Free Family Activities in Dublin

Dublin offers a wealth of FREE, family-friendly activities that are perfect for keeping the little ones entertained. Whether you’re exploring art, nature, or history, there’s something for every child to enjoy without spending a cent. Here are Dublin City Mum’s top picks!

National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland is a treasure trove of art and creativity. Enjoy free guided tours, drop into the Atrium Creative Space for some hands-on fun, or borrow a Family Pack filled with drawing materials to explore the gallery at their own pace. Don’t miss the audio tour designed specifically for kids and families.

Opening Hours: Monday: 11:00–17:30; Tuesday–Wednesday: 09:15–17:30; Thursday: 09:15–20:30; Friday–Saturday: 09:15–17:30; Sunday: 11:00–17:30

Best for Ages: All ages.

National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History (Collins Barracks)

Housed in a former military barracks, Collins Barracks is a fantastic free destination for families seeking engaging and educational experiences in Dublin. The museum offers a diverse array of exhibitions, including the renowned “Soldiers & Chiefs” exhibition, which traces Ireland’s military history from 1550 to the present day. Beyond its permanent collections, Collins Barracks hosts a variety of free family-friendly events and activities throughout the year, including interactive workshops, such as children’s art and craft sessions, storytelling, and themed tours designed to engage young visitors. They have tons of fantastic family events, keep an eye on their Upcoming Events for info.

Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00–17:00; Sunday & Monday: 13:00–17:00

Best for Ages: All ages.

Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks

Discover a wild side of Dublin at the Dead Zoo Lab, a fascinating new home for the Natural History Museum’s most-loved specimens now on display. The Lab invites families to explore approx. 1,300 objects from entomology to marine life, mammals, birds, reptiles, and more, all free to visit (booking required only for groups). Highlights include delicate 19th-century Blaschka glass marine creatures, uprooted treasures like the dodo skeleton, an eel famously choking on a frog, the grand Spoticus the giraffe, and the iconic giant Irish deer, some of which haven’t been seen in decades. The smaller, hands-on space is perfect for curious minds, offering rotating exhibits and innovative interpretations while the main Natural History Museum on Merrion Street undergoes a major refurbishment. It’s a brilliant way to keep the wonder of the Dead Zoo alive.

Best for Ages: All ages.

National Botanic Gardens

Located in Glasnevin, the National Botanic Gardens offers a peaceful retreat with beautifully restored historic glasshouses, diverse plant collections, and open lawns perfect for picnics. Entry is free, and families can enjoy guided tours on Sundays at 12:00 and 14:30.

Opening Hours: Weekdays: 09:00–17:00; Weekends & Bank Holidays: 10:00–18:00

Best for Ages: All ages.

Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)

IMMA welcomes visitors of all ages, with free exhibitions and a spacious campus ideal for children. The museum offers family-friendly programs and activities, making art accessible and engaging for young minds. When visiting make sure to pick up a free Explorer Family Activity Pack from reception. Each pack includes an outdoor art trail, and an activity booklet, with a pack of colouring pencils and an Explorer identity badge for the young explorer!

Opening Hours: Tuesday: 10:00–17:30; Wednesday: 11:30–17:30; Thursday–Saturday: 10:00–17:30; Sunday & Bank Holidays: 12:00–17:30; Closed on Mondays

Best for Ages: All ages.

Phoenix Park

Where Dublin goes to breath! As one of Europe’s largest enclosed parks, Phoenix Park is a haven for families. Kids can enjoy spotting the resident deer, discovering playgrounds, and visiting landmarks like the Wellington Testimonial and the Papal Cross. The park is open daily and free to explore. Pop into our favourite Boathouse Restaurant for lunch or a treat after a big ramble in the park. Dog and kid friendly! 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week

Best for Ages: All ages.

Chester Beatty Library

Situated within the historic Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty Library houses a remarkable collection of manuscripts, rare books, and decorative arts. The library offers family activity packs and hosts workshops designed to engage children with world cultures.

Opening Hours: Tuesday–Friday: 09:45–17:30; Wednesday: 09:45–20:00; Saturday: 09:45–17:30; Sunday: 12:00–17:30; Closed Mondays (Nov–Feb)

Best for Ages: 4+.

National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology

Explore Ireland’s rich archaeological heritage at this museum, featuring exhibits from prehistoric times to the medieval period. Highlights include the famous bog bodies and Viking artifacts.

Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00–17:00; Sunday & Monday: 13:00–17:00

Best for Ages: 5+.

National Print Museum

Discover the creative world of printing every day at the National Print Museum’s Creative Corner. All activities are free, self-guided and encourage family learning and interaction. Activities include arts and crafts (ink stamping, light box picture tracing, stenciling, easy origami, drawing & colouring), alphabet games for the tiny tots, activity sheets and reading from their wonderful Junior Library. The museum runs a number of themed drop-in events. See the What’s On section of the website for more information. The museum also hosts Family Fun Days and workshops during school holidays.

Opening Hours: Tuesday–Friday: 10:00–16:00; Saturday–Sunday: 12:00–16:00; Closed Mondays

Best for Ages: 4+.

Richmond Barracks 

Richmond Barracks is one of Dublin’s most surprising gems for families looking to mix history, creativity, and fresh air, without opening your wallet. Housed in a beautifully restored former military barracks, it welcomes visitors to explore its free exhibitions, garden, and community-run library, all wrapped in over 200 years of living history. 

If your kids (or you!) fancy getting hands-on or joining in, the site runs walk-in workshops, talks, fairs, and seasonal community events like the Harvest Fair or Spring Fair—all with no admission fee. The Culture Connects programme brings creative sessions for all ages, and the guided history tours—some of which include nearby Goldenbridge Cemetery—offer an entertaining deep-dive into the 1916 Rising, local schooling, and community stories.

The Barracks also hosts a lovely garden space, perfect for a picnic or a breather between activities, and the on-site café, The Mess, is there if you’d like to treat yourselves after exploring. It’s wheelchair accessible, stroller-friendly, and dog-friendly too—making it a top spot for family outings that go beyond the usual playground trip.

Opening Hours: Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Library only). Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (note: some workshops or events may run later on Tues & Wed). Sunday: Closed.

Dublin City Libraries

We LOVE Dublin City Libraries! They offer a range of free activities for children, including story time sessions, book clubs, and craft workshops. With 21 branches across the city, there’s always something happening to engage young readers and learners. Even if you just want to escape the city, all libraries have a kids area where you can take a breath and enjoy a few moments of calm with the joy of books.

Opening Hours: Vary by branch; check local listings

Best for Ages: All ages.

Hugh Lane Gallery – CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT

The Hugh Lane Gallery is a Dublin gem that’s always free to enter and endlessly inspiring for families. Their Explore & Learn programme is designed with kids and teens in mind, featuring family-friendly, free drop-in workshops where little hands and big imaginations can get busy creating—from self-portraits and Lúnasa ornaments to vibrant zine-making sessions with artists. No booking is needed, and most events are mixed-age, with adults crafting alongside their kids. If you’d rather observe, the gallery’s Sunday public tours are a brilliant way to explore modern and contemporary art together (with no charge). Whether you’re seeking creative play, cultural talk, or just a peaceful, inspiring space with your family—Hugh Lane checks all the boxes. Tip: The gallery is closing for renovations from late September 2025, so it’s a perfect time to take the kids before it temporarily zips shut

Opening Hours: Monday: Closed. Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Best for Ages: 6+

For more family friendly activities visit Explore!