Family Things to Do at Home

Jigsaw puzzles are the perfect boredom buster, and we’ve created whole bunch of digital puzzles suitable for all ages, including pictures of Belfast Zoo, Exploris Aquarium, HMS Caroline and more. See the whole selection here. Or try the online jigsaw puzzles from National Museum’s Northern Ireland, and piece together the Ulster Folk Museum and pieces of art!

By National Trust, Mount Stewart
Every Tuesday morning, join a National Trust ranger on a live-streamed stroll through the grounds of Mount Stewart! Listen to the sounds of the birds, look out for wildlife and learn lots of facts about nature – the perfect way for little ones to explore the outdoors from their homes! Go to their Facebook page for more details.

By the National Trust
The National Trust is encouraging families to stay safe this spring with a programme of fun online content and ideas of things to do at home. From nature watching in your back garden to craft ideas and recipes, visit their website for family-friendly activities! Follow the National Trust on social media (@nationaltrust) for more tips and to share your creations.

By Belfast Exposed Photography Gallery
Belfast Exposed has a brilliant range of kids’ activities on their website, with more released every day. Challenges include story-telling through photographs and making photo comic strips, as well as crossword puzzles, word searches and spot the difference. Browse the whole collection at belfastexposed.org, where you’ll also find online exhibitions that grown-ups can enjoy too.

By Belfast Zoo
Get a behind-the-scenes peek at life at the zoo! While Belfast Zoo is closed to the public, the animals still need to the cared for and the zoo staff has been busy capturing footage of feeding times, elephant manicures and lots more, to bring the zoo to you. Kids will love the cute videos, pictures and fun updates, which can be found on Belfast Zoo’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with #BelfastZooComestoYou.

From Learning Space
Learning Space’s store in the Fountain Centre is closed until further notice, but you can still buy online. Specialising in educational resources and products that captivate and inspire children, there’s never been a better time to see what Learning Space has to offer! You’ll find resources to help with learning from home, as well as fun toys, family games and sensory items.

By Seamus Heaney HomePlace
Explore the life and works of Seamus Heaney through the enjoyment of engaging arts and craft based activities, using Seamus Heaney’s work as a source of inspiration to fuel an imaginative response.

By Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast has a fantastic range of downloadable activities and resources on their website, from word searches and worksheets, to maritime-themed craft ideas and experiments to do at home. Make a tin foil boat, or run some scientific experiments with salt water! Activities are suitable for kids aged three and up.

By George Best Belfast City Airport
Kids can download an activity pack from the Belfast City Airport website, where they can let their imagination soar and create their very own airline, make up a logo and write an on-board menu. Send or share their creations online tagging Belfast City Airport for a chance to be featured on their social media.

The team behind the Great Light in the Titanic Quarter has published a wonderful range for resources and activities for kids. With factsheets and craft ideas, little engineers can learn all about how lighthouses are made; find out how the Great Light changed over time and make their own lighthouses!

By RSPB
RSPB’s Seabird Centre and Window on Wildlife are closed but you can still discover the nature on your doorstep. Get together with the kids and join the RSBP’s Breakfast Birdwatch every weekday from 8am to 9am – visit their Facebook or Twitter to get involved. They also have fun online games and activities for little nature-lovers on their website.

By Ulster Rugby
Ulster Rugby has created a series of workbooks to add some fun to kids’ home schooling routines! The first two editions are available to download now, featuring word searches, spot the difference, an activity where they can create their own kit and much more!

By NI War Memorial
Add some fun to the history lesson from home with learning resources from NI War Memorial. Kids can learn about the Second World War through a range of fun activities, from making their own ration book to designing their own Spitfire. They can even try making some war-time recipes with the help of a grown-up.

By Unique Art Shop
Join Unique Art Shop online every Saturday at 2pm for art classes for kids. Find out more on their Facebook page.

By National Musuems NI
Did you know you can browse a huge collection of Ulster Museum’s artefacts online? Budding scientists can get a close-up look animal specimens like insects, birds, mammals and natural science displays.

By Linen Hall Library
Introduce your children to William Butler Yeats with the Linen Hall Library’s activity plan. Read some of the Irish poet’s work aloud together, then answer some fun questions about their myths and legends. The activity session also includes drawing and creative writing tasks too.