The weather doesn’t seem to know what it’s doing at the moment – one minute the sun’s splitting the stones, the next we’re thinking about dragging the winter woollies out for ‘one last day’.
Luckily, however, it’s a lot easier for all of us to know what to do with children, as our fair city has lots of things to see and do for families. Whether you’re looking for something to fill an hour or an afternoon, here are just a few of the city’s attractions that are perfect to take the kids over to…
Imaginosity:
LOCATION: The Plaza, Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford
Highlight: Meet the Eco Badger
Hailed as Dublin’s children’s museum, it’s designed to inspire learning through playing.
Opened in 2007, it is the only interactive children’s museum for the under 9’s.
It is a minimum of a two-hour visit, which offer a wide variety of workshops and classes in arts and crafts, computers, music and theatre every day in the Art Studio.
Prices are €8.00 for children and adults, €6.00 for toddlers, €2 for those over 6 months (under 6mths free) for a (minimum).
Due to limits on the number of workshop participants, pre-booking is strongly advised.
Opening hours, Monday 1.30-5.30pm, Tues-Fri 9.30-5.30pm, Sat & Sun 10-6pm, and Bank Holiday Mondays 9.30-5.30pm.
Malahide Castle
LOCATION: Malahide Demesne, Malahide
Highlight: Zipline and diggers in the playground
Malahide Castle and gardens have pleasant walks, play areas, picnic sites and sporting facilities. The children’s playground is a highlight. It is a short walk from the Castle, split into sections for toddlers and older children.
The playground has something for all ages, and parents can keep an eye out from the picnic tables while the kids feast on slides, swings and climbing frames.
The playground also has zipline and diggers and plenty of space for the kids to run around. You can also pay to visit the castle or just explore the grounds.
The Demesne grounds has plenty of public sporting amenities including the Sports Pavilion (with a small shop for snacks, drinks and sporting equipment).
The Phoenix Park
LOCATION: Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
Highlight: Dublin Zoo
The Phoenix Park is open 24 hrs a day, seven days a week, all year round, and there is plenty to do and see for the whole family.
Local favourites include Dublin Zoo, The Wellington Testimonial and the playground.
Other highlights include The Magazine Fort (above) in the south east of the Park which marks the location where Phoenix Lodge was built by Sir Edward Fisher in 1611.
The People’s Gardens comprise of an area of twenty-two acres. It has a large ornamental lake, children’s playground and picnic areas.
The Ashtown Castle and Demesne, accessed off the Phoenix roundabout on Chesterfield Avenue, has numerous attractions for young and old alike.
