This beautiful, historic and very green city offers plenty of outdoor activities and attractions for children on holiday. With breathtaking scenery, a Viking history and a number of interesting old buildings, castles and cathedrals to explore, Dublin is a sightseeing paradise for visitors of all ages.On a sunny day, visitors can pack a picnic basket and frisbee, and head down to Phoenix Park for a relaxing day in Europe's largest urban park. St. Stephen's Green is also a great spot to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. It features playgrounds, gardens and even some resident ducks that love to be fed. For very sunny days, visitors can take the DART to the pebble beach at Killiney, or the National Sea Life Centre in Bray.Families can spend time with farm animals at one of the city's petting zoos or children's farms, or jump on board one of Dublin's double-decker sightseeing buses. Another original and exciting way to see Dublin's sights is aboard the Viking Splash Tour's amphibious World War II craft, which travels on both land and water.When the sun hides behind the clouds and outdoor activities are no longer an option, visitors can take children to one of the many indoor playgrounds or museums, or to watch a puppet show at the Lambert Puppet Theatre.
Kids love nothing more than farms, and there's no better place for them to explore than an actual working one. Airfield is the only active farm left within Dublin's city boundary and the owners aim to connect people of all ages to nature through farming and gardening. Indeed, they want to instill a respect and love for the natural environment. The sheep, horses, goats and pigs will provide endless entertainment for young ones and, with plenty of space to run around and activities for children to get involved in, parents will enjoy themselves too.The farm has learning programmes for primary school children, secondary school children, and adults. Children participate in seasonal activities and help tend to the animals. They may even be lucky enough to witness a lamb being born. The adult courses teach sustainable living skills, such as cultivating a vegetable garden, keeping chickens, and making cosmetics. The Airfield House and Car Museum are also great to explore, and there is a lovely cafe on the premises as well. Airfield hosts art exhibitions and the like for entertainment, though many visitors come just for the pleasure of a stroll around the farm.
Address : Overend Way, Dundrum.
Website : www.airfield.ie
Telephone : +353 1 969 6666
Opening times : September to June: Monday to Sunday 9.30am-5pm July and August: Monday to Sunday 9.30am-6pm
Admission : €12 adults; €5 children. Concessions available
The Dublin Zoo is one of Ireland's most popular attractions for children. It takes visitors on a voyage of discovery from the Arctic to the Plains of Africa via an Indian Rainforest. The zoo houses more than 600 animals and the habitats are impressive, with lots of information provided on each species.The zoo provides plenty of entertainment for kids, with free arts and crafts activities like face painting, and a number of little playgrounds dotted around the park. Visitors can see lions and tigers, Asian elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans, rare monkeys, rhinos, hippos, giraffes and many more exotic and endangered species, including extremely rare species like the snow leopard. There is also a pet's corner for children, a city farm and a safari train ride around the African Plains.Although it is an old zoo, it is recognised as one of the most modern in Europe, and it places emphasis on learning about wildlife and conservation. The Dublin Zoo is a registered charity and all profits will go towards maintenance and improvement. There are a number of snack stalls and a restaurant on the premises, but visitors can also bring their own picnics.
Address : Phoenix Park
Website : www.dublinzoo.ie
Telephone : +353 1 4748900
Transport : Buses: Nos. 25, 26, 46A, 66 / 66A / 66B, 67, 69 LUAS Red Line: Dublin Zoo is a 15 minute walk from the Heuston Station stop.
Opening times : Open from 9.30am Monday to Sunday. Closing times vary between 4pm and 6pm, depending on the season.
Admission : Adults €18, Children (3-16) €13.50. Concessions available.
Imaginosity is an innovative children's museum aimed at stimulating children's imaginations and curiosity. The two-storey climbing structure is a favourite, while the art studio, theatres and galleries provide endless hours of fun. Parents will be thrilled to sneak some education in without the kids even realising it! The museum is designed for kids under nine, but the idea is to engage in creative play as a family, with parents and older siblings getting involved.Imaginosity is great for a rainy day in Dublin, or as a chance for kids to take a break from traditional sightseeing and let their creativity flow. The museum holds numerous events and competitions - things like Superhero Training Camps and storytelling competitions.Guests should book ahead to avoid disappointment, particularly on holidays and weekends, as the museum only accepts a certain number of children per session.
Address : The Plaza, Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford
Website : www.imaginosity.ie
Telephone : + 353 1 2176130
Transport : Carmenhall Road is the closest bus stop. The LUAS bus stops at Stillorgan.
Opening times : Mondays 1.30pm-5.30pm Tuesday to Friday and Bank Holidays 9.30am-5.30pm Saturday and Sundays 10am-6pm
Admission : Adults and Children (over 3 years) €8, Toddlers (1-2 years) €6 toddlers, Babies (6-12 months) €2. Concessions available.
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