Dublin's parks are fun places for kids of all ages, and adults will appreciate the greenery and Irish weather. Frommer's guide to Dublin recommends feeding the ducks and picnicking at Merrion Square and St. Stephen's Green for kids--and there is plenty of space and playgrounds for running around. Meanwhile, Phoenix Park has playgrounds, ice cream vendors and wandering deer the whole family will enjoy. It is also home to Dublin Zoo.
Dublin Zoo
Phoenix Park
Dublin 8
Ireland
+353-01-474-8900
dublinzoo.ie
Older kids will enjoy Dublin's many art and history museums--and parents may be able to get away with pushing younger kids in strollers if they don't feel like going. Dublin also has plenty of kid-friendly museums, such as Imaginosity, Dublin Children's Museum, which has an art studio, kids' stage and climbing structure. Frommer's recommends the Lambert Puppet Theatre and Museum for families who want to take in a nontraditional show, such as Jack and the Beanstalk. Meanwhile, the Ark, a culture center for kids, has plenty of entertainment for kids, from concerts to art workshops.
Lambert Puppet Theatre
Clifton Lane
Monkstown, Co.
Dublin
Ireland
01-280-0974
lambertpuppettheatre.ie
Few activities are better suited for the whole family than an excursion to a castle. No matter what their ages, all family members can appreciate the magnificence of a European castle, and Dublin has a fine choice. Dublin Castle, which used to be a Viking fortress, is the heart of the city, according to Dublin's official tourist office online. Families can visit the chapel and state apartments, when they're not in use.
Dublin Castle
Dame Street
Dublin 2
Ireland
01-679-7831
heritageireland.ie/en/Dublin/DublinCastle
