Nothing beats a day at the zoo. Sure, there are plenty of things for families to do in Dublin (link) but the zoo, in the heart of the Phoenix Park, tops many a list. With a huge variety of animals and a strong element of conservation, Dublin Zoo is the perfect spot for a family adventure.

As well as the usual exhibits and animals, Dublin Zoo hosts a series of different events and clubs, particularly during the school holidays. We’ve rounded up some great upcoming events to tie in with your visit to Dublin.

Dublin Zoo Kids Club

Completely new for 2016, the kids club runs on the second Saturday of every month from April through to October. Each month, the club will focus on a particular animal or group of animals that live at Dublin Zoo. The club runs from 11am – 12.30pm, and is suitable for kids aged between 8 – 12. Pre-booking is essential.

Elephantastic Weekend

In celebration of the fantastic elephants that live at Dublin Zoo, this weekend will include a number of events around the Kaziranga Forest Trail. You’ll be able to check in on the zoo’s latest elephants – who can forget the excitement in 2014, when three elephant calves were born within 10 weeks of each other? Elephantastic weekend takes place on 28^th and 29^th May.

New Wolves

Speaking of new arrivals… Dublin Zoo’s latest residents are a pack of eight grey wolves. The new pack are a family, with an alpha male and female and their offspring, and they range in age from two to ten years old. The pack have only been in the zoo for a few weeks, but are settling in well. You can also keep an eye on them on the zoo’s webcam.

Sunset at the Zoo

While Dublin Zoo is a wonderland for kids, the adults aren’t left out of the festivities. Sunset at the Zoo is an evening event that opens up the zoo to a limited amount of people, who experience the sights and sounds of the Zoo usually out of the public eye. There’s an evening tour and special talks, followed by dinner and live music. The next Sunset at the Zoo is being held on Friday 27^th May.

You can find out more about all of these events on the zoo’s website.

The Croke Park is only a short 15-minute hop from Dublin Zoo, and the hotel has an excellent package for families who want to enjoy the zoo.

The Dublin Zoo Family Package includes:

• Overnight accommodation for two adults and two children in a Superior Room
• Family pass to Dublin Zoo
• Full Irish Breakfast
• 3-course evening meal in The Sideline Bistro

Prices start at €229 for 2 adults and 2 children (up to the age of 12 years). You can see more and book online on the website.