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.

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.

Inspired by the TV game show Crystal Maze, Prison Island is a totally unique concept in Northern Ireland. Form a team and solve challenges in 25 cells to see if you can ‘beat the bars’. The experience is suitable for families of all ages and promises plenty of action, adrenaline and adventure.

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. Clip ‘n Climb is for kids aged 4+ (and adults!) and soft play is for little adventurers up to age 8. The centre has been designed to be inclusive and accessible to allow the whole family to enjoy outings together, and includes a Changing Places accessible toilet. 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.

Delve beneath the waves and discover colourful coral reefs, tropical fish and sharks in smugglers cove at Exploris Aquarium! Then visit the otters, seals, jellyfish and reptiles. Relax with a coffee in the Cracken Cafe and Restaurant or browse the gift shop for a sea-themed souvenir. Time slots are available throughout the day, with limited numbers to allow for social distancing.

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.

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.