Don’t miss our pick of what’s on and things to do with kids around Ireland this month, from virtual events to family fun days!

We have listings below for an amazing mix of family and kid-friendly events taking place around Ireland. They include plenty of free options, and ideas to introduce the whole family to a variety of cultural events, music events and festivals, open days, classes and much more.

Date: From Saturday May 6th  2023, 11am to 4pm weekly

Enjoy 30+ stalls with hot food, crafts and artisan products alongside live entertainment, perfect for all the family.

More Details: Check out all the details here.

Dates: June 1st to 5th 2023

Ireland’s largest gardening, food and family event, Bord Bia Bloom is back this year at Dublin’s Phoenix Park in Dublin City this June Bank Holiday weekend.

Families visiting the event this year will once again be entertained by the outdoor entertainment stage and highly enjoyable and educational Kids Zone.

Don’t miss our top tips for visiting Bloom with kids to make sure everyone enjoys their day.

Date: June 3rd 2023, from 12pm to 4pm

To celebrate the new campus for TU Dublin, in Grangegorman, the university is hosting a day of events for students and the general public including a fun scavenger hunt ‘Quad Quest’, talks, drama, guided tours of the campus and much more.

As part of the celebrations, the Grangegorman Development Agency (GDA) is hosting a fun family day with an inflatable obstacle course, sports day, market stalls, music and street entertainers, buskers corner and 2 free outdoor cinema screenings!

How to Book: This is a free day with everyone welcome to come and explore the campus and join in the celebrations.

Dates: June 5-9th 2023

The Carrick Carnival is an action-packed festival held in Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim from June Bank Holiday Monday. You will be entertained by amazing street entertainers, live music, shows, amusements, ridiculous races including raft races on the river Shannon, pig racing with teddy bear jockeys, balls racing down the street, fireworks, street parades water antics and much more.

Almost all the events taking place are free of charge and suitable for all ages.

Date: June 10th 2023

Crinniú na nÓg is back for 2023 and South Dublin Library branches have loads of events taking place for children and young people to embrace their creativity and join in the fun! From Lego Fest to Zuma classes, mucky picnics to drumming workshops and author meet and greets, check out the full line up here.

Almost all the events taking place are free of charge and suitable for all ages.

Dates: June 10th-11th 2023

Cork Carnival of Science is the summer festival that will blow your mind! Curious kids and fun-loving families won’t want to miss a free science wonderland weekend popping up at Fitzgerald Park from 10th – 11th June.

Fitzgerald’s Park, which will be transformed into a 12-acre science super park for the weekend. Explore, investigate, experiment, discover the wonders of science… and have fun with 45 different STEM based activities, 26 live seated shows in Little Top Tents, demonstrations throughout the scenic park, scientists on stilts, the animal roadshow, interactive stands, an active zone, microscopic wonders, and discoveries big and small along the way – all for free. This year’s event will also put a strong focus on climate action.

And with street cuisine, picnic benches, a gigantic playground, extensive gardens, the Cork Public Museum and Café all on site it truly makes for the ultimate family day out!

Entry is free and you can find out more here.

Date: June 10th 2023

The Cruinniu na nÓg Festival takes place nationwide in June. It is a national day of creativity for children and young people to celebrate and encourage them to participate in culture and creativity. Venues nationwide will team up with their local authorities to host free events for children to participate in.

Dates: June 11th 2023

Welcome to 1810 as Chapterhouse Theatre Company invites you to take a step back in time, and lose yourself in this magical story of romance, recklessness and restraint. Sense & Sensibility follows the trials and triumphs of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood as they make their first tentative forays into Regency Society – a world where the parties are tremendous, emotions always run high, and every woman is on the lookout for a husband!

This is an outdoor performance. Please bring your own picnic blankets or low-backed seating.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: June 14-25th 2023

Cork Midsummer Festival is Cork’s largest annual multi-disciplinary arts festival for all ages along the banks of the river Lee, with many national and international theatre and music events, and the return of family favourite, Picnic in the Park.

Exhilarating theatre, electrifying music, joyful spectacle, and so much more!

Dates: June 15-18th 2023

HEY DUGGEE the Live Theatre Show at Dublin’s 3Olympia is going to be huge and will feature Duggee and the Squirrels, plus many more of your favourite characters! Betty wants to make costumes, Happy wants to sing, Tag wants to make music, Norrie wants to dance, Roly wants jelly and they all want you to join them at the Clubhouse.

There is so much to do, but luckily Duggee has his theatre badge. Will you get yours too? A-Woof!

Be part of the hit CBeebies show and join Duggee and the Squirrels in this new vibrant interactive production bursting with music, puppets and barrels of laughs along the way.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: June 16-17th 2023

The National Symphony is partnering with Film Concerts Live! to present Superman in concert at the National Concert Hall.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Date: Sunday June 17th 2023 at 12.300pm and 3pm

Taking place in the small studio theatre, this performance of Inside Out will have lowered volume and lights, small audience, beanbags and the ability to move around freely during the film.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: June 24-25th 2023

Kilflynn Enchanted Fairy Festival takes place in Kilflynn near Tralee, Co. Kerry.

On Saturday a magical parade takes place at 6.30pm with street entertainers and the wonderful Kilflynn fairies. At the end of the parade the largest elf in the world will use magic to open the sealed treasure chest to reveal a map of the Fairy Trail which will open on the Sunday.

On Sunday, enjoy the Fairy Trail from 11-5pm, as well as free creative workshops and play in the meadow.

Dates: June 30th to July 2nd 2023

A completely inclusive family camping festival, Kaleidoscope will take place at Russborough House in Blessington, Co. Wicklow with three days of high energy, full colour, multi-stage entertainment over 15 stages, designed to entice and enthral all, from babes in arms to those eligible for a bus pass!

How to Book: Full details can be found here.

Mykidstime readers get a special 20% discount off all tickets to Kaleidoscope Festival 2023 when they book here by May 31st 2023. 

Date: July 1st 2023

A completely free festival for young tech creators up to the age of 18 to showcase their work from bog projects to small beginners work and meet like-minded individuals to share their passion for all things computer!

All entries must be in by May 31st, 2023.

How to Take Part: Full details can be found here.

Dates:  July 5-9th 2023

Féile Brian Ború celebrates the life and legacy of Brian Ború (founder of the O’Briens) –  the most famous son of the historic twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina.

Fun activities include historical guided tours on lake and land, fireworks display over the River Shannon, traditional street games, garden party, children’s art competition, street theatre and much more! There really is something for everyone in the family at this fun event.

Dates: July 8-15th 2023

The Ballina Salmon Festival is a celebration of summer. With music, heritage, teddy bear picnic, fireworks, street parties, treasure hunts and a full line up of events for children, visitors and locals alike are sure to enjoy this fun packed 7 day festival.

Dates: July 15th & 16th 2023

The premier event for Lego fans is back for 2023 at the City North Hotel, Dublin on July 15th & 16th. Organised by brick.ie, the creative team behind Ireland’s most spectacular LEGO® models, prepare to be amazed at the most fantastic LEGO® creations yet assembled at an Irish event, and all in support of the charity Fairy Bricks which since 2018 has been donating large amounts of LEGO® sets to Irish hospitals each year.

Exclusive to Brick Féile weekend will be many international model builders to share their creative genius with you as well as your first opportunity to see spectacular custom models from Ireland’s most creative LEGO® builders. The brick.ie team has a few surprises lined up for 2023 which will be revealed closer to the event, including their latest group project. All their Irish and international master-builders will be on hand to chat with you and divulge their latest tips and techniques.
Of course, we know everyone likes to get their hands on bricks. Brick Féile will again have Ireland’s largest brick pits where the little ones (and maybe the bigger children) can get stuck into play areas to show off their building skills including an amazing Duplo® brick pit.

How to Book: Further details and booking link can be found here.

Dates: July 2023 (TBC)

The Festival of Curiosity is back in Dublin this summer for a four-day cultural feast of science, arts, design, and technology for all the family.

Take your friends and your family on a play date with Dublin City this July during the Playful Days and Curious Nights festival programme.

Dates: July 17-30th 2023

See Galway City come alive for the annual Galway International Arts Festival this July. Showcasing street performers music and theatre, there are events for all ages, and surprises around every corner. This is a great time to visit Galway. Many events and workshops are free.

Dates: July 19th to 23rd 2023

The bestselling children’s author David Walliams and the award-winning Birmingham Stage Company have teamed up for a brand new production of Demon Dentist. This is their latest collaboration after Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, both of which received Olivier award nominations.

Join Alfie and Gabz on this fabulous adventure, as they investigate the strange events happening in their home town! Children are leaving their teeth for the tooth fairy and waking up to find odd things under their pillows! Alfie and Gabz are determined to get to the bottom of the mystery – but no-one could have dreamed what they’ll discover when they come face to face with the demon dentist herself, in this hilarious and thrilling story!

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: July 20-29th 2023

The Boyle Arts Festival is a celebration of music, arts and culture and takes place in the beautiful town of Boyle, Co. Roscommon in the middle of July. Children can avail of workshops and families can enjoy music, theatre and visual arts.

Dates: July 28th to 30th 2023

Disney’s iconic Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin and their best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, and Owl (oh… and don’t forget Tigger too!) have come to life in a beautifully crafted musical stage adaptation.

Featuring the Sherman Brothers’ classic Grammy Award-winning music with further songs by A.A. Milne, this beautiful fresh stage adaptation is told with stunning life-sized puppetry through the eyes of the characters we all know and love, in a new story from the Hundred Acre Wood.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: July 29-30th 2023

The Bray Air Display Festival will have a full line up of events, displays and attractions for families including some amazing displays in the skies over Bray.

Dates: July 30th to August 7th 2023

The Durrow Scarecrow Festival is a fun family event for young and old, with over 300 scarecrows to see around the village, in many different designs and themes. There’s plenty more on offer too including live music, craft workshops, country market, adult, teen and children’s entertainment, and scarecrow treasure hunt.

Dates: July 31st to August 5th 2023

In the final hours of 14th April 1912 the RMS Titanic, on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, collided with an iceberg and ‘the unsinkable ship’ slowly sank. It was one of the most tragic disasters of the 20th Century. 1517 men, women and children lost their lives.

Based on real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, Titanic The Musical is a stunning and stirring production focusing on the hopes, dreams and aspirations of her passengers.

The original Broadway production of Titanic The Musical won five Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. This stunning production celebrates the 10th anniversary of its London premiere, where it won sweeping critical acclaim across the board.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: August 4-6th 2023

The 2023 Spraoi International Street Arts Festival has an exciting programme of street performances including theatre, parade and music planned for this year. And specially for kids, Garter Lane Arts Centre presents SprÓg Childrens Festival, during Spraoi Weekend, with workshops all week and over the Spraoi festival weekend. Many events are free, so pre-booking is essential.

Dates: August 4-7th 2023

The Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival takes place over the August Bank Holiday Weekend bringing the very best in local food and fruit producers, family entertainment and as always, the best of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

The 2023 festival will have lots of new events running throughout the weekend as well as welcoming back some festival favourites. The Artisan Food, Drink and Crafts Market brings over 50 vendors taking over the market streets.

For families, there are a variety of free and low cost events, fun fair with Big Wheel, kids dance classes in the Market Square and some opportunities to get involved in Kids Food Demonstrations. Enniscorthy Castle plays host to a variety of kids activities with a host of enjoyable and interactive sessions for the whole family.

Dates: August 11-20th 2023

Waterford Walls, Ireland’s largest International Street Art Festival will take place in August. Artists have created large scale mural artworks around Waterford City and the surrounding areas. The Festival will see 10 days of live art, music, workshops, guided tours and much more.

Dates: August 12 &  26th 2023 from 12.15pm

The National Concert Hall are hosting 2 Summer Picnic Family Concerts with an opportunity to come along and meet the musicians in advance of the concert.

Booking: Full details and booking here.

Dates: August 12-20th 2023

For National Heritage Week, events take place across the country to celebrate Irish heritage and culture. Events include opportunities for free guided tours of many of our heritage attractions. It’s the perfect way to finish off the school holidays!

Dates: August 15-20th 2023

Join unlikely hero Shrek and his noble steed Donkey as they embark on a big, bright, musical adventure!

Featuring the beloved Princess Fiona, the evil Lord Farquaad, a host of magical fairy-tale characters and fabulous songs including the smash hit I’m a Believer, Shrek the Musical is a “musical extravaganza for big kids and little kids alike”.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: August 22nd to 26th (starring Craig Revel Horwood) and August 29th to September 3rd (starring Paul O’Grady)

The smash-hit West End production Annie is coming to Bord Gais Energy Theatre, with two runs starring Craig Revel Horwood and then Paul O’Grady as Miss Hannigan!

Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family…

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: September 22nd 2023

Culture Night sees venues and public spaces come alive with free entertainment. From music to arts to entertainers, workshops and tours there will be something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Dates: September 28th to November 11th 2023 (with a relaxed performance on November 9th)

The award-winning musical returns to Dublin at the Bord Gais Theatre.

With an incredible cast of more than 50 actors, singers and dancers, the story of The Lion King roars into life using spectacular masks, puppets, and costumes to tell the story of Simba’s journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: October 13th – 22nd 2023

Baboró International Festival of Arts for Children is back for 2023 and bring an impressive line up of art, theatre, music, dance and more for children and families to enjoy.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: November 10th 2023

Steve Backshall’s Ocean is a love letter to the most exciting environment on our planet – and a great way to learn more about what we need to do to save our seas. Stunts, experiments, props, cutting edge science and big screen footage from his two decades in TV, will all help Steve to bring the icons of the Big Blue to life.

From great whites to great whales, seals to sardine shoals, Orca to the oddities of the deep: this exciting show is also a great opportunity for fans of all ages to dive deep into the wonderful world beneath the waves.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: December 5th 2023 to January 7th 2024

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical will have its Irish premiere at the Bord Gais Theatre, Dublin.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tells the devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.