The Festival of Curiosity is Dublin’s much-loved annual celebration of science, arts, design and technology, bringing playful ways for people of all ages to explore, question and discover. Over the years it has mixed free and paid events, in-person happenings and online workshops, with plenty on offer for curious kids and their families.
If you’re looking for inspiration for a family day (or evening) that mixes fun with a bit of learning, here are five standout family events from the festival’s programme that show exactly the kind of imaginative, hands-on experiences it’s known for.
For the current year’s line-up, dates and booking details, check the festival’s official programme page directly, as line-ups and formats change from year to year.
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Highlights For Families From The Festival of Curiosity
#1. The Secret World of Animal Sleep
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From birds that take micro-naps mid-flight to dolphins who snooze underwater, activating only half of their brains, this beautifully animated series from the Smithsonian Channel explores the myriad ways animals sleep.
Families could tune in to watch the show online, join a behind-the-scenes talk with the team who made it, and drop into a stop-motion workshop with the series’ animator, Aurélie Beatley.
#2. Kaleidoscope Online Concert
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Inspired by research into how a baby’s sense of sight develops and how they instinctively begin to categorise colour, this live interactive concert brought a multi-coloured kaleidoscope to life for babies and their grown-ups in a short, gentle session suitable for all ages.
#3. Build Your Own DIY Rocket
This exciting and explosive family workshop showed budding astronauts everything they needed to know to make different types of rockets, ready for launch on an outdoor adventure.
Scientist and television presenter Mark Langtry taught families how to make and launch their own rockets from the “Explorium launch pad” at the foothills of the Dublin mountains, with children accompanied by an adult throughout.
Playful Days and Curious Nights
The Festival of Curiosity brings a mix of online, self-guided and in-person events for all ages. Check out the festival’s official programme page for the latest line-up.
Tell Me More!
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#4. Limitless Creativity — How to Create Impossible Things With Futuristic Tech
This interactive online workshop, led by “mad scientist” Lucas Rizzotto, explored how to get started with emerging technologies like VR, AR and AI, and how to break down big, impossible-sounding ideas into projects you can start today. It was aimed at teens aged 13+ and adults keen to experiment with limitless creative thinking.
#5. StrongWomen Science Circus Show
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StrongWomen Science is a circus science show for children and families starring two women scientists turned circus performers: Aoife Raleigh, an engineer, and Maria Corcoran, an environmental scientist.
Ever wondered how you balance a chair on your chin, whether you can juggle liquid, or how circus performers eat fire? Aoife and Maria revealed the scientific secrets behind their astounding tricks in a fun, lively, fast-paced family circus performance, showing how jugglers, acrobats and hula hoop artists use science to create their amazing acts. Suitable for all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Festival of Curiosity?
It’s Dublin’s annual festival of science, arts, design and technology, offering playful events and workshops for people of all ages to explore new ideas together.
Is the Festival of Curiosity free to attend?
Past editions have offered a mix of free and paid events. Pricing and availability vary year to year, so it’s best to check the current programme for up-to-date details.
Where can I find the current programme and dates?
The festival’s official programme page is the best place to check current dates, formats and how to book.
What age groups are these events suitable for?
The festival programme typically spans events for babies and young children right through to teens and adults, with each event’s suggested age range listed in its own description.
Related Articles
Looking for more ideas to spark curiosity at home or on a family day out? You might enjoy:
- Our Pick of What’s On & Things To Do With Kids This Month
- More hands-on science and STEM ideas for curious kids
- Family-friendly festivals and events across Ireland
Save This for Later
Love the idea of a family day built around curiosity and creativity? Bookmark this page or save it to your family activities list so you have it handy next time you’re planning a day out.
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