From live animals at the Zoo to some past animals at NMI Natural History, from quirky boat tours to learning about farms and animals, there’s plenty for families to do and to explore in Ireland’s capital city.

There’s plenty of public transport options for getting around, you can use the Luas or the DART or one of Dublin’s buses, or even go for a hop on and off Guided Bus Tour that goes around Dublin.

Many of the places on our list of favourite things to do in Dublin with kids are also within walking distance of each other.

Under 4s go free on the Luas, under 5s go free on DART services, and both often do Kids Go Free offers during summer season.

We know we said this list wasn’t in order, but top of any family’s list for a visit to Dublin should be the Zoo.

See the giraffes & zebras in the African plains, elephants in the rainforest; there are monkeys, chimps, tigers, lions and penguins, to name just a few of the amazing animals that live at Dublin Zoo.

You can save up to 15% by prebooking your ticket.

Take an unforgettable journey around Dublin by land and water in vintage WWII amphibious vehicles, the Dukws. Viking Splash Tours is a great way to learn about the history and sites of Dublin City.

A costumed Viking tour guide will lead you on a fun (and a little bit wet!) experience through the streets of the city.

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Continue the Viking theme with a visit to Dublinia and The Viking World, near Christchurch Cathedral.

This award winning cultural centre brings to life medieval Dublin in the time of the Vikings. They also run seasonal events so check their calendar before you go to see what’s on.

Check out what’s on at The Ark, a cultural centre for children, located in Temple Bar. It runs a great programme of events for kids with lots of activities to promote cultural stimulation from art, music theatre and architecture.

You can drop in but do check their website before you go as they always have exciting, fun events on for kids.

Grafton Street is a great place to listen to the buskers and watch street performers. St Stephen’s Green lies at top of the street. The Green has beautiful gardens, a large playground and a pond with ducks.

Dublin has three of the National Museum of Ireland museums – Museum of Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks, Museum of Natural History (also known locally as The Dead Zoo) and the Museum of Archaeology.

Entry to them is completely free and there are ongoing family events and workshops to enjoy throughout the year, especially on school and national holidays. Pick up kids trails at reception to enjoy exploring and discovering things throughout the museums.

Did you know you can see deer in the middle of a European capital city? One of Europe’s largest enclosed urban parks, the Phoenix Park, is a fantastic place for family walks. It is also home to over 500 wild deer which can be seen throughout the park.

The Park is home to the Zoo, Áras an Uachtaráin (the President’s residence), Farmleigh House, Visitor Centre, plus playgrounds, cycling trails & lakes. Take bikes/scooters (or rent them) and enjoy the many great cycling or walking trails.

The playground and tearooms at the Visitor Centre are well worth a visit. Admission to the Visitor Centre exhibition is free, and visitors can enjoy a historical interpretation of the park from 3500BC, including the history of Áras an Uachtaráin.

Set within a huge wooden Viking Fort, Fort Lucan is Dublin’s only fully supervised outdoor Adventureland complete with hidden towers, crazy golf, slides, go-karts, zip lines, a playground, and a mini wooden maze perfect for those who like to keep their feet on the ground. For the adventure seekers, try crossing the 40ft-high suspension bridges, crash down the raging river and get soaked on the waterfall slide.

Aquazone at the National Aquatic Centre is an indoor waterpark with rides, slides and experiences for all ages including

• Master Blaster – uphill water coasters deliver a rollercoaster-style ride that is a proven hair raiser.
• Flow Rider – the fun and excitement of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding in one truly interactive ride.
• Green Giant Flume, a long open slide
• Dark Hole Flume – not for the faint hearted!
• Pirate Ship – for kids under 8, the Pirate Ship has safe and fun rides, complete with pirate ship, cannons and small slides.
• There’s also a Wave Pool, Lazy River and Bubble Pool

The farm, gardens, café and heritage experience at Airfield Estate offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to enjoy and learn about food, farming and the natural work in the unique and relaxed 38 acre urban environment in Dundrum.

Learn about the workings of the farm from daily milkings, to egg collecting, mucking out and feeding, and there are lots of play areas for kids.

Lead image on article courtesy of Anthony Woods.