Summer Family Fun in Belfast

Say hello again to the animals at Belfast Zoo! Spend the day visiting over 140 species of mammals, birds and reptiles, including giraffes, bears, penguins and sea lions.  Enjoy 52 acres of beautiful grounds where you can see resident animals and reconnect with nature. Have fun in Belfast Zoo’s exciting large play park, cross the crocodile creek, tunnel through meerkat mound or slither to snake island amongst many other fun activities.

Irish FA Tours tells the unique story of Northern Ireland football from 1880 to present day using a variety of media, interactive displays, key artefacts and behind the scenes access. The Education and Heritage Centre is self-guided and visitors will have one hour to explore the centre before the official stadium tour begins. Irish FA staff and tour guides will be at hand to assist and make your visit the best possible experience.

Make a splash at Andersonstown Indoor Aqua Park. A family pass allows big kids to take the plunge on three exhilarating, high speed water slides, while the little ones enjoy the aqua adventure play area. Groups of up to 8 can hang ten at Surf Belfast, Northern Ireland’s only indoor surf simulator. Booking for each activity is available through the Better UK app.

Ready for a family challenge? Take on Prison Island’s 31 prison-themed cells, inspired by the ‘Crystal Maze’. In teams of two to four people you are free to move around and try any cell, in any order, with a great mix of physical, tactical and skill-based games there’s something for everyone.

Custom built by the industry experts at WiBit, their specially designed inflatable park comes loaded with obstacles and dripping with fun. Safely secured and floating on a 12-acre spring fed lake, which sits surrounded by treelines and quaint rural countryside, come and enjoy a session splashing around in nature’s ultimate playground.

Adventure through Belfast unlocking a secret trail, solving puzzles & completing challenges earning points along the way. Learn fun facts & discover hidden gems. Will you conquer the Quest?

Enjoy an epic adventure with the whole family at The Lost City Adventure Golf, with two indoor 18-hole jungle themed golf courses complete with incredible special effects and interactive obstacles. Make your way around the course through simulated thunder and lightning storms, and challenge your skills against rainforest animals and moving walls! After your game, order freshly made pizzas and snacks, as well as cocktails, mocktails, milkshakes and coffees from the on-site café.

High Rise is an adventure centre in Lisburn with lots of activities for all the family – with Clip ‘n Climb and soft play there’s something for all ages! High Rise has been designed to be inclusive and includes a Changing Places accessible toilet, to allow the whole family to enjoy outings together as well as two innovative sensory rooms featuring a wide range of interactive sensory equipment. Located just 10 minutes from Belfast and just off the M1 at Sprucefield, High Rise should be top of the list for anyone planning a family day out in Northern Ireland.

Adrenaline junkies can get excited over 200 acres of outdoor fun and a world-class selection of activities at Colin Glen Forest Park. This Summer why not try Ireland’s longest zipline at the park. If you’d rather keep your feet firmly on the ground, you can play lazer tag and archery or enjoy the golf course and TopTracer driving range.

Colin Glen Forest Park is a beautiful glen located in the southwest of Belfast, in the heart of the Belfast Hills. Visitors can enjoy peaceful woodland walks and little ones can follow the Gruffalo Trail.

Visit the Asian Short Clawed Otters, Humboldt Penguins and Hector the Capybara at Exploris Aquarium! With 100’s of Native & Tropical species, your journey will begin with a focus on the lough and Irish Sea before venturing into a tropical paradise. Their recently expanded outdoor area is not only home to the Seal Sanctuary but includes their new “Under the Sea Experience Exhibit” which is sure to captivate you.

This indoor family-run 21-hole golf course + a BONUS HOLE has been designed with only the golfer in mind. Golfers of all ages and sizes, regardless of talent, should feel like they can bring out their inner child and get that rivalry to an all-new high! They have adapted to make all players feel welcome, including the less able, with low level entrances and exits at the majority of holes.

Bring adrenaline-seeking teens to Let’s Go Hydro for some fun on the water. Let’s Go Hydro has returned with a phased opening for cable wakeboarding, open water swimming and aqua park fun.

Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes is a top destination for families, offering a diverse range of outdoor activities in a beautiful, natural setting near Belfast and the Mourne Mountains. Explore serene landscapes and meet friendly alpacas before enjoying some locally sourced refreshments at the coffee trailer or indulging in a luxury picnic!

Unleash your little one’s imagination at Nature and Nurture, an imaginative play center just a 15-minute drive from Belfast in Lisburn Square! Here, children can explore the role-play village filled with themed areas that spark creativity and learning.

Adventure awaits at these Award Winning Stables; Experience on Horseback the Serene, Rolling County Antrim Hills and Forests, or the Exclusive Off-Road Novice Trail. At Ballylagan Trail Rides, the horses have been highly trained and they also provide fitted helmets, riding boots and a familiarisation in the arena before you head out.

Explore 60 acres of wildlife brilliance at Strangford Lough, where you’ll find Ireland’s largest collection of native and exotic water birds. Full of the sights and sounds of nature, Castle Espie is a great day out for families of all ages with woodland walks, spectacular views of Strangford Lough, and hot and cold takeaway food to enjoy as you explore.

Pickie Funpark has always been one of Northern Ireland’s top attractions with an 18-hole mini-golf course, giant pedal swans, Pickie Puffer train and children’s play area. The park is a gateway to the Marine Gardens, a delightful stretch of coast for leisurely walk with views of Bangor Bay.

Visit Ark Open Farm for 40 acres of beautiful countryside and over 200 animals ready to welcome you back (plus lots of new baby animals born during lockdown). Outdoor play areas, tractor and carriage rides and a magical fairytale forest will make for a wild adventure this summer. Pack a picnic or relax and enjoy the Cottage Cafe serving delicious homemade food. Make sure to choose a time slot and book your visit in advance.