Easter Extravanganzoo at Dublin Zoo
Take a walk on the wild side this Easter Sunday and Monday with Extravanganzoo celebrations at Dublin Zoo. A selection of special events have been created with animal lovers in mind, including themed games, face-painting and an appearance from the Easter Bunny each day from 12-4pm. After a feast of chocolate eggs the zoo, which is home to more than 400 creatures, is open for exploration. For those between 6 and 12 one-day educational workshops are also on offer from April 20th to 22nd.
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Easter Farm Fun at Newbridge House & Farm, Donabate
A Golden Egg Hunt laid by Gerty the Goose is just one of the unique activities planned as part of the Easter Farm Fun at Newbridge House & Farm this April. The 18th-century Georgian estate has been reimagined as a giant outdoor playground with paddocks and a pond, an aviary and a walled garden to explore. Hungry visitors are welcome to refuel at the Coach House Café before touring the farm where Lucy, the world's friendliest goat, is always ready to say hello.
Italian Renaissance Art Workshops at The National Gallery
The National Gallery's selection of Art Workshops is set to take spring inspiration and help it bloom into creativity this Easter. Suitable for children between 4 and 12, this series of classes is just the ticket for your little Da Vinci or Caravaggio. The workshops, taking place from April 12th to 14th, focus on the Italian Renaissance. Blossoming artists are invited to examine some of the gallery’s most impressive paintings before returning to the studio to create a masterpiece of their own.
Easter Trail at Malahide Castle & Gardens
This April 9th to 24th, Malahide Castle’s Fairy Trail transforms into an Easter Trail with a little help from Easterella, the Easter Fairy. The grounds will be festooned in themed décor, offering families plenty of outdoor fun to enjoy. Ticket entry includes access to the Walled Garden and Butterfly House, so pack a picnic and make a day of it. After all of that adventure, if there’s any energy left in the tank, stop off at the The Casino Model Railway Museum, just a ten-minute walk from the trail.
Easter Bunny Puzzle at Luggwoods, Crooksling
Take a crack at the Easter Bunny's Puzzle at Luggwoods, a leafy wonderland in the Dublin Mountains. The Spring Trail is decorated to help ignite imaginations, with fairytale characters on hand to guide eagle-eyed visitors toward the forest’s clues. With eggs and goodies up for grabs, a mini petting farm and forest trails to uncover, expect an action-packed day with plenty of surprises amongst the trees.
Image: @travelgram_bdlp
History and Culture at The National Wax Museum Plus
Reliving Ireland's rich history doesn't come more true to life than at The National Wax Museum Plus, where you can experience landmark events like the 1916 Easter Rising or try your hand at the interactive games and activities. Easter activities include a bunny hunt for the young ones and an augmented reality experience for the older kids, with clues scattered throughout. Along the way you can meet your favourite Star Wars heroes, pose with Jedward or enjoy tea with Father Ted. Open daily from 10am to 7pm, booking online is advised.
Children's History Workshops at Richmond Barracks, Inchicore
Richmond Barracks is steeped in history, from its foundations in the early 1800s to its role in housing rebels during the 1916 Easter Rising. Bringing history to life this spring, Historian-in-Residence for Children Dervilia Roche offers free, interactive Children’s History Workshops for those between 9 and 12 that will investigate Easter traditions in Ireland and beyond. Explore the library, garden and café here for a family-friendly Irish heritage experience.
Junior Natural Treasure Trails at Airfield Estate, Dundrum
Nature calls at Airfield Estate. Just a stone's throw from Dundrum town centre, the Junior Natural Treasures Trail felt workshop and guided walks will explore the themes of all things feathered, offering families the opportunity to learn about local flora and fauna in a relaxed and hands-on environment. Discover everything you need to know about birds' nests and eggs between April 13th and 21st before popping into the Vintage Car Garage, checking out the hen houses and milking parlours or looking for traces of magic at the Fairy Fort. The farm shop and café are stocked with the best of local produce to keep adventurers’ hunger at bay.
Easter Activities at EPIC Museum, CHQ
EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum, has brought an Easter theme to some of its award-winning immersive displays and exhibitions. As part of its Easter Activities, tiny tots are invited to meet Easter Púca, Ireland's most mischievous fairy trickster, while children between 6 and 12 can book in for an Easter Explorer Camp to uncover the fascinating history of the Irish diaspora. Of course, Púca has left a trail of Easter treats to be found, too, so the EPIC hunt is on for those aged 12 and younger.
Easter Camp at The Rediscovery Centre, Ballymun
Eco-warriors, assemble. The Rediscovery Centre is a hub for all things sustainable. Join the Education team's Easter Camp workshops to learn about the importance of reducing our impact on the planet, and enjoy the egg hunt challenge, egg science, Easter games, arts and crafts, and exploration of nature in springtime. While the camps are suitable for children between 6 and 12, the centre has a selection of upcycling and circularity exhibitions and activities for all ages.
Dublin is a great city to enjoy with the whole family, so check out more fun things to do around the capital.