Family activities · 12 min read

Things to Do With Kids in Ireland: 25 Family Ideas

Looking for things to do with kids in Ireland without trawling through endless blogs? We've grouped 25 practical ideas by region, plus rainy-day and hidden-gem picks, so you can match an outing to your weekend, weather, and your kids' ages in a couple of minutes.

Dublin and around

Phoenix Park & Dublin Zoo (Dublin 8)
Free-roaming deer, vast lawns, and one of Europe's best city zoos all in one trip. Easy for prams, brilliant for picnics.
Tip: Park at the Castleknock gate for the quieter end of the park.
Imaginosity Children's Museum (Sandyford, Dublin)
Three floors of hands-on play designed for under-9s — climbing, building, role-play, and a rooftop garden.
Tip: Book a morning slot; weekends sell out fast.
National Aquatic Centre (Blanchardstown, Dublin)
A rainy-day winner. Wave pool, lazy river, and gentle flumes keep mixed ages happy for hours.
Tip: Bring a €1 coin for the lockers and goggles for older kids.

Leinster

Glendalough Lakes (Wicklow)
The flat Lower Lake loop suits buggies, while older kids love scrambling around the round tower and monastic ruins.
Tip: Arrive before 10am at weekends to skip the carpark queues.
Tayto Park (Meath)
A small zoo, adventure playgrounds, and gentle rides — a reliable full-day option for ages 3–12.
Tip: Pack waterproofs and check ride height limits before you go.
Powerscourt Waterfall (Wicklow)
Ireland's highest waterfall with picnic benches, easy paths, and plenty of room for kids to run.
Tip: Combine it with the gardens — they're a 10-minute drive away.

Munster

Fota Wildlife Park (Cork)
Kangaroos hop past you, giraffes wander in open paddocks, and the loop is short enough for tiny legs.
Tip: Take the train from Cork city — Fota has its own station.
Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium (Kerry)
Shark tunnel, penguins, and touch pools. A perfect rainy stop on a Wild Atlantic Way trip.
Tip: Combine with fish and chips at the harbour afterwards.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park (Clare)
A walk-through 19th-century village with cottages, animals, and craft demonstrations. Genuinely educational without feeling like school.
Tip: Allow 2–3 hours and stick to the village if buggies are in tow.

Connacht

Galway Atlantaquaria (Salthill, Galway)
Ireland's largest native aquarium. Combine with the Salthill prom for a classic family afternoon.
Tip: Walk the prom and 'kick the wall' at the end — a local tradition.
Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park (Mayo)
Pirate-themed rides, swan boats on the lake, and a grand house to explore. Suits ages 3–10 best.
Tip: Stay in nearby Westport town for ice cream and the greenway.
Strandhill Beach (Sligo)
Wild Atlantic waves, rock pools, and surf schools for kids 7+. End the day at Shells Cafe.
Tip: Swim only between the lifeguard flags — currents are strong.

Ulster

Giant's Causeway (Antrim)
Hexagonal basalt steps, myths of Finn MacCumhail, and a paved path suitable for buggies down to the stones.
Tip: Use the shuttle bus back up the hill — the climb is steep.
Titanic Belfast (Belfast)
Hands-on exhibits, a shipyard ride, and underwater exploration zone. One of the best indoor attractions on the island.
Tip: Pre-book a timed entry; plan for 2–3 hours inside.
Glenveagh National Park (Donegal)
Loughs, glens, and a fairytale castle. The shuttle from the visitor centre means little legs don't have to walk in.
Tip: Pack midge spray in summer.

Rainy-day backups

Local library storytime (Nationwide)
Most Irish public libraries run free weekly storytime sessions for toddlers and preschoolers.
Tip: Search your county council site for the schedule.
Trampoline parks (Nationwide)
Indoor trampoline parks (Jump Zone, We Are Vertigo, Flip Out) burn off energy on the worst weather days.
Tip: Book the first session of the day for shorter queues.
Soft-play centres (Nationwide)
Great for ages 1–6. Look for ones with a quiet under-2 area and a proper cafe for parents.
Tip: Bring grippy socks — most centres require them.

Hidden gems

Wexford Wildfowl Reserve (Wexford)
Free entry, a wooden tower hide, and thousands of geese in winter. Quiet and very buggy-friendly.
Tip: Bring binoculars — even cheap ones make a big difference for kids.
Loughcrew Cairns (Meath)
Older megalithic site than Newgrange with far fewer visitors. Kids love the climb and the views.
Tip: Collect the key for the cairn from the nearby Loughcrew Gardens cafe.
Spike Island (Cork Harbour)
A short ferry ride from Cobh to a former prison island. Engaging tour, dramatic setting, and a proper sense of adventure for ages 7+.
Tip: Pack a windproof jacket — the ferry crossing is breezy.

Quick picks by age

Under 5s: Imaginosity, Fota Wildlife Park, soft-play, library storytime, Phoenix Park playgrounds.

Ages 5–9: Tayto Park, Dingle Oceanworld, Glendalough, Bunratty Folk Park, Galway Atlantaquaria.

Ages 10+: Titanic Belfast, Spike Island, surfing at Strandhill, Giant's Causeway, Glenveagh National Park.

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FAQs

What are the best free things to do with kids in Ireland?

Phoenix Park, Glendalough, the Giant's Causeway coastal path, most beaches, and your local library's storytime are all free and family-friendly.

What can families do in Ireland on a rainy day?

Trampoline parks, aquariums, soft-play, Imaginosity, Titanic Belfast, and the National Aquatic Centre all work brilliantly when the weather turns.

Where can I take toddlers in Ireland?

Fota Wildlife Park, Imaginosity, soft-play centres, the Lower Lake at Glendalough, and Phoenix Park all suit under-3s with easy paths and short distances.

How do I plan family activities without spending hours searching?

Pick a region, pick an age group, then pick weather (indoor or outdoor). bondgo automates exactly this so you don't have to do it every weekend.