Accessible Family Friendly Experiences in Belfast

Belfast Zoo, which is home to more than 120 species of animal, is located on Cave Hill. This means some of the paths are steep. The zoo map highlights steeper areas of the zoo, which can help you plan your visit.  

The zoomobile is an accessible buggy that can carry wheelchair and non-wheelchair users. Visitors can choose to have either a two-hour tour or to be dropped off at the top to the zoo to make their own way back down. Both must be booked in advance.  

Visitors can also rent manual wheelchairs. Mobility scooter users are welcome, and they should make sure their vehicle is suitable for the terrain.  

The zoo was recently awarded Autism NI’s Impact Award, and disabled visitors can use the “fast track” route through the Zoovenir Shop if there is a queue. Carers can get free entry.  

There are accessible toilets at four locations including the cafes, and a Changing Places at the visitor centre.  

The zoo has a large car park with disabled parking bays near the entrance of the visitor centre. Bus routes for the Antrim Road and Bellevue run past the zoo, and there is a bus stop at the entrance to the grounds. There is then a 500m uphill walk to the visitor centre.  

The zoo has its own access guide, and a visual guide that walks you through the sights and sounds you can expect on your visit is available by email. Further information is available on AccessAble.  

The zoo also has regular quiet hours and an annual sensory day.  

A listed former bank, 2 Royal Avenue is now a cultural and community hub at the heart of Belfast’s main shopping district.   

There is a sensory dome with light and sound display, a quiet room, a “cosy” play area and comfy seating. An accessible toilet is located in a potable cabin to the rear of the building. Wheelchairs, fidget toys and headphones are available to borrow.  

“The staff and volunteers are very friendly and really support your visit.” 

Holly is a Deaf, BSL user. When she is shopping in the city centre, she always calls in to 2RA (as the locals call it) for a coffee or a bun. There’s usually an exhibition and often an event on, and she always gets a warm welcome.  

Dundonald Ice Bowl has regular inclusive skating sessions, which are recommended by Belfast-local Jo, a wheelchair user and adventure lover. Equipment includes sledges, and companions can go free.  

There is ramp and lift access throughout the complex, which also includes ten-pin bowling and an indoor adventure area for under 12s.  

There is a sensory room, and ear defenders can be borrowed on site.  

Their Before you visit guide for Autistic visitors, is “the loveliest guide I have ever seen”. 

Sarah, disability activist and carer  

The Mo Mowlam Play Park in the Stormont Estate has been designed so that children of all abilities can play together. It includes an inclusive play area with a roundabout and a swing that can accommodate a wheelchair, low-level lookout tower and a trampoline. There is also a multi-sensory play area. Communication boards pair words commonly used in play with images so that children can express themselves.  

There is a coffee dock and a toilet block at the play park and a Changing Places at the car park. 

More information on getting there and getting around is available on AccessAble. 

“Surrounding by woods and park land, it doesn’t feel like being in the middle of a city. It is so inviting and fun and a great place to bring kids of all ages.”  

Ciara is mum to two Autistic boys, one in his teens and one under 10, who is non-verbal. The playpark is designed so that children of all abilities can play together. She particularly loves the communication board.   

The High Rise Indoor Adventure Centre is in Lisburn, a 10-minute drive from Belfast. It includes Clip ’n Climb, soft play and two sensory rooms.  

There is a café, accessible toilets and a Changing Places.  

They are Autism NI Impact Champions. Ear defenders are available to borrow, and an alternative entrance is available on request that avoids busy areas and gives direct access to the sensory area. Sunday mornings are designed for Autistic children and adults with no music, fewer visitors, supportive instructors and shorter safety briefings.  

W5 is an award-winning science and discovery centre for children and their families. Carers can get free tickets.  

W5 is located in the middle of the Odyssey Pavilion. Glider, Metro and Airport Express bus services all stop outside the Pavilion. There is also a taxi rank at the entrance, and disabled parking bays are available in car parks to the front and rear. The nearest train stop is Titanic Quarter, a 15-minute walk away. This is not suitable for people with reduced mobility as it involves steps and a footbridge. 

Some exhibitions include strobe lighting and strong magnets, which staff at the ticket desk can turn off. There is a quiet room, and visitors can borrow ear defenders.  

Visitors can borrow a wheelchair from reception.  

There is tactile and Braille signage for some exhibitions.  

There are accessible toilets on all levels of W5 including at the coffee shop, and there is Changing Places on the ground floor.  

W5 has its own access guide, and you can find more information on AccessAble.

“My brother loves to build things, and there’s lots of play areas to enjoy. Even Mum and Dad got stuck in. I think they might have enjoyed this more than me!”  

Joshua, 10. Joshua and his brother are Autistic. His eyes light up when he visit W5. He just loves the place.