National Botanic Gardens (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is National Botanic Gardens?
Children up to 12 can follow the free Family Trail, try paid art workshops and watch ducks; toilets and kid-menu assist parents, but no playground and ball games are forbidden.
Positives:
- Free entry and trails: Entry to all gardens and glasshouses is free, allowing flexible visits.
- Pram and wheelchair access: Wide paths and free wheelchairs at the Visitor Centre make moving around easy.
Challenges:
- No playgrounds: Picnics, ball games, and playgrounds are not allowed; bring quiet activities for kids.
- Crowded glasshouses: Glasshouse corridors can get busy, so plan early or late visits to avoid peak times.
What is National Botanic Gardens?
- A 19.5-hectare scientific garden and research institution in Glasnevin, Dublin, founded in 1795 under the Royal Dublin Society
- A living collection of over 20 000 plant species cultivated across formal gardens, an arboretum, alpine beds and waterlily ponds
- A historic Victorian glasshouse complex featuring the 1850s Palm House, Tropical Ravine and other 19th-century structures
What is so special about National Botanic Gardens for with kids?
- Explore interactive Victorian glasshouses with diverse plant collections.
- Use the free family trail for games and learning.
- Join seasonal summer activities like pond dipping and bug safaris.
- Benefit from pram-friendly paths and accessible facilities.
- Relax with child-friendly meals in the on-site café.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to explore the main glasshouses and outdoor gardens without tiring younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in National Botanic Gardens
Historic Glasshouses:
Wander through the Palm House and Tropical Ravine inside the original Victorian glasshouses.
Tip: Leave strollers outside and carry minimal gear to fit through narrow paths.
Self-guided Family Trail:
Follow the free trail map from the Visitor Centre with games and plant-spotting points.
Tip: Pick up the map on arrival and let kids mark each stop.
Wild Garden Adventure:
Join free summer activities like pond dipping and bug safaris for kids aged 8+.
Tip: Bring waterproof shoes and binoculars for July–August sessions.
Garden Tearoom Kids’ Menu:
Enjoy child-friendly meals and snacks in the café overlooking the gardens.
Tip: Use high chairs and indoor seating if the weather turns rainy.
When is the best time to visit National Botanic Gardens (Dublin, Ireland)?
In summer (July–August), join Wild Garden Adventure activities. In May–June, catch rose blooms at peak. In autumn, enjoy colourful foliage in the arboretum. On wet days, head to the glasshouses for sheltered exploration.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of National Botanic Gardens (Dublin)
Karen Garzón
A beautiful and peaceful escape in the city! The Dublin Botanic Gardens are full of vibrant flowers, towering trees, and serene walking paths. The glasshouses are stunning, with tropical plants and exotic species that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. It’s the perfect place for a quiet stroll, photography, or just to relax and enjoy nature. Free entry makes it even more special...
Fiona Feeney
Absolutely Stunning place. Free entry. The gardens and the palm houses were just amazing. All kept so well. The restaurant was great too. Highly recommend the sausage roll. Yum! And the carrot cake was very tasty too.
Eva Martinez
I live in Dublin and visit the Botanic Gardens all year round. Every season has something new to see. The flowers and plants change constantly, the glasshouses are gorgeous, and the whole place is so well looked after. Perfect for a peaceful walk. Never gets old
Harsha Venkata Sai Chundru
The National Botanic Gardens in Dublin is a lovely place to spend a few relaxing hours. The gardens are beautifully maintained, with a wide variety of plant species, including some rare and unusual specimens. I highly recommend taking a guided tour, as the guides are knowledgeable and really enhance the experience with interesting facts and stories about the plants and the history of the gardens. ...
Divyeshgiri Jitendraguiri
The National Botanic Gardens in Dublin are a peaceful and beautiful place to visit. The variety of plants and flowers is incredible, and the greenhouses are stunning—especially the tropical and orchid houses. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing walk or to learn more about different plants. The gardens are very well maintained, and there’s plenty of space to just sit and enjoy nature. Great for fami...
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Weekday guided tour (4 tickets) | EUR 8 |
| Café lunch and kids' snacks | EUR 36 |
| Car parking (2 hours) | EUR 2 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 46 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to National Botanic Gardens
- Start early: Arrive around opening time on weekends to enjoy quieter gardens.
- Pick up a trail map: Grab the free family trail map at the Visitor Centre to guide kids through points.
Map of National Botanic Gardens
Address: Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 VY63, Ireland
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About National Botanic Gardens
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+353 1 804 0300See available options
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