Family Day OutSavedTell us the basics. We’ll match activities to your family, your journey, your budget, and the weather on the day.
All ages · up to 60 min · any budget
Why it matchesDublin's streets become a playground with street performances, interactive shows, themed activities, and creative workshops. Each weekend offers a new adventure.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy an evening of music and a fireworks display at Millennium Park to celebrate Halloween. The music starts at 6:30pm, with fireworks from 7:30pm.
Why it matchesThis free festival at Leopardstown Racecourse offers a family-friendly celebration of creativity and invention. There are over 70 maker stands, 15 large outdoor exhibits, and interactive workshops.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a weekend festival with food, live music, street entertainment, and artisan exhibits in Dalkey.
Why it matchesHead to Swords Castle for an evening of music and a fireworks display to celebrate Halloween. The music starts at 6:30pm, with fireworks from 7:30pm.
Why it matchesFamilies can watch a large fireworks display with music and fire effects on Bray seafront. Arrive early to hear East Coast FM broadcasting live before the show starts.
Why it matchesThis free family festival has a sensory-friendly opening, a family party, and a fireworks display. There is also an open water swimming event.
Why it matchesEnjoy four days of family entertainment at the Rush Harbour Festival, featuring food and craft fairs, beach activities, live music, workshops, sensory spaces and the spectacular Fingal Rush Airshow. Events take place across Rush during the August Bank Holiday weekend, with most daytime activities available free of charge.
Why it matchesThis is a Halloween festival at Bremore Castle with music and a fireworks display. The music starts at 6:30pm and the fireworks begin at 7:30pm.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Overend family home, meet farm animals, collect eggs, and see cows being milked. There are walking trails, gardens, and play areas, including an adventure playground with a zip wire.
Why it matchesExplorium has hands-on science exhibits for all ages, with a dedicated junior area for younger children. You can also try climbing walls, virtual reality, and a sensory space.
Why it matchesTake a 1.5 hour tour of Olly's Farm to see organic fruit and vegetable growing and meet the farm animals. You can also try a 3 hour beekeeping experience.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore an 18th-century Georgian house with period furniture and a Museum of Curiosities. There is also a working farm with animals like ponies, piglets, and goats, and seasonal events.
Why it matchesFamilies can visit a range of domestic and zoo animals, including alpacas, meerkats, and lemurs. There are three playgrounds, a bouncy castle, go karts, adventure golf, and an indoor soft play area.
Why it matchesEmerald Park has thrill rides, a junior area, playgrounds, shows, and a zoo with over 250 animals including big cats and birds of prey. Families can ride roller coasters or explore Dino Dash.
Why it matchesFamilies can meet farm animals and hold smaller pets like rabbits. There is an outdoor playground and a museum in a thatched cottage. You can bring a picnic or use the coffee shop.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore a big hedge maze and a wooden maze, with an adventure trail, zip wire, assault course, and crazy golf. There is a play area for toddlers.
Why it matchesVisit a working sheep farm in Wicklow. Watch sheepdogs, hold a lamb, and see how people lived and worked in the old farm museum. Learn about local heritage at the mass rock.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Belmont Demesne on bike or foot, with trails for all abilities and a pump track for cyclists. There is a cafe for pizza and treats.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore habitats with over 400 animals, including elephants, giraffes, gorillas, and orangutans. There are daily keeper talks and seasonal events.
Why it matchesThis is a puppet show with songs based on the Tales From Acorn Wood books. You will see Fox, Rabbit, Pig, Hen, and Postman Bear. The show is 55 minutes long with no interval.
Why it matchesWatch a live sheepdog demonstration in a field next to Johnnie Fox's Pub. You'll see border collies working with a farmer to herd Wicklow Cheviot sheep, showing their skill and intelligence.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Phoenix Park, which is a very large park with deer, walking and cycling routes. It is also home to Dublin Zoo and Áras an Uachtaráin.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Ashtown Castle, wander through the Victorian walled garden, enjoy woodland walks, have a picnic, and let the children play in the universal-access playground. The visitor centre has an exhibition on the park's history.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre to learn about the park's history and wildlife. You can also visit Ashtown Castle, a medieval tower house, and a playground. There are Victorian walled gardens to see too.
Why it matchesHire a campervan to explore Ireland. Choose a smaller one that drives like a car or a larger one with a kitchen and shower. Both sleep two adults and two children.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore these restored Victorian walled gardens, including a kitchen garden and an ornamental garden. There is also a sensory therapeutic trail. They run nature-based workshops for children.
Why it matchesTake a road train tour around Malahide village, stopping at the shops and restaurants, the beach, and Malahide Castle and Gardens. The castle has a playground, fairy trail, and butterfly house.
Why it matchesTake a two-hour boat trip from Howth to see the coast and look for wildlife like seals, dolphins, and seabirds. The route depends on the weather and tides.
Why it matchesHire bikes, including electric bikes, kids' trailers and seats, to explore North County Dublin and Fingal. Helmets and high-vis waistcoats are provided for safety.
Why it matchesFamilies can pick a guided fat bike tour to explore beaches, bogs, forests, or mountains. There are options for all abilities, with bike rental available from their shop.
Why it matchesHire bikes for all the family and cycle along the Grand Canal Greenway. You can explore the history and nature of the canal at your own pace.
Why it matchesExplore the castle and its Victorian gardens, find fairies on the trail, or play in the playground. There is a cafe for a bite to eat.
Why it matchesFamilies can take a tour of the Monastic Site, then join in with The Big Dig archaeology sessions or get creative at LEGO workshops.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a picnic or barbecue at Ireland's highest waterfall, with plenty of space for children to play and a playground for younger kids. Look out for deer and birds.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the remains of Donadea Castle and its walled gardens, see the church and tower, and spot ducks on the lake. There are woodland walks and a nature trail to enjoy.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a hawk walk, flying a hawk from tree to tree and to your gloved fist in the grounds of Luttrellstown Castle. You can also meet owls and other birds of prey.
Why it matchesKids can explore an assault course, trampolines, a high tower, a kart track, and 40 ft slides at this outdoor adventureland. There are picnic areas and a small cafe.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy horse racing with views of the Wicklow Mountains, Killiney Hill, and the Irish Sea. There are indoor and outdoor facilities for children.
Why it matchesThis is a big indoor inflatable park with slides, obstacle courses, and dodgeball. There is a separate area for toddlers. It can be noisy.
Why it matchesThis is an indoor play centre with a separate area for babies and toddlers, and a main play area for older children. There is also a Pamper Parlour for hair styling, manicures and make-up.
Why it matchesChildren can enjoy adventure play in the magic castle with slides and climbing frames. There are also indoor boat rides and an 'inflazone' for sports like football and basketball.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore these Victorian flower gardens, see the ornamental lake with birds, have a picnic, and let the children play in the playground.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a stroll through this historic Victorian park, spot waterfowl on the lake, find sculptures, or let the kids play in the playground.
Why it matchesThis is a ukulele festival in Dún Laoghaire with workshops, open mic nights, and concerts. You can watch performances or join in if you play the ukulele.
Why it matchesThis two-day festival in Naas celebrates Kildare's food and drink. Families can try local produce, watch cooking demonstrations, and listen to live music.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy the Blessington Lakes for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are also walking opportunities around the lake.
Why it matchesDublin by Dusk is a monthly event on the last Thursday of each month. Various city centre businesses and cultural spots stay open late with special offers, pop-up events, and family-friendly activities.
Why it matchesSee antique moving figures, vintage treasures and curious artefacts. Meet Fred the Hero Dog and see an 1800s dolls' house.
Why it matchesFamilies can experience the excitement of the TG4 Ladies Gaelic Football All-Ireland Finals at Croke Park. It is a triple-header event with Junior, Intermediate, and Senior finals.
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