Best Things to Do in Dublin for Families with Young Kids
Home · Dublin · Families with Young Kids
From the classic Dublin Zoo and Phoenix Park, to lesser-known spots worth adding to your trip.
★ 4.6 · 29,995 reviews
Spend a day at Dublin Zoo, Ireland's largest. Wander through the African Plains, Fringes of the Arctic and Asian Forests, watching animals roam spacious habitats, with plenty of stops for food and rest along the way.
★ 4.7 · 42,412 reviews
Spot wild deer and explore a vast green park at the edge of Dublin. Rent a bike to see more of it in a single afternoon.
★ 4.8 · 1,489 reviews
Try Awesome Walls, Finglas's indoor climbing centre where first-timers are welcome. Get strapped in with a patient instructor and work your way up several walls, with the kids climbing alongside you.
★ 4.2 · 1,112 reviews
Swing by Rainforest Adventure Golf in Dundrum for a playful round under a jungle canopy. Putt your way through the themed holes, compete with your group, then refuel at the on-site cafe.
★ 4.8 · 5,616 reviews
Follow woodland trails and discover quirky follies in one of Dublin's largest parks. A lovely morning outing for families and couples.
★ 4.7 · 1,042 reviews
Head to Gravity Climbing Centre in Inchicore for an indoor climbing and bouldering session. Work through routes and challenges suited to your level, whether it's your first climb or your fiftieth.
★ 4.1 · 5,357 reviews
Drop into the National Wax Museum Plus in Temple Bar for a playful hour in the city centre. Walk past lifelike wax figures of Irish and global celebrities, then brave the horror section downstairs.
★ 4.5 · 7,460 reviews
Step into Dublinia, where Viking and medieval Dublin come alive in Saint Catherine's. Explore interactive exhibits, sights and smells that show how the city grew, an engaging stop for families and history lovers alike.
★ 4.6 · 4,586 reviews
Wander into Bushy Park, a roomy riverside escape in Terenure. Follow woodland paths past streams and waterfalls, circle the wildlife-rich pond, and find a cool spot beside the River Dodder.
★ 3.9 · 556 reviews
Explore World of Illusion, a three-floor playground of optical tricks in Temple Bar. Step through the Vortex Tunnel, test the infinity mirrors and pose in the gravity-bending room for photos with friends.
★ 4.3 · 4,006 reviews
Meet the legends of Irish folklore at the National Leprechaun Museum in Dublin's North City. A storyteller guides you through themed rooms, spinning tales of leprechauns, fairies and other mythical characters that keep kids and adults equally hooked.
★ 4.3 · 1,066 reviews
Swim or train at Swan Leisure, Rathmines's public leisure centre with a gym and pool. Join the local crowd for a budget-friendly workout, or sign up for a personal training or swim lesson session.
★ 4.6 · 17,769 reviews
Explore Malahide Castle & Gardens, a medieval fortress on a sprawling demesne. Tour the castle's antiques and paintings, then walk the gardens and the fairy trail.
★ 4.6 · 1,858 reviews
Stroll through Blackrock Park, a green space that opens straight onto Dublin Bay. Follow the paths past the small lake, find a spot on the grass, and take in the view across the water.
★ 4.7 · 9,781 reviews
Walk the woodland trails of a large Dublin park south of the city. A relaxed outing for families, with sports and a farmer's market on the side.
Take a break from the city in Dublin's best-known Victorian park. Stroll among flowerbeds and shaded paths just steps from the shops.
★ 4.8 · 18,914 reviews
Wander among glasshouses, an arboretum and formal gardens just north of Dublin's centre. A free, peaceful outing for families and garden lovers.
Step into Herbert Park, a 32-acre green space woven through the red-brick streets of south Dublin. Stroll the leafy paths, watch local sport on the pitches, and relax on the lawns.
★ 4.2 · 678 reviews
Rent a bike from Phoenix Park Bikes and explore one of Dublin's biggest parks on two wheels. Pedal past the monuments and keep an eye out for the park's deer.
Best season
★ 4.5 · 1,066 reviews
Get your bearings in Dublin with the Big Bus Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour and its live guides. Ride the loop past the city's landmarks and hop off wherever you want a closer look.
★ 4.3 · 1,311 reviews
Ride the City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour for an easy overview of Dublin from the open top deck. Listen to the audio commentary, hop off at stops that interest you, and join the included walking tour.
★ 4.6 · 536 reviews
Stroll Dún Laoghaire Marina, a harbour on Dublin's south coast where the pier walk is the main draw. Wander the waterfront, pick up coffee or ice cream from the vendors, and watch the boats come and go.
Escape to Howth, a fishing village on a headland jutting into Dublin Bay. Walk the harbour front, then follow the clifftop trails for wide views over the water and across to Ireland's Eye.
★ 4.4 · 103 reviews
Walk out along a wide, shell-strewn beach at the edge of Dublin. A peaceful coastal stop that most visitors miss.
★ 4.5 · 341 reviews
Walk the long, open sands of Dollymount Strand, a favourite for sunrise on Dublin Bay. Stroll the shoreline, watch riders pass by, and stop for coffee halfway along the beach.
★ 4.5 · 3,468 reviews
See Dublin's main sights from the top of a green hop-on hop-off bus. Ride with live commentary and hop off wherever something catches your eye, using your 24-hour ticket.
★ 4.6 · 560 reviews
Head into County Wicklow for a day of lakes, waterfalls and farm life. Explore Glendalough's monastic ruins, see Powerscourt Waterfall and watch sheepdogs work a flock.
★ 4.5 · 2,078 reviews
Explore Swords Castle, a free medieval archbishop's palace north of Dublin. Walk the ramparts, climb the tower and look into the restored wood-beamed chapel before a picnic on the grounds.
★ 4.6 · 4,061 reviews
Discover Bunsen, the Portobello burger joint with a cult following. Grab a table in the retro-style room and tuck into a juicy, simply made burger with crispy fries.
★ 4.4 · 5,199 reviews
Pop into Sano Pizza, the Temple Bar favourite that keeps queues moving and dietary needs covered. Choose a regular, gluten-free or vegan pizza, add a side salad and a pot of truffle mayo, and eat well in under an hour.
Dublin · 🎭 Entertainment
Dublin Zoo
4h
Dublin · 🌳 Nature
Phoenix Park
2h
Dublin · ⚽ Sport
Awesome Walls
1h30
Rainforest Adventure Golf
1h15
St. Anne's Park
Gravity Climbing Centre
The National Wax Museum Plus
1h
Dublin · 🎨 Museum
Dublinia
Bushy Park
World of Illusion Entry Ticket
National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland
Swan Leisure
Dublin · 🏛️ Landmark
Malahide Castle & Gardens
Blackrock Park
45 min
Marlay Park
Saint Stephen's Green
National Botanic Gardens
Herbert Park
Phoenix Park Bikes
Dublin · 🧭 Tours
Big Bus Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour with Live Guides
3h
City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Dun Laoghaire Marina
Dublin · 🚶 Neighborhoods
Howth
Sandymount Strand
Dollymount Strand
The Original Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Wicklow, Glendalough, Waterfall & Sheepdog Show
8h
Swords Castle
Dublin · 🍽️ Food
Bunsen
Sano Pizza