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Dublin Live

Entertainment

Amy Donohoe

7 fun things for the family to do in Dublin before the kids go back to school

Dublin Lego

The last few weeks have been filled with back to school book lists and uniform shopping, but it's important to remember that the kids only have a final few days before they're back to early mornings, spelling tests and packed lunches.

So make the most of it! Bring them on a family day out as a treat before they're back at their desks and listening to their new teacher talk about English, Irish and Maths.

Here's some inspiration as to what you can do:

EPIC Museum

Kids Go Free is back at EPIC The Irish Emigration museum from 22 – 28 August. Both kids and adults alike will love the interactive installations at EPIC, whether swiping through the educational quizzes, dancing to Riverdance or listening to the whispering library, they’ll be entertained throughout, all while bringing Irish stories to life.

A mum and her son at the EPIC Emigration Museum in Dublin (Killian Broderick)

Viking Splash

The iconic yellow and blue boats have returned to Dublin’s City Centre. Their website reads: “Roar your way through Dublin City in a unique Land and Water experience provided by one of Ireland’s most unique sightseeing experiences.

“Let Viking Splash Tours take you around Dublin on one of our WW2 amphibious DUKWs. Our guides provide a fun, informative and unforgettable experience for all ages and groups taking in our cathedrals, Georgian Dublin and much more before splashing into the Grand Canal basin for a short cruise by the iconic U2 studios.

“Voted as one of Dublin’s best tours, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.”

Tickets are available on their website . Adult tickets are €25, senior and student tickets are €20, kids tickets are €15 and to book a family, tickets are €65.

Fort Lucan

Fort Lucan is a children's outdoor centre playground with a huge play area, crazy golf and waterslides. Set within a huge wooden Viking Fort, the centre provides hours of outdoor fun for children aged between 2 and 12 years.

Kids can climb on huge towers and go down the 40 foot slides, along sky-high walkways, a maze and an army style assault course. Children of all ages can then show off their driving skills on the Go Kart tracks or have a game on the Crazy Golf course. There’s also a famous Waterfall along with a Raging River. Check it out here .

Fort Lucan, Co Dublin (Fennell Photography 2017)

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

This production is one the whole family will enjoy and is definitely a great pick for anyone looking to entertain the kids during the last days of the summer break. The stage setting is colourful and keeps the viewers entertained throughout. The show will run in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre until August 27 and you can book tickets here .

Lego Store

The new shop will open its doors on Grafton Street on Thursday morning at 9am. Lego enthusiasts, young and old alike, will appreciate all of the bricks, colours and sets available.

Some aspects of their Dublin store will include a minifigure factory, which allows shoppers to design and create a unique LEGO minifigure. There will also be a "Pick a Brick Wall" where LEGO fans can find exact parts they need for their builds.

LEGO have said there will be "hands on play" where shoppers have the opportunity to participate in free-build challenges and events every month. Other things that are expected to attract visitors to the Dublin LEGO store include 3D LEGO models throughout the store inspired by the city of Dublin and Irish culture.

Rose Sargent and John Sargent near Grafton St this morning with the Lego replica of the Poolbeg Towers (Naoise Culhane)

Clonfert Pet Farm

Clonfert Pet Farm started out as a small open farm with around 10 different types of animals and an outdoor play area. Today, there are over 60 different types of wonderful and exotic animals.

They also have a coffee shop, walk ways, picnic areas, an additional outdoor play area, an indoor soft play area and mini-golf for all the family. Find out more here.

Kid's Movies at Temple Bar Outdoor Cinema

Free screenings of kid's movies will take place every Sunday in Temple Bar under a new Dublin City Council initiative.

Deputy Lord Mayor Darcy Lonergan will launch the "outdoor cinema club" for kids this morning. There will also be an array of "colourful children's characters" present at Meeting House Square for the launch.

Tickets to the screenings, which will take place on Sundays starting September 4, will be made available for free on Eventbrite from today. The movies will be shown in Meeting House Square.

Tell us your favourite free and cheap family days out for the chance to win Sea Life Bray Aquarium tickets worth over €1,400. Send in your submission using the form below and you’ll also be entered into a prize draw to win four Merlin Annual Passes worth over €1,400 for you and your family - giving you year-long access to Sea Life Bray Aquarium in Dublin or any of their other attractions in the UK.

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