Dublin Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Dublin
This Dublin weekend itinerary balances free, engaging activities with exciting, worthwhile ticketed attractions, perfect for families with children aged 3-12. While specific event schedules for January 2026 may be announced closer to the date, this plan focuses on consistently available, popular family attractions and activities. Always check official websites for the most up-to-date opening hours, pricing, and specific event listings before your visit. We've included practical tips for transport, facilities, and budget-saving options to ensure a smooth and fun experience for everyone.
Friday Evening - Family Fun Night
Friday, January 2Museum Wander
Explore the fascinating Natural History Museum, often called the 'Dead Zoo.
' Its vast collection of animal skeletons and taxidermy specimens from Ireland and around the world is sure to capt captivate young minds. It's an excellent free indoor activity for a chilly January evening.
Perfect for curious kids aged 3-12. Children will love spotting their favourite animals and discovering new ones. The ground floor is dedicated to Irish fauna, and the upper floors feature mammals from around the world. Bathrooms and baby changing facilities are available. Stroller accessible on the ground floor, but upper floors require stairs. Plan for 1.5 - 2 hours. Parking available on nearby streets (metered) or at paid car parks.
Easily accessible by public bus to Merrion Square. Many paid parking garages nearby, such as Setanta Place Car Park or Q-Park Dawson Street.
Dinner & Play
Enjoy an early, casual family dinner at a kid-friendly spot like The Porterhouse Temple Bar, which offers a lively atmosphere and a varied menu.
Afterwards, if energy permits, a quick visit to a nearby accessible playground like the one at Merrion Square Park (check if gates are still open) or a warm drink and treat at a cafe for a wind-down.
The Porterhouse offers a relaxed environment and often has kids' menu options. Merrion Square Park has a well-equipped playground suitable for various ages. This allows for a good balance of food and a bit more activity before heading home for bed. Early timing ensures kids aren't overtired. Bathrooms available at the restaurant.
Both locations are central and walkable from the Natural History Museum. Public buses serve the Temple Bar area well. Limited street parking in Temple Bar; best to use a nearby paid car park.
Saturday - Family Adventure Day
Saturday, January 3Zoo Exploration
Spend the morning at Dublin Zoo, one of Dublin's most popular family attractions.
Home to over 400 animals, it offers diverse habitats from African Plains to a South American House. Kids will love seeing elephants, giraffes, lions, and monkeys, with plenty of space to run around and explore.
Dublin Zoo is excellent for all ages, particularly 3-12. It's a large, mostly outdoor attraction, so dress for the weather. Numerous playgrounds are scattered throughout the zoo. Restrooms, baby changing facilities, and food kiosks are widely available. Allow at least 3-4 hours. Stroller accessible throughout. Booking in advance online is highly recommended to secure entry and often offers a slightly better price.
Accessible by Dublin Bus routes (e.g., 25, 26, 66, 67) which stop near the Phoenix Park gates. Paid car parking is available at the zoo entrance. The Phoenix Park itself is huge, so driving to the zoo entrance is often easiest for families with small children.
Park Lunch & Play
After the zoo, enjoy a picnic lunch within Phoenix Park or grab a casual bite at the zoo's various eateries.
Alternatively, head to the expansive playground near the Zoo entrance within Phoenix Park itself, offering plenty of space for kids to burn off energy while parents relax.
Phoenix Park is one of Europe's largest enclosed urban parks, offering vast green spaces. The playground is great for active kids. Many benches and open grassy areas for a picnic. Bring a blanket and pack your own lunch to save money, or purchase food from the zoo's cafes. Restrooms are available within the zoo and at various points in the park. Stroller friendly paths.
Walkable from Dublin Zoo. If driving, consider moving your car to a different park car park, or walking from the zoo parking.
Interactive History
Dive into Ireland's rich history at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, an award-winning interactive museum.
While not solely for children, its engaging exhibits, touchscreens, and multimedia displays make it highly appealing to older children (6-12) and adults. It tells the story of Irish emigrants and their impact globally.
EPIC is best suited for children aged 6 and up who can engage with interactive displays. Younger children might enjoy the visual aspects but may not grasp the historical context fully. Allow 1.5-2 hours. Fully stroller accessible with lifts. Restrooms and cafes available in the CHQ Building. Booking online is recommended.
Located in Dublin Docklands, accessible by Luas Red Line (George's Dock stop) or numerous bus routes. Paid parking available at the CHQ Building or nearby Point Village Car Park. It's a short taxi or bus ride from Phoenix Park.
Pizza & Dessert
Wind down with a delicious and universally loved family dinner: pizza!
Milano Pizzeria (multiple locations throughout Dublin, including one near Grand Canal Dock which is close to EPIC) offers a great selection of pizzas and a welcoming atmosphere for families. Follow it up with an ice cream treat to end the day on a sweet note.
Milano is known for its consistent quality and kid-friendly approach, often providing dough balls for kids to play with. Great for all ages. Bathrooms and high chairs available. Early dinner allows for a relaxed evening before bedtime. Many ice cream parlours nearby for a post-dinner treat.
Depending on the chosen Milano location, easily accessible by walking, bus, or Luas. If at Grand Canal Dock, it's a short walk from EPIC. Paid street parking or nearby car parks available.
Sunday - Relaxed Family Day
Sunday, January 4Garden Stroll
Start your Sunday with a peaceful and beautiful visit to the National Botanic Gardens.
These stunning gardens offer a quiet escape with a diverse collection of plants, beautiful glasshouses, and ample space for kids to explore and observe nature. Look out for seasonal displays.
Perfect for a relaxed family morning. Kids will enjoy running around the open lawns, spotting ducks in the ponds, and marvelling at the plants in the Victorian glasshouses. Great for all ages. Fully stroller accessible. Restrooms and a cafe are available on-site. Allow 1.5-2 hours. Dress for the weather as it's mostly outdoors.
Accessible by Dublin Bus routes (e.g., 9, 83, 83A). Free parking is available on Botanic Road and nearby streets, though it can fill up on busy days. It's a short drive from central Dublin.
Creative Kids Workshop
Check for free family workshops or interactive sessions at the Chester Beatty Library.
Located in Dublin Castle, this museum often hosts engaging children's activities, such as storytelling, art workshops, or treasure hunts, particularly on weekends. It's a quiet, inspiring space with beautiful art and manuscripts. While 2026 events are not confirmed, this is a recurring family offering.
Activities here are often best for children aged 5+. Check their website closer to the date for specific event schedules and booking requirements. The library itself is stroller accessible with lifts. Restrooms and a small cafe are on-site. Even if no specific workshop is running, the exhibits are visually rich and can be interesting for older kids, and the grounds of Dublin Castle offer space to run around.
Centrally located at Dublin Castle, easily accessible by numerous bus routes. Paid parking available at the nearby St. Patrick's Park Car Park or other city centre car parks.
Playground Wind-Down
Conclude your weekend with some relaxed playtime at St.
Stephen's Green Park. Its fantastic playground is a favourite among Dublin families, offering swings, slides, and climbing frames for various age groups. It's a perfect spot for kids to burn off any last bits of energy before heading home and preparing for the week ahead.
Ideal for children of all ages within the 3-12 range. The playground is well-maintained and fenced, making it safe for kids to play. Ample benches for parents. Public restrooms are available in the park. The park itself is beautiful for a gentle stroll. Stroller accessible paths throughout.
Centrally located and easily accessible by Luas Green Line (St Stephen's Green stop) or numerous bus routes. Paid street parking nearby is limited, consider nearby paid car parks like St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre Car Park.
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