Dublin has a vast amount of activities for children, from toddlers to teenagers, whatever the age you are sure to find something to keep them entertained. 

1) Dublin Zoo

One of the most favourite places children like to go & Dublin Zoo doesn’t disappoint. With over 235 different species of animals & birds there is something here for everyone.  The family farm is always popular with young children as it houses rabbits, pigs, goats & hens. There are also feeding times allocated during the day for a chance to see some of the animals being fed such as the sea lions, tigers & giraffes.  Located around the zoo are play areas & in the African plains a train can be taken to help get around.  This really is a great day family day out.

The Zoo is situated in Phoenix Park & the best way to get to here is by taking the 46A bus from Parnell Square East  (which is a 5 minute walk from The Castle Hotel), and it will drop you right outside the Zoo entrance to the Phoenix Park.

2) Viking Splash 

There is no other tour in Dublin like this. Take in the sights of Dublin in an amphibious World War ll vehicle both on land & on water. This tour particularly appeals to young children who can pretend they are Vikings for the afternoon.  Many of the major tourist attractions are visited here such as Trinity College, Medieval Dublin, Government buildings, Dublin Docklands & many more.

The tour last about an hour & 15 minutes & operates in all weathers.
Bookings must be made in advance for this tour as times can vary during peak times

The tours mainly depart at 10am daily & can be as often as every 30 minutes during the summer months.

The tour departs from St Stephen’s Green North which is just off Grafton Street which is a 20 minute walk from The Castle Hotel.

3)  Wax Museum

This museum takes you on a journey like no other. Go back in time through the different stages of Irish history, see the hall of Irish legends such as a former president of Ireland, Mary Robinson, Jack Charlton, Gay Byrne & most recently JEDWARD.  Children can meet Harry Potter or The Simpsons or they can just chill out & watch a movie or a puppet show.

For those who want to try something different why not try the ‘green room’ where you can make you own video & them post it on to youtube.

The ‘Chamber of Horrors’ is certainly worth a visit for those brave enough.  Come face to face with Hannibal Lector, Buffalo Bill or Dracula & who knows what other surprises may be in store…

The Wax Museum is located on Foster Place which is just off Dame Street. It is located just beside The Bank of Ireland which is a 15 minute walk from The Castle Hotel.

4) Malahide Castle and Gardens

Malahide Castle is one of the most popular places for a family day out in Dublin and it is easy to see why, the castle that gives the name of the estate is beautiful there are expansive grounds for kids to run around and wonderful playgrounds with huge climbing structures perfect for children small and big. There is also a beautiful cafe called Avoca which is excellent for a family meal.

Malahide Castle has a wonderful fairy trail filled with fairy houses and sculptures for kids to spot. You can book access to the trail online and the castle provides a booklet that helps kids making the most of the area.

Malahide Castle and Gardens is located at Back Rd, Broomfield, Dublin. To get there from the Castle Hotel, you can take the 123 bus from Parnell Street to Art Social Ris and then a 1 min walk to the number 42 bus from Mount Temple School to Auburn House, then a 10 minute walk to the gardens.

5) Dublinia

Get taken back to the Viking times with this wonderful exhibition. You will get to see what it was like on board a Viking ship, & what it was like to be a Viking Warrior. Find out about crime & punishment, death & disease & the remedies they used over 700 years ago.

There are interactive family tours that take place where you can try on a Viking costumes & play medieval games.
The museum is open throughout the year:

10am-5pm (April – September)

10am – 4.30pm (October – March)

There are daily tours during April-September

Please note that the museum is closed on 17th March & from 23rd-26th December

Dublinia is located close to Christ Church Cathedral on St Michael’s Hill, Patrick Street & Thomas Street.  You can catch a bus from the 123 from O’Connell Street which is a 5 minute walk from the Castle Hotel.

6) Sea Life Centre, Bray

Many of the species here in the sealife centre are endangered & some have even been recused. Get to see your favourite sea creature from the different variety of Sharks, string rays, seahorses & the vast variety of fish. There is even an interactive rock pool where you can get up close & personal with a star fish

You can also get to meet the experts & get a little wet when it’s feeding time especially with the sting rays.

At the end of your visit there is an activity & soft play area for children along with a gift shop.

Opening Times:

Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm

Saturday & Sunday 10am – 6pm, please note last admission is 1 hour before closing

To get to the Sealife Centre you can catch the DART (Train) to BRAY from CONNOLLY Station which is a 15 minute walk from The Castle Hotel

7) National Aquatic Centre

Visit one of the world’s largest indoor water centres. It boats of a 10 lane 50m swimming pool with a 25 metre diving pool. Children can enjoy the aqua zone which includes adventure water rides such as 2 water flumes, Master Blaster & the Flow Rider.  There is also a wave pool for relaxation.  A pirate ship is great fun for smaller children with small slides & water balls.

A good fun day out is guaranteed here for all the family.

Opening Times:

Times vary for the centre but the pools are open for children from 10am – 12 noon & open again for afternoon sessions

To get to the National Aquatic Centre you can catch the no 38 or 38a bus from O’Connell Street (which is a 5 minute walk from the Castle Hotel) to Sungborough Road in Blanchardstown.

8) JumpZone

JumpZone Santry boasts the biggest and best inflatable sports adventure park in Europe! There are soft sensory, trampolines, parties and events happening here. Experience a bouncy world for lots of fun for everyone. Spend the day here as a family to make memories its also very close to The Castle Hotel.

To get there you can walk to mount joy square to take the number 41/41c bus to Santry retail park and it's a 4 minute walk from there. 

Opening hours:

9) Leisure Plex, Coolock

Keep children entertained for hours in this indoor activity centre with fun for all the family. Enjoy a number of activities from bowling, sky hockey, ice skating (available all year round) & a soft play area (The Zoo) for younger children with ball pools, tunnels & slides. For the older children there is Q-Zar. An action packed game where 2 teams score points by tagging their opponents.  A personalised score sheet is given at the end to see who become the Top Gun of the game.

Opening Hours:

The Leisure Plex is open 7 days a week from 10am – Late

To get to the Leisure Plex you can catch the no. 27 or 42 bus. Both leave from Eden Quay which is a 15 minute walk from The Castle Hotel.

10) The Ark

The Ark introduces children to the wonder and creativity of the arts playing a vital role in raising the standard of culture for children.

The Ark was founded on the principle that children, as citizens, have the same cultural rights as adults. The Ark strives to ensure that all children in Ireland have access to high quality cultural experiences, here children aged 2 to 12 explore theatre, music, literature, painting, film and dance. They discover what it means to be an artist from respected professional artists. It is a great way to nurture young imaginations inspiring a lifelong journey through culture.

The Ark is located at 11A Eustace St, Temple Bar. A 15 minute walk from the Castle Hotel.