Family days out in Northern Ireland: 17 of the best spots to visit this summer
By Helena McManus
Published 28th Jun 2023, 14:12 BST
Updated 28th Jun 2023, 16:50 BST
Looking for some ways to entertain the kids now that school’s out for summer?
Whether you’re after high energy fun at a water park or a low-key trek on a forest trail, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best family-friendly days out across Northern Ireland.
Many attractions operate on a booking-only basis, so be sure to check with each venue before you travel.
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From waterparks to forest trails, here are the top family days out across Northern Ireland this summer. Photo: Various
. Colin Glen SkyTrek, Belfast
Suitable for ages 10 and up, this activity starts visitors on the low ropes course before progressing to heights of 50 feet. The centre also has a fan descender free-fall, a 90 metre zip line, the Black Bull Run (Ireland’s first Alpine coaster) and 30-foot multi-level climbing wall. Visit https://www.colinglen.org/ for further details. Photo: Colin Glen
. World of Owls, Randalstown
Northern Ireland's premier owl, bird of prey and exotic animal conservation centre, World of Owls is based within the beautiful Randalstown Forest. The centre's other animal residents include mini-beasts, mammals, and reptiles. For details on opening times and ticket prices, visit http://www.worldofowls.com/ Photo: World of Owls
. The Lake, Kilrea
With over 11 acres of fresh water, The Lake is home to an inflatable waterpark where visitors can take on everything from giant icebergs and mega slides to wipeout balls and swirly bridges. You can also try out paddleboarding, kayaking and zip-lining over the water or, for the brave among you, the 40ft tall, 2-level slide The Beast. Suitable for those aged 6 and up. For more information, see https://thelakekilrea.com/ Photo: The Lake Kilrea
. Todds Leap Activity Centre, Ballygawley
If it's an action-packed day out you're after, this County Tyrone activity centre has it all: archery, blindfold driving, the climbing wall, a giant swing, off road driving, and paintballing. There's also the 150m long, four-person Tayto 'BigYella' slide; Granda Ben's Ethical Zoo Trail; ziplines, and air rifle shooting for the over 12s. Visit https://toddsleap.com/ for more details. Photo: Todds Leap Activity Centre
. Rosepark Farm, Ballymoney
From playparks, ziplines, a quad train and bouncy castles to meeting the farm's animal residents, there are a host of activities to keep kids entertained at this rural spot. No booking is required - visit the Farm's website www.roseparkfarm.co.uk for more details. Photo: Rosepark Farm
. We Are Vertigo, Belfast
We Are Vertigo has two fun filled venues in Belfast, with indoor skydiving, an inflatable park, and the Ninja Master course at Titanic Park. Newtownbreda also hosts an inflatable park as well as adventure climbing and soft play. Full details are available at https://wearevertigo.com/ Photo: Ryan Campbell
1. Colin Glen SkyTrek, Belfast
Suitable for ages 10 and up, this activity starts visitors on the low ropes course before progressing to heights of 50 feet. The centre also has a fan descender free-fall, a 90 metre zip line, the Black Bull Run (Ireland’s first Alpine coaster) and 30-foot multi-level climbing wall. Visit https://www.colinglen.org/ for further details. Photo: Colin Glen
2. World of Owls, Randalstown
Northern Ireland's premier owl, bird of prey and exotic animal conservation centre, World of Owls is based within the beautiful Randalstown Forest. The centre's other animal residents include mini-beasts, mammals, and reptiles. For details on opening times and ticket prices, visit http://www.worldofowls.com/ Photo: World of Owls
3. The Lake, Kilrea
With over 11 acres of fresh water, The Lake is home to an inflatable waterpark where visitors can take on everything from giant icebergs and mega slides to wipeout balls and swirly bridges. You can also try out paddleboarding, kayaking and zip-lining over the water or, for the brave among you, the 40ft tall, 2-level slide The Beast. Suitable for those aged 6 and up. For more information, see https://thelakekilrea.com/ Photo: The Lake Kilrea
4. Todds Leap Activity Centre, Ballygawley
If it's an action-packed day out you're after, this County Tyrone activity centre has it all: archery, blindfold driving, the climbing wall, a giant swing, off road driving, and paintballing. There's also the 150m long, four-person Tayto 'BigYella' slide; Granda Ben's Ethical Zoo Trail; ziplines, and air rifle shooting for the over 12s. Visit https://toddsleap.com/ for more details. Photo: Todds Leap Activity Centre