Looking for a fun day out that offers something for everyone in the family? Then Belfast might be just the ticket. The city is packed with great family activities from the Titanic Quarter in the centre to the zoo on the outskirts. And right now is the one of the best times to visit the city.
Free Attractions
The good news is you don’t have to spend loads of cash to enjoy Belfast. Many attractions are free. For example, the whole family can enjoy a day spent wandering around the
Botanic Gardens and the
Ulster Museum, which are conveniently located alongside each other.
The Linenhall Library is free to browse and has enough going on to keep adults, as well as little bookworms, occupied for hours. It’s easily found in the centre of town at Donegall Square North.
Belfast Zoo and beyond
No trip to Belfast with the kids would be complete without visiting the zoo on the Antrim Road, especially at Christmas, when there are a number of additional festive attractions. There are more than 1,200 species of animal at the zoo, including wolves, monkeys, kangaroos, lions, bears, and penguins. Your own little animals will love it! Close to the
Zoological Gardens is
Cave Hill, the imposing mound that dominates the northern skyline wherever you are in Belfast. Up here, you’ll come across McArt’s Fort. At the entrance to
Belfast Castle on the slopes of the hill, the Visitor’s Centre has all the information you need about the site, as well as a restaurant and an adventure playground suitable for ages three to 14. Watch your older children make a beeline for the aerial runway!
Water load of fun
The swimming pool at
Shankill Leisure Centre boasts a wave-making machine, a children’s pool, and a variety of waterslides. Alternatively, the
Grove Wellbeing Centre has swimming facilities plus a wide range of other fun activities, including tunnels, slides, and ball pits to keep the kids occupied, while adults can rest their feet with a drink in the café. Check listings for special events.
Playtime for the kids
Stormont Park is another popular playground with three separate play areas. This is an ideal location for a picnic if the weather is good. On the Old Dundonald road,
Pirates Adventure Golf is sure to be a big hit with the kids, offering two separate pirate themed crazy golf courses. Meanwhile, closer to town,
Lunarland Amusement Park offers kiddie rides, pool and air hockey tables, a toddlers’ area, and video games. Those with a sweet tooth won’t want to miss a chance to visit
Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory. This place that has been making sweets since 1953 and has recently been refurbished in 1950s style. Kids will be enthralled to see how their favourite sweets are made.
An Odyssey of delights
The
Odyssey Arena is a huge sports and leisure facility in the Titanic Quarter that always has something going on. Try your hand at bowling at
the Odyssey Bowl, or visit the strangely named
W5, an award-winning science and discovery centre with over 250 interactive exhibitions. Depending on when you visit, there’s usually a theme. But, whenever you come to Belfast, you’re sure to find plenty to do for all the family.
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