the King’s Chair for a photo opportunity whilst on the island. This stone chair was created in the 1950’s by then-island owner Michael Neale, who declared himself “Prince of the Saltees”. He bought the islands to fulfil a childhood dream, with the islands remaining privately owned to this day.
We spent the remainder of our afternoon in Kilmore Quay. There is a playground on the seafront. We had some of the best fish and chips for our tea before we drove back to Dublin with full bellies, lots of great photos and wonderful memories made. My kids still talk about this wonderful day trip from Dublin!
Where to Stay in Dublin With Kids
One standout is the Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge, within a beautifully restored 19th-century building. This hotel not only offers spacious family rooms but also boasts a charming garden for kids to play in and a special children’s menu.
Another excellent choice is the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, located in Killiney, just a short drive from the city center. This hotel features an indoor swimming pool, making it perfect for family fun regardless of the weather. Children will love exploring the nearby Killiney Hill Park, offering breathtaking views of the city.
The Maldron Hotel Smithfield is another great option, known for its central location and family-friendly amenities. It provides interconnected family rooms and is conveniently located near attractions like Dublin Zoo and the National Museum of Ireland.
Lastly, The Marker Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in Dublin and offers a luxurious experience with its rooftop infinity pool and special family packages, including kids’ afternoon tea.
Thanks for Reading!
I hope you enjoyed reading this guide to the best things to do in Dublin with kids, as you can see, you really are spoiled for choice in Ireland’s capital city as a family 🙂
You may also enjoy reading –
Where to Stop on the Drive from Dublin to the Giant’s Causeway
Where to Stop Between Kilkenny and Dublin
