With school out for the summer, it’s hard to know what to do with the little ones.
And with this fantastic weather we’re having, it’s important for children to spend less time with technology and more time staying active outside.
So we’ve made a list of the best playgrounds in Dublin from swings, roundabouts, slides, ziplines, tunnels, climbing frames, forest trails and scenery.
And we're not forgetting parent's, all these parks have been carefully chosen to suit those of all ages.
Here's the best free play areas to entertain the kids and grown-ups this summer.
1. Fairview Park Playground
Fairview Park in the northern tip of Dublin, is well-known for its playing fields, lined walkways and a children’s playground. It consists of a spacious playground and several pitches if your little one is football crazy.
2. Malahide Castle Playground
Malahide Castle is worth a visit on a sunny day, for the castle and also for the big playground. There are separate areas for younger and older children, with wood chipping and spongy materials under every piece of equipment. It has a zipline and trampolines, perfect for young and old children.
3. Stephen's Green Playground
This is a brilliant playground with so much to do, there is a climbing frame, see-saw and swings to keep the kids entertained for hours.
4. Marlay Park Playground
Marlay Park comprises an expansive golf course, fourteen football pitches, a cricket pitch, a children’s playground, and even a miniature railway.
If you go on a Saturday, there is a farmer's market down the other end of the park, meaning you can get yourself a nice cuppa tae as the children play.
5. The Giant's Garden, Merrion Square
If you happen to be in the city centre with young children, the little playground just inside the gates at Merrion Square is a must. There is a large wooden climbing frame with rope bridges, a big slide at the end, and swings too. It’s a bit quieter than the Stephen’s Green park.
6. Herbert Park
This park is composed of formal gardens, a large duck pond, soccer pitches and the old public children’s park while the northern half holds tennis courts, a bowling green and a newly renovated public children’s playground - perfect for all ages.
7. Cabinteely Park
This park is so perfect for a family outing as there are loads of different climbing frames, slides and interactive things like the giant sandpit. There's even a water pump and a little sit-on digger which means hours of fun.
8. Ardgillan Castle Playground
This playground beside the sea is one that the kids will be begging you to bring them back to. There’s many climbs, swings and slides, with lots of seating around, as well as toilets and a baby-changing station.
9. Rathfarnham Castle Playground
This adventure playground has tons of things to explore, and is also suitable for children with extra sensory needs.
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