With school summer holidays fast approaching, it's time for many of us to think about ways to keep the kids occupied.
And thankfully, doing so doesn’t have to break the bank because there are plenty of exciting things to do throughout Northern Ireland to ensure you can have a lovely day out with the family without going over budget.
We’ve put together a guide to some of our favourite free family days out throughout the country.
Giant’s Lair and Adventure Playground – Slieve Gullion Forest Park
The perfect start to any family trip to Slieve Gullion Forest Park begins at the action-packed play park. It even includes a specially designed toddlers’ area, as well as play equipment designed for older kids, to make sure there’s something for everyone.
After this, take a walk through the unforgettable Giant’s Lair. This journey of intertwined fairy houses creates a childhood land of mystery, dragons, giants, witches, and fairies.
Kilcreggan Urban Farm – Carrickfergus
Kilcreggan Urban Farm in Carrickfergus is a perfect day out for all the family.
What has emerged from a small seed planted 20 years ago is a visitor’s attraction, as well as a relaxed community space that operates as a social firm.
Groups, individuals, and families can visit for free to see up close their pet goats, pigs, pony, poultry, geese, and smaller pets.
Visitors can even bring fruit and veg along to feed the animals, meet them up close, and find out interesting facts about each.
As well as this, on site is their aptly named Dancing Goat Café for any refreshments you may need.
Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, Castlerock
A trip away to the North Coast is a treat for parents and little ones alike.
And there’s no better spot to enjoy this beautiful part of the world from than Mussenden Temple and the surrounding Downhill Demesne.
Enjoy a walk around the grounds and pose for some family photos in one of Ireland’s most photographed spots.
Gruffalo Trail at Colin Glen Forest
Another completely free day out is a trip to Colin Glen Forest Park in West Belfast for a walk around the Gruffalo Trail.
The characters from the much-loved picture book, The Gruffalo, have been brought to life by sculptor Andrew McIntyre.
Meeting their favourite characters from the beloved book will completely amaze your kids, with the added bonus of getting them out in the fresh air too!
It takes approximately 20 minutes to get to the Gruffalo (depending on how many selfies with the characters you stop for!), and you can treat yourself to some refreshments at the visitor’s centre after to finish off the trip.
Explore th e Ulster Museum
If your little ones are excited about all things history and learning, there’s no better day out for them than the Ulster Museum.
Come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an Egyptian mummy, and see modern artistic masterpieces on display. This home for all things past and present is sure to have something for both parents and children, to keep everyone entertained for the day.
Head for a walk around Botanic Gardens afterwards for a completely free day out.
Gortin Glen Forest Park – Tyrone
Located just six miles away from Omagh in Co Tyrone, Gortin Glen Forest Park is the western gateway to the Sperrin mountains.
It’s made up of a network of five waymarked trails of varying lengths that all start from the main car park.
Bring the kids out for a walk among nature or, if the weather isn’t great, the park can also be explored via a five-mile scenic drive with a number of vistas cars can pull into to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Broughshane Waterfowl Park
Thanks to volunteers living in the Broughshane area, Little Acorn Wood was planted and a derelict pond with a large area of swampland was converted into a fantastic habitat for waterfowl.
This spot is one of only two places in the world where all seven species of swan can be found.
As well as enjoying the tranquillity of the area, you can take walks in the woodland and even spot the fairy village.
If your little ones are big fans of animals and nature, this is a great free spot to bring them along to for a trip!
