Planning a family trip to Ireland often begins with dreams of rolling green hills, ancient castles, and dramatic coastal cliffs. But before you rush off to the countryside, do not overlook the vibrant, walkable, and deeply historical capital city. From thrilling Viking Splash adventures to spotting wild deer in Phoenix Park and chasing leprechaun legends through cobbled streets, finding the best things to do in Dublin with kids is surprisingly easy when you know where to look.
Dublin is a city built on storytelling. It is a place where history feels tactile, the locals are genuinely welcoming to children, and every corner seems to hide a new adventure. Whether you are navigating the medieval streets with a toddler in a stroller, looking for interactive museums to occupy curious school-aged children, or trying to impress hard-to-please teenagers, this city delivers.
Drawing on real family experiences, local parent insights, and practical on-the-ground knowledge, this guide will help you build the perfect itinerary. We have broken down the absolute best family-friendly attractions, highlighted exactly what to skip to save your sanity, and gathered the insider tips you need to navigate the city like a seasoned local.
12 Best Things to Do in Dublin with Kids
When traveling with children, the key to a successful Dublin itinerary is mixing high-energy physical activities with immersive, interactive history. Here are the top verified spots that consistently deliver great family days out.
1. Step Back in Time at Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre (Newgrange)
While technically located just outside the city in County Meath, Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre (Newgrange) is an absolute must-do day trip. This mind-bending UNESCO World Heritage site allows families to enter a 5,000-year-old passage tomb—older than the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. The sheer scale of the stone structure and the mystery of its winter solstice alignment captivate older children and teens. The visitor center itself is highly engaging, providing excellent context before you take the shuttle bus to the actual monuments.
- Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (extended in summer).
- Cost: €18 (~$19.50) for adults, €12 (~$13) for children. Advance booking is strictly required.
- Stroller Accessibility: The visitor center is fully accessible, but strollers cannot go inside the actual tombs. Bring a baby carrier.
- Nearest Food: The on-site Brambles Café offers great soups, sandwiches, and kid-friendly snacks.
- Time to Spend: 2.5 to 3 hours.
🎟️ Book family tickets & skip-the-line tours →
2. Uncover Heritage at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
If you think a museum about emigration sounds dry, prepare to be amazed. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is a high-tech, fully interactive experience housed in stunning restored 19th-century vaults in the Docklands. Every child receives a physical passport upon entry, which they can stamp at interactive stations in every single room. Motion sensors, digital touchscreens, and projection mapping turn Irish history into a gamified, hands-on treasure hunt.
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 6:45 PM (last entry 5:00 PM).
- Cost: €21 (~$23) for adults, €10.50 (~$11.50) for children (ages 6-12), teens €15. Kids 5 and under are free. Family bundles available.
- Stroller Accessibility: Excellent. Ramps and elevators throughout the vaults.
- Nearest Food: The Bakehouse, located right outside the museum in the CHQ building, serves fantastic pastries and hearty lunches.
- Time to Spend: 1.5 to 2 hours.
🎟️ Find family-friendly tours & activities →
3. Set Sail on the Dalkey Island Boat Trip
For a quick injection of nature and adventure, take the DART train south to the coastal suburb of Dalkey. The Dalkey Island Boat Trip is a quick, thrilling 5-minute boat ride from Coliemore Harbour that drops you onto a rugged, uninhabited island. Kids love exploring the ruined church, the Martello tower, and spotting the resident herd of wild goats and sunbathing seals. It feels like a true wilderness escape just minutes from the city.
- Opening Hours: Seasonal, typically April through October, weather depending.
- Cost: Approximately €10-€15 (~$11-$16) per person, paid directly to the boatman.
- Stroller Accessibility: Leave the stroller at your accommodation; the island is rocky and unpaved.
- Nearest Food: Corner Note Cafe in Dalkey village is perfect for a post-island lunch.
- Time to Spend: 1.5 hours (including the boat ride).
4. Step Aboard the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship
Moored right on the River Liffey, just a short walk from EPIC, the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship is a meticulously recreated 19th-century famine ship. Families can explore both above and below decks to see exactly what life was like for the brave souls who made the perilous journey to North America. The guided tours are incredibly well done, striking the right balance between historical gravity and engaging storytelling that holds the attention of school-aged children.
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
- Cost: €14 (~$15) for adults, €7 (~$8) for children.
- Stroller Accessibility: Strollers can be brought to the dock, but getting below deck requires navigating steep wooden stairs.
- Nearest Food: Walk over to the CHQ building for multiple casual dining options.
- Time to Spend: 1 hour.
5. Listen to Legends at the National Leprechaun Museum
Do not let the whimsical name fool you into thinking this is a cheesy tourist trap. The National Leprechaun Museum is not a traditional museum with glass cases; rather, it is an immersive, 45-minute guided storytelling journey through Irish mythology. You walk through magical forests, sit on oversized furniture that makes you feel leprechaun-sized, and listen to incredibly talented guides weave tales of folklore. It is an absolute hit with younger children and imaginative preschoolers.
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM.
- Cost: €16 (~$17.50) for adults, €10 (~$11) for children.
- Stroller Accessibility: Strollers must be left at the reception area due to the interactive nature of the rooms.
- Nearest Food: The nearby Jervis Shopping Centre has a large food court with options for picky eaters.
- Time to Spend: 1 hour.
6. Discover History at the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology (Kildare Street)
If you have kids who are fascinated by Vikings, swords, or ancient mysteries, the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology (Kildare Street) is a must-visit. Housed in a stunning Victorian building, this museum holds a world-class collection of Irish treasures. The standout exhibits for children are the genuine Viking artifacts excavated from Dublin's own streets, and the fascinating "Bog Bodies"—incredibly preserved ancient remains that offer a slightly spooky, entirely educational thrill.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday and Monday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
- Cost: Completely free entry.
- Stroller Accessibility: Excellent, with wide aisles and elevators to all floors.
- Nearest Food: The on-site museum café is spacious and family-friendly.
- Time to Spend: 1.5 to 2 hours.
7. Run Free at Farmleigh House and Estate
When the city streets feel too crowded, hop on a bus or take a taxi to Phoenix Park. Tucked away in a quiet corner of this massive urban park is Farmleigh House and Estate. This stunning 78-acre former Guinness family estate offers beautifully manicured gardens, a working farm with donkeys and cows, and vast open lawns where kids can run entirely free. It is the perfect place to let toddlers burn off energy in a safe, scenic environment.
- Opening Hours: Grounds open daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Cost: The grounds are free to enter; house tours have a small fee.
- Stroller Accessibility: Perfectly paved paths throughout the main gardens.
- Nearest Food: The Boathouse Café on the estate grounds is incredibly charming, situated right on a small lake.
- Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours.
8. Find Thrills at Aqua Zone at the National Aquatic Centre
Ireland’s weather can be notoriously unpredictable. On a rainy day, pack your swimsuits and head to Aqua Zone at the National Aquatic Centre. As Ireland's largest indoor waterpark, it features a massive wave pool, a relaxing lazy river, a pirate play ship for toddlers, and high-adrenaline flumes and slides for older kids and teens. It is a fantastic way to break up a trip heavily focused on sightseeing.
- Opening Hours: Varies by season and school holidays; always check their calendar in advance.
- Cost: €16 (~$17.50) for adults, €14 (~$15) for children. Family tickets available.
- Stroller Accessibility: Strollers must be left in the locker rooms.
- Nearest Food: There is an on-site fast food café, though packing your own snacks for afterward is highly recommended.
- Time to Spend: 3 hours.
9. Climb the Canopy at Zipit Forest Adventures (Tibradden Wood)
For active families with older kids, Zipit Forest Adventures (Tibradden Wood) offers a brilliant escape into the Dublin Mountains. This high-octane treetop obstacle course features zip lines, rope bridges, and climbing walls suspended high in the pine trees. With different circuits tailored to various age groups and heights, it challenges kids physically while getting them out into the fresh Irish air.
- Opening Hours: Weekends from March to November; daily during summer school holidays.
- Cost: €15 to €35 (~$16 to $38) depending on age and course level.
- Stroller Accessibility: The forest trails at the base are somewhat accessible, but you cannot bring strollers onto the course.
- Nearest Food: Bring a packed lunch to eat at the picnic tables in the forest.
- Time to Spend: 3 to 4 hours.
10. Soak up the Culture at the National Gallery of Ireland
Taking children to an art museum can sometimes feel daunting, but the National Gallery of Ireland is wonderfully welcoming to families. This world-class, free art museum offers free family art packs at the information desk, which include sketching materials and scavenger hunts designed to keep kids engaged as you view masterpieces by Caravaggio, Jack B. Yeats, and more.
- Opening Hours: Daily (Mondays open at 11:00 AM, other days 9:15 AM).
- Cost: Free entry to the permanent collection.
- Stroller Accessibility: Fully accessible with spacious elevators and wide corridors.
- Nearest Food: The Gallery Café offers excellent, healthy food options and high chairs.
- Time to Spend: 1.5 hours.
11. Enjoy a Peaceful Stroll at War Memorial Gardens
Located along the River Liffey just outside the city center, the War Memorial Gardens is a stunning, symmetrical masterpiece designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. It offers a peaceful, crowd-free alternative to the busier city parks. Families can walk along the river, watch the rowing clubs practice on the water, and let toddlers explore the sunken rose gardens without the stress of nearby traffic.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM; weekends from 10:00 AM until dusk.
- Cost: Free.
- Stroller Accessibility: The paved paths are highly stroller-friendly.
- Nearest Food: Grab a coffee and pastries from a cafe in nearby Kilmainham before you arrive.
- Time to Spend: 1 hour.
12. Catch a Show at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
Located in Dublin's modern, glittering Docklands area, the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre is a world-class venue that regularly hosts major touring West End musicals, family-friendly ballets, and pantomimes during the winter holidays. If you want to treat the family to a special evening out, booking a matinee or early evening show here is an unforgettable experience.
- Opening Hours: Box office open on performance days.
- Cost: Varies widely depending on the production.
- Stroller Accessibility: Strollers can be checked at the cloakroom.
- Nearest Food: The surrounding Grand Canal Square is packed with family-friendly dining, including excellent pizza at Milano.
- Time to Spend: 2.5 to 3 hours (depending on showtime).
Age-by-Age Guide to Things to Do in Dublin with Kids
Tailoring your Dublin itinerary to your children's specific ages will make the trip significantly smoother. Here is how to prioritize based on who you are traveling with.
Toddlers (Ages 2-3)
For the youngest travelers, wide open spaces and contained indoor play areas are essential. Spend your mornings at the Farmleigh House grounds or Phoenix Park. If you need a break from sightseeing, take a trip out to Funtopia Blanchardstown, a massive indoor adventure hub featuring a dedicated toddler zone alongside trampolines and climbing walls. For a polished, easy lunch in historic surroundings, take the DART to Avoca Malahide, a family-friendly café set within the beautiful Malahide Castle grounds where toddlers can play safely on the lawns afterward.
Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)
Preschoolers thrive on imagination and sensory experiences. The interactive storytelling at the National Leprechaun Museum is perfectly paced for this age group, capturing their attention without being overwhelming. The wave pool at Aqua Zone is also a huge hit, as is feeding the ducks at St. Stephen's Green in the city center.
School-Age Kids (Ages 6-10)
This is the golden age for Dublin's historical attractions. School-age children are old enough to understand the history presented at the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and will love the gamified passport stamping at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. They will also be fascinated by the Viking artifacts at the Archaeology Museum.
Tweens and Teens (Ages 11-14)
Teenagers need autonomy and a bit of adrenaline. Zipit Forest Adventures in the Dublin Mountains is perfect for burning off teenage energy. The Dalkey Island Boat trip offers a sense of rugged exploration, and the ancient passage tombs at Brú na Bóinne provide genuine awe for older kids studying world history.
What to Skip: Tourist Traps and Overhyped Spots
Not every famous Dublin attraction is worth your limited time and travel budget, especially when wrangling children. Based on real parent feedback, here is what you can confidently cross off your list.
- Book of Kells Experience (Trinity College Dublin): While historically significant, the reality of visiting with kids is tough. High ticket prices and long, exposed queues can quickly sour the mood. The exhibit is dimly lit, crowded, and ultimately centers around looking at a book inside a glass case—something that rarely holds a child's attention for more than ten seconds.
- National Wax Museum Plus: This museum often feels like a budget attraction. Many of the wax figures are barely recognizable, the layout is slightly chaotic, and the ticket prices are steep for what you get. It simply does not compare to the quality of other Dublin museums.
- Jameson Distillery Bow St.: While technically listed as "family-friendly" because children are permitted on the premises, this is a 45-60 minute highly polished tour specifically about whiskey production. It is incredibly boring for young children, and trying to keep them quiet while others are trying to enjoy a tasting is stressful for parents.
- St Michan's Church: The idea of seeing actual 'mummies' in a church crypt sounds exciting for older kids, but the reality is a cramped, dusty, and potentially claustrophobic environment that many families find underwhelming or uncomfortable.
- The Spire (Monument of Light): Do not go out of your way to visit this. It is a 120-meter stainless steel needle in the middle of O'Connell Street with zero interactivity, no interior to explore, and heavy traffic surrounding it.
Pro Tips from Parents for Visiting Dublin
To make your family trip as seamless as possible, keep these insider tips in mind:
- Ditch the Rental Car in the City: Dublin's city center is plagued by complex one-way systems and extremely limited, expensive parking (€4+ per hour). Stick to public transit and walking while in the city, and only rent a car on the days you plan to leave Dublin.
- Get a Leap Visitor Card: Purchase these at the airport or city center convenience stores for unlimited travel on the DART (coastal train), Luas (tram), and city buses. It saves you from fumbling for exact coin change every time you board a bus.
- Embrace Early Pub Culture: Yes, you can take kids to the pub! Most Dublin pubs allow children until 7:00 PM (or 9:00 PM in summer). Head to family-friendly spots in the mid-afternoon for hearty food and live traditional music without the late-night rowdiness.
- Beware Grafton Street on Saturdays: Grafton Street is Dublin's premier pedestrianized shopping thoroughfare, famous for buskers. However, on Saturday afternoons, it is packed shoulder-to-shoulder. A bulky travel system or double stroller will get completely stuck. Visit on a weekday morning instead.
- Pack Windproof Layers: Even on bright, sunny days, the breeze coming off the Irish Sea at coastal spots like Howth or Dun Laoghaire is biting. Always pack windproof shells for the kids when heading to the coast.
- Look for Family Bundles: Most major attractions in Dublin offer a dedicated family ticket bundle (usually 2 adults + 2 kids) that is significantly cheaper than buying individual tickets. Always ask at the ticket desk.
Wrapping Up Your Dublin Adventure
Dublin is a city that warmly embraces families, offering a beautiful mix of deep history, expansive green spaces, and coastal adventures. By mixing interactive indoor activities with plenty of time outdoors, you can easily create an itinerary that keeps everyone from toddlers to teens engaged. Whether you are exploring ancient tombs, riding the waves at an indoor waterpark, or just enjoying a quiet moment in a historic garden, discovering the best things to do in dublin with kids is an experience your family will remember for years to come. For even more detailed neighborhood breakdowns and restaurant recommendations, be sure to check out our complete City Guide: /city/dublin.