Rainy Day Activities in Dublin

1. Visit a play-centre and let the kids loose! There are loads in Dublin North - Westwood Clontarf, Sportslink Santry, Kartcity Santry, Hurly Burly Off the M50, Leisureplex Blanchardstown and Coolock.

2. Go to the Cinema. Many of Dublin Cinemas have kids' discounted movie screenings, where adults attend free and with special kids combo deals on popcorn on snacks. See what's on at some of the following Dublin North Cinemas: UCI Coolock, UGC Parnell st, Omniplex Santry, Savoy Cinema O’Connell St & Screen Cinema D’olier St.

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3. Dublin North Libraries: Visit your local library. The majority of the libraries in the county have a junior library. Great for a rainy afternoon, go and read with the children or take part in many of the free events and activities that take place.

4. Go swimming with the kids. The kids can make as much mess as they want and you don’t have to clean it up! Sounds like Heaven!! There are many swimming pools in North Dublin and most have mother and baby/toddler groups. See our listings on swimming for information on a swimming pool near you!

5. Go shopping with the kids, yes you will think I am crazy but you could go Blanchardstown shopping centre and give the kids a real treat, bring them to Smyth’s toystore and let them run around and if they are really good, they can pick a toy to buy! Imagine the excitement in the car coming home!

6. Treat the kids to a McDonald’s meal. The McDonalds in Artane Castle, Dublin 5 for example has a small play area. My daughter had her birthday party there and had a ball. The staff are very friendly and let’s face it, kids love a Happy Meal! Best of all, you can enjoy a burger too without feeling guilty!

7. For a day of fun for the whole family, The National Aquatic Centre, Abbotstown, Europe’s largest indoor water park is not to be missed. The leisure pool, Aquazone, offers extreme thrills, raging water adventures and loads of fun. The Centre also features Ireland’s only Olympic Swimming area featuring the 50 metre competition pool and Ireland’s only Diving Tank which meets Olympic competition standards.

8. Visit the Hugh Lane Gallery, Parnell Square, Dublin 1. Great Kid’s club with Art and Sketching Workshops or have a browse around the many exhibitions and collections. Best of all admission is free!

9. Visit your local bookstore and treat the kids to a new book! Spend time browsing for that special book and go home and read it together!

10. Lastly, if you cannot leave the house, look at our ‘what to do on a Rainy day’ section, it is guaranteed to keep the kids entertained whilst stuck indoors!