🏛️North Down Museum

Ballyholme Beach is a Blue Flag awarded sandy beach located in Bangor, County Down. It offers a safe and clean environment for families with young children, with calm, shallow waters ideal for paddling and swimming. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season, and the beach is well-maintained with soft sand perfect for sandcastles. The beach features a large children's playground equipped with swings, slides, and climbing frames, making it a hit with kids of all ages. Nearby facilities include free parking, public toilets, and a seaside cafe serving refreshments and ice cream. The promenade is great for pram-friendly walks and bike rides. - Safe swimming with seasonal lifeguards - Large playground for all ages - Cafe, toilets, and free parking - Wheelchair accessible with beach matting available Practical tip: Arrive early on sunny weekends to secure parking. The beach is also a popular spot for kite flying and windsurfing, with lessons available for older children and teens.

A beautifully restored historic walled garden set within the grounds of Bangor Castle. Families can explore ornamental flower beds, a reflective pond, and a dedicated children's play area with swings and climbing frames. The garden is free to enter and offers a peaceful retreat for all ages. - Highlights: Playground, sensory plants, wildlife pond, picnic spots. - Ages: Suitable for toddlers to teens. - Facilities: Café, toilets with baby changing, ample free parking. - Practical tips: Combine with a visit to the adjacent North Down Museum (free). The garden is all outdoors, so dress for the weather.

Pickie Family Fun Park is a vibrant seaside attraction located on Bangor's waterfront, offering a wide range of rides and activities for families. Highlights include the 'Pickie Puffer' train, go-karts, trampolines, paddle boats, a giant slide, and a funfair with classic rides. The park also features a splash pad for warmer days. - Suitable for toddlers to teens: soft play area for little ones, thrill rides for older kids. - Facilities: on-site café, picnic areas, accessible toilets, and free parking nearby. - Practical tips: Check weather-dependent ride availability; wristbands offer best value for unlimited rides. Open seasonally (March–October).

Groomsport Beach is a family-friendly sandy beach located in the picturesque village of Groomsport, County Down. The beach offers safe swimming with gradually sloping waters, making it ideal for young children. Amenities include a children's playground, picnic areas, and nearby cafes and ice cream shops. - Safe, clean beach with lifeguard patrol during summer months - Adjacent play park with swings, slides, and climbing frames - Toilet facilities and seasonal ice cream kiosk - Easy access from car park (pay and display) - Popular for rock pooling and sandcastle building Practical tips: Arrive early in summer to secure parking. The beach is wheelchair and buggy accessible via a ramp. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead during summer restrictions.

A beautiful coastal park with a sandy beach, woodland trails, and a river. Highlights include the Glen River walk, a natural waterfall, and a large playground. Facilities include a café, picnic areas, and toilets. The park is free to enter, but car parking charges apply. Suitable for children of all ages, with plenty of space to run and explore. Dog-friendly throughout most of the park. - Sandy beach and rock pools for exploring - Woodland walks with fairy doors and sculptures - Playground with swings, slides, and climbing frames - Butterfly garden and wildlife spotting - Seasonally open café serving snacks and ice cream

An open-air museum that recreates rural life in early 20th-century Ulster. Explore over 30 historic buildings, including a farmhouse, school, church, and shops, all furnished and staffed by costumed guides. Children can watch traditional crafts like weaving, blacksmithing, and baking, and meet farm animals such as pigs, sheep, and horses. - Hands-on activities: Victorian classroom role-play, butter churning, and vintage playground. - Indoor exhibits include the Transport Gallery and a 1900s pharmacy. - Facilities: café, picnic areas, gift shop, and baby-changing rooms. Best for ages 2–12, but enjoyable for all. Allow 3–4 hours. Wear sturdy shoes as the site is large and hilly.

Scrabo Tower is a 19th-century tower perched atop Scrabo Hill, offering panoramic views of Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside. Families can climb the 122 steps to the top for the view, and explore the visitor centre with exhibits on the tower's history. The adjacent Scrabo Country Park features extensive woodland walks, picnic areas, and a children's playground. - Highlights: Climbing the tower, stunning views, park playground, woodland trails. - Ages: Suitable for all ages; children under 5 may find the climb challenging. - Facilities: Visitor centre (limited indoor space), picnic tables, parking. - Practical tips: The tower is free to enter (donations welcome). Wear comfortable shoes for the spiral staircase. Combine with a visit to nearby Mount Stewart or the seaside at Bangor.

Explore over 100 years of Northern Irish life at this expansive open-air and indoor museum. The Folk Museum recreates rural and urban life from the early 1900s, with historic buildings, costumed guides, and traditional crafts. Kids can see old-fashioned shops, a schoolhouse, farm animals, and even take a ride on a vintage tram. - Transport Museum: Houses one of the largest collections of vehicles in the UK and Ireland, including cars, trains, planes, and bicycles. Highlights include a DeLorean car, a giant train hall, and interactive exhibits. - Facilities: Cafes, picnic areas, baby-changing, pushchair-friendly paths, and indoor/outdoor play areas. - Practical tips: Allow at least 3-4 hours. Check for special events like steam train rides or seasonal fairs. Gift shop with educational toys.

Carrickfergus Castle is a well-preserved medieval castle on the shores of Belfast Lough, offering families a chance to step back in time. Kids will love exploring the great hall, dungeons, and battlements, with interactive exhibits and costumed guides during events. - Highlights: climb the ramparts for sea views, see the cannons, and visit the dungeon. - Facilities: parking nearby, toilets, and a small gift shop (no café). - Tips: wear sturdy shoes for uneven steps; bring a raincoat as some areas are exposed. - Events: check for knight schools and storytelling days, especially in summer.

Step back in time at the Whitehead Railway Museum, operated by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland. Located on the scenic Causeway Coastal Route, this museum is a treasure trove for train enthusiasts of all ages. - See a range of historic steam, diesel, and electric locomotives and carriages. - Explore a fully restored signal cabin and try your hand at ringing the bell. - Enjoy the interactive exhibits and a children's play area with train-themed fun. - Take a ride on a miniature steam train (seasonal) – a hit with kids. - The museum has a café and picnic area, plus easy access for buggies. Families will appreciate the friendly volunteers who are happy to answer questions. The site is mostly indoors, making it a great rainy-day option, but there are outdoor viewing platforms and a turntable to see. Suitable for all ages, with particular appeal for ages 2–12.