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Rainy Day Activities in Dublin with Kids

Updated: May 7

Rainy days in Dublin are a perfect excuse to explore something new. Here’s our ultimate guide to Dublin’s best indoor attractions for kids of all ages. Whether you want to jump, splash, create or learn, there’s an indoor option to suit every age and every kind of family. Bookmark this list — and embrace the drizzle with a dash of adventure. Get your wellies on and go exploring!

Location: 11a Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

Opening Hours: Varies by programme – check the website.

Suitable for: Ages 2–12

Located in Temple Bar, The Ark is Ireland’s dedicated cultural centre for children. Through music, theatre, literature, and visual arts, kids can engage with the world around them in creative ways. Events range from interactive performances to hands-on art workshops. Advance booking is often recommended, especially for weekend sessions.


Location: Merrion Square West, Dublin 2

Opening Hours: Mon–Sat: 9:15 AM–5:30 PM; Thurs: until 8:30 PM; Sun: 11:00 AM–5:30 PM

Suitable for: All ages

Free Entry! This world-class gallery is a calm and welcoming space for families. Free entry, weekend family workshops, kid-friendly tours, and creative trails make it easy for children to enjoy Irish and European masterpieces. Pop into the café for lunch or visit the gift shop for art-themed books and toys.


Location: Point Square, East Wall Road, Dublin 1

Opening Hours: Wednesday–Monday; closed Tuesdays. Operates in timed 90-minute sessions.

Suitable for: All ages (children under 2 go free)

Dream Point Experience is Dublin’s latest immersive attraction, offering a 21,000 sq ft indoor playground designed to ignite imagination and creativity. Visitors can explore a series of immersive, interactive rooms designed to spark wonder and imagination. Dive into Ireland’s largest ball pit filled with 250,000 pearl-toned balls beneath floating clouds, stroll through a dreamy Balloon Room with oversized orbs and a calming walk-through path, and bring children’s drawings to life in the Projection Room with animated digital displays. Kids can navigate glowing, touch-sensitive inflatables in the Inflatable Room, create light trails in the Glow Corridor using handheld torches, and relax in the Dream Café, while little ones enjoy a soft play area. Family bundles available and advance booking is recommended.


Location: UCD Newman House, 86 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2

Opening Hours: Tue–Sun: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Suitable for: Ages 6+

MoLI brings Irish writing to life with interactive storytelling, immersive exhibits and clever design. Children can listen to stories, write their own tales, and explore exhibits that connect them to the rich tradition of Irish literature. The garden and café are lovely sheltered stops if the weather clears. The garden also has an entrance to the gorgeous Iveagh Gardens if you're brave enough to splash in muddy puddles!


Location: Benburb Street, Dublin 7

Opening Hours: Tue–Sat: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sun & Mon: 1:00 PM–5:00 PM

Suitable for: All ages

Free Entry! Housed in a historic army barracks, this museum covers everything from Irish military history to fashion, transport, and childhood artifacts. Free entry makes it a great spontaneous choice, and the large halls are perfect for little legs to explore. Watch out for their excellent family-friendly exhibitions and seasonal events.


Location: CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1

Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–6:45 PM

Suitable for: Ages 7+

EPIC is a 100% digital museum — no dusty artifacts here! Children can swipe, touch, listen and play their way through the powerful stories of Irish people who changed the world. With impressive interactive tech and beautifully curated exhibits, it’s an eye-opener for kids and grownups alike.


Location: Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin 8

Opening Hours: Tue–Fri: 11:30 AM–5:30 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM–5:30 PM; Sun: 12:00 PM–5:30 PM

Suitable for: All ages

Free Entry! Modern art might not be the first thing that comes to mind with kids, but IMMA makes it accessible and fun. Free entry, open galleries, and seasonal family workshops help young visitors engage with colour, shape, and form. There’s also a great garden café and wide-open outdoor spaces for a post-rain run around.


Location: St Michael’s Hill, Christ Church, Dublin 8

Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Suitable for: Ages 5+

Dublinia is where history gets hands-on. Kids can try Viking clothes, walk through medieval streets, learn about archaeology, and climb the viewing tower. With costumed guides and interactive displays, it's a hit with school-aged kids and budding historians.


Location: Sandyford, Dublin 18

Opening Hours: Daily – check online for session times

Suitable for: Ages 2+ (Mini Explorers), 8+ for full access

This award-winning centre is packed with interactive science experiments, VR games, lightning shows, climbing walls, and illusions. It's part museum, part adventure zone, with something to excite every child — especially those with a curious mind or lots of energy. The Mini Explorers area caters specifically to toddlers and pre-schoolers.


Locations: Sandyford, Santry & Liffey Valley

Opening Hours: Daily – sessions vary by location and age group

Suitable for: Ages 5+ (some toddler sessions available)

Jump Zone is Ireland’s largest indoor trampoline park, offering high-energy bouncing, obstacle courses, ninja zones and foam pits. It’s a brilliant way for kids (and teens) to burn off energy indoors. Check individual locations for toddler mornings and sensory sessions.


Location: Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Opening Hours: Daily – sessions vary; check website

Suitable for: All ages

Slides, wave pools, a lazy river, pirate-themed zones and more await at AquaZone. It’s one of the top indoor waterparks in Ireland, offering something for everyone, from thrill-seeking teens to water-loving toddlers. Booking online is essential, especially on weekends and holidays.






 
 
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