Skip to Content

16 Best Things to do in Belfast With Kids (For All Ages)

16 Best Things to do in Belfast With Kids (For All Ages)

95% of guides to the best things to do in Belfast with kids give you the same recommendations over and over.

Now, don’t get me wrong – the zoo and parks with well-maintained playgrounds are the old reliables.

However, there are plenty of other great family activities in Belfast that will keep the kids (and the adults!) amused.

In the guide below, you’ll discover a mix of ideas for memorable family days out in Belfast, with activities for toddlers all the way up to teens.

The best things to do in Belfast with kids

things to do with kids in belfast map

 

Take 20 seconds to look over the map above, as it will show you where each of the places I discuss below are located.

Scroll down to read about everything from waterparks and forest trails to rainy day family days out in Belfast.

1. W5

W5 Belfast

Photos via W5 on FB

W5 in the Odyssey complex is arguably one of the most unique things to do in Belfast with kids.

This is a science and discovery centre that features 8 zones and 250+ interactive exhibits.

Highlights include:

  • Climbit: A multi story climbing experience
  • The Lost Planet: A multi sensory activity zone for kids 3-11
  • Med-Lab: Kids will learn about medicine development

Note for parents: As this is one of the most popular kids activities in Belfast, it’s strongly recommended that you book tickets

 

2. Belfast Zoo

Belfast Zoo

Photos via Tourism NI via Ireland’s Content Pool

Few family days out in Belfast rival the zoo. Located on the side of Cave Hill, Belfast Zoo boasts a vast variety of species with over 1,000 animals.

Established in 1934, the zoo has a rich history linked to Belfast’s public transport system and has evolved into a significant conservation site that welcomes 300,000+ people each year.

While you can easily spend a full day admiring Asian elephants, penguins, giant ant-eaters, kangaroos and Sumatran tigers, there’s also a whole program of activities.

There are daily talks and feeding sessions that you can join, as well as a learning centre for the whole family to get involved in.

The zoo has been one of the most popular things to do in Belfast with kids for decades now, so you know you’re onto a winner here.

 

3. Let’s Go Hydro

Let's Go Hydro

Photos via Let’s Go Hydro on FB

Let’s Go Hydro can be found in Carryduff, a 10-minute spin from the city centre. This is Ireland’s biggest aqua park and it boasts top-notch water spots facilities;

Visitors can enjoy the inflatable Aqua Park, cable water sports like kneeboarding and wakeboarding, or tubing.

The resort also features kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, and forest walks.

There’s a family pass for around £80 for a family of four and it’s £100 for a family of five.

It probably isn’t one of the kids activities in Belfast that you’ll do every weekend, but it’s perfect for special occasions or a unique family outing.

 

4. Colin Glen Forest Park

Colin Glen

Photos via Colin Glen via Ireland’s Content Pool

Perhaps one of the best things to do in Belfast with kids, Colin Glen Forest Park is one of the leading adventure parks in the country.

Spread across 200 acres of parkland on the Colin River in Belfast, there’s an endless number of activities to enjoy.

There’s the Gruffalo Trail (a forest walk featuring statues from the book), the SKYTrek high-ropes course, archery, laser tag, golf course, and an indoor sports dome.

New additions include the Black Bull Run alpine coaster and River Rapid zipline, elevating the adventure park to a whole new level.

 

5. We Are Vertigo

We Are Vertigo

Photos via We Are Vertigo on FB

We Are Vertigo is another of the more unique things to do in Belfast with kids. It’s located near the iconic Titanic Belfast Museum and is home to the only indoor skydiving centre in the region.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can experience:

  • Dizzy X: Conquer climbing towers, monster-sized slides, and defiant obstacles (ages 1+)
  • Ninja Master Course: For those aged 6+ who love a challenge.
  • Indoor Skydiving: Fly without wings at Belfast’s Titanic Quarter Indoor Skydiving Centre (ages 4+)
  • Adventure Climbing & Soft Play: High and low ropes courses, a 30ft climbing wall, and a 3-tier soft play village (ages 1+)

Oh, and there’s also the World’s Largest Inflatable Park with areas for ages 4+ and a toddler area for under-3s!

 

6. Streamvale Open Farm

Streamvale Open Farm

Photos via Streamvale Open Farm on FB

Tucked away in the hills on the edge of the city, Streamvale Open Farm offers a very wholesome family day out in Belfast.

Here, education and entertainment combine in charming rural setting. Here’s a glimpse of what you can enjoy:

  • Junior Play Barn: A new soft play area for under 5s.
  • Cuddle Time: Interact with newborn rabbits and chicks
  • Tractor and Barrel Rides: Rides with mighty countryside views
  • Big Bounce Barn: Inflatable fun in, you guessed it, a barn
  • Play Village: Ireland’s first agricultural-themed play village
  • Sheepdog Show: Watch Pip expertly round up sheep
 

7. Prison Island

Prison Island

Photos via Prison Island on FB

If you’re looking for things to do in Belfast with kids that’ll also appeal to adults, this prison-themed challenge on Balmoral Road is well worth checking out.

The 25 cells are inspired by the Crystal Maze and require a combination of physical and tactical skills for teams of two to four.

While it’s not an escape room per se, the goal is to score as many points as possible within the given time.

There’s also a live scoring system, adding pressure as you compete against other teams.

Suitable for everyone aged nine to 99, you can take the whole family for some tactical fun.

 

8. Airtastic Entertainment Centre

Airtastic Entertainment Centre

Photos via Airtastic on FB

Airtastic Entertainment Centre in Newtownabbey offers a fantastic day out with a variety of activities for all ages.

Enjoy 12 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, try and win prizes at the amusements arcade, or relax at the American-style diner, NY Kitchen.

The massive Inflata Park features activities like Beat The Wall, Freefall, and Drop Slides.

Battle it out in the Laser Tag arena or let the little ones explore the Soft Play centre.

 

9. Lost City Adventure Golf

Lost City

Photos via Lost City on FB

Another handy option for those of you looking for things to do with kids in Belfast when it’s raining is Lost City Adventure Golf.

There are two locations in Belfast:

1. Belfast Odyssey (Queens Quay)

Home to two exciting 18-hole indoor mini golf courses. Test your skills in urban wastelands and abandoned parks with impressive effects.

2.  The Lost City (Cityside Retail Park)

Battle against jungle critters, crumbly relics and special effects across two 18-hole adventure golf courses.

 

10. Andersonstown Indoor Aqua Park

Andersonstown Indoor Aqua Park

Photos via Andersonstown Aqua Park on FB

Located in West Belfast, Andersonstown Indoor Aqua Park is the largest in Northern Ireland!

The main attractions here are the slides—visitors can conquer three high-speed water slides, including a drop slide, master blaster, and body slide.

You can also try your hand at Surf Belfast, Ireland’s only indoor surf simulator.

The centre additionally features a 25m pool, a learner pool, Little Lagoon for toddlers, and an Aqua Play Area for under-12s.

 

11. Bowling and ice skating

Dundonald International Ice Bowl

Photos via Dundonald International Ice Bowl on FB

Dundonald International Ice Bowl is arguably best-known as being home to Northern Ireland’s only public, Olympic-size ice rink, but it’s far from a one-hit-wonder.

There are several activities that kids can enjoy here:

  1. Indiana Land (for under 12s): Kids can enter a jungle-themed indoor play area complete with tunnels, rope bridges, and a giant vertical slide.
  2. Ice Skating: Public sessions take place 7 days a week and kids can choose from a variety of sessions, including DJ skate sessions
  3. Xtreme Bowling: Bowling… in the dark with ultraviolet lights, DJ entertainment, smoke effects and disco lighting

If you’re looking for kids activities in Belfast that’ll get them away from the screens, this is a great option!

 

12. Trails, hikes and parks

cave hill walk

Photo left via Shutterstock. Others via Google Maps

Many guides on fun things to do in Belfast for families contain mainly indoor attractions, which is a shame, as there are some great walks in Belfast.

Now, the trails you tackle will be very dependent on the ages of your kids.

If you’re looking for gentle strolls:

If your kids are older:

 

13. Ulster Museum

Ulster Museum

Photos via Ulster Museum on FB

Ulster Museum in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens houses a vast collection of curiosities from past and present, with something of interest for all ages.

It’s here that you’ll be immersed in art, history, and natural sciences. Some of the main attractions include:

  • The Art Gallery: Explore permanent and rotating exhibitions in the Art Zones
  • The Troubles and Beyond Gallery: Learn about local and global histories, including the Troubles
  • Natural Science Zones: Discover incredible collections of rocks, meteorites, and dinosaurs
  • Discovery Centres: Interactive centres for all ages to learn about art, history, and nature
  • Exhibits: Face-to-face encounters with dinosaurs, Spanish sailors, Egyptian mummies, and more
 

14. Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory

Aunt Sandra's Candy Factory

Photos via Aunt Sandra’s on FB

Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory on Holywood Road has been keeping sugar-levels-topped-up in East Belfast since 1953.

It’s here that you’ll discover the largest selection of tasty treats in the capital. And the best part? They’re all handmade!

There are three main experiences here:

  1. The candy demo: You’ll see home lollies and boiled sweets are mode
  2. The chocolate workshop: Work with your family to create chocolate treats
  3. The factory experience: Professional candy makers aid you in making a lollipops and boiled sweets
 

15. Playgrounds in Belfast

playgrounds in belfast

Photo licensed from Stihl024 2nd

Often, the easiest (and arguably the best, if you’re looking to tire them out!) answer to the question “What to do in Belfast with kids?” is “The playground!”

Belfast boasts numerous playgrounds dotted across the city centre and its surrounds. Here are several worth trying:

  • Cave Hill: Located here
  • Mo Mowlam Play Park: Located here
  • Ormeau Park Playground: Located here
  • Queen Mary’s Gardens Playground: Located here
  • Victoria Park: Located here
  • Belmont Park: Located here
 

16. Irish FA Tours

YouTube video

Dive into the heart of Northern Irish football at one of the Irish FA Tours at the Education and Heritage Centre at Windsor Park.

This spot showcases the rich history of football in Northern Ireland with media displays, hands-on activities, and key artefacts dating back to the 1880s.

Feel the match day buzz, learn about the on-field drama, and soak up the atmosphere of the stadium.

Your visit includes an hour exploring the Centre and a one-hour guided tour of the stadium. It’s a must-visit for any football fan!

Still struggling to find things to do with kids in Belfast? Ask away in the comments below!

 

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.