Planning a visit to the northside of Dublin with the family?  Here are the Mykidstime.ie Top 10 Things to Do in North Dublin

#1. The National Aquatic Centre

For a day of fun for the whole family, The National Aquatic Centre, Abbotstown, Europe’s largest indoor water park is not to be missed. The leisure pool, Aquazone, offers extreme thrills, raging water adventures and loads of fun. The Centre also features Ireland’s only Olympic Swimming area featuring the 50 metre competition pool and Ireland’s only Diving Tank which meets Olympic competition standards.

#2. Hugh Lane Gallery

Visit the Hugh Lane Gallery, Parnell Square, Dublin 1, as they have a great Kid’s club with Art and Sketching Workshops or have a browse around the many exhibitions and collections. Best of all admission is free!

#3. Draoicht

Draiocht, a centre for Arts in the heart of Blanchardstown is not only for theatre goers, drama clubs, art groups etc but primarily for young people, families and children who form a major part of its audience base. With productions such as Cinderella, Elves and the Shoemaker, to name but a few, the kids will be entertained all year round.

#4. Leisureplex and other Play Centres

Visit a play-centre and let the kids loose! There are a good few on the northside including Go-Kids-Go Blanchardstown, Sportslink Santry, Kartcity Santry, Leisureplex Blanchardstown and Leisureplex Coolock.

#5. Go to the Cinema

Many of 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: Odeon Blanchardstown & Coolock, Movies @ Swords, Cineworld Parnell st, IMC Santry, Savoy Cinema O’Connell St & Screen Cinema D’olier St.

#6. Visit your local library in North Dublin

The majority of the Dublin North Libraries 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.

#7. GAA Museum, Croke Park

For all the GAA lovers out there, young and old, a visit to the GAA Museum, Croke Park will be high on the agenda!

#8. Bram Stoker Dracula Experience

The Bram Stoker Dracula Experience based in Clontarf is a great day out for all the family. It offers a unique and gruelling glimpse of the life of Bram Stoker and the life of Dracula. In the tour you’ll get to visit “Dracula’s Lair”, “Dracula Castle”, “The Blood Lavatory” and “The Time Tunnel to Transylvania”. Not to be missed!

#9. Go Swimming with the kids

The kids can make as much mess as they want and you don’t have to clean it up! Sounds like Heaven!! There are many swimming pools in North Dublin and most have mother and baby/toddler groups.

#10. The Butlers Chocolate Experience

First a chocolate factory, now a tourist destination! Located in Dublin 17, the Butlers Chocolate Experience is fast becoming one of the top things to do in North Dublin. If you have ever wondered what really goes on behind the doors of a working chocolate factory now is your chance to find out!

Related: Rainy Day Ideas for Dublin

Do you have a favourite place on the northside of Dublin to take the kids?  Share it with us in the comments below.