Family days out in Ulster | DAYoutWITHtheKIDS.co.uk | things to do for kids

If you know of any other great things to do in Ulster with kids which aren't listed on DAYoutWITHtheKIDS, please get in contact with us, so we can add them to the website and share the fun places to go with other children - thanks a lot

Family Days Out in Ulster

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Belfast Zoo

Belfast

Belfast Zoo Have fun at the zoo where you'll see more than 1200 animals including elephants and giraffes, monkeys and wolves, kangaroos and lions, bears and birds, turtles and tortoises, snakes and penguins. There's also a play park and a farm. Great idea if you are looking for family days out in Northern Ireland.

Botanic Gardens and Palm House

Belfast

Botanic Gardens and Palm House Fun for kids and adults the Botanic Gardens includes a children’s playground, giant bird feeders, rockery, rose garden and sculptures. Make sure you visit the Palm House with its mini jungle of exotic plants and birds of paradise!

Butterfly House and Seaforde Gardens

Downpatrick

Butterfly House and Seaforde Gardens A visit to the gardens and tropical butterfly house can be the perfect day out for all the family. Experience the beauty of free-flying tropical butterflies or challenge your sense of direction in Ireland's oldest maze or simply relax and enjoy the fine collection of trees and plants in the gardens.

Exploris

Portaferry

Exploris An award-winning aquarium with daily touch tank sessions so you can get really close to our underwater friends and it hosts one of the largest open sea tanks in the UK. There are also changing marine exhibitions and other activities and displays.

Seaforde Tropical Butterfly House

Seaforde

Seaforde Tropical Butterfly House The Tropical Butterfly House contains hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies, as well as parrots, reptiles and other creatures. Children's playground available.

Finvoy Fun Farm

Ballymoney

Finvoy Fun Farm Finvoy Fun Farm offers a family everything you'd want on a day out: see, meet and hold lots of different animals and play in their indoor and outdoor play centres. Great idea if you're looking for family days out in Ulster.

Streamvale Farm

Belfast

Streamvale Farm A family run dairy farm situated on the edge of Belfast, with play area, extra animals and beautiful views over the city and its surrounding hills.

Ballywhiskin Open Farm

Newtownards

Ballywhiskin Open Farm At Ballywhiskin you'll get a chance to see many rare breeds as well as goats, sheep, geese, bronze turkeys, bantums, hens and birds in a natural environment.

Clementsmount Fun Farm

Crumlin

Clementsmount Fun Farm Clementsmount Fun Farm is a real family day out combining animals and play park activities.

Ark Open Farm

Newtownards

Ark Open Farm Ark Open farm is home to about 200 different animals, many of whom are rare and endangered species of domestic animals. It also has play areas.

Tannaghmore Animal Farm

Craigavon

Tannaghmore Animal Farm This attraction offers close encounters with many animals including rare breeds of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry traditionally found on farms in Ulster 100 years ago.

Annaginny Farm Park

Dungannon

Annaginny Farm Park Come and see their animals close up: llamas, alpacas, wallabies, black swans, doves, mice and much more. Have a BBQ inside or out and then a bounce on the bouncy castle.

C and Js Animal Park

Craigavon

C and Js Animal Park An animal park where you can get up close and personal with many amazing creatures such as large snakes and lizards, as well as the cuter things to be seen like hamsters and bunnies!

Ulster Folk and Transport Museum

Holywood

Ulster Folk and Transport Museum The outdoor Folk Museum tells the story of life in early 20th century Ulster. The Transport Museum displays Ireland's largest and most comprehensive transport collection.

ECOS Millennium Environmental Centre

Ballymena

ECOS Millennium Environmental Centre The ECOS Millennium Environmental Centre shows visitors in a fun and dynamic way the major challenges facing our planet, how the problems are being tackled and what we can do about our effect on the environment.

Armagh Planetarium

Armagh

Armagh Planetarium Offers interactive displays and galleries, a state-of-the-art Digital Theatre and outdoor exhibits in the landscaped grounds. Great idea if you're looking for family days out in Ulster.

whowhatwherewhywhy

Belfast

whowhatwherewhywhy W5 is a world-class interactive discovery centre with over 160 amazing interactive exhibits housed in five action-packed exhibition areas. Great idea if you are looking for family days out in Ulster.

Belfast

W5 With over 250 fun and amazing interactive science exhibits in four incredible exhibition areas, W5 provides a unique experience as well as fantastic fun for visitors of all ages and a special area for under 5s.

Tropicana

County Down

Tropicana Splash out at Tropicana, Newcastle's outdoor heated leisure pool with a giant flume water slide. There are paddling pools just for toddlers and an outdoor sea water rock pool too.

Waterworld

Portrush

Waterworld Splash around at this indoor leisure centre with waterslides and jacuzzis or try your hand at some bowling.

National Aquatic Centre

Blanchardstown

National Aquatic Centre A truly world class facility for swimmers and divers, also boasting the AquaZone, one of the most technically innovative water parks in Europe and loads of rides for big and brave types.

Lagan Valley LeisurePlex

Lisburn

Lagan Valley LeisurePlex The Leisure Pool has the longest, fastest and most definitely wettest water flumes around, including: The Space Bowl; The Falling Rapids; Rubber Tyre Ride; Drag Racer; Master Blaster; Spa Pools; Sunken Pirate Galleon; Bubble Loungers; Dancing Water Fountain.

Shankill Leisure Centre

Belfast

Shankill Leisure Centre Swimming pool with wavemaker machine and corkscrew slide and children's pool with mushroom umbrella and dolphin slide.

Waves Leisure Complex

Armagh

Waves Leisure Complex In addition to standard swim facilities, offers a learner pool with water features especially popular with small children.

Bangor Aurora

Bangor

Bangor Aurora Leisure waters with flumes and sidewinder slide, plus standard swimming, diving and learner pools.

Cheeky Monkeys Indoor Play Centre

Ballyclare

Cheeky Monkeys Indoor Play Centre A small indoor play centre with friendly staff where kids can have fun on astroslides and tunnels and in soft play areas while parents relax over a cuppa. Great idea if you're looking for family days out in Ulster.

Kidz Club

Bangor

Kidz Club A fantastic indoor adventure play centre for under 12's featuring Large Inflatables, Large & Small Play Frames, and "Water Walkerz" our latest edition where kids can walk on water in our zorb balls.

Fun House

Newry

Fun House Let the kids loose in this well-equipped indoor adventure play centre with something for toddlers through to your fun-loving 12 year olds.

Sportsbowl

Ballymena

Sportsbowl At Sportsbowl your kids are sure to find something to keep them entertained, whether it be bowling, pool, 'kids' quadz', video games or a soft play area!

Finn Mc Cools Playground

Portrush

Finn Mc Cools Playground Finn Mc Cool's have got play centre fun for the young kids to the pre-teen. Ballpools and soft shapes for the under 4s, spiral tube slides and tunnels, cargo nets, obstacle courses and climbing wall for the over 4s.

Fun Works Play Centre

Glengormley

Fun Works Play Centre The huge play frame is crammed full of energetic activities from our four lane astra slide and crawl tubes to a mini football and basket ball area, plenty to keep the kids happy while you relax in our coffee shop or upper level viewing gallery and enjoy one of the cappuccinos

Castle Island

Enniskillen

Castle Island The West’s state of the art children’s indoor activity centre - safe and stimulating environment where children up to the age of 12 can enjoy and explore our multi-level play equipment.

Captain Jacks

Newtownards

Captain Jacks offer purpose built facilities designed to ensure you and your Little Shipmates have great fun again and again! Pirate themed softplay with little cars and sports areas.

The Play Cafe

Newtownnards

The Play Cafe A specially designed interactive play facility with play frames which are packed full of exciting and energetic activities to keep kids happy.

Alley Cats Indoor Play Centre

Coleraine

Alley Cats Indoor Play Centre One of largest Indoor Play/Party Centres: three level 5+ frame: corkscrew slide, mega-super slide, lookout tower, cargo bridge and more. Two level under 5’s frame: boggle-ball, ball-shower, carwash and more. Private birthday party alleys. Sit back and watch the children have fun and exercise. Cafe, Baby-changing, car-parking.

Peter Pans Neverland

Portadown

Peter Pans Neverland Features include a separate adventure play frame for the older children, a 60sq metre sports court, a 4 metre freefall drop slide, king-size trampoline and Ireland's first automated disco room!

Charlies Den

Lisburn

Charlies Den Under 11s will love the imaginative 'Woodland' themed multi storey play zones, with football court, dedicated toddler area, cafe and more.

Jumping Jacks

Lisburn

Jumping Jacks features a toddler area with mini football court, kart track area and slides; and a large adventure frame for the older children including a drop slide, rope bridge, 4 lane Astra Slide and sports area.

Little Imps Fun Factory

Banbridge

Little Imps Fun Factory A multi-level soft play structure which provides a safe, secure and stimulating play environment with dedicated play areas for babies, toddlers and juniors.

Mookie World

Belfast

Mookie World Thrilling multi storey soft play challenges for juniors, smaller versions for toddlers and appropriate entertainment for babies, plus a quiet zone with touch screen puzzles, air hockey and more.

Playzone

Newtonabbey

Playzone Outer space themed multi storey play area with slides, flumes, a climbing wall and much, much more: you will have a funtastic time!

Snakes n Ladders

Bangor

Snakes n Ladders boasts the largest play frame in Northern Ireland, mini 6-a-side football pitch and mini go-karts. Suitable activities for babies up to 11 years old in a secure monitored area.

Adventure Island

Antrim

Adventure Island Indoor play within the enormous shopping centre to give the kids a chance to run some energy off, complete with all the classic soft play features to entertain and exhaust. Under 4ft9s welcome.

Cheeky Chimps

Coleraine

Cheeky Chimps Clean, modern, spacious multi level adventure soft play packed with classic fun features to entertain and exhaust, in full sight of the parents' area.

Fun Factory

Ballymena

Fun Factory Large and small adventure play frames with age appropriate thrills including ball blast, vortex slides and pedal tracks.

Happy Town

Newtownards

Happy Town A fully themed play centre featuring huge play frames, the UK's first roller slide, Kids' Gym, Niteclub and Role Play areas like the Happy Town shop, Library, Fire Station and SO MUCH MORE!

Grove Wellbeing Centre

Belfast

Grove Wellbeing Centre Friendly zoo-themed soft play area offers fun for children aged one to 11. Full of clean, bright tunnels, slides, ball pit, climbing nets, rollers and a magic ball juggler!

Lunarland Amusement Park

Belfast

Lunarland Amusement Park Space themed adventure soft play with ride ons and toddler area, plus arcade for middle kids and proper gaming equipment for big ones.

Dinos Den at Comber Leisure

Comber

Dinos Den at Comber Leisure Slides, ball juggler, roller squeeze, biffbash forest and log ramp. Suitable for toddlers to 10 year olds. Set within a leisure centre offering plenty of sporting opportunities.

Gullivers Soft Play

Armagh

Gullivers Soft Play The ultimate play experience in Armagh with 3 fantastic storeys of exciting Soft Play with lots of new features to entertain children up to primary school age.

Whacky Wizz Ards

Newtownards

Whacky Wizz Ards 2 storeys of adventure soft play with a Spiral Slide into a Ball Pool, Wobbly Mirror, Spiders Web and Stepping Stones; plus a paddling pool for summer. For under 7s or under 130cm tall.

Aladdins Kingdom Play Centre

Tyrone

Aladdins Kingdom Play Centre is a children’s adventure playground and party world which includes a spiral slide, aerial gliders, rope bridges, swings and a haunted house!

Dr Gurgleys House of Fun

Tyrone

Dr Gurgleys House of Fun is a really lovely indoor adventure playground suitable for all children aged up to 10 years. Slides, ball pits and all the other classic fun features to entertain and exhaust the kids.

Mr Tumbles Fun House

Tyrone

Mr Tumbles Fun House Featuring spiral slides, twinlane wavy board, ball volcano, baby and toddler areas and plenty more to entertain and exhaust the kids.

Play Shack

Tyrone

Play Shack is a purpose built 3 storey interactive soft play area divided into three age groups, Under 2s, Age 2 to 4 and Over 4s. Tonnes of features!

Funky Monkeys

Belfast

Funky Monkeys is an indoor soft play facility with climbing frame and slide for under 8s also under 4ft3.

Belfast Castle Visitors Centre

Belfast

Belfast Castle Visitors Centre Belfast Castle Visitors Centre tells the story of Belfast Castle and its residents over the years as well as providing an insight into Cave Hill where it is situated.

Carrickfergus Castle

Carrickfergus

Carrickfergus Castle Carrickfergus Castle is one of Ireland's finest Medieval castles and stands impressive on the shore of Belfast Lough.

Giant's Causeway and Visitors Centre

Bushmills

Giant's Causeway and Visitors Centre - a World Heritage site and National Nature Reserve maintained by the National Trust. The Visitors Centre is a good starting point where you can learn about the origins of the Causeway - the mythology, the science and the nature.

Palace Stables Heritage Centre

Armagh

Palace Stables Heritage Centre The Heritage Centre is situation with the lovingly restored 18th Century Stables of the Palace Demesne. Costumed tour guides take you around the estate allowing you to relive life here in the late 18th Century.

Florence Court

Enniskillen

Florence Court Florence Court, maintained by The National Trust, is one of Ulster's most important 18th-century houses. Surrounded by a large area of parkland, garden and woodland, with breathtaking views to Benaughlin and the Cuilcagh Mountains, this is a day out for all the family.

Castle Ward

Strangford

Castle Ward Your children can immerse themselves in the Victorian Past at Castle Ward. There's also a farmyard to visit and an adventure play area.

Dundonald International Ice Rink

Belfast

Dundonald International Ice Rink A centre for all the family to enjoy, Dundonald International Ice Bowl has skating, bowling, an indoor adventure area for children as well as a new adventure golf course. Great idea if you're after things to do with kids in Ulster.

The Wigwam Roller Rink

Bangor

The Wigwam Roller Rink Get your skates on at The Wigwam Roller Rink, the only roller skating rink in Northern Ireland. Roller skating is suitable for all ages and abilities which makes it a great family activity.

The Ozone and Indoor Tennis Centre

Belfast

The Ozone and Indoor Tennis Centre Bruiseless shoot em up fun in Laser Zone, climbing wall with easy routes, tennis courts and classes for all ages.

Activities Ireland

Belfast

Activities Ireland Why not learn the basics skills of Canoeing or Kayaking, Climbing, Hill Walking, Archery, Coasteering or Bouldering, Orienteering or Mountain Biking?

Surfin Dirt Mountain Boarding

Bryansford

Surfin Dirt Mountain Boarding Mountain boarding is basically riding down a dirt slope on a huge wheeled skateboard you can steer. Huge fun! They also do disc golf.

Drum Manor Forest Park

Tyrone

Drum Manor Forest Park Great for a family hike, picnic or ramble; take binoculars and camera, good views and some natural wildlife spotting opportunities.

AWOL Paintball and Adventure

Monaghan

AWOL Paintball and Adventure A frankly enormous range of exciting outdoor activities, which they'll tailor down to your needs for the day. For over 8s.

Clip n Climb Dundonald

Belfast

Clip n Climb Dundonald is a uniquely themed indoor climbing arena with twenty-four different attractions. It is suitable for all abilities from beginners to professional climbers and is designed to challenge the mind as well as provide a healthy work out.

Brunswick Cinebowl

Derry

Brunswick Cinebowl Your kids can't fail to find something to do at this entertainment complex: cinema, bowling, pool tables, video games and adventure castle.

Dundonald International Bowling

Belfast

Dundonald International Bowling A centre for all the family to enjoy, Dundonald International Ice Bowl has skating, bowling, an indoor adventure area for children as well as a new adventure golf course. Great idea if you're after things to do with kids in Ulster.

Ballymena Sports Bowl

County Antrim

Ballymena Sports Bowl 16 lanes of top class Tenpin bowling provided by Brunswick, the Rolls Royce of bowling equipment. Kids' bowling balls and ramps are available on request. Also on site kids' quads, karts and an indoor play area!

Glengormley Sports Bowl

Glengormley

Glengormley Sports Bowl 16 lanes of top class Tenpin bowling provided by Brunswick, the Rolls Royce of bowling equipment. Kids' bowling balls and ramps are available on request. Also on site kids' quads, karts and an indoor play area!

Odyssey Bowl

Belfast

Odyssey Bowl Classic family friendly tenpin bowling with gutter guards and bowling ramps to give the kids a chance. Also do glow bowling for an extra edge!

Speedway Indoor Karting

Doagh

Speedway Indoor Karting Speedway Indoor Karting has 270cc Honda-powered Karts and mini-motos.

Eddie Irvine Sports

Bangor

Eddie Irvine Sports Karting School for 8 years plus, and laser combat for the same (but for groups). Indoor circuit 300m long.

Nutts Corner Circuit

Belfast

Nutts Corner Circuit Enjoy Speeds of up to 50mph on Northern Ireland's only European Standard Kart Racing Circuit. There is no age limit, only a height restriction of 150cm.

Belfast Treasure Hunt

Belfast

Belfast Treasure Hunt A great way for your family or friends to have a day out to explore Belfast. We have six great Treasure Hunts for you to choose from. Don’t forget when you complete the Treasure Hunt; you have a chance to win £1000!

Drumaway Junction

Donaghadee

Drumaway Junction Have fun taking a ride on this miniature railway or hire it out for your kid's birthday party.

Castle Espie Wildfowl Centre

Comber

Castle Espie Wildfowl Centre You'll have a wonderful day out at Castle Espie Wildfowl & Wetlands Centre, situated on the shores of Strangford Lough, watching and learning about exciting wildlife.

Carnfunnock Country Park

Larne

Carnfunnock Country Park There's something for everyone at Carnfunnock Country Park: colourful gardens and walking trails, a fun-packed family fun zone, a large activity centre and miniature golf course to name a few.

Marble Arch Caves

Co Fermanagh

Marble Arch Caves Marble Arch Caves are one of Europe's finest show caves allowing visitors to explore a fascinating, natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers.

Wallace Park

Lisburn

Wallace Park Ideal for families, with a good children's play area and lots of gentle walks for buggies and space to play for bigger kids. Also has a nice duckpond.

Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park

Belfast

Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park Featuring international camellia trials, a walled garden, a Japanese-style garden with water features for quiet contemplation, children's playground and orienteering and eco trails.

Stormont Park

Belfast

Stormont Park 3 separate age grouped areas with thrilling features like huge slides, zip lines, climbing frames, tunnels, swings, rockers and more plus picnic areas and some great views.

Cave Hill Playground

Belfast

Cave Hill Playground Suitable for children aged three to 14 and includes cradle swings, slides, spring rockers, sand play unit and a bicycle roundabout. For older children, there's a spectacular space net and aerial runway.

Victoria Park

Belfast

Victoria Park Home to a range of water birds such as swans, geese, ducks, herons and migrant waders. Play park for under 7s and plenty of open space too.

Loughgall Country Park

Armagh

Loughgall Country Park boasts an extensive children's play area includes swings, slides etc. as well as an Adventure Trail assault course for older children.

Murlough National Nature Reserve

Dundrum

Murlough National Nature Reserve At the edge of a popular beach the dunes are splendid for exploring and wildlife spotting. Self guided trails available, activity pack etc downloadable in advance.

The Zone

Fermanagh

The Zone For 8 to 16 years olds, unique and challenging outdoor adventure playground with separate sports and toddler areas.

Peatlands Park

Dungannon

Peatlands Park The park is rich in insects, particularly butterflies, moths, dragonflies and damselflies and many woodland and wetland birds and various species of nest here. Badgers and hares are also present, while lizards and newts can be found in the open bog areas.

Tyrella Beach

Down

Tyrella Beach The award winning beach offers a car free zone, off beach parking, safe bathing, dog free area, amenities, walks and tourist information. RNLI Lifeguards patrol the beach daily during July and August.

Ballycastle Beach

Ballycastle

Ballycastle Beach Sandy beach with spectacular views, good for sandcastles, shallow swimming and taking boat trips for bird watching and diving down to the shipwrecks around the island.

Portrush Whiterocks Beach

Portrush

Portrush Whiterocks Beach Blue Flag awarded sandy beach with summer lifeguard cover. Take a boat trip into the amazingly structured caves visible from the beach, or visit nearby Dunluce Castle.

4D Turbo Tours

Portrush

4D Turbo Tours Go on an adventure at 4D Turbo Tours, Ireland’s only 4D simulation ride.

Aunt Sandra's Candy Factory

Belfast

Aunt Sandra's Candy Factory Take a visit to this candy shop - re-done to look as it did when it opened in 1953 - and a tour of the factory to see candy being handmade to Aunt Sandra's traditional recipes.

Pickie Family Fun Park

Bangor

Pickie Family Fun Park A fun park that's a top venue for kids of all ages. Adventure playground, paddling pools, sandpit, mini go-karts and entertainers.

Tayto Factory Tour

Tandragee

Tayto Factory Tour Take a Tour round the Tayto Factory..

Indiana Land

Castlereagh

Indiana Land Become Indiana Jones for a day and go wild in this awesome jungle inspired indoor playground. Available to toddlers and children under 12 years old and 5ft in height, Indiana Land offers 3 levels of fun play equipment for the bravest explorer.

Pirates Adventure Golf

Belfast

Pirates Adventure Golf Two dastardly pirate golf courses played in the shadow of their ghostly fully rigged pirate schooner complete with firing cannons! Great effects.

Caveman Capers at Antrim Forum

Antrim

Caveman Capers at Antrim Forum is a soft play adventure land for children under eleven, where they can travel back in time to a land of cavemen and dinosaurs. It provides a safe indoor environment for children to run, jump, climb and have fun.

The Dunluce Centre

Antrim

The Dunluce Centre Offers thrills and enjoyment for the whole family including Ireland’s only 4-D Turbo Tours motion simulator, Finn McCools 3 floor soft play adventure playground, Darklight Laser Drome and a viewing tower which offers a superb panoramic view of Portrush coast.

Newcastle Centre

Newcastle

Newcastle Centre features Pedalo Swans, Go-Karts, Bowls, Tennis Courts, Pitch and Putt plus Crazy Golf! There are also an indoor baby sensory room and outdoor adventure play park available.

Superdrive Karting

Armagh

Superdrive Karting Home to some of the fastest, most exciting outdoor karting and rally tracks in Northern Ireland - from around 13 years.

Portrush Sea Tours

Antrim

Portrush Sea Tours Is a popular attraction offering sightseeing experiences by RIB. You will have the opportunity to see the local wildlife: birds, seals, porpoise and, if you're very lucky, dolphins and whales. This will most definitely be a trip to remember and an added bonus: children under 5 go free!

Thanks for all the great things to do in Ulster with kids you keep sending in.
Now we have the easter and summer holidays fast approaching, we're trying to find the best days out and as many fun things to do with kids as possible, especially cheap and free family friendly places to visit this year - theme parks, waterparks and swimming pools, museums, indoor playcentres and softplay for toddlers, petting farms, wildlife parks and zoos, aquariums, horse riding, castles, steam railways, pottery making and ceramic cafes, roller and ice skating rinks, karting tracks, snowdomes, dry and indoor ski slopes, climbing walls, activity centres, outdoor play at the best local parks, ten pin bowling alleys and all the other best family tourist attractions, that you can visit at the weekend.

Also teachers may find the site useful for ideas for the best places to take their classes on school journeys with many historical and educational atractions listed

So, if you've been for great days out with the kids, or a school trip, which isn't shown above, just send in an email and we'll add it on so people visiting on holidays and all the other children in Ulster can enjoy the great day out as well.