The summer holidays are here and parents across Dublin are panicking on how to keep their kids entertained for a full two months.
While you may think that it's going to be an expensive summer keeping the smallies occupied, there is an array of free things to do with kids in Dublin includes parks, playgrounds, and museums.
Whether you're north or south of the city, you're likely to find somewhere near you, even if it involves a short drive. Here are the best free things to do with kids in Dublin.
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National Museum of Ireland - Archaology
The National Archaeology Museum on Dublin's Kildare Street is by far one of the most underrated visitor attractions in the capital. The gorgeous building, which is beside Dail Eireann, houses exhibitions that bring you back to an unrecognisable Ireland with items such as gold jewellery, long boats and even bog bodies.
National Botanic Gardens
Glasnevin is home to an urban oasis in the form of the National Botanic Gardens. The beautiful park features colourful plant species from all over the world, quaint green spaces, the exquisitely restored historic glasshouses and the Garden Tearoom which is open for dine-in and takeaway.
Chester Beatty Library
The Chester Beatty Library at Dublin Castle is another one of the city's most underrated attractions, and it is free to visit. It houses collections of items from cultures all over the globe including Egyptian Books of the Dead and contemporary Chinese woodblock prints.
There is also the Silk Road Cafe if you're feeling peckish upon visiting.
Deer spotting in Phoenix Park
Although Phoenix Park is home to Dublin Zoo, you will find a plethora of beautiful wildlife in the park grounds as well, including the majestic deer.
Although it is advised that you don't get too close to them, they are a stunning sight to be seen, even if it is from a distance. Plus, the park is also home to an array of walking routes, open green spaces and a playground.
Malahide Castle and Gardens
Part of the grounds of Malahide Castle and the Butterfly House cost money to visit, but what is free to do here is the massive playground, the walking routes and expanses of fields for the kids to play on. Additionally, there is the opportunity to enjoy a whole day out in Malahide with its stunning beach and bustling village.
Day out in Howth
With a playground, plenty of green space along the promenade, Deer Park, the pier and Howth Head, there is an almost endless selection of free things to do with kids in Howth.
Explore the dunes on Bull Island
The massive expanse of dunes on Bull Island make is almost a playground in its own right, and the little ones will have a fantastic time running, jumping and exploring, making it by far one of the best free things to do with kids in Dublin. If you're up for a lengthy walk, you can head down to the very north end of the beach to find a colony of seals.
Explore St Anne's Park
Perhaps one of the best parks in all of Dublin, St Anne's Park is home to quite a large playground, many walking paths, ruins of an old castle, rose gardens and streams surrounded by hills for the kids to climb around. There is also an excellent market there on a Saturday morning - so just bring a picnic blanket and pick up some goodies or a delicious pizza and enjoy the day.
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