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Things to Do in Dublin with Kids

Dublin Zoo, free national museums and Phoenix Park's playgrounds make Dublin an easy city for a family day out.

By Ireland Spots Team
Published Updated 2 min read
Giraffes in the African Plains section of Dublin Zoo

Photo: William Murphy / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Dublin isn't short of options for a family day out, and several of the best ones are either free or straightforward to plan around.

Dublin Zoo

Located inside Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo is one of the city's most popular family attractions. It's ticketed, and booking online in advance is worth it in peak season. Current prices and opening hours are on the official site: dublinzoo.ie.

National Museum of Ireland collections

The National Museum's Dublin sites (Archaeology on Kildare Street, and Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks) are free to enter and include galleries that hold children's attention longer than you'd expect — armour, gold treasures, and social history exhibits among them. Note that the Natural History Museum ("Dead Zoo") building on Merrion Street is currently closed for refurbishment, with a selection of its collection on display at Collins Barracks in the meantime; check museum.ie before visiting.

Phoenix Park playgrounds and the Victorian Flower Garden

Beyond the zoo, Phoenix Park itself has playgrounds, wide open space for running around, and a resident fallow deer herd that's usually visible from the main road through the park — free, and easy to combine with a zoo visit or do on its own.

National Wax Museum Plus

A paid, indoor attraction on Westmoreland Street with themed floors covering Irish history, science and family-friendly exhibits — a reasonable option on a wet day. See waxmuseumplus.ie for current admission and hours.

Tips for visiting with children

  • Phoenix Park is large — decide on one area (playground, zoo, or Victorian Flower Garden) rather than trying to cover all of it in one visit.
  • The free national museums are a good option if the weather turns, since indoor space is unlimited and there's no admission cost to worry about.
  • Book Dublin Zoo tickets online in advance during school holidays and weekends, when it's at its busiest.

Practical details last verified 22 September 2026.

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