Another month, another mid-term for the wee cherubs of Ireland.
It can be a struggle keeping little ones occupied for a whole week - especially after they've eaten their weight in Nutella-laden pancake stacks. Luckily there are no shortage of great activities for families across Dublin, and we've taken it upon ourselves to round up 8 of the best in town.
Music Workshops at the Ark
The Ark Theatre is located on Eustace Street, Temple Bar. Head to their website for more info.
Drop into The Ark Theatre over the mid-term where kids can enjoy
The Making of Mollie, a creative re-telling of Anna Carey's historic novel of the same name. It's a witty story of a secret suffragette in 1912 Dublin, and the perfect activity for history-loving kiddies. The theatre is hosting plenty of other arty workshops too - from animation and character development to cut-out characters and pop-up worlds.
EPIC Irish Emigration Museum
The EPIC Irish Emigration Museum is located on Custom House Quay. More info on individual events is available via the EPIC website.
Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction is located right on the quays of Dublin's fair city, and always pulls through with great family friendly events every time a mid-term break rolls around. From interactive installations to a magic library where the books actually read you a story, EPIC has plenty for little ones to enjoy and this mid-term break, entry is free for all kids aged 17 and under.
more info on individual events is available via the EPIC website.
Family tours at the National Gallery
The National Gallery is located on Merrion Square. Info on visiting the Gallery with kids is available right here.
Ireland's National Gallery runs free guided tours for younger children, and kids can avail of free art equipment to create their own masterpieces anytime at the Atrium Creative Space. Online resources like the gallery's
What is a Portrait? encourages budding artists to get creative at home, and audio tours for children and families run regularly, too.
Airfield Estate
Airfield is located on Overend Avenue in Dundrum, Dublin 14. You can find out more and plan your trip right here.
This working farm allows guests of all ages to learn about food, farming and nature in a relaxed urban setting in Dundrum. Kids can explore at Naturescape with interactive play area for 4-12 year olds which is located in the woodland walk area. A zip wire, balance beams, climbing structure and willow tunnel are proving to be great additions to the estate.
Fairy trails
If you'd like to get your little ones out in the open air, burning off a bit of excess energy why not follow one of the many fairy trails across Dublin? You can find fairy trails (and great playgrounds) at the following locations:
- Malahide Castle
- Ardgillan Castle
- Marlay Park
- Tymon Park
- Corkagh Park
St. Annes City Farm
St Annes City Farm is located in St Annes Park, Raheny. Find out more via their website.
St. Annes City Farm is home to an array of friendly farm animals and is a great place to visit for kids interested in animal care. They're open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 3pm, and St. Anne's Park is generally great for a leisurely family ramble.
Your local library
Libraries can often be overlooked as a great place to take kids - obviously, in all libraries there's a dedicated children's area for young book worms to immerse themselves, but Dublin libraries also hold regular touring performances, workshops and events for kids to enjoy - pop into your local one to see what's on!
Aqua Zone at the National Aquatic Centre
Aqua Zone is located on the Snugborough Road in Blanchardstown. More info is available right here.
This is like an underwater playground for kids: there's a pirate ship and wave pool as well as a few water slides, so there's plenty of things to do.
The National Aquatic Centre also has some pretty badass water slides for grown ups, if parents want to take turns on babysitting duties. Alternatively, most local pools do family hours early on weekend mornings, so definitely worth checking out if you've got children fond of swimming.
Rainforest Adventure Golf
Rainforest Adventure Golf is located in Dundrum Town Centre. More info is available right here.
Think mini golf, but in a rainforest.
Located in Dundrum, this novelty mini golf is a big winner with competitive streaks coming out in both little and big kids.
Zipit Forest Adventures
Zipit is located in Tibradden Wood, Dublin 16. Find out more and get booking right here.
Adventure seeking kids can swing, climb and fly among the treetops at Zipit Forest Adventures, located a handy 15 minute drive away from Dundrum.
Children and adults alike can try their hand at BMX'ing across a bridge, swinging in and out of nets and of course, whizzing through a wide and varied course of zip lines.
Have a family friendly activity in Dublin we should add to the list? Let us know!
Header image via Instagram/Malahide Castle/EPIC Museum
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