Bored in Belfast? NEVER! What better way to create some lasting memories than right in the heart of the city? Below we give you ten great ideas to enjoy a fun-filled, family day out and about.
1. Ulster Museum
I pretty much grew up here and spent many a day exploring various sections of the museum. The volcanic and effervescent rocks which lit up as the lights in the small viewing room switched off and UV lights were switched on being a personal favourite. I’ll never forget that lovely man’s voice as he told the story of geological wonders in simple language that my seven year old self understood! Today kids can roam from the dinosaur era, to the real Egyptian mummy right through to visiting Peter the polar bear as well as enjoying different events over the summer, like the storytelling and drawing classes. Best of all, admission to the museum remains free.
While you are at the museum, be sure to check out the gorgeous Botanical Gardens, home to the Palm House and Tropical Ravine. I used to love the maze of the rose garden and getting lost in the Monkey Puzzle ‘forest’ too. The beautiful blooms, trees and tropical plants here make for some excellent photo opportunities also.
FREE – https://www.nmni.com/our-museums/ulster-museum/Home.aspx
2. CS Lewis Square
Based around the chronicles of Narnia, this square in east Belfast features seven bronze sculptures from 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe', including Aslan, The White Witch, Mr. Tumnus, The Beavers, The Robin and The Stone Table. An absolutely stunning display of public art honouring the author who lived nearby. The nearby Eastside Visitor Centre has a café but we also love both FREIGHT or The Lamp Post Café which are also within metres of the square. And both equally delicious! The square itself is fully illuminated daily. If you want to use the square as a kickstarter to a walk, bring your bikes or scooters and slip up the Connswater Greenway for a walk.
3. W5 and the Odyssey Pavilion
You wouldn’t be short of things to do indoors at the Odyssey Pavilion. From ten pin bowling to the cinema to numerous eateries, it’s a day full of activities. Best of all for kids is the utterly amazing W5 – based on the five Ws (who, what, where, when and why); this modern day kids’ discovery and science centre should include another W in its name – for wonderful! There are numerous summer camps and science events throughout the year to keep children amused all while being educational. And parents, grandparents and uncles and aunts love it too!
https://www.ssearenabelfast.com/
www.w5online.co.uk
4. Victoria Square
The majority of indoor shopping centres run programmes and events over the summer to cater for children. Victoria Square, in the heart of the city, has a wonderful “Let’s Play” exhibit running until 31 August that lets children (and adults!) explore optical illusions, such as an upside down room and a comic page - mind trickery galore, all while running a competition to win a generous Victoria Square voucher. You can also visit the Dome and see out over Belfast while you’re there if you haven’t been before.
FREE – https://victoriasquare.com/
5. St George’s Market
This place is a must if you have kids and that’s simply because there is such a great positive vibe with voices and faces from all over the world – both buying and selling! There are lots of food and craft stalls, as well as music and entertainment plus the general hustle and bustle; and that’s what kids love, all the variety! There is a weekly Friday Variety Market, then a City Food and Craft Market on Saturdays and finally, the Sunday Market. There are plenty of stalls offering tasters to inquisitive customers so it’s a fab opportunity to encourage your kids to try new things and interesting flavours or textures in food. Otherwise, just grab some food from one of the stalls, find a table and sit back and soak up the atmosphere! We’ve often witnessed kids bopping along to the various music artists who play there – and sometimes it feels like a full mini disco is taking place! The Market is well known for holding special Twilight markets in spring and autumn as well as the Midsummer markets in summertime which sees traders open their stalls to the public in the evening.
https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tourism-venues/stgeorgesmarket/stgeorgesmarket-index.aspx
6. City Hall
This is a great building to visit inside. With its gorgeous black and white floor and all the history spread over the walls it’s a great way to learn about Belfast. Outside on the green there is plenty of room for little ones to run around or picnic. Enjoy some cinema classics on the big screen situated on the green outside City Hall. These include Matilda, Pitch Perfect, School of Rock, Bohemian Rhapsody, Mrs Doubtfire and Toy Story 3 that are all being shown but note that you have to get a ticket online to attend however these are free.
https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tourism-venues/cityhall/cityhall-about.aspx
7. Aunt Sandra Candy Factory
Based on the Castlereagh Road Aunt Sandra’s has been trading for years. Passed down through the generations and more popular than ever this factory has the best tour that allows the kids to get up close and personal with their favourite treats. Visitors can see how chocolates, sweets and fudge are made, most of which can be sampled as its being produced. A viewing window into the small quaint factory allows visitors to enjoy tastes and smells of old-time candy making. Even more special to know that everything is handmade right in Belfast itself.
8. Lost City Golf at City side
The Lost City Adventure Golf, based in City side retail park (Yorkgate) in Belfast, houses two separate 18 hole, rainforest themed, indoor adventure golf courses known as Sunken Skull Ridge and Explorer Falls. There is also the opportunity to get food and drinks there to add to all the fun.
https://www.lostcityadventuregolf.com/belfast/
9. Climb Cave Hill
Share stories of Gulliver’s Travels and the adventures of Liliput as you trek up through the leafy forest from Belfast Castle to the tip of Cave Hill at Napoleon’s Nose with the kids. This is a dog-friendly adventure and one guaranteed to get the heart rate up and the lungs filled with fresh air at any time of year.
10. We Are Vertigo, Let’s Go Hydro and Cable & Wake
If you fancy some high adrenaline adventure with your kids, check out these three options for the active little ones in your life.