Days out to entertain kids during the summer holidays!

Living

4 min read

While we search, you can make the most of some extra time with the kids and enjoy fun days out across Northern Ireland that the whole family will enjoy…and they won’t break the bank!

Here are just ideas that can help you this summer…


Forest Parks

Forest Parks can be found across every county of Northern Ireland offering people a chance to embrace the natural beauty of the province while exploring the nature trails and woodlands. Whether it’s enjoying a leisurely stroll or embarking on an adventurous hike, why not pack up a picnic and make a day out of it.

Here are just some of the forest parks you can enjoy in your region:

County Antrim

Portglenone Forest, Glenariff Forest Park, Colin Glen Forest Park, Carnfunnock Country Park, Cave Hill Country Park and Woodburn Forest & Reservoir

County Armagh

Gosford Forest Park, Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Loughgall Country Park, Seagahan Forest and Carnagh Forest.

County Down

Tollymore Forest Park, Castlewellan Forest Park, Rostrevor Forest, Hillsborough Forest, Castle Ward Forest, Mount Stewart Forest and Clandeboye Forest.

County Fermanagh

Lough Navar Forest, Florence Court Forest Park, Castle Archdale Forest, Castle Caldwell Forest, Kesh Forest and Derrylin and Naan Island Forest

County Londonderry

Ness Wood, Loughermore Forest, Binevenagh Forest, Cam Forest, Derrynoid Forest, Downhill Forest, Somerset Forest.

County Tyrone

Gortin Glen Forest Park, Parkanaur Forest Park, Drum Manor Forest Park, Davagh Forest, Knockmany Forest and Cookstown Forest.

Beaches

Living in Northern Ireland we have the advantage of being less than an hour drive away from some spectacular beaches that hug the coasts of Down, Antrim and Londonderry as well as being accessible to the Wild Atlantic Way of Donegal.

With sea swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking proving more popular than ever, there’s never been a better time to head to your favourite beach, breathe in some salty sea air and feel the sand between your toes.

From Benone and Downhill Beaches in County Londonderry to Portstewart Strand, Portrush West Strand and Portrush Whiterocks Beaches on the North Coast and not to mention Tyrella, Cranfield and Murlough National Nature Reserve, these are just some of the beaches that can provide hours of fun on a beautiful summers day.

Parks & Playgrounds

Northern Ireland has a wide range of parks and open spaces to keep your little ones entertained, whether it is a local play park, a more adventurous playground, beautiful gardens surrounding a stately building or a country park that is only a short drive away.

Why not burn off some energy at some off the following parks across Northern Ireland:

County Antrim

Mo Mowlam Play Park - Stormont, Ormeau Park - Belfast, Botanic Gardens and Palm House - Belfast, Dunville Park – Belfast, Wallace Park - Lisburn, Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, Cave Hill Playground, The Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail, The People’s Park, Ballymena, Antrim Castle and Gardens, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

County Armagh

Tannaghmore Gardens - Craigavon, Lurgan Park, Moira Demesne, The Mall and Palace Demesne – Armagh, Edenvilla Park and People’s Park – Portadown, Slieve Gullion Giant’s Lair and Adventure Playpark.

County Down

Pickie Fun Park, Bangor, Bangor Castle Walled Garden, Crawfordsburn Country Park, Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, Delamount Country Park, Silent Valley Mountain Park, Seaforde Gardens & Tropical Butterfly House, Mountpanther Farm Park, Kilbroney Park – Newry.

County Fermanagh

Lakeland Forum – Enniskillen, Forthill Park and Cole’s Monument, Castle Archdale Country Park, Castle Coole, Florence Court, Crom Estate

County Londonderry

St Columb’s Park, The Playtrail, Ballyarnett Country Park, Drumahoe District Park, Roe Valley Country Park, Creggan Country Park, Diversity Park – Portstewart, Christie Park – Coleraine.

County Tyrone

The Argory, Peatlands Park, Dungannon Park, Benburb Valley Park

Museums

The museums across Northern Ireland are filled with informative, interactive and impressive collections that allow people of all ages to travel back through its rich history.

The most well-known museums would be Titanic Belfast, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Ulster American Folk Park, Tower Museum, Enniskillen Castle Museum, HMS Caroline and Navan Fort.

Most museums charge an entry fee but here are some that are free of charge: Ulster Museum, Northern Ireland War Memorial, Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museums, North Down Museum, Ulster Aviation Society, Down county Museum, Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum.

Please check the museum’s websites before visiting to ensure they are open and to keep up to date with their current guidelines.