Best Things to Do in Dublin with Kids: Top 5 Family Attractions

Dublin is often associated with history, pubs, and literature, but it is also one of the most family-friendly capital cities in Europe. Its compact size, excellent parks, and high density of interactive museums make it a perfect destination for families on vacation.

However, sightseeing with children is a different game entirely. You need easy access, short lines, and clean facilities. A day spent arguing with a stroller on a crowded Luas tram or struggling to find parking will ruin the fun faster than jet lag.

This guide, part of your complete resource Traveling in Ireland with Kids: A Complete Family Guide, focuses on the five must-do attractions in Dublin that guarantee smiles for kids of all ages, while also highlighting why a private driver is often the key to maximizing your limited time.

The Dublin Challenge: Why Logistics Matter

Dublin’s medieval street plan is charming, but it is not designed for SUVs or double strollers. Before diving into the attractions, let’s address the main challenges:

• Parking: Parking in the city center is expensive and difficult to find.
• Crowds: Areas like Temple Bar and Grafton Street are extremely crowded during peak hours.
• Public Transport: The Luas (tram) and buses are great but can be frustrating with luggage or strollers, especially when busy. (For a full breakdown, see our guide on Navigating Ireland’s Public Transport & Car Rentals with Kids).

A private driver eliminates all three challenges, offering door-to-door service that keeps nap schedules intact and parents sane.

Top 5 Must-Do Family Attractions in Dublin

1. Dublin Zoo (The Consensus #1)

Located within the vast, beautiful expanse of Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo is Ireland’s most popular family attraction.

• Why Kids Love It: It is spacious, clean, and has excellent habitats. It is home to gorillas, Asiatic lions, and a fantastic herd of elephants. The zoo is organized by continent, making the walk engaging.
• Parent Hack: The Zoo is huge. Plan for at least 3-4 hours. You can rent strollers, but they often sell out early. Pack plenty of water and snacks.
• Getting There: The Zoo is not near the city center. It’s a 15-minute taxi ride or a long walk/bus ride into Phoenix Park. This is where a private driver earns their fee—dropping you right at the front gate, saving you a 20-minute walk through the park itself.

2. Imaginosity, Dublin Children’s Museum

If the Irish weather decides to provide rain (which it will), you need an indoor plan. Imaginosity is your savior.

• Why Kids Love It: It’s an interactive museum designed entirely for children under 10. Kids can explore a massive treehouse, operate a crane in the construction zone, produce a TV news show, and shop in a scaled-down grocery store. It’s highly focused on creative roleplay.
• The Tickets: Crucial tip: You must book tickets online in advance. They operate on timed sessions (usually 2 hours) and do not allow walk-ins when full.
• The Age Focus: This is best for toddlers through age 8. Older kids might find it a bit young.

3. Phoenix Park (The Escape)

The park itself, where the Zoo is located, is an attraction. Phoenix Park is one of the largest enclosed city parks in Europe—seven times larger than Central Park in New York.

• Why Kids Love It: It is a massive green space for running, picnics, and, most famously, the wild fallow deer herd.
• The Deer: The deer are most often found near the center of the park (the Papal Cross area). They are wild, so keep a respectful distance, but seeing them is a magical moment.
• The Practical Link: This park is a stunning place for easy walking. Combine your visit here with tips from our nature guide: Kid-Friendly Walks and Nature Trails in Ireland.

4. Viking Splash Tour

For kids (and parents) who want a mix of history and pure fun, the Viking Splash Tour is the answer.

• The Experience: You ride through the streets of Dublin in a yellow, amphibious World War II vehicle (a DUKW). The guides are dressed as Vikings and encourage the children (and adults) to yell at pedestrians.
• The Twist: The vehicle drives straight into the Grand Canal or the River Liffey for a short boat ride. It’s loud, cheesy, and utterly memorable.
• History Meets Fun: This is a great way to squeeze in city history without losing the kids’ attention.

5. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

While the city has many great museums, EPIC is specifically designed for interactivity, making it great for older children (8+).

• The Focus: The museum tells the story of the Irish diaspora (the 10 million people who left Ireland).
• Why Kids Love It: It uses touchscreens, motion sensors, and even a dance mat to explore history. Kids can trace their family names, stamp their digital passports, and listen to famous Irish voices.
• Location Note: EPIC is located down by the docks (Custom House Quay). This is less walkable from the city center than, say, Trinity College.

Planning the Rest of Your Dublin Stay

Once you have conquered the major attractions, you need to think about logistics:

Food and Fuel

Finding reliable, child-friendly dining can be tough. Irish pubs are generally welcoming, but not all are set up for families. For specific recommendations that guarantee high chairs and space, consult our guide: Eating Out in Ireland with Kids: Best Family-Friendly Restaurants.

Accommodation Base

Your choice of hotel can make or break your trip. Staying near Phoenix Park or south of the river offers easier access to the attractions listed here. Find the perfect base for your family: Staying in Ireland: Best Family-Friendly Accommodations.

Expanding Your Trip

If you want to escape the city entirely, Dublin is the gateway to some of Ireland's best sights. Consider a day trip to see a real fortified building with activities for the children: The Best Castles in Ireland for Families (Tours & Activities).

Getting Adjusted

Dublin is five hours ahead of the US East Coast. Don't let sleep deprivation ruin your first few days. We have practical tips on managing time zones and energy levels in our utility guide: How to Handle Jet Lag and Time Zone Changes for Kids in Ireland.

Why a Private Driver is the Best "Family Hack"

Travel with kids is a race against the clock, nap schedules, and meltdowns. Every minute spent wrestling a car seat out of a bus or searching for a parking meter is a minute of vacation lost.

Hiring a Private Driver for your Dublin portion is the single greatest investment in family sanity:

1. Door-to-Door Service: Imagine being dropped directly at the Zoo entrance, then picked up exactly where you left off, regardless of the unpredictable Dublin weather.
2. Car Seat Management: Your driver provides the proper, legally certified car seats, saving you the hassle of lugging your own through the airport.
3. Naptime Guarantee: Your driver is a sanctuary. If a child falls asleep after lunch, you can drive to your next location without waking them.

A driver doesn't just transport you; they maximize your vacation time, ensuring you fit in all the Family-Friendly Day Trips from Galway and Seasonal Events and Festivals in Ireland That Kids Will Love without stress.

Maximize Your Time, Minimize the Meltdown

Don't let the logistics of a capital city derail your family vacation. Hire an expert driver who specializes in family transport.

Find a Family-Friendly Dublin Driver Now →