The Easter holidays provide a welcome break for many of us, and for families it provides plenty of opportunity to have some fun family days out. Northern Ireland has no shortage of places to visit with the family, and today we look at five areas to consider taking your family over the Easter holidays.
5 Family Days Out to Enjoy in Northern Ireland
1. Ulster American Folk Park
Step back in time and enter the 1900’s over the Easter holidays with the Easter Celebrations that are planned from Sunday to Tuesday at the Ulster American Folk Park. Transport your family back to a busy market day in the early 1900’s and watch the shopkeepers and stallholders get into character that will keep you amused for hours on end. When you’ve finished walking through the market, try your hand at traditional crafts and try your hand at feeding some pets, like the popular baby lambs.
You’ll also see storytelling sessions, an egg & spoon race and a Punch & Judy show on the go, while seasonal treats will also be served up for the family to enjoy. The outdoor museum also features traditional Ulster and American buildings and streets, making it an educational day out for everyone. Visit nmni.com/uafp for more information.
2. Oxford Island
Head to the banks of Lough Neagh at the picturesque Oxford Island in Craigavon, and join the Oxford Island Easter Trail this weekend. The self-guided tour takes you on a voyage of discover around the island, and makes for a fun-filled day out with the kids. Follow the clues around the reserve and complete a questionnaire to win an Easter treat. The trail lasts one hour and each sheet costs £1.00, so real value for all the family.
When you finish the trail, Oxford Island has lots of facilities just waiting to be explored, including bird watching areas, the Lough Neagh Discover Centre, Kinnego Marina and the Kinnego Bushcraft Centre. Visit www.oxfordisland.com for more information.
3. W5, Belfast
One of the best places in Northern Ireland to bring the family is W5 in Belfast, and this Easter there is an action-packed itinerary of things to see and do at W5. The Alien Egghead Spacerace is the highlight of the Easter season challenging kids to design their own egghead alien before flying them into the solar system and trying to land the UFO on to earth. April has also seen a new augmented reality feature added to the W5 experience, transporting you and your family into the thick of the action. With over 200 interactive exhibits just waiting to be discovered, W5 could be just the ticket for a family day out this Easter.
Find out more at w5online.co.uk.
4. Exploris Aquarium
Having almost closed last year, Northern Ireland’s only aquarium Exploris is another great venue to take the family this Easter. Explore the sealife and seal sanctuary that has made Exploris such a hit with families for many years. Following a recent £2m investment in the aquarium, Exploris now boasts a new reptile section and additions to the deep-sea exhibit. This Easter sees an Easter hunt for all the family at Exploris, while Easter Monday has a day of Easter surprises in store for all, including the chance for kids and adults alike to fill their own Easter Carrot baskets.
Find out more at explorisni.com.
5. Armagh Planetarium
Last on the list of places to consider for a break with the family this Easter is Armagh Planetarium. The Planetarium has plenty on this Easter, with the popular rocket-making workshop back on over the Easter holidays. If the weather is good, you’ll even get a chance to fly the rocket from the Planetarium’s launch pad. You can also take part in the Easter egg hunt around the Planetarium, and for each egg you find you’ll be entered into a prize draw. There is also an arts and crafts workshop on, and with regular exhibitions and shows in the digital theatre show, this will be a real day of exploration for all the family.
Find out more at www.armaghplanet.com.
These are just some of the great family days out you can enjoy in Northern Ireland this Easter period. With the kids off school and time on your side, plan a great day out with the family to recharge the batteries. Now that’s Smarter Living! Share your Easter days out with us on Facebook and Twitter, and don’t forget your rabbit photos.