The jury is in! Discover the top 10 places in Dublin with the best brain candy for kids.
Discover science, nature and adventure with all the family. From children’s workshops where you can build DIY robots to exploring nature and the outdoors here are our top 10 picks of places to go and things to do in Dublin for children and parents curious about science, exploration and adventure.
1. The Festival of Curiosity
Here is a summer festival you do not want to miss. A gorgeous and curious festival of science, arts, design, and technology for all the family. From Playful Days to Curious Nights you will experience an energetic fusion of interactive installations, pop-up playgrounds and curiosity carnivals to immersive experiences, performance, visual art, theatre, film, secret tours, night cycles & urban escapes. Find out more
2. The Dead Zoo
The Natural History Dublin is a wonderful place to visit with kids. Also known as ‘The Dead Zoo’, the Museum’s 10,000 exhibits have delighted generations of visitors since the doors opened in 1857. Providing a glimpse into the natural world it is home to a stunning zoological collection and includes the spectacular Giant Irish Deer and also a 20 metre long whale skeleton. With animals native to Ireland and from across the globe it’s a lovely place to ponder the world. They are open every day except Mondays. Find out more
3. Urban Explorers Trail @ Merrion Square
URBAN EXPLORERS is one of our favourite trails for families in Dublin. This is a gorgeous treasure trail where you can explore the square with all of your senses. Discover tales of exploration, secret societies & rule breakers. Document historical facts, interesting sights & curious comings and goings. Developed especially for Merrion Square – the Urban Explorers Trail will help guide your visit to the square and make it more fun for mini detectives. The Trail will help your little ones to discover hidden treasures on Merrion Square and Park and delivers a playful journey of discovery that works best for 5 to 10 year olds (but equally well for big kids of all ages). The trail is free to access and you can download a copy at home before you set out on your explorers adventure across the park.
4. The National Botanic Gardens
If you’re looking for some fresh air and adventure THE NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS is a wonder filled place to take your family and little explorers for a day out in Dublin. With over 50 acres and 17,000 species of plants there are rose and rock gardens, pond and river walks, organic fruit and vegetable gardens and not to mention, Ireland’s only indoor rain forest! Throughout the year there is a wonderful programme of events and activities (for adults and children) and can include anything from children’s art workshops, gardening workshops, walks, tours and exhibitions. Find out more
5. Airfield House & Farm
The 38 acre working farm, gardens, café and heritage experience at AIRFIELD ESTATE offers children and parents a wonderful opportunity to enjoy and learn about food, farming and nature. Along with their yearly programme of delightful workshops and events you will also find Jersey cow milking, egg collecting and animal feeding daily on the farm. While in the gardens you can explore what the kitchen gardeners will be harvesting that day, or what the ornamental gardeners will be pruning and weeding. Special play areas such as The Grey Barn (0-4) and The Naturescape (4-12) will be big hits with the little ones in your family. It’s a just a stone’s throw from Dublin City Centre (about 25 minutes on the green LUAS line). Find out more
6. Dublin Zoo
DUBLIN ZOO: From the African Savanna to the Fringes of The Arctic, the City Farm and the Kaziranga Forest Trail – the whole family can don their explorer hats and safari in one of the oldest Zoo’s in Europe. Don’t miss the family herd of breeding Asian Elephants. Not only is Dublin Zoo a gorgeous fun-filled day out for all the family in Dublin it’s also a place to learn about conservation of wild animals, especially those which are endangered. The Zoo works in partnership with Zoos worldwide to make a significant contribution to the natural diversity of life on earth. Find out more
7. Imaginosity
IMAGINOSITY is for children under 9 years of age and champions the ‘hands-on, minds-on’ philosophy that encourages all visitors to get involved and have fun while learning. Spanning three floors there are 19 educationally designed exhibits where children can sing, dance and dress-up in costumes in the theatre, present the news at the TV Station or become an engineer in the construction zone. From becoming a mechanic in The Garage, to examining an x-ray in Dr Apple-a-Day’s Surgery or choosing the evening meal in the Village Market – there’s a lot of variety and fun to be had. Find out more
8. Recreate Dublin
RECREATE IRELAND is an ingenious space. They take end of the line materials from businesses and recycle them to arts & cultural institutions to re-use. They also run workshops and activities with their team of artists. If you have a special birthday party or group activity coming up take a look at the gorgeous workshops they do. Themes for workshops include print making, 3D collage, float & set design, fairytale crafts, hat & mask making, puppet making and robot building. It’s a lovely way for children to learn about recycling and reusing materials in a creative and fun way. Find out more
9. Coder Dojo Dublin
Coder Dojos are free, volunteer-led, community based computer programming clubs for young people between 7 and 17. At a Dojo young people learn how to code, develop websites, apps, programs, games and explore technology in an informal and creative environment. There are Coder Dojos all around the world and numerous clubs in Dublin. To find a Coder Dojo club in your area click here
10. Science Gallery Dublin
SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN: Aimed at teenagers 15+ and adults – a list of places to go for science in Dublin just wouldn’t be complete without the fabulous Science Gallery Dublin! It’s a fascinating place with an extensive exhibitions and events programme that will be sure to tickle your brain. A popular spot in Dublin since it opened in 2008. Their ever-changing programme of exhibitions and events are fuelled by the expertise of scientists, researchers, students, artists, designers, inventors and creative thinkers. With themes ranging from living art experiments and materials science and future of the human race – every visit is different! Find out more
11. Hands-on Workshops for Kids
Say hello to our KiwiCo who are inspiring the next generation of scientists, artists & makers all around the world! They deliver wonder-filled hands-on activities directly to your door every month. They deliver throughout the world and each activity is designed by experts and tested by kids. We love them a lot! From Doodle Crates to Tinkering Boxes they have a huge range of really gorgeous and fun activities for kids to explore.
Looking for fun things to do in Dublin with kids?
- Our top recommended list of events in Dublin with kids (updated weekly)
- Check out all our top voted best places to go in Dublin with kids
- Get the inside track with our family newsletter
