🌳Antrim Lough Shore Park

A historic castle and gardens offering a beautiful blend of nature and history. Highlights include the 17th-century castle ruins, the elegant Long Gallery, and the formal parterre gardens. Families can explore the giant yew tree, the moat, and the recently restored Victorian conservatory. - Children will love the large adventure playground with swings, slides, and climbing frames, as well as the wide open spaces for running and picnicking. - Facilities include a café, toilets, and ample parking. The gardens are mostly flat, making it easy for pushchairs. - Practical tips: free entry, open daily from dawn to dusk. The gardens are particularly beautiful in spring when the tulips are in bloom. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Streamvale Open Farm is a family-run working farm in Carryduff, County Antrim, offering a hands-on experience for children and adults. Highlights include animal petting and feeding (lambs, goats, pigs, calves, and more), bottle-feeding lambs, pony rides, tractor and trailer rides, and indoor and outdoor play areas. The farm also features a large indoor soft play barn, pedal tractors, go-karts, and a bouncy castle. There's a farm shop and cafe serving local produce and homemade treats. The farm is particularly popular with toddlers and primary school-aged children, with activities that encourage interaction with animals and outdoor fun. - Animal petting, bottle-feeding, and feeding sessions - Pony rides, tractor rides, and go-kart tracks - Indoor soft play barn for rainy days - Farm shop and cafe with homemade food - Seasonal events like Easter egg hunts and Halloween spooktaculars

Kells Town Park is a community park located in the village of Kells, County Antrim. It features a modern playground with equipment suitable for children of various ages, including swings, slides, and climbing frames. The park also has well-maintained football pitches and open green spaces ideal for picnics and ball games. - Playground: Safe, rubber-surfaced area with toddler swings, a roundabout, and multi-play units. - Sports: Two full-size football pitches and a multi-use games area (MUGA) for basketball or tennis. - Facilities: Benches, picnic tables, and a small car park. Public toilets are not available on site, but village amenities are nearby. - Ages: Toddlers to teenagers will find something to enjoy, with separate areas for younger and older children.

Divis and the Black Mountain is a vast upland area managed by the National Trust, offering panoramic views over Belfast and beyond. Families can explore open moorland, heath, and woodland on well-marked trails. Highlights include the summit of Black Mountain (390m) with its trig point and stunning city backdrop, and Divis Mountain (320m) where you can spot wildlife like skylarks and foxes. - Best for children aged 5+ who enjoy hiking and nature. - The terrain can be boggy and steep in places, so sturdy footwear is essential. - There is a small visitor centre at the car park with information and basic toilets. - No cafe on site; bring your own picnic. - Parking is free for National Trust members, otherwise pay and display. - Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Practical tips: Check weather before visiting as the summit can be windy and cloudy. The paths are not pushchair-friendly. The area is mainly outdoor, so not a rainy day destination unless you're prepared for wet conditions.

Ecos Nature Park is a family-friendly outdoor nature reserve located in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Spanning over 100 acres, the park offers woodland walks, a large lake, a bird hide, and a natural play area for children. It's ideal for families with kids who enjoy exploring nature, spotting wildlife (including swans, ducks, and herons), and having picnics. The park has well-maintained paths suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. Facilities include a car park, picnic tables, and public toilets. There is no café on site, so bring your own snacks. The park is free to enter and open daily during daylight hours.

Lough Park is a public park located in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. It offers a large playground suitable for children of various ages, with swings, slides, and climbing frames. The park also features football pitches, tennis courts, and a multi-use games area, making it great for active families. There are well-maintained walking paths and plenty of green space for picnics or ball games. Facilities include public toilets and nearby parking. It's a free, outdoor space ideal for a family day out.

A sprawling country park on the outskirts of Belfast, offering stunning views of the city and Belfast Lough. The park is named after the five caves found on the side of the hill, and features the iconic 'Napoleon's Nose' rock formation. - **Highlights for kids**: Woodland trails, a natural play area with climbing boulders and slides, and the chance to spot wildlife like foxes and birds of prey. The park also hosts seasonal events like Easter egg hunts. - **Facilities**: Car park, picnic tables, and a visitor centre (open weekends). Toilets available at the visitor centre. - **Practical tips**: Wear sturdy shoes as some paths are steep. Free parking. Suitable for pushchairs on main paths. Dogs welcome on leads.

Helen's Bay Beach is a lovely sandy beach located within Crawfordsburn Country Park, just outside Bangor, County Down. It offers stunning views across Belfast Lough and is a popular spot for families, especially during summer months when lifeguards are on duty. - The beach is clean and safe for swimming, with rock pools to explore at low tide. - Facilities include a car park (pay and display), public toilets, and picnic tables. - There is a nearby playground and walking trails through the country park, making it ideal for a full day out with children of all ages. - The beach is accessible via a short walk from the car park, and pushchairs can manage the path.

Belfast Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals and 120 species, set in 55 acres of lush gardens on the slopes of Cave Hill. Families love the daily talks and feeds, including the sea lion and penguin demonstrations. The zoo offers a children's playground, a miniature train, and a soft play area for younger visitors. - Highlights: Asian elephants, western lowland gorillas, red pandas, and a walkthrough lemur experience. - Facilities: Café, gift shop, picnic areas, baby-changing stations, and free parking. - Practical tips: Book tickets online in advance for best prices; allow at least 3-4 hours. The site is hilly, so comfortable shoes and a buggy are recommended.

Belfast Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals and 140 species, many of which are endangered. Families can explore the zoo's extensive grounds, which include a children's zoo, animal feeding experiences, and a playground. Highlights for kids include the penguin feeding talks, the sea lion display, and the opportunity to see rare species like the golden lion tamarin and the Rothschild's giraffe. The zoo also has a gift shop and several cafes. Practical tips: The zoo is located on the slopes of Cave Hill, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Baby changing facilities and highchairs are available. Parking is free. Discounts are available for online bookings.