10 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Dublin
Dublin is one of Europe's most family-friendly cities, with a young population and no shortage of things to do with kids from Viking history at Dublinia and animals at Dublin Zoo to green space at St Stephen's Green and interactive history at EPIC and the GPO Museum. Whatever the Irish weather throws at you, there's always an indoor or outdoor option to keep the whole family entertained.
Here are ten of the best family days out in Dublin (in no particular order), all within easy reach of The Grafton Hotel in the city centre so you can explore on foot or by tram and fit in some family shopping and treats along the way.
Dublinia
Step into 1,000 years of Viking and medieval history at Dublinia, a hands-on living-history museum. Kids can board a Viking warship, browse a medieval market and dig for treasure in the archaeology zone.
Phoenix Park Bikes Hire
Phoenix Park Bikes can offer you a wide variety of bike options for the very young to the old. Located at the main entrance to the Phoenix Park in Dublin, it creates the perfect opportunity for you and your family to grab a bike on the way into experiencing this enormous city park.
St. Stephens’ Green
St Stephen’s Green is a beautiful park right in the centre of Dublin. It’s a photographer’s haven with little stone bridges crossing a lake, manicured flower beds and walkways through stunning greenery.
One of the most popular playgrounds within Dublin is at St. Stephens Green. There are usually multiple other families enjoying the playground with a wide variety of equipment. The kids can swing, climb, hang from monkey bars, slide, and explore throughout the park. It’s also a great park for a picnic.
Skyline Tour at Croke Park
If you're over 1.2 metres tall and not afraid of heights, you can walk around the roof of one of Europe's biggest sports stadiums, Croke Park. You'll get an unbeatable view over the city, Dublin Bay, and the mountains beyond. And while you are there why not take in a visit to the GAA Museum and learn all the history of our national sport.
Airfield Farm
Airfield Farm in Dublin is a perfect day out with fun for kids and all the family, only a few stops outside the city on the LUAS.
Airfield farm is a working farm and is based on the traditional farming practices of mixed animal husbandry. The farm is complete with an assortment of sheep, pigs, goats and chickens to name a few and their placid Jersey herd are some of the most beautiful animals you’ll ever see.
The farm at Airfield is a perfect working example of environmentally sustainable agriculture in Ireland. They encourage visitors to explore, experience farm life up close and even get hands-on.
National Leprechaun Museum
At the National Leprechaun Museum, visitors can learn the closely guarded secrets of Ireland's mischievous fairy-folk at this fun venue that's more a storytelling centre than a museum. Charming guides hold big and little guests spellbound with tales from Irish folklore.
Dublin Zoo
The city’s zoo is also one of the most popular attractions for travelling families.
One of the oldest zoos in the world, Dublin Zoo has been introducing exotic animals to Ireland for almost 200 years. Here you'll meet toddler-friendly farm animals and the fearsome beasts of the African Savanna. There are all kinds of animal encounters to experience too.
Hop on Hop Off Dublin Bus Tour
There are many of these to choose from but the best-known is run by Dublin Bus, whose expert guides provide fun, informative, and sometimes hilarious commentary all along your tour of Dublin city.
Epic Museum
The Irish Emigration Museum is a relatively new space and appeals to older children. It’s one of the most high-tech interactive museums in Ireland.
Guests are given a passport to stamp at all the different stations. Each area had touch screens and educational information about how Ireland has evolved. Kids especially love learning about River Dance the opportunity to make digital postcards.
GPO Museum
The GPO Museum is located less than ten-minute walk from the hotel, in the historical and iconic GPO building on O'Connell Street, Dublin. This highly interactive and spectacular visitor attraction which gives kids a great overview of the Irish history focuses on the 1916 rising, the aftermath of this rebellion and also, they will learn how Ireland has developed since. This very engaging and interactive experience will capture their imaginations and brings history to life.
Ready to explore? Take a look at our Family City Escape offer and make The Grafton your base for a family break in Dublin, or browse more things to do in the neighbourhood.