Fun ideas for a day out in Northern Ireland

There is adventure for all the family to enjoy in Northern Ireland all year round. To get you ready to make some wonderful memories on an action-packed getaway, Discover Northern Ireland has come up with some fun-filled places for families to enjoy.  We've included quirky activities, hidden gems and big hitters unique to Northern Ireland, all of which are perfect for your next giant family adventure. What are you waiting for? Get discovering!

Take your family on a giant tour of our flora and fauna

Exploris Aquarium, Portaferry, Co. Down

• Are you ready for an underwater adventure the whole family will love? A sunken galleon, friendly sharks and a snappy crocodile are all part of Northern Ireland’s only Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary. At the end of your exploring why not stop off in The Kraken Bar & Grill? Grab a freshly cooked meal to energise you for the day ahead or to refuel following your visit. https://www.explorisni.com/

Cranfield Alpacas, Kilkeel, Co.Down

• If you're a lover of animals, you’ve got to meet and greet the gentle, friendly alpacas at Cranfield Alpacas near Kilkeel. Go on one of the guided tours and get up close and personal with these friendly furry creatures with stunning panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains as your backdrop.  https://cranfieldalpacas.com/

 Marble Arch Caves, Florencecourt, Co. Fermanagh

• The Marble Arch Caves is home to incredible activities and experiences for everyone. Visitors for Guided Cave Tours can experience a fascinating natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers while stunningly beautiful cave formations glisten all around.  For young explorers, check out the Wildlife Detective Activity, where you will have an opportunity to undertake a mini-beast hunt and at the Animal Seek and Find Tent learn about all the animals that call this woodland their home. https://marblearchcaves.co.uk/

Embrace your sense of adventure with wild outdoor and indoor experiences

Colin Glen, Belfast

• Spread over two sites is a land of storytelling and a state of the art sports park with The Black Bull Run, an Alpine Coaster; River Rapid, the longest zipline on the island of Ireland and so much more. For the little ones, check out the Gruffalo Trail where you can search for the famous characters in the woods, listen wide-eyed and wondered to the classic tales and take home your very own Gruffalo book and certificate. https://www.colinglen.org/

Erne Adventures, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh

• For the water sports enthusiasts, take cycling off the road and onto the waters with Erne Adventures hydrobikes. Or if hydrobikes aren’t your speed, check out Enniskillen Island Katakanu or the eBoard adventures. With free on-site parking and within walking distance of Enniskillen Town Centre, this is sure to be a day out to remember for the whole family. Plus, why not bring your dog along for the ride, too? https://www.erneadventures.com/

The Lost City Adventure Golf, Belfast

• Perfect for budding explorers and adventurers of all ages, The Lost City houses two incredible 18-hole indoor adventure golf courses. Put your skills to the test against crumbling relics, jungle animals and incredible special effects – giant fun for all ages! https://www.lostcityadventuregolf.com/belfast/

Curry's Fun Park, Portrush, Co. Antrim

• Formerly known as Barry’s, Curry’s Amusement Park is a must for visitors to the Causeway Coast. Why not create special memories by paying a visit to the iconic amusement centre? Perhaps you’ll be brave enough to go on The Big Dipper, then again sometimes watching is just enough. https://www.currysfunpark.com/ (reopening soon)

Journey into the unknown and tap into a world of knowledge

Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

• Feel yourself step back in time to the Old World and uncover tales of the brave emigrants who set sail across the Atlantic towards the New World. At the Ulster American Folk Park near Omagh, you can feed your curiosity exploring thatched cottages, meeting traditional costumedcharacters and stepping aboard a full-scale emigrant ship for an immersive first-hand experience. https://www.nmni.com/Ulster-American-Folk-Park/Home.aspx

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Co. Armagh

• Send excitement levels into orbit at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium where you can explore our planet, solar system and the galaxy from inside the cutting-edge Digital Dome Theatre. Learn what life is like on our closest neighbour Mars, how astronauts survive and even get to touch real 6-billion-year-old meteorites. For the young astronaut in your family, there are tons of fun shows to enjoy and learn from this summer. https://www.armagh.space/

Navan Centre and Fort, Co. Armagh

• Home to the gods and goddesses of ancient Ireland, and training grounds to the warrior Cú Chulainn, Emain Macha – or Navan Fort as it is now known – is steeped in lore. Step back in time to the Iron Age with interactive experiences that bring you face-to-face with ancient Celts. Be sure to bring your sense of adventure! After all, you’re at the court and ancient seat of the Kings of Ulster.  https://visitarmagh.com/places-to-explore/navan-centre-fort/ 

For more information on amazing accommodation around every corner, mouth-watering food and drink, epic activities for everyone and much more, check out your giant guide to short breaks here www.discovernorthernireland.com/featured-pages/your-giant-guide-to-short-breaks.