Top 10 Family Fun Attractions in Belfast

Perched on the side of Cave Hill, Belfast Zoological Gardens has a wild and wonderful range of animals. This is one of the oldest visitor attractions in Belfast and the elephants, giraffes and baby gorillas never fail to get an ‘awwww!’.

The Ulster Museum is a firm family favourite with dinosaurs, an Egyptian mummy and curiosities from across the globe on show. Free admission and a regular programme of events and exhibitions means the Ulster Museum always has something to capture the imaginations of kids and adults alike.

Lost City Adventure Golf at Cityside Retail and Leisure Park has two indoor jungle-themed golf courses where players young and old can tackle Sunken Skull Ridge, Explorer Falls and lots of interactive obstacles. Players make their way around the course amidst simulated thunder and lightning storms and challenge their skills against rainforest animals and moving walls. If players get a hole in one on the 18th hole, much Inca Gold will come their way!

Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory is nationally renowned as one of the finest purveyors of handmade chocolates, fudge and boiled sweets, made from 100 year old recipes.A visit to Aunt Sandra’s is like taking a trip back in time where visitors can see how chocolates and fudge are made, most of which can be sampled as it’s being produced. They also offer workshops and shows where you can make any kind of treat you can imagine.

Fly without wings at Ireland’s only indoor skydiving centre! You’ll be swept off your feet with gusts of wind over 120mph as you feel the sensation of skydiving, accompanied by a trained instructor. Or test your skills on the Ninja Master Course – a 110 foot obstacle course of walls, hoops and challenges, suitable for all ages.

Take the kids out for some fresh air within easy reach of Belfast city centre at Barnett Demesne, located next to Malone House. The park features an arboretum, daffodil garden, ecotrail, orienteering routes and a children’s playground (near Shaw’s Bridge), or for those looking for a little bit more adventure, you can try the bike trails and jump parks.

Rediscover The Chronicles of Narnia with a walk through CS Lewis Square, a public space commemorating the Belfast-born author, CS Lewis. Kids will love the seven bronze sculptures from ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’, including Aslan, Mr Tumnus and the Beavers. Then pop into the family-friendly Jack Coffee Bar for hot drinks, snacks and light lunches.

This award-winning museum showcases the wonderful world of steam trains, giving you the chance to step on the footplate of an engine and get on board historic carriages! There’s a children’s play area where little ones can dress in Edwardian clothes and make believe they are train drivers and passengers.

Ready for a family challenge? Take on Prison Island’s 25 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.

Please note W5 is temporarily closed to the public.

Do you fancy launching a rocket, or flying a plane? Want to sneak up on a butterfly or find out about the rock beneath your feet? At W5, your imagination and curiosity are the keys to unlocking worlds you’ve only imagined! Meet RoboThespian, W5s life sized, humanoid, interactive robot who can move, speak, educate, interact and entertain! Or have an adventure on ClimbIt, a huge multi-storey climbing structure, which is a cross between a maze and a jungle gym.