Are you looking for activities for a rainy day in Dublin? Need some ideas for things to do to keep the kids occupied when it’s wet outside? Then we have lots of suggestions here to make your job a little easier!

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Indoor Play

Jump Zone

Jump Zone is Ireland’s first indoor trampoline park, located in both Stillorgan and in Santry, Dublin. It’s the first of its kind sports and entertainment facility, offering a number of trampoline activities including open jumping, trampoline dodgeball, and trampoline aerobics on its wall to wall trampolines. Prices per hour with Jump Zone grip socks included are €12.00 on weekdays and €13.00 at weekends.

Go Kids Go

This indoor adventure play centre located in the Coolmine Industrial Estate in Blanchardstown has multi level soft play areas suitable for kids from 6 months up to 12 years. They also have ‘Fun Filled Toddler Mornings’ every Monday to Friday from 9.30am – 2pm with playtime, bubble fun and toddler activities. First tea/coffee complimentary for adults!

Leisureplex

Leisureplex have 4 venues in Dublin: Coolock, Stillorgan, Blanchardstown and Tallaght. At each, you can go bowling, have a go at Quasar, play pool/snooker and check out their soft play areas. Leisureplex Coolock also has an indoor Ice Skating rink! They cater for parties, groups and events and have prices to suit all budgets. They also have an awesome Mix-It Combo Deal, which includes both a game of Bowling and a game of Quasar! Weekday price is €6.00 and it’s €7.00 on weekends.

Get Creative!

Giddy Studios

Pottery Painting at Giddy Studios in Dundrum Town Centre is a place where kids can get creative painting their own pottery. Buy a piece of pottery and let the children paint it or add their handprints in the spacious, comfortable art studio. Drinks and snacks are also available.

Hugh Lane Kids Club

Hugh Lane Kids Club has a range of workshops available which take place in Hugh Lane, the Dublin City Gallery. Some examples of events include free sketching workshops for families or one in which kids can create their own mythical creature! Kids can explore art in creative and fun ways.

Catch a Movie!
Who doesn’t love popcorn and a good movie? Many Dublin Cinemas have kids’ discounted movie screenings, where adults attend free and with special kids combo deals on popcorn on snacks.

See what’s on at some of the following:

North Dublin Cinemas

• Omniplex Balbriggan
• Odeon Blanchardstown & Coolock
• Movies @ Swords
• Cineworld Parnell St
• IMC Santry
• Light House Cinema
• Odeon Point Square
• Savoy Cinema O’Connell St
• Screen Cinema D’olier St.

South Dublin cinemas

• IMC Cinema Carlow
• Vue Cinema Liffey Valley
• Odeon Stillorgan
• IMC Dun Laoghaire
• IFI Irish Film Institute
• Omniplex Rathmines
• Movies @ Dundrum

Reccomended Reading: Make Your Own Home Cinema

Go to the Theatre!

The Ark, based on Eustace Street in Temple Bar, is a dedicated, purpose-built theatre and unique cultural centre for children aged 2 – 12. They have many opportunities for children to see performances of theatre and dance, music, literature, film art, or try out some of their workshops and exhibitions. They even have a unique child-sized theatre. The Ark’s  programme is always a big hit with families looking for creative and fun activities – so check out what’s on for your visit.

Go Swimming!

A great family day out is guaranteed in AquaZone at the National Aquatic Centre, one of the most technically innovative water parks in Europe. This amazing indoor water park has many rides and facilities which include the ‘Masterblaster’, ‘Dark Hole’ flume ride, the Wave Pool, Lazy River and the Pirate Ship.

Indulge In Some Chocolate!

Located at Mulcahy Keane Industrial Estate in Walkinstown, Dublin, the Chocolate Warehouse has many workshops and seasonal events throughout the year where kids can learn about the story behind the making of chocolate and then decorate and package their own chocolate to take home. Admission is €12.50.

Visit a Gallery or Museum

National Museums of Ireland

Entry to the National Museum of Ireland is free and there are ongoing family events and workshops to enjoy. In Dublin we are lucky to have 3 museums on our doorstep – the National Museums of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History, Natural History, & Archaelogy.

National Art Gallery

Visit the National Art Gallery, Merrion Square, Dublin 2, who hold weekly family events. Family packs and kids art worksheets available from the information desk. See the collection of Irish and European Art. Admission is Free!

Kilmainham Gaol

Visit the museum of Ireland’s largest unoccupied gaol, Kilmainham Gaol. Leaders of the rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848, 1867 and 1916 were detained here. Such names as Robert Emmet, Charles Stewart Parnell, DeValera and other leaders of the 1916 Rising are associated with the Gaol. Attractions include a major exhibition detailing the political and penal history of the prison and its restoration. The tour of the prison includes an audio-visual show.

Hugh Lane Gallery

As already mentioned, Hugh Lane Gallery, Parnell Square, Dublin 1, has some great kids activities and workshops, but why not also have a browse around the many beautiful exhibitions and collections? Best of all, admission is free!

The National Wax Museum Plus

The National Wax Museum Plus is an exciting interactive visitor attraction located in the heart of Dublin’s city centre Temple Bar district and just off Dame Street. Take a journey through Irish cultural heritage, Ireland’s only dedicated tribute to our top scientific inventors, a Green screen video room, a recording studio and all the exceptional life-like wax work characters you can expect at the national museum.

Get Reading!

Visit your local library.  The majority of the libraries in Dublin have a junior library.  Great for a rainy afternoon – go and read with the children or take part in many of the free events and activities that take place.  Check out library opening times before you make plans.

Or take the kids to your local bookstore and treat them to a new book. Spend time browsing for that special book – many of the city’s bookstores have children’s areas and some do storytime at the weekends.

Get Outside

Sometimes, you have just got to get out and get wet!

Put on the raingear and wellies and go for a walk in the rain.  Most kids love splashing in puddles, and sometimes it’s a great way to release pent-up energy from being cooped up inside. Here’s our Top 10 Things to do Outside in Rain for some ideas!

Warm up afterwards with a hot bath/shower, dry clothes and hot chocolate. Then, why not pull out a board-game or snuggle up on the couch with a movie – a perfect end to a wet day!

Recommended Reading: 50 Fun Rainy Day Activities for Kids & What to Do on a Rainy Day & Activities for a Rainy Day

Do you have any other suggestions for parents for Rainy Day Activities in Dublin? Tell us in the comments below.