Father’s Day in Belfast

Whitehead Railway Museum has started doing their popular steam train rides again, with rides available from 11am to 4pm every Saturday in June and for a Father’s Day special on Sunday 20 June. Climb aboard at the 1907 platform and enjoy a short ride up and down the site while sitting in a vintage carriage hauled by a beautiful steam engine!

Belfast Zoo promises the ultimate family day out. Perched on the side of Cave Hill, it has a wild and wonderful range of animals including elephants, lions, penguins, bears and a new baby giraffe! New accessibility features have also been added recently, including Changing Rooms facilities and a new wheelchair-guided tour of the zoo (booking required).

See what Ulster was like 100 years ago at Ulster Folk Park, where you can wander through a bustling town filled with period buildings and encounter costumed locals demonstrating traditional crafts in cottages, farm dwellings, schools and shops.

Rediscover the legacy of the world’s most famous ship on a family day out at Titanic Belfast. Trace the story of RMS Titanic from her conception to completion, to her famous journey and subsequent place in history. Tickets must be booked online in advance.

If your dad’s got an adventurous side, treat him to a day out at We Are Vertigo or Vertigo Titanic Park. From indoor skydiving to the Ninja Mastercourse, Inflatable Park and indoor ski slopes, there’s plenty of adrenaline-fuelled family fun to choose from.

Give dad the chance to let off some steam at Axe Yard, where he can throw real axes at wooden targets! Axe throwing is suitable for those aged 18 and over, so older families can settle the score with a friendly competition. Or check out Prison Island, which is located at the same venue – a series of prison themed challenge cells inspired by Crystal Maze, suitable for ages six and up.

Andersonstown Indoor Aqua Park is a must for water-based family fun. Offering three high speed water slides, a surf simulator and children’s adventure aqua play area, there’s something for everyone. Try the Abyss – the first vertical drop slide in Ireland where you let the floor drop beneath your feet, plunging you into the ride of a lifetime.

As well as a host of outdoor activities, Colin Glen Forest Park is home to a challenging nine hole golf course and a state-of-the-art Top Range driving range – the perfect family day out for dads who love to golf.

Book a family meal out in one of Belfast’s many family friendly restaurants. Choose from international or local cuisines, with plenty of children’s menu options for little ones too.

The five-star, Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast, has come up with something crafty and unique to help treat dads this Father’s Day.

The head chef, Dean Butler and his team created the Crafternoon Tea, replacing dainty finger sandwiches with hearty delights such as pork and leek scotch egg, mini steak burger, fish finger and homemade tartar sauce bap – all accompanied by two local hand-crafted beers from Whitewater Brewing Co.

Give your dad the gift of food with a Belfast Restaurant Voucher. Accepted at over 60 eateries across the city,  he’ll be spoilt for choice.

Order a custom-made hamper or jar from Old Time Favourites sweet shop. Pick the sweets you want or browse their Father’s Day collection on their website, which includes traditional sweets, American candy boxes and luxurious gift hampers.

Locally roasted and full of flavour, Belfast Coffee Co offers the perfect gift for dads who love a quality coffee. This family run company using an age-old recipe to roast their beans in the Titanic Quarter and they specialise in infused coffees such as their Dunville Whiskey flavoured bean. Pick up a bag from a local stockists or from their premises in Ballyhackamore.

Belfast-based shoemakers Robinson’s Shoes offer a huge range of luxury and casual footwear. Browse the summer 2021 collection in their store in Queen’s Arcade and find the perfect pair for your dad this Father’s Day.

Sporty dads will love something from SS Moore Sports. Visit their store on Chichester Street for Ulster and Irish Rugby kits, as well as running gear and sportswear from popular brands.