🌳Stormont Estate

Clip 'n Climb Belfast is an indoor climbing centre offering a fun and safe climbing experience for families with kids. With over 20 themed climbing challenges, including the Stairway to Heaven, Speed Wall, and a Leap of Faith, children can test their agility and courage in a vibrant, supervised environment. - Suitable for ages 4 and up (with dedicated sessions for younger climbers) - All equipment provided; no prior experience needed - Cafe area for parents to relax and watch - Birthday party packages and group bookings available - Staff are trained to ensure safety and encourage participants Facilities include lockers, changing rooms, and a viewing gallery. The centre is fully accessible and offers family-friendly pricing. Practical tip: Book online in advance to secure your preferred time slot, especially on weekends and school holidays.

Victoria Park is a large public park in east Belfast, featuring a beautiful lake with swans and ducks, a modern children's playground, and extensive walking and cycling paths. The park also includes sports facilities such as tennis courts and a bowling green. It's a peaceful spot for family picnics and outdoor activities. - Highlights: lake with birdlife, playground for kids, tennis courts, and scenic paths. - Ages: Suitable for all ages, especially toddlers to teens. - Facilities: Public toilets, benches, and nearby parking. The park is wheelchair accessible. - Practical tip: The park can get busy on sunny weekends; arrive early for parking.

A public square in East Belfast dedicated to C.S. Lewis, featuring seven bronze sculptures of characters from *The Chronicles of Narnia* (including Aslan, Mr. Tumnus, and the White Witch). The square also includes a sensory garden, picnic tables, and interpretation panels about Lewis's life and works. It's a free, outdoor attraction suitable for all ages, with plenty of photo opportunities. - Highlights: Themed sculptures, sensory garden, nearby EastSide Visitor Centre (which has a Narnia-themed play area and café). - Facilities: Benches, picnic area, accessible pathways. Public toilets at the visitor centre. - Tips: Best visited in good weather. Combine with a walk along the Connswater Greenway or a visit to the nearby CS Lewis Trail. Parking is limited; consider public transport.

A historic cinema and arts centre in east Belfast, originally opened in 1935 as the Strand Cinema. Today it offers a mix of films, live theatre, music, and workshops for all ages. The venue has a welcoming café and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot for families. - Highlights include dedicated family film screenings, children's theatre productions, and creative workshops during school holidays. - Facilities: baby-changing, wheelchair access, café with kid-friendly options. - Practical tips: check website for age-appropriate events; free parking nearby; easy access by public transport. - Suitable for children of all ages, with specific programming for toddlers through teens.

SS Nomadic is the last surviving White Star Line vessel, launched in 1911 to tender passengers to the Titanic and Olympic. Now a unique museum ship moored in Belfast's Titanic Quarter, it offers an immersive journey into Edwardian maritime history. Highlights for families: - Interactive exhibits, including a children's dressing-up area and 'messages in bottles' activity - Explore the ship's original decks, first-class lounge, and bridge - Learn about the Titanic connection through hands-on displays - Audio guides available (included with admission) The museum is compact and manageable for younger children, with pushchair access via ramps. There is a small gift shop and café nearby. Allow 1–2 hours for a visit. Suitable for ages 3 and up, though older children (5–12) tend to engage most with the interactive elements.

Part of National Museums NI, the Ulster Transport Museum in Cultra showcases over 300 years of transport history. Highlights include the Railway Hall with vintage locomotives and carriages, the Road Transport Hall with cars, buses, and trams, and a dedicated Flight Gallery. Families love the 'Discovery Zone' hands-on play area for younger children, and the vintage fairground rides (seasonal). Interactive displays, dressing-up stations, and a large model railway keep kids engaged. Facilities include a café, baby-changing, free parking, and accessible toilets. Practical tip: plan at least 2–3 hours; the museum is free but some special exhibitions may charge. Age range: toddlers to teenagers will find something of interest, though very young children may enjoy the play area most.

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.

Templemore Library is a welcoming public library in East Belfast, offering a dedicated children's section with a wide range of books, audiobooks, and DVDs. Regular events include preschool story time, craft sessions, and holiday activities suitable for toddlers to teens. - Facilities: wheelchair accessible, free Wi-Fi, computer access, and a quiet study area. - Practical tips: Free parking available nearby; nappy-changing facilities in the accessible toilet. - Age groups: Board books for babies, chapter books for older kids, and teen zone with graphic novels and study spaces.

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.

The Belfast Giants are Northern Ireland's premier ice hockey team, playing at The SSE Arena on the banks of the River Lagan. A family outing to a Giants game offers an exciting, fast-paced sporting experience in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Highlights for families: - Electrifying live action with music, lights, and mascot 'Ginger' the Giant - Special 'Family Fun Days' with discounted tickets and pre-game activities - Accessible seating and wheelchair spaces available - Concessions serving kid-friendly snacks and drinks Practical tips: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to soak up the pre-game buzz. Ear defenders are recommended for young children as the arena can be loud. Games last about 2.5 hours with an intermission. The arena is easily reached by car (paid parking) or public transport (short walk from Titanic Quarter station).