Things to Do in
Dublin with Kids

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two people in medieval house
Dublinia

Dublinia Museum

Step into Viking and medieval Dublin through interactive exhibits, recreated streets and stories of everyday life. Dublinia brings the city’s past to life for curious kids and adults alike.

Teenager and Child experiencing interactive exhibition at EPIC Museum of Emigration
EPIC Museum

EPIC

Explore Irish emigration stories through interactive galleries, videos and games at EPIC. Discover how people from Ireland shaped music, sport, science and culture around the world.

Boy and Adult enjoying train exhibition at casino model railway
Model Railway

Casino Model Railway

All aboard for a close-up look at model trains, trams and railway scenes at the Casino Model Railway Museum in Malahide. It’s a fun stop for young train fans and easy to pair with a visit to Malahide Castle and Gardens.

Display at The Little Museum of Dublin St Stephens Green
Little Museum

Little Museum of Dublin

Discover Dublin’s story through photographs, objects and memorabilia donated by the people of the city. The Little Museum of Dublin is a convenient stop for families exploring the St Stephen’s Green area.

Family Activities and Days Out in Dublin

Looking for things to do in Dublin with kids? Explore interactive museums, outdoor adventures and family tours across the city and county. Visit Dublinia or EPIC, spend a day at Dublin Zoo, or discover the Malahide Gardens Fairy Trail.

Planning around the weather or the time you have available? Browse the family activities below and use the filters to find indoor attractions, outdoor experiences and days out that suit your plans.

Plan a Family Day Out in Dublin

Dublin has plenty of options for a family day out, from hands-on museums in the city centre to animals, gardens and castles further afield. If you are planning a short visit, choose an attraction close to your starting point. With a full day, you can combine a tour with one or two places the kids are especially keen to see.

Indoor Family Activities in Dublin

For a rainy day, explore Viking and medieval life at Dublinia, or follow the stories of Irish people around the world through the interactive galleries at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. Families interested in trains can visit the Casino Model Railway Museum in Malahide. These are useful choices when you want an activity that does not depend on the weather.

Outdoor Family Days Out

Spend a longer day exploring Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park, or head to Malahide for Malahide Castle and the Fairy Trail in Malahide Gardens. For more ideas across the city and county, browse our outdoor activities in Dublin.

See Dublin Together on a Family Tour

The DoDublin Hop-on Hop-off Tour lets your family explore the city at its own pace, with live commentary from local guides. One child under 15 travels free with each full-fare adult ticket, and the tour includes entry to the Little Museum of Dublin. Check the Kids Go Free offer for ticket conditions.

For something different during the Halloween holidays, the Ghostbus Kids Tour brings Dublin's spooky stories to life with an actor, games and plenty of surprises. Check the tour page for dates and availability.

Family Activities on a Budget

A family day out does not have to involve several admission tickets. You could combine one paid attraction with a walk in Phoenix Park or a visit to a free museum. See our guide to free attractions in Dublin for more ideas. If you plan to visit several paid attractions, compare the six included in the DoDublin Days Out Card with the places your family wants to see.

Family Days Out in Dublin: FAQs

  • What are some good things to do in Dublin with kids?
    Popular choices include Dublin Zoo, the interactive exhibits at Dublinia and EPIC, and a family trip on the DoDublin Hop-on Hop-off Tour. Choose based on your children's interests and how much time you have.
  • What can families do in Dublin when it rains?
    Dublinia, EPIC and the Casino Model Railway Museum are indoor options. If you are staying in the city centre, Dublinia and EPIC can each form the main activity for a half-day outing.
  • Are there outdoor family activities in Dublin?
    Yes. Dublin Zoo is in Phoenix Park, while Malahide Castle, its gardens and the Fairy Trail offer options for a day outside the city centre.
  • Are there free things to do in Dublin with kids?
    Yes. A walk in Phoenix Park and visits to some of Dublin's museums can help keep the cost of a family day out down. Browse our free Dublin attractions guide and check admission details before travelling.
  • Do children travel free on the DoDublin Hop-on Hop-off Tour?
    One child under 15 can travel free with each full-fare adult ticket. See the Kids Go Free terms for details.
  • Is the Ghostbus Kids Tour available all year?
    Public tours are advertised for the Halloween holidays. Check the Ghostbus Kids Tour page for current dates; private hire and school visits are also offered at other times.