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Top 8 Things to do in Dublin with Kids

Are you visiting Dublin and looking for fun things to do with your family during your stay? Although Dublin is often associated with pubs and pints of Guinness, there are lots of great family attractions and places to visit across the city, especially with kids. To help you choose the best places to see during your trip, we have listed our top 8 fun things to do on a day out with your family.

1. National Museum of Ireland

Dublin’s Natural History Museum on Merrion Street is the perfect place for a family day out, with lots to discover and explore. Take part in a range of activities from sketching their favourite animal to following a museum trail and learning about biodiversity. As all National Museum of Ireland sites are free, why not also take a trip to the Museum of Archaeology on Kildare Street or the Museum of Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks.

2. St Stephen’s Green

Take some time out from the hustle and bustle of Grafton Street and head for the city’s main public park, St Stephen’s Green. Full of historical sculptures, a children’s playground and beautiful gardens and walking paths, it is the perfect place for the kids to have a run-around and enjoy a picnic lunch. Make sure to download the free audio guide before you go as this will keep everyone entertained while you make your way around the historical garden and park.

3. Imaginosity

Known as the Children’s Museum of Dublin, Imaginosity is a great interactive museum for children up to the age of 10, where they can enjoy a fun-filled two hours while also learning through play. The museum hosts 3 floors of interactive, educationally designed exhibits which challenges children to use their wonderful imaginations through open-ended, creative play. In addition to the hands-on exhibitions, Imaginosity also offer a variety of fun activities and workshops in arts and crafts, computers, music and theatre, most of which are free with admission.

4. Dublin Zoo

A visit to Dublin Zoo is always a fantastic family day out and, as Ireland’s most popular family attraction, is definitely one to add to your to do list! Located in the heart of beautiful Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo is one of the world’s oldest and most popular zoos and is committed to conserving endangered species, with over 400 animals calling it home. Your animal spotting will begin before you even walk through the gates as you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the 500 deer who reside in Phoenix Park! While you are there, why not make the most of your day and check out their events - you might even get to see your favourite animals getting fed or find out about where they live.

 

5. Epic, the Irish Immigration Museum

A short ten-minute walk from the city centre will take you to one of Europe’s leading tourist attractions, Epic - the Irish Immigration Museum. Go on an interactive journey through Irish history, filled with memorable stories of how ten million Irish men and women left Ireland, and their impact on the world. There are plenty of family fun activities to try out while you are there, from choosing your favourite villain and trying out the interactive sports table, to tracking down your ancestors and checking out their fun arts and crafts events. Don’t forget to get your souvenir passport stamped!

6. Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium

Looking for a different, fun-filled family day out? Greyhound racing is something that all the family can enjoy together. Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium is conveniently located just a short distance from Dublin City Centre. The races take place every twelve minutes meaning that children in particular, have plenty to keep them interested. Mums and dads will also get a well-deserved break as they can sit back, relax and enjoy a meal (with a drink or two!) at the restaurant while the kids enjoy their special child-friendly menus, all for reasonable prices. Plus, don’t forget to try your luck on the dogs as there is a betting service at the table!

 

7. Viking Splash Tours

Grab your family and your Viking helmets and join the infamous splash tour. On this authentic World War II vehicle, you will travel by land and water through Dublin and have a roaring time. Leaving from the north side of St Stephen’s Green, this exciting Viking-themed tour will take you by road to the many sights of Dublin before splashing into the Grand Canal Basin and continuing the rest of the tour by water!

8. Hop on Hop Off Dublin Bus Sightseeing Tour

Finally, the perfect way to keep the kids occupied and enjoy Dublin at its best is to hop onboard one of the many sightseeing buses, allowing you to be flexible and plan your day at your own family pace. Use the bus to visit the big attractions such as EPIC - the Irish Emigration Museum, Guinness Storehouse, the Book of Kells at Trinity College, Kilmainham Gaol and The Wax Museum Plus amongst many other. There are a number of ‘Hop on Hop off’ bus companies available, so make sure you check them out before you go and avail of their offers such as kids go free or online booking discounts. A few options are Big Bus Dublin and Do Dublin, who offer Dublin’s spookiest kids bus tour.

If you are planning a trip to Dublin and need ideas for some fun, family days out with the kids, we think our list will keep you occupied for a while! From visiting the zoo to journeying through the history of the Irish men and women leaving Ireland for new worlds, Dublin is a fantastic place to visit on a family day out.

To find out more about planning your night at the races or booking a table at our restaurant, contact the Shelbourne Park sales team now.