Best things to do in Dublin for families

In this sprawling park on the outskirts of Dublin, you’ll instantly feel like you’ve wandered into the countryside. It’s home to herds of deer, a tearoom, and Dublin Zoo, one of the most popular things to do in Dublin for families. You’ll find numerous immersive habitats including the orangutan forest, where the majestic primates swing above you, an African savannah, gorillas roaming in the undergrowth, and wolves in the woods. There are also birds, sea lions, penguins and more. And with multiple restaurants, cafés and kiosks, it’s a perfect full day out.

This is a city-centre attraction that’s sure to delight kids and make adults chuckle too. It’s an unusual museum experience, where a charismatic guide leads you on a mystical adventure through the country’s history via myth, legend and folklore in rooms designed to set the scene. Expect an immersive storytelling experience that will enchant young and old and give you a deeper understanding of Irish culture. There’s also an amusing gift shop for souvenirs.

A trip to Dublin can be a culture-packed city break, but this gem of a destination is also perched right on the coast, and it’d be a shame to miss out on those glorious beaches. The Irish capital actually has dozens of sandy stretches to choose from. Blue Flag Seapoint is fantastic for swimming and beach games, while the wide, sandy expanse of Burrow Beach is great for paddling and sandcastles. Stunning Portmarnock Beach is slightly further out but well worth a day trip for its views and a walk, picnic and paddle.

If Rainforest Adventure Golf doesn’t scream ‘kids’ day out’, we don’t know what does. This colourful venue is located in Dundrum, not too far from the city centre, and is an ideal place to lose an afternoon, especially if the weather’s not on your side. There are two 18-hole courses, one Aztec-themed and the other Mayan. They take around 45 minutes to play – great fun for competitive adults and older kids, and not so long the little ones will lose interest. There’s also a café and gift shop on site.

Malahide Castle & Gardens is just outside of Dublin city, 30 minutes by car or around 45 on public transport, and only 15 minutes’ drive from the airport. It’s one of the must-see castles in this part of the country, with beautifully arranged interiors showing the building in all its former glory as well as sprawling grounds. After being enchanted by history brought to life indoors, head outdoors with the kids to explore the fairy trail, butterfly house and pretty walled gardens.

Don’t let rain stop play with the AquaZone at the National Aquatic Centre. This multi-poolscape is undeniably fun for all ages, and potentially quite relaxing for adults too. There are several slides to choose from, like the Green Giant, the adrenaline-pumping Black Hole, Master Blaster and the laid-back Flow Rider. There’s a lazy river, bubble pool (giant hot tub) and wave pool too, as well as a pirate ship for little ones. And don’t forget the handy restaurant and coffee shop for refreshments.

If the sun is shining, one of the top Dublin family attractions is a visit to the National Botanic Gardens, just a 20-minute bus ride from Temple Bar. There’s an impressive array of plants, trees and flowers, plus seven stunning greenhouses to marvel at. It’s lovely for a walk and a picnic, whether you pick a spot on a sunny lawn or head for the shade, especially given that entry is free. There’s also a handy café on site for coffee, cake and a sandwich.

Kids bouncing off the walls? Let them burn off that energy at one of the three Jump Zone locations in Dublin. Jump Zone is an indoor trampoline and inflatable playscape that’s a parent’s dream on a rainy day – and a kid’s dream any day. The Liffey Valley location is an enormous trampoline park, while Sandyford is a trampoline-dotted obstacle course featuring a jump arena, trampoline sweeper, trapeze, jump tower, slides and more. The Santry site is best for little ones, with an area for under-4s and a 5+ inflatable extravaganza.

No Dublin checklist is complete without at least one museum. Just pick something you’re all interested in: perhaps the popular Little Museum or Dublinia, an interactive museum about Dublin’s Viking history, complete with enthusiastic guides. The National Museum of Ireland has a fantastic permanent exhibition on natural history that’s sure to enchant kids of all ages. The Explorium Sport & Science Centre in Sandyford is an interactive space where kids can experience science hands-on or try climbing and caving, adventure into a VR universe and play sports simulation games.

Right in the centre of town, in the Temple Bar area, The Ark is described as a cultural hub for kids. What does that mean? It’s basically a child-focused art gallery and creative space where the team hold workshops and school holiday programmes focused on art, dance, music and generally being creative. During the summer, the weekend drop-in sessions are one of the best things to do in Dublin with kids under 6, where they can create art with each other in a semi-guided workshop, aided by the team.