8 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. Spark curiosity in your little ones as kids will be able to learn about and be entertained by lobster, crabs, starfish, freshwater fish and shellfish. You could even pop over on the ferry for more exciting adventures for the kids!
3. Family Film Friday, Limavady
Enjoy Family Film Friday at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre with different movies shown each week, your family won’t be bored. So why not attend on the 23rd of August at 3pm when there is a screening of The Lego Movie 2? Buy your tickets now or keep an eye out for other events at the centre.
4. The MAC, Belfast
The world-class venue in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter is home to all kinds of exhibitions, theatre performances, experimental works and endless goings-on. The MAC offers something for all ages and interests including visual art, theatre, dance, family workshops and lots more.
5. Art on the Rails, Bangor
On the last Sunday of every month from April until September, a Contemporary Art & Craft, Music & Storytelling Festival takes place in Bangor. ‘Art on the Rails’ includes over 30 exhibitors to inspire and delight you. From storytelling to crafts for the kids you won’t have to worry about keeping them entertained. Bring a picnic or enjoy food and refreshments from our traders, relax on the deck chairs while listening to live music, try a free craft taster session and bring home a piece of art.
6. Tannaghmore Animal Farm, Craigavon
Have some fun and messy encounters with the animals at Tannaghmore Animal Farm. With wheelchair accessibility, great BBQ sites and a huge children’s play area, you are sure to have a brilliant time. The livestock there include cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry traditionally found on farms in Ulster 100 years ago.
Many of these breeds are now rare or close to extinction and include Irish Moiled cattle, the rarest breed of cattle in the world; and Dexter cattle, one of the smallest breeds of cattle in the world!
You can also visit the old Victorian Barn museum which showcases rural life back in the heyday.
7. Discover Portstewart
Portstewart is a tourist haven with a spectacular beach, a gorgeous harbour, a promenade, championship golf courses, great restaurants, cafes, parks, ice-cream parlours and even a children’s pleasure beach. Portstewart has many places where you can relax and watch the world go by. Find out more about what you can do here.
8. Animal Watching at Peatland Parks, Dungannon
Peatlands Park in Dungannon is known for its rich wildlife appeal, providing home to many insects and animals such as squirrels, hares, dragon flies, newts and cuckoos. Bring a picnic and make a point to list down all the different wildlife you see. Afterwards grab the train to take you on a fun journey around the park with under-fives going free! 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?
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