It’s that time of year where a lot of our plans are sidetracked because of the weather, but we know that families still want to get out and explore the attraction of Dublin’s city centre! Whether you were born and bred in Dublin or here on a day trip there are some really fun things to do with your kids in town.
Rent a Bike in Phoenix Park
Get some fresh air! This is a brilliant way to get around Phoenix Park, see the sights and try to spot the deer. It is a great bit of exercise for all the family too. What they will tell you is if the weather is good they’ll be open and if the weather is bad they won’t. Not that you would want to cycle in the rain anyway, so it’s pretty much common sense! Prices range from 5 euro for a couple of hours to 10 euro for the whole day.
For more information visit http://www.phoenixparkbikehire.com/.
The Ark
The Ark located on Eustace Street, Temple Bar is a cultural centre offering children the chance to get in touch with their creative side exploring music, literature, art, theatre and more. Children will join in and produce creative workshops, performances and exhibitions! The workshops change every couple of weeks, so there is always something for the kids to enjoy!
For more information visit http://ark.ie/.
The Zoological Museum
The zoological museum located in Trinity College contains a vast array of animals from Ireland and abroad and is suitable for all the family! See some of the most amazing creatures on the planet from the Great White Shark to the Tasmanian wolf. Admission rates range from 2 euro for children and 3 euro for adults.
For more information visit https://www.tcd.ie/Zoology/museum/.
Viking Splash
You’ll hear them before you see them! A fun way for all of the family to see Dublin in a converted WW II vehicle, that will take you from land to water! The exciting tour departs from Stephen’s Green and visits all the major sights of Dublin, with fun commentary to keep you entertained, and even with a splash at the Docks! The tour lasts for 1 hour 15 mins plus everyone gets to wear a Viking helmet!
For more information visit http://vikingsplash.com/.
Stephen’s Green Park
Visit St. Stephen’s Green, the most loved park in the heart of Dublin, rich in history and beauty! The Green opened to be enjoyed by the public from an initiative from the Guinness family, in 1877. The park has been kept in it’s original lay out since then! A visit to St. Stephen’s Green is an inexpensive way to have fun with the family, explore the gardens, and see the amazing fountains, statues, and sculptures throughout the park, and make sure to feed the ducks!
Grafton Street
Take a walk down Grafton street and enjoy our very own talented buskers and entertaining street performers! There is always amazing regular musicians, and sometimes Bono, and Hozier drop down for a busk! A favourite of children on Grafton Street is the Disney Store. It’s like walking into your favourite Disney film from Frozen to Toy Story. Grafton Street is amazing all year round, and at Christmas is particularly spectacular, check out Brown Thomas window display, and of course the the Christmas lights and Christmas Tree!
The Ghostbus Kids tour
Join Ghostbus storyteller Professor Bloodsucker as he introduces your students to the darker side of Irish history and folklore. They’ll learn about Dublin writer Bram Stoker and his most famous creation Dracula, but and also Stoker’s inspiration (another Irish writer) Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu.
They’ll take them back in time to learn about life in medieval Dublin, vividly brought go life by the Ghostbus Storyteller (a professional actor and children’s entertainer) complete with gruesome props including thumbscrews, whips, tongue pullers and more! The tour ends with a quiz and worksheet to test what they’ve learned!
The Ghostbus Kids tour is great fun that guarantees to entertain and thrill your students. Each tour lasts 45 minutes and can cater for up to 40 children at a time.
There are loads of deals for family day passes so check out here for more info.
The Tram Café
Why not bring the kids for a trip back to 1902, by enjoying lunch at The Tram Café in Wolfe Tone Square! Enjoy the setting of a fully refurbished over 100 year old tram, packed full of nostalgia! The Tram has travelled all over the world, being built in Philadelphia, and spending most of it’s working life in Lisbon, Portugal. The Tram was in a museum in Colwyn Bay, Whales, before ending up in Co. Cavan. You will also be delighted to know that The Tram Café aim is to provide tasty and healthy food! So you and you’r kids can choose form tasty sandwiches, juices, and more!
For more information go to: http://thetramcafe.com/
DoDublin Hop on Hop off Tour
There’s no better way to experience the best that Dublin has to offer than on a DoDublin Tour! For over 35 years, DoDublin Tours has been showing off the city to tourists and locals alike. With live commentary and experienced tour guides, their tours are perfect for families to discover the delights in and around Dublin.
There are loads of deals for family day passes so check out here for more info.
GPO Museum
Bring the family out and learn some of Ireland’s most exciting history of 1916, in the place it all took place! There is an exciting engaging tour packed with original documents and footage. The tour is largely interactive you and the kids can send morse code, compose news paper reports, and see the original copy of the proclamation.
You can book tickets online at http://www.gpowitnesshistory.ie/.
