10 Great Free Family Activities Across Northern Ireland this Summer
Summer is finally in sight and many of us will be making plans to fill the break with quality family time together. To inspire your summer fun and to avoid spending money unnecessarily, we have 10 free family-friendly activities to enjoy across Northern Ireland.
1. Family Fun, Portaferry
Every Saturday in July and August, the beautiful seaside town of Portaferry will come to life with entertainment for the whole family. Activities include face painting, magician performances and an animal roadshow. The complete itinerary will give you a full picture of all events happening in the area.
2. Riverwatch Aquarium, Derry - Londonderry
The Riverwatch Aquarium is the perfect destination when the weather isn’t reflecting the summer season. The kids will be entertained by lobster, crabs, starfish and many other marine and freshwater fish and shellfish.
3. Teddy Bear's Hospital, Limavady
Is your favourite teddy bear in need of some TLC? Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre host a Teddy Bear's Hospital in the summer. The Bear-iatrics team are on hand to whisk little bears off in the amBEARlance for treatment! There will be lots of other free family fun on the day too. Keep a lookout on the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre Facebook page for details on the next Teddy Bear's Hospital.
4. Pirates Off Portrush
Pirates Off Portush is one of the most action-packed family days out along the North Coast. Portrush will be filled by pirates, dragons and ninja warriors all searching for precious treasure. Free events will include a dramatic re-enactments, a treasure hunt and a parade. A day not to be missed by your little shipmates! Keep an eye on the Discover Northern Ireland Events page for future Pirates Off events.
5. Sea Bangor Festival, Bangor
Image is courtesy of Tourism NI
The popular seaside festival returns with a range of maritime themed activities including fantastic food stalls, live music and street theatre to name a selection. The picturesque backdrop of Bangor marina, makes this the perfect spot to enjoy an ice cream on a sunny day.
Events will take place at Bangor Seafront on 9th June, 10am-6pm and 10th June, 12pm-6pm.
6. Sideboard Sideshow, Newcastle
If you have never witnessed the wonderfully silly duo of Frankie Magilligan and Timmy Tweirdo you must catch them perform their Sideboard Sideshow at Newcastle Promenade on the 25th August between 1pm and 2.30pm. A magnificent mix of acrobatics, juggling and just about anything you can think of.
7. Castlerock Clydesdale Horse Show & Fun Day
The Annual Clydesdale Horse Show and Fun Day takes place every summer. The main feature of the day is the impressive horse show and parade through Castlerock. The Clydesdale breed is so well loved because of it’s gentle nature and incredible strength. There will also be plenty of fun at the playing fields with a BBQ, craft stalls and a bouncy castle.
Visit Discover Northern Ireland for updates on the festival.
8. Red Sails Festival, Portstewart
The Red Sails Festival held in Portstewart every summer includes a great range of free events to entertain the family for hours. Street theatre, musical performances, a fancy dress competition and face painting are just a selection of things to look forward to. The grand finale of fireworks is always showstopping with the beautiful background of O’Hara’s Castle.
9. Buskfest Banbridge, Armagh and Down
A guaranteed great day for music, Buskfest features some of the best buskers in Northern Ireland doing what they do best. A great afternoon for the whole family and you may even discover the next Ed Sheeran.
10. Animal Watching at Peatland Parks, Dungannon
Peatlands Park in Dungannon is rich with insect and animal life. Bring a picnic and make a point to list down all the different wildlife you see. Often spotted are hares, squirrels, lizards and butterflies. The two National Nature Reserves in the park feature unique flora and fauna species, some of which are found nowhere else in Northern Ireland.
Have any other free summer activities to share?
Share free family activities in your area on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #SmarterLiving and we might just share them!
