Beyond the Trees AvondaleTreetop walk through Wicklow forest, about an hour from Dublin, ending at a 12-storey viewing tower with a spiral slide. There is also a playground, forest walks and the Seed Cafe. Free under 3.
Cabinteely ParkSouth Dublin park with a well-kept playground, a walled garden, a nature trail and a cafe. Quieter than Marlay Park and popular with Dun Laoghaire families.
FreeAges 2-12Play area
Farmleigh House & EstateVictorian estate in Phoenix Park with free guided tours, a walled garden, a boating lake and regular family markets. The Boathouse Restaurant overlooks the lake.
Griffeen Valley ParkRiverside park in Lucan with a large playground, a duck pond, cycling paths and open fields. A popular family park in west Dublin.
FreePlay area
Irish National Stud & Japanese GardensWorking thoroughbred stud farm in Co. Kildare, about an hour from Dublin, with guided tours, a fairy trail, Japanese gardens and a playground. Best from March to September. Free under 3
Killruddery House & GardensEstate near Bray, about 45 minutes from Dublin, with formal gardens, a sandpit, resident chickens, seasonal tree climbing and the Grain Store Cafe. It overlooks the Sugar Loaf mountain. Best from April to October. Free under 4.
National Botanic Gardens GlasnevinBotanical gardens with Victorian glasshouses, a duck pond, a sensory garden and a children's discovery trail. Free to enter and usually quiet.
Phoenix ParkOne of Europe's largest city parks at 1,750 acres, home to wild deer, Dublin Zoo, the presidential residence and wide open space. Good for cycling, picnics and watching the fallow deer.
Free
Powerscourt Estate & Waterfall47 acres of formal gardens in Enniskerry, about 45 minutes from Dublin, including Italian, Japanese and walled gardens. Powerscourt Waterfall, Ireland's highest, is nearby. Avoca cafe on site with garden views. Free under 5.
St. Stephen's GreenA central city park with a large playground, a duck pond, fountains and wide lawns for picnics. Free to enter and one of the best-known parks in central Dublin.
Tymon ParkLarge park in Tallaght with a playground, a duck lake, a sensory garden and sports pitches. One of south-west Dublin's better family parks, with free parking.