Kid-friendly picks that turn a Festival day into a full-on family adventure
Your next adventure is in Dublin, Ohio! The Dublin Irish Festival returns July 31 through Aug. 2, and with kids under 11 admitted free, load your car for a weekend full of music, play, crafts and up-close encounters, all with plenty of value for the whole family.
Start with a Pep in Your Step
Let’s get the whole family moving. While the grown-ups tackle the Dublin Irish Festival 5K sponsored by IGS Energy on July 30 (before the Festival kicks off), kids can jump into the action with a 1/4-mile Kids Dash race. There are two age groups, 5 and under and 6 and over. Sign up early, spots will go fast.
Evenings of Entertainment
Immerse yourselves in music, dance and culture across seven stages and 60+ acts. Hear from world-renowned performers such as Gaelic Storm, the Gardiner Brothers, the Brigideens and more! Don’t forget to check the app for showtimes so you don’t miss your favorite act!
Pot O’ Gold Playland
Kids ages 2 to 11 can run, jump and climb their way through the ultimate play zone! A Pot O’ Gold Playland ticket includes one day of unlimited play with more than 15 inflatables and activities, so they can go all-out while you soak in the Festival. Once onsite, online tickets are scanned and exchanged for wristbands at the Playland entrance.
Wee Folk Area
Even the littlest festivalgoers have something at the world’s largest three-day Irish Festival. The Wee Folk Area, sponsored by Wendy’s, is a must-see for free family fun, including music, storytelling and dance instruction. Check the schedule on the Dublin Irish Festival app. And don’t leave without a little Festival treasure from our kid-friendly vendors.
Take-a-Break Space
Located by the East Entrance, this indoor, air-conditioned calming space is available for everyone’s use and includes sensory activities and equipment.
Travel Tips and Festival Feedback
With so much fun, it’s important to plan ahead! Here are our top things to consider before embarking on your Irish adventure.
- Pro tip: Purchase a family pack! Sold online only; the family package includes two one-day admission tickets and two Pot O’ Gold wristbands. Kids 11 and under are free and do not require a Festival ticket.
- Know how to pay. The majority of the Festival is now cashless and all beverage locations are credit card only. But some food vendors only accept cash. ATMs and reverse ATMs are available on-site for guests.
- Make safety a priority. Stop by the Identi-kid/Dublin Police Safe Space located at the north, east, southwest and southeast entrances to obtain a free wristband that will display the child’s name, age and parent’s phone number in case of separation.
- Pack prepared. Sunscreen/poncho in anticipation of the weather are must-haves. Bring a refillable water bottle and take advantage of the three water bottle refill stations throughout the Festival for free, clean and safe drinking water. Guests may bring one small insulated soft-sided bag, no larger than standard 6-pack size (6” x 8” x 5”).
- Decide how to travel. Getting to the Festival is part of the fun! Whether you roll in by bike, scooter, car or rideshare, getting here is easier than ever. Hop on a free wheelchair-accessible shuttle from nearby parking lots, take advantage of expanded bike and e-scooter parking with volunteers ready to help or grab a Lyft discount code from the Dublin Irish Festival website the week before the event. However you arrive, we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
