September is painfully close, so here is a list of places worth visiting around Dublin before the school year starts:
1) Ardgillan Castle & Gardens & Playground
Beautiful castle, wonderful garden, state-of-the-art playground
http://ardgillancastle.ie/playground/
2) Tayto Park
The unmissable theme park & zoo of Ireland
3) Clara Lara Fun Park
Outdoor Adventure Park (a change of clothes is usually necessary)
http://www.claralara.com/frames.htm
4) Fort Lucan
Outdoor Adventure Playground with go-karts, a crazy golf course, waterslides and more
5) Clonfert Pet Farm
Outdoor & indoor play area, picnic areas, farm animals and more
http://www.clonfertpetfarm.com/
6) Red Mountain Open Farm
Indoor & outdoor play areas, toy tractors, horse and carriage rides, farm animals and more
http://www.redmountainopenfarm.ie/
7) Greenan Farm, Museums & Maze
Mazes, farm museums, farm animals, wild nature walks
8) Rathbeggan Lakes
Heritage Park, Fun Valley (Art Barn, Mini Land Rovers, Water Pistol Zone etc), Fairy Garden, High King Tower and more
http://www.rathbegganlakes.com/
9) Ireland's Eye
A 15-minute boat trip to a REAL island
+ 1 (or rather, 2)
Liffey River Cruise and Viking Splash Tour
To see the city from a different perspective
http://www.dublindiscovered.ie/
Have Fun!