Things to Do in Dublin During the Mid-Term

Our Top Things to Do in Dublin During Midterm Break

School’s out and it’s time to plan a few small days out. In my house, we love lounging about all morning and planning a little half-day trip for the afternoon. Sometimes at the start of midterm or the summer holidays, my kids make a bucket list of things to do. So based on the suggestions that come up every year, here are eight ideas for fun family trips around Dublin.

Airfield Estate

Airfield in Dundrum is such a gem for families, especially with smallies. There are no cars, bikes, or scooters, so children are free to roam and toddlers are free to toddle. My kids love a simple stroll through the grounds, looking at the growing veggies and all the animals. It’s a wholesome day out, and there are lovely cafés for little treats. It feels like being in the countryside while still being in the heart of the city. And if you’re not from the southside, you can combine the trip with a visit to Dundrum Town Centre.

A Day in Town

You can’t beat a trip to town, and it can be really good value too. We didn’t go in much when the kids were smaller, but now that they’re a little older, they love exploring the city. My middle guy adores museums and galleries, so we often visit the National Gallery or the Museum of Archaeology. They’re both free and full of fascinating things to see. The National Gallery also has a quiet spot where children can make some art. Afterwards, stop at Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street for a hot chocolate and visit the playground in St. Stephen’s Green.

A Trip on the DART to Bray

If you’re like us and don’t live near a DART line, a train ride always feels like an adventure. The coastal views are beautiful, and once you arrive in Bray, there’s plenty to do. My kids love walking the promenade, playing in the playground, and enjoying ice cream or chips by the sea. The top highlight though is always a visit to the arcade. I won’t pretend to love it, but they do, and it’s a fun way to finish the day.

Music at the National Concert Hall

It’s worth keeping an eye on the National Concert Hall calendar, as they often run family-friendly and junior concerts. Some of our favourites have included watching short films like Stick Man and The Highway Rat while the orchestra plays the soundtrack live. It’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon together and introduce children to live music.

Dublin Castle

One of our old reliables, Dublin Castle is full of history and open space to explore. The kids love wandering through the courtyards and gardens, and you can visit the Chester Beatty Museum too. We recently took the walking tour of the state rooms inside — it’s a short visit but full of interesting history.

Rainforest Adventure Golf, Dundrum

This one is top of the list for my youngest. I’d probably recommend it for children over six to really get the most out of it, otherwise the younger ones tend to play a cross between polo and hurling! If you’re looking for an indoor activity, Rainforest Adventure Golf is colourful, playful, and great fun, especially on a rainy day.

Malahide Castle and Gardens

If the weather is good, Malahide Castle is a top spot outside the city. The gardens are beautiful, there’s a butterfly house to explore, and the playground and fairy trail are always a hit with younger ones. We think the playground might actually be the best in Dublin. The Avoca café is a favourite too, and we recently had a great-value kids’ lunch there.

Building Rock Towers on Killiney Beach or a Walk on Dún Laoghaire Pier

This is one of those simple and free activities that never disappoints. A walk on Killiney Beach makes for a peaceful afternoon. My kids love collecting stones and building rock towers, and the views across Dublin Bay are gorgeous. We often bring a picnic, as there aren’t many cafés nearby for little legs to reach easily. A walk along Dún Laoghaire Pier is another family favourite, with the reward of a Teddy’s ice cream at the end.

Zipit Forest Adventures and a Walk in the Dublin Mountains

This is a great outing for active kids, and it’s closer to the city than you might think. Zipit Forest Adventures offers ziplining and treetop challenges that are brilliant fun for both kids and parents. There are also plenty of forest trails for a walk surrounded by fresh air and tall trees. Cruagh Wood nearby offers a lovely walk with views of the city at various points.

Butlers Chocolate Factory Tour

We’ve done this twice now, and we’ll probably do it again. It’s fascinating to watch the machines pumping chocolate through the factory and the packaging lines filling boxes. The whole place smells amazing. The tour guides are great with kids, and at the end you get to decorate your own chocolate. It’s fun, delicious, and just a little bit magical.

Enjoy Your Midterm

I hope you have a lovely midterm with your family and that you get to have some fun yourself too.