Summer has officially arrived – and with it, the question every parent dreads: what are we doing today?
Search Near Me to find plenty more ideas for your days out at YourDaysOut.com – the smartest way to plan your summer.
Flavours of Fingal County Show
Dublin | 4th & 5th July, 2026
Flavours of Fingal returns to Newbridge House and Farm for a reimagined family-focused weekend celebrating food, farming, music and community. Visitors can enjoy free family entertainment, equestrian displays, local food producers, live music, farming demonstrations, sports activities and plenty of attractions for all ages across the beautiful parkland setting.
Dundalk Comic Con
Dublin | 5th July, 2026
Comic book, movie and gaming fans can enjoy a fun-filled day at Dundalk Comic Con, featuring special guests from the worlds of film and television, cosplay competitions, gaming, workshops, trading cards, comics and collectibles. With activities for children and adults alike, it’s a great family event for pop culture fans of all ages.
Clonmel Show
Tipperary | 5th July, 2026
The Clonmel Show returns on Sunday 5th July with a packed day of agricultural competitions, family entertainment and community fun. Visitors can enjoy livestock and equestrian classes, live music, a pet show, donkey derby, tractor driving competitions, food stalls, craft displays and a dedicated children’s entertainment area with bouncy castles and animal attractions.
Inspireland Art & Animation Camps
Ireland | Various dates & locations throughout summer
Young artists can unleash their imagination at Inspireland’s Art & Animation Camps, taking place at venues across Ireland including Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Tipperary, Kildare, Louth and Athlone. Led by professional artists and animators, the camps introduce children and teenagers to illustration, character design, comics, animation, watercolours and mixed media through fun, hands-on projects.
Designed as a welcoming space where young people can express themselves, every camp helps children build confidence, develop new artistic skills and make new friends while bringing their own ideas to life.
National Museum of Ireland | Dublin & Mayo
With four free museums across Dublin and Mayo, the National Museum of Ireland offers fascinating exhibitions covering archaeology, natural history, decorative arts and rural life. Family-friendly displays, workshops and activities make it one of Ireland’s best free attractions during the summer.
Beyond The Trees | Wicklow
Take in spectacular views from Ireland’s treetop walkway, explore beautiful forest trails and discover the story of Irish forestry at Beyond the Trees Avondale. Families visiting this summer can also meet Shrek during special character appearances on 4th and 5th July, enjoy Family Arts & Craft Workshops on selected weekends throughout July and August, or experience open-air performances including Paddy Casey and Brian Kennedy.
AquaZone | Dublin
AquaZone at the National Aquatic Centre is packed with thrilling water attractions including fast flumes, a wave pool, lazy river and surf simulator. Whether the weather is sunny or wet, it’s one of Ireland’s best indoor family days out for children of all ages.
Flynn Park | Dublin
Flynn Park offers a full day of outdoor adventure for families, with activities including climbing walls, high ropes, ziplining, giant swings, abseiling, paintball and the popular Aqualough water park. Located just outside Balbriggan, it is an action-packed destination where children, teenagers and adults can enjoy exciting challenges and make lasting family memories.
Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival
Wexford | 9th-12th July, 2026
The 41st Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival returns for four days of fresh seafood, live music, family entertainment and community celebrations. Set in one of Ireland’s most picturesque fishing villages, visitors can enjoy cooking demonstrations, traditional dance, local food and a lively festival atmosphere along the beautiful Wexford coast.
Kidspace | Dublin (Rathcoole & Rathfarnham)
Kidspace’s Rathcoole and Rathfarnham centres are running a packed summer programme with supervised Summer Camps, Midweek Summer Play Passes offering unlimited weekday visits throughout July and August, plus special family events including Bubble Brunches and Spider-Man Breakfast experiences. It’s an ideal option for keeping younger children entertained throughout the school holidays.
Fota Wildlife Park | Cork
One of Ireland’s best-loved attractions, Fota Wildlife Park is home to endangered species living in spacious naturalistic habitats. Families can discover animals from around the world while learning about global conservation. This summer, visitors can also enjoy a ride on the popular Panoramic Wheel, which has been extended throughout the summer season.
Summer Exhibition: My Father's Dragon
Dublin | Until 1st August, 2026
Step into the magical world of My Father’s Dragon at this free family exhibition in The Ark, Temple Bar. Children and adults can explore original artwork, character designs and behind-the-scenes sketches from Cartoon Saloon’s acclaimed animated film, making it a creative and inspiring day out for young artists, dragon fans and animation lovers.
Waterworld Bundoran | Donegal
Make a splash at Ireland’s top indoor aqua adventure in Bundoran, with wave pools, water slides and safe toddler zones. A perfect spot for energetic swimmers whatever the weather.
Marlhill Open Farm | Tipperary
Marlhill Open Farm offers a relaxed family day out with friendly farm animals, outdoor play areas and plenty of space for children to explore. Families can meet a variety of animals, enjoy hands-on farm experiences and let little ones burn off energy in a safe countryside setting, making it an ideal choice during the summer holidays.
Happy Days Play Centre | Fermoy, Cork
A cheerful indoor centre with slides, ball pits and a café. It’s a handy family break when travelling through north Cork.
Ballina Salmon Festival
Mayo | 12th-19h July, 2026
The Ballina Salmon Festival returns for eight days of family fun, live music, heritage celebrations and community events. Highlights include the Teddy Bear Picnic, National Heritage Day, the historic Moy Swim, cultural performances, sporting events and a spectacular fireworks finale, all celebrating Ballina’s proud connection to the River Moy and its reputation as the Salmon Capital of Ireland.
Funtropolis
Dublin | 12th & 13th, July TBC
Skypark | Louth
SkyPark is open seven days a week throughout the summer, offering aerial adventure courses, SkyNet, mini golf, giant slides, frisbee golf, monster croquet and much more. Special summer events include Emergency Services Day, an Inclusive Family Fun Day, live music over the July Bank Holiday weekend and a Spanish-themed Fiesta family day, with all activities included in the standard admission.
Croke Park Museum, Stadium & Skyline | Dublin
Discover the story of Gaelic Games with a visit to the GAA Museum before exploring behind the scenes on a Croke Park Stadium Tour or taking in panoramic views from the Skyline walkway. Throughout July and August, families can also enjoy Teidí Tours every Friday, special Legends Tours with GAA stars and the new Dublin’s Daughters Skyline experience celebrating some of the capital’s most remarkable women.
Newgrange Farm | Meath
This hands-on farm near the Boyne Valley is packed with friendly animals, tractor rides, pedal tractors, straw mazes and outdoor play. It’s a great choice for younger children who love getting outdoors and meeting farm animals during the summer holidays.
Airfield Estate | Dublin
This working urban farm combines animal encounters, beautiful gardens and nature trails with regular demonstrations throughout the day. Children can meet the animals while adults relax in the café, where seasonal produce grown on the estate features on the menu.
Summer Sessions at Malahide Castle
Dublin | 17th-19th July, 2026
Families can enjoy a packed day of live entertainment on Sunday at Summer Sessions at the Castle, featuring KPOP Superslayers, The Taylor Swift Experience and BabyBeats Family Rave. Across the weekend, visitors can also enjoy outdoor concerts, tribute acts and live performances in the stunning surroundings of Malahide Castle, with Sharon Shannon, Mundy, FM104’s Freaks on Friday and Vengaboys among the headline acts.
Fairy Festival
Meath | 18th-19th July, 2026
The Fairy Festival returns to Loughcrew Gardens for a magical weekend of family entertainment. Meet fairies, mermaids and unicorns, enjoy bubble shows, puppet performances, wand and mandala making, aerial displays, stilt walkers, live music, food stalls and craft vendors, all set within the beautiful surroundings of Loughcrew Gardens.
Secret Valley Wildlife Park | Wexford
Secret Valley Wildlife Park offers a relaxed family day out where younger visitors can feed farm animals, meet alpacas, cuddle rabbits and enjoy close-up wildlife experiences. The park combines animal encounters with indoor and outdoor play areas, making it suitable whatever the weather.
Rose Festival
Dublin | 19th & 20th July, 2026 TBC
Brick Féile
Meath | 11th & 12th July, 2026
Brick Féile returns for a weekend packed with incredible LEGO® creations, hands-on building activities and family fun. Visitors can explore spectacular custom models from Irish and international builders, see Ireland’s largest Great Ball Contraption, dive into giant brick pits, take part in interactive building challenges and browse LEGO® traders, making it a must-visit event for LEGO® fans of all ages.
Titanic Experience | Cobh, Cork
Step into the shoes of Titanic’s final passengers at the original White Star Line office in Cobh. This guided tour recreates the journey aboard Titanic, from check-in to the tragic end, with personal stories, recreated interiors and immersive visuals.
Barretstown Big Picnic
Kidare | 20th, July TBC
Brick Based Play Session
Leitrim | 24th July, 2026
Join the Midlands Brickx Club for a special Brick Based Play Session at Fenagh Community Centre. Designed for babies and toddlers up to 4 years old, the session includes hands-on building activities, imaginative play and refreshments afterwards. Booking is essential and places are limited.
GoQuest | Dublin
GoQuest in Carrickmines features more than 50 interactive challenge rooms where families work together to solve puzzles, complete physical tasks and test their teamwork. Junior and Arena experiences make it suitable for a wide range of ages.
Tearaways Pet Farm | Tipperary
Tearaways Pet Farm combines indoor soft play with outdoor adventure, featuring go-karts, a petting farm, sandpits and play areas. It’s a popular choice for younger children looking for a full day of fun during the summer holidays.
Flynn Park | Dublin
Flynn Park in Balbriggan, North County Dublin, is packed with outdoor adventures for families, groups and thrill-seekers of all ages. Just 25 minutes from Dublin city centre, the park features climbing walls, high ropes, abseiling, a giant swing, Dropzone, paintball, a water park and plenty more exciting activities. It’s also a popular choice for school tours, sports teams, corporate team-building events and group outings, offering action-packed experiences designed to challenge, entertain and create lasting memories.
Kilmihil Festival of Fun
Clare | 31st July - 3rd, August
The Kilmihil Festival of Fun returns for a packed August Bank Holiday weekend of family entertainment, live music, sport and community celebrations. From children’s activities and vintage displays to duck races, traditional music sessions, fireworks and family games, there’s plenty happening throughout the festival for all ages to enjoy.
Malahide Castle & Gardens | Dublin
Wander 260 acres of woodland and parkland, visit the historic castle and let the kids loose in one of Dublin’s best playgrounds. A peaceful escape just minutes from the city.
Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival
Offaly | 31st July - 7th August, 2026
Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival returns for eight days of arts, culture and community celebrations in the heart of Birr. One of Ireland’s longest-running festivals, the programme features visual art, theatre, music, exhibitions, family activities and the popular Vintage Parade, bringing visitors together for a lively summer festival atmosphere.
Squirrel’s Scramble | Wicklow
This high ropes adventure park beside Killruddery House features zip lines, bridges and woodland trails. A thrilling experience for active kids and parents alike.
Bay Sports | Roscommon
Lough Ree is home to Europe’s largest inflatable water park. Kayaks, pedal boats and paddle boards are also available for families looking to get out on the lake.
Spraoi Waterford
Waterford | 31st July - 2nd August, 2026
Spraoi International Street Arts Festival returns to Waterford City for three days of free street theatre, music, circus performances, dance and spectacular entertainment. Visitors can enjoy world-class performers, colourful street shows and the famous Spraoi Parade, which concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the River Suir on Sunday night.
Bray Air Show
Wicklow | Saturday 1st August, 2026
The Bray Air Display returns to the Wicklow coast on 1st August 2026, bringing an afternoon of thrilling aerial displays and family entertainment. Watch fast jets, vintage aircraft, aerobatic teams and formation flying demonstrations above Bray Seafront, while enjoying a funfair, food and craft village, military displays and family activities throughout the day. A highlight of the summer calendar, the event attracts thousands of visitors each year and is free to attend.
Jurassic Newpark | Kilkenny
Dinosaurs come to life at Jurassic Newpark, where families can explore life-sized dinosaur trails before bouncing into the huge Jurassic Bounce inflatable attraction. Packed with obstacle courses and giant inflatables, it’s an ideal day out for energetic children.
Stradbally Steam Rally
Laois | 1st - 3th August, 2026
The National Steam Rally returns to Stradbally Hall for three days celebrating Ireland’s steam and vintage heritage. Visitors can enjoy working steam engines, vintage tractors, classic vehicles, traditional crafts, demonstrations and family entertainment, with the popular Steam & Vintage Parade taking place in Stradbally on Saturday afternoon.
Castlecomer Discovery Park | Kilkenny
Set in woodland, Castlecomer offers climbing, ziplining, canoeing and a junior playground, plus a craft village and relaxed trails for quieter exploring.
Emerald Park | Meath
Ireland’s biggest theme park features thrilling rollercoasters, gentle rides, water flumes and a zoo with big cats and birds of prey. Ideal for full family days out.
Heart of the Glens Festival
Antrim | 3rd-10th, August
Doagh Famine Village | Donegal
Now reopened following a recent fire, Doagh Famine Village continues to share the story of Irish life from the 1840s to today. Built around original thatched cottages, the immersive tour includes life-size exhibits, historical buildings and cultural displays. Please support this important local attraction.
Dublin Horse Show
Dublin | 6th-10th, August
The Dublin Horse Show returns to the RDS for five days of world-class show jumping, family entertainment and Irish culture. Alongside more than 160 equestrian competitions, including the prestigious Aga Khan Nations Cup, visitors can enjoy artisan food and drink, shopping, live entertainment, fashion events and the popular Best Dressed competition, making it one of Ireland’s biggest and most celebrated summer events.
Moynalty Steam Threshing
Meath | 9th August, 2026
The Moynalty Steam Threshing Festival returns for its 51st year with a weekend celebrating Ireland’s rural heritage, traditional crafts and vintage machinery. Visitors can enjoy steam engines, horse-powered farming demonstrations, vintage vehicle displays, live music, craft stalls, family entertainment, a dog show and a headline performance from Nathan Carter and Band.
W5 | Belfast
W5’s summer programme includes the incredible Dinosaurs Survive! experience, with roaring animatronics, baby dinosaurs and interactive fossil fun. Older children can also join full-day summer camps packed with science, coding, robotics and creative tech.
Donabate Portrane Summer Festival
Dublin | 7th-9th, August
The Donabate Portrane Summer Festival returns for three days of family entertainment, community fun and live performances. Visitors can enjoy a funfair, street entertainment, live music, craft stalls, family activities, a sensory-friendly opening evening and a spectacular fireworks finale on Sunday night.
The Playstation | Kilkenny
This local favourite has a multi-level play frame, toddler area and party zones. It’s bright, tidy and always a hit with young kids.
Belmullet Festival
Mayo | 9th-16th, August
Belmullet Festival returns to the heart of Erris for a week of community celebrations, culture, entertainment and family fun along the Wild Atlantic Way. Visitors can enjoy a welcoming festival atmosphere, with highlights including Heritage Day and the popular Lá an Logha (Fair Day), alongside a variety of activities and events throughout the week.
Explorium | Dublin
Explorium combines science, technology and sport across hundreds of interactive exhibits. Test your reactions, race in Formula One simulators, explore optical illusions and discover hands-on activities that encourage children to learn through play.
The Playdium | Kerry
Kerry’s largest soft play centre includes toddler zones, slides and seating for parents. A good all-weather option with solid on-site facilities.
Rose of Tralee Festival
Kerry | 14th-18th August, 2026
The Rose of Tralee International Festival returns to Tralee for five days of entertainment, culture and celebration. Alongside the famous Rose Selection nights on 17th and 18th August, visitors can enjoy live music, parades, street performances, markets, family activities, a funfair and fireworks as the town welcomes Roses from around the world.
National Heritage Week
Ireland | 15th-23rd August, 2026
National Heritage Week returns from 15th to 23rd August with hundreds of free events taking place across Ireland. Families can enjoy guided walks, storytelling, craft workshops, castle tours, wildlife activities, archaeological experiences and hands-on heritage events, making it one of the best opportunities of the year to discover Ireland’s history, culture and natural heritage.
Aquadome | Kerry
One of Ireland’s top indoor waterparks, with rapids, slides and bubble pools. There’s also a vitality spa, gym and mini-golf next door. A top pick rain or shine.
Ould Lammas Fair
Antrim | 22nd-25th August, 2026
Ireland’s oldest fair returns to Ballycastle for four days of tradition, entertainment and family fun. Visitors can enjoy hundreds of market stalls, artisan food and craft markets, horse trading, street performances, funfair attractions and the famous local treats, Yellow Man and dulse, as the seaside town comes alive for one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic events.
Wild Ireland | Donegal
Step into the past at Wild Ireland where bears, wolves, lynx and other native species roam in a recreated Celtic rainforest. A unique wildlife sanctuary with a strong conservation message.
Oughterard Show
Galway | 30th August, 2026
The 61st Oughterard Show returns on Sunday 30th August with a full day of agricultural competitions, livestock classes and family entertainment. Visitors can enjoy horse, pony, cattle, sheep, dog and poultry competitions, alongside domestic arts displays, children’s activities and plenty of attractions for all ages.
Go Kids Go | Dublin
Whatever the weather, Go Kids Go is a fantastic indoor family day out with multi-level play areas, slides, climbing frames, ball pools and laser tag all under one roof. Open seven days a week, it’s the perfect place for children to burn off energy while parents relax in the café, with adults and non-walking babies admitted free.
There’s even more happening throughout the summer with Summer Camps, timed play sessions and a choice of themed birthday party rooms including Princess, Super Heroes, Minions, Glitter & Glow and Laser Parties. Whether you’re visiting for everyday play, celebrating a birthday or looking for school holiday fun, Go Kids Go has something for all ages.
Dublinia | Dublin
Step back into Viking and Medieval Dublin with interactive exhibitions, historic streets, costumes and hands-on displays that bring history to life. Throughout the summer until 31st August, children go free every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, making Dublinia one of the best-value indoor family attractions in the capital.



