Right, the kids are officially sick of their new toys after two days, and we need to get out! This weekend (Jan 03-04, 2026), we've got a last chance to catch The Snow Queen panto at The Helix, which is pure festive chaos. For a calmer vibe, check out the Babies & Toddlers Storytelling at Bewley's – finally, something actually for the little ones!
Quick Picks
Letter to Your Future Self
Dublin Library
A surprisingly thoughtful, free activity where you write a letter to be mailed back to your future self in a year—even the older kids might get into it.
Family Movie: Turning Red
Dublin Library
Perfect for a Sunday afternoon downpour—bring a blanket and settle in for a family-friendly flick.
Babies & Toddlers Storytelling – It's a Colourful World
Bewley's Grafton Street
A sensory workshop and play experience specifically for babies, so you can actually relax a bit!
Letter to Your Future Self
A cool, chill activity where you write words of wisdom to your future self to be mailed back in a year. It’s surprisingly engaging for teens who need a break from screens.
Why we picked it: It’s a free, thoughtful activity available all day Saturday, perfect for a low-key start to the weekend.
Dublin Gothic
This is the last weekend to see this critically acclaimed play at the National Theatre. It's dark and dramatic, so maybe best for teens who love a bit of moodiness, not the little ones.
Why we picked it: It’s a major national theatre production ending its run this weekend—great for older kids interested in drama.
TradFest Gigs: The Henry Girls - Tracks in the Snow
As part of TradFest, The Ark is hosting The Henry Girls—it’s a chance to see quality live music in a kid-friendly venue. It might be slightly outside the usual for the little ones, but great for music-loving tweens.
Why we picked it: A limited-run music event happening as part of the wider TradFest, offering a cultural boost to the weekend.
Baby Cubs Music Class in Dundrum
If you’ve got a wee one under five, these music classes are brilliant for getting them moving and meeting other local parents. It's a perfect way to kick off the Saturday morning routine.
Why we picked it: A specific, recurring class for the under-5s that offers a routine amongst the holiday chaos.
The Snow Queen
It’s the very last day for this year's panto madness, so if you haven't gone yet, now's your moment! Expect Lola and Buddy for a whirlwind journey to Merryville packed with magic and laughs. Grab the last few tickets quick before they're gone for the year.
Why we picked it: It’s the final performance day for a huge Dublin festive tradition, making it a high-energy, last-chance event.
Family Movie: Turning Red
If the weather turns nasty on Sunday, this is your easy fix—a free screening of Pixar's 'Turning Red'. They suggest bringing a blanket to get cosy on the floor, which sounds dead relaxing.
Why we picked it: A genuinely free, indoor, structured activity for a gloomy Sunday afternoon.
Exhibition: Turner as Inspiration
The Gallery's longest tradition exhibition focusing on Turner’s incredible light work is on all weekend. It’s free to wander in, and you can grab a free sketchpad/activity sheet if they have them on, keeping little hands busy.
Why we picked it: A high-culture fix that is totally free and runs all weekend long, perfect for dipping in and out of.
Babies & Toddlers Storytelling – It's a Colourful World
This is a proper sensory workshop and play experience led by an artist, specifically for babies and toddlers. It’s a nice way to get out of the house without a massive energy drain.
Why we picked it: It’s a rare, dedicated sensory event for the under-3s that isn't just a standard storytime.
Dublinia: Viking Games & Tales
Forget a boring museum trip; Dublinia's Living History guides tell quirky tales and let the kids play Viking games. It's super interactive and much better than you remember from school trips.
Why we picked it: It’s a consistently engaging, interactive history experience that often gets overlooked for newer attractions.
Exhibition: Under the Big Oak
This is a free exhibition featuring illustrations about animals adapting to climate change—it’s visual and gentle. It’s a nice, low-pressure way to experience The Ark without booking a pricey show.
Why we picked it: A completely free exhibition offering a quiet, thoughtful activity in the heart of the city.
Explorium - Junior Zone
If you need to burn off some serious energy, the newly relaunched Explorium is brilliant—the Junior Zone is specifically for the under 7s. It’s hands-on science, tech, and sport, so you’ll actually learn something while they tire themselves out.
Why we picked it: A major interactive science centre with a dedicated zone for younger kids, great for blowing off steam indoors.
Dundrum On Ice
The ice rink is still going strong into the first weekend of January, so get your skates on before it packs up for the year! It’s a proper festive throwback activity right in the middle of the chaos of Dundrum.
Why we picked it: It’s one of the last weekends to enjoy this popular seasonal activity before it disappears until next winter.
Alpine Skate Trail Dún Laoghaire
If you're feeling a bit more coastal, Dublin’s first ice skating *trail* is still running down by the DART line. It's a bit different from a standard rink and the sea air is good for the soul!
Why we picked it: It’s a unique outdoor skating experience by the sea, making it feel less 'mall' and more 'adventure'.
GoQuest (Junior Section)
This is an indoor mission-based challenge game, kind of like Crystal Maze for kids. The Junior section is perfect for the 9-12 bracket—they love trying to beat the clock and race around the arena.
Why we picked it: A high-energy indoor activity that really challenges primary school-aged kids and teens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Dublin this weekend?
There are a few genuinely free options this weekend (Jan 03-04)! You can write a time capsule at the Letter to Your Future Self event at the Dublin Library on Saturday, or wander through the stunning Exhibition: Turner as Inspiration at the National Gallery of Ireland on both days.
Where can I take the little ones (under 5s) this weekend?
For toddlers, check out the Babies & Toddlers Storytelling – It's a Colourful World event at Bewley's Grafton Street on Sunday morning. Alternatively, the Explorium in Sandyford has a dedicated Junior Zone for ages 2–7 for hands-on science fun all weekend.
Is there anything left to do that feels like Christmas?
Yes, this Sunday, January 4th, is your absolute Last Chance to see The Snow Queen panto at The Helix before it finishes for the year. It will be packed, so book now if you want to go!