10 things for kids to see and do in Dublin

• By: Eanna
• On: 22/Oct/07
• In: Dublin Travel Tips

Dublin is a fantastic city and when it comes to children's attractions, Dublin really has it all. So if you find yourself in Dublin with kids on a rainy afternoon, don't panic - there's more than enough in this city to keep them entertained!

1.Dublin Zoo

The kids are sure to love a visit to Dublin Zoo. It's located in Phoenix Park and is home to over 235 species of animal and birds. Kids will be enthralled by all the animals on display, they'll find the 'World of Cats', 'World of Primates', 'Fringes of the Arctic', 'African Plains', 'Birds', 'Reptiles' and 'Plants'. They can also visit the 'City Farm' where they'll see pigs, cows, donkeys, goats and sheep.

The zoo is located at the edge of the city and can be easily accessed by getting the bus no 10 from O'Connell Street in the city centre.

For more see the official Dublin Zoo website.

2.Viking Splash Tours

This is an exciting and fun adventure for all the family and the best thing is it's educational and interesting too, as you're learning about Dublin's history and sights as you go! Jump aboard the "Ducks" World War II vehicle and the tour guides (who are dressed as Vikings) will keep you entertained for about 75 minutes. Part of this tour takes place in the water around the newly developed Grand Canal.

The tours depart from St. Stephen's Green North and Bull Alley (beside St. Patrick's Cathedral).

For more visit the Viking Splash website. 

3.Sea Safari

For the ultimate sea adventure, take the family on an exciting sea safari and discover some of Ireland's unique marine sealife, birds and wildlife. The inflatable boat will take you around Dublin Bay and along the coastline on a high speed, action packed adventure. (Suitable for kids aged 8+)

For more click here. 

4.Airfield House & Farm

Take the family to see a working farm in the city! Airfield boasts a collection of sheep, horses, cows, goats, hens, geese and pigs. There's also lots of activities for the kids which are both educational and enjoyable. You could also take the kids to see the beautiful Airfield House or the car museum and there's plenty of gardens for them to play in!

Airfield House is easily accessible from the city centre by taking the Green LUAS tram line to Balally Station.

For more visit Airfield House & Gardens website.

5.Imaginosity

Imaginosity is new to Dublin and is a creative children's museum which features a dramatic two storey climbing structure, an art studio, 9 exhibit galleries, a theatre and a performance space. It's a very enjoyable day out for children with a range of activities to keep them learning and above all, entertained. They can paint in the art studio, maybe try some acting in the theatre or do some 'work' in the 'Construction Company' with their yellow hats and plastic tools. There's even a specially designed space for the little ones under 3 years.

Located in Sandyford, Imaginosity is easily reached from the city centre by the LUAS tram and bus no 114, 75, 46b, 11a,

For more visit Imaginosity website. 

6.The Ark

This is another cultural centre for children. It has a packed programme of events for kids, with lots of activities ranging from visual art, music, theatre and architecture. There's so much cultural stimulation here for the children between making, doing, viewing and listening. The Ark is for children between 3 and 14 years. It's located in Temple Bar in the city centre. For a program of events and more see The Ark website.

7.Malahide Castle

This is one of the top attractions in Dublin and makes a fantastic day out for all the family. The girls will absolutely love Tara's Palace – one of the world's most famous Dolls Houses which also boasts a collection of dolls and antique toys. The boys will love the Fry Model Railway, which is one of the largest miniature railways in the world! If there's time you could take the family on a tour of the castle itself and maybe enjoy some lunch in the restaurant.

Located in Malahide, for more info see Malahide Castle.

8.The National Aquatic Centre

This is the perfect place to take the kids when it's raining (which unfortunately happens quite a bit in Ireland!). Located in Blanchardstowns, the National Aquatic Centre is one of Europe's biggest indoor water parks. Head to the Aquazone for lots of family fun on some of the biggest and best water slides like the Dark Hole Ride, the Green Giant Ride, the Wave Pool and the Lazy River. Children under 8 will enjoy hours of fun on the Pirate Ship.

The National Aquatic Centre can be reached by getting the 38A from Hawkins Street in the city centre.

For more see the National Aquatic website.

9.The Lambert Puppet Theatre

Based in Monkstown, Dublin, the Lambert Puppet Theatre is the only puppet theatre in Ireland. It is sure to have the children glued to their seats with enchanting fairy tales and magical stories performed by the Lamberts famous puppets!  Puppet shows have included children's favourites like The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Jack & the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood.

The easiest way to get here is to get the DART (train) to Monkstown.

For more see the Lambert Puppet Theatre website.

10.Croke Park GAA Museum

This is another attraction for all the family. Take a tour of the museum and see where the teams get ready, sit in the auditorium, visit the premium level, the corporate boxes, the media section, the VIP section, and of course the pitch side. Tours take 1 hour and take place everyday except on match days.

For more info see the Croke Park GAA Museum website. 

If that is'nt enough to keep the kids occupied during their stay in Dublin, you could always take them ice-skating, bowling, horse riding, go-karting or to a number of play and activity centres throughout the city like Fitzone in Clontarf and Leopardstown.

If the weather is nice, go to Phoenix Park where the kids can play in the playgrounds, feed the ducks or enjoy a picnic on the grass. As Dublin is located on the coast, you're never too far from a beach, so if it's a sunny day, hop on the DART (train) which will take you to the coastal towns and villages of Dublin like Malahide, Howth and Portmarnock to name a few.

Hope this gives you some idea of what to get up to in Dublin with the kids. If you know of any other activities, attractions or events for children, why not let us know by adding it in the comment box below.