Weekend in Dublin
This budget-friendly itinerary for families in Dublin focuses on a mix of engaging free activities and worthwhile ticketed attractions, ensuring a weekend full of excitement and lasting memories for children aged 3-12. We've considered early bedtimes and kid-friendly dining, alongside practical transportation tips.
Friday Evening - Kids' Discovery & Play
Friday, October 3Imaginosity Play
Head to Imaginosity, Dublin Children's Museum, for an engaging, hands-on experience designed specifically for children up to 9 years old.
With over 20 unique exhibits spread across three floors, kids can explore, create, and interact in a safe and stimulating environment. From the Supermarket to the Construction Site, it's a world of imaginative play.
Perfect for younger children (3-9 years). Stroller accessible throughout. Dedicated baby changing facilities and family bathrooms are available. Expect to spend about 2 hours here. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for Friday afternoons. There's a cafe on-site for light refreshments.
Easily accessible by car with ample underground parking (paid). The Luas Green Line (Stillorgan stop) is a short walk away, which is convenient for families using public transport.
Pizza & Play
Enjoy a relaxed family dinner at Base Wood Fired Pizza, known for its delicious pizzas and welcoming atmosphere.
They have several locations across Dublin, making it convenient. Afterwards, if energy permits, a quick visit to a local playground like the one at St. Anne's Park (Raheny) or Merrion Square (city centre) for a final burst of energy before winding down.
Kids love pizza, and Base offers fresh, tasty options. They are generally very family-friendly with high chairs and space for strollers. St. Anne's Park has an excellent playground with varied equipment suitable for a wide age range. Merrion Square playground is also great for a shorter city-centre play. Ensure kids have a chance to run around before bedtime. Early timing ensures everyone gets home at a reasonable hour.
Depends on the Base Pizza location chosen. St. Anne's Park has free parking and is accessible by bus. Merrion Square is central and accessible via various bus routes, though parking can be tricky in the city centre. Consider public transport for city centre options.
Saturday - Grand Family Adventures
Saturday, October 4Dublin Zoo Fun
Spend the morning at Dublin Zoo, one of the world's oldest and most popular zoos, located in the vast Phoenix Park.
Home to over 400 animals across 28 hectares, it offers exciting habitats like the African Plains, Himalayan Hills, and the Orangutan Forest. There are numerous play areas and daily animal talks.
Perfect for all ages (3-12 and beyond!). Stroller friendly pathways throughout. Multiple toilet facilities, baby changing stations, and cafes/kiosks for snacks and lunch. Allow at least 3-4 hours to explore thoroughly. Kids will especially love the new habitats and the various playgrounds. Dress for all weather as much of it is outdoors.
Ample paid parking available within Phoenix Park and at the zoo entrance. Several bus routes stop near the zoo (e.g., 25, 26, 66, 67, 69). The Luas Red Line (Heuston Station) is a 15-20 minute walk away.
Phoenix Park Picnic
After the zoo, enjoy a budget-friendly picnic lunch in the expansive Phoenix Park, just outside the zoo entrance.
The park is one of Europe's largest enclosed urban parks and is home to a herd of wild fallow deer. Find a grassy spot, enjoy your packed lunch, and let the kids run free.
A perfect way to save money on lunch and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Pack sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. There are plenty of open spaces for kids to run around and burn off energy. Keep an eye out for the deer, but remember they are wild animals and should not be approached too closely or fed. Public toilets are available at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
Accessible by foot from Dublin Zoo. If driving, there are numerous parking areas throughout Phoenix Park, all free.
National Museum History
Explore the National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, often called the 'Dead Zoo.
' This fascinating museum showcases zoological, geological, and botanical collections. Kids will be amazed by the enormous skeleton of a Fin Whale, the Irish mammals, and the diverse collection of insects and birds.
Admission is free! This museum is a firm favourite with children of all ages. It's stroller-accessible on the ground floor, but the upper floors are accessed via stairs (strollers can be left at reception). Interactive elements are limited, but the sheer volume and diversity of specimens are captivating. Toilets and baby changing facilities are available. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours here. Perfect for a rainy day.
Located centrally. Numerous bus routes stop nearby. Parking is difficult in this area; consider public transport or a short walk from a multi-storey car park.
Temple Bar Treat
Finish your Saturday with a sweet treat in the vibrant Temple Bar area.
Grab an ice cream from a local parlour like Murphy's Ice Cream (if open in October) or a pastry from a bakery. Enjoy the street atmosphere before heading home for an early evening.
A well-deserved treat after a busy day! While Temple Bar can be bustling, enjoying an early evening snack is a nice way to experience the city's vibe. Keep a close eye on children. Many cafes and bakeries offer family-friendly options for a quick snack. Public restrooms are available in various locations in the area.
Centrally located, easily walkable from the Natural History Museum. Best accessed by public transport as parking is very limited and expensive.
Sunday - Relaxed Family Exploration
Sunday, October 5Botanic Gardens Stroll
Enjoy a leisurely Sunday morning stroll through the beautiful National Botanic Gardens of Ireland in Glasnevin.
These stunning gardens offer a peaceful escape with magnificent glasshouses, a arboretum, and diverse plant collections. Kids will love exploring the vast open spaces and different themed gardens.
Free entry! A wonderful place for children to explore nature. Wide, paved paths are great for strollers and little legs. Toilets and baby changing facilities are available. There's also a tearoom for refreshments. Look out for the resident squirrels and ducks. Allow 1.5 - 2 hours. A perfect relaxed start to Sunday.
Free parking is available on Botanic Road. Several bus routes (e.g., 9, 83, 83A) stop directly outside the gates.
Science Gallery Dublin
Visit Science Gallery Dublin, known for its dynamic and ever-changing exhibitions that blend science, art, and technology.
While specific exhibitions vary, they are always designed to be interactive and thought-provoking, often appealing to older children in the 3-12 age range and teenagers. Check their website closer to the date for the current exhibition.
This can be a fantastic interactive experience for curious minds, especially kids aged 6+. Some exhibitions might be more suitable for older children within the target age range. Stroller access depends on the specific exhibition layout, but generally accessible. Toilets available. Typically, exhibitions run for a few months, so there will be something engaging. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours.
Located centrally. Numerous bus routes stop nearby. Dart (Pearse Station) is a 5-minute walk. Parking can be difficult and expensive in the city centre; public transport is recommended.
Grand Canal Playground
Wind down the weekend with some outdoor play at the Grand Canal Square playground.
This modern playground offers imaginative play structures, slides, and swings, set against the backdrop of the modern architecture of the Grand Canal Dock area. It's a great spot for kids to get their final wiggles out before heading home.
A well-maintained and vibrant playground suitable for various ages within the 3-12 bracket. Public toilets are available in nearby cafes or the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. There are plenty of benches for parents to relax. It’s an open-air space, so dress appropriately for the weather. Finish the day with an ice cream from a nearby shop if available.
Accessible by Luas Red Line (Spencer Dock or Mayor Square - NCI stops) or numerous bus routes. Limited paid street parking is available, or use nearby multi-storey car parks.
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