Let's Go Hydro Kids Summer Scheme, Belfast, Co. Antrim

Things to do in Belfast with Kids

Image: Courtesy of Lets Go Hydro

🕐 Last updated: April 1, 2025

Looking for unforgettable adventures with your children in Belfast? Don't let a bit of rain worry you, this vibrant city is packed with family fun, come rain or shine! Our guide is your key to unlocking Belfast's best-kept secrets for kids, from expansive parks perfect for letting off steam to great museums where learning is an interactive experience.

Unearth ideas that will ignite imaginations of knights and princesses, and discover a host of indoor activity centers ready to rescue any rainy day. We've carefully selected the top destinations across Belfast that are guaranteed to be a hit with children, and we've included the latest pricing information to help you plan your perfect family outing with ease.

Attractions

Giraffe at Belfast Zoo.
Image: Courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland
Giraffe enjoying the visitors at Belfast Zoo.
Activity Description Location Age Range Price Website
Titanic Belfast Interactive museum telling the story of the Titanic from conception to sinking and discovery. Includes the Shipyard Ride and SS Nomadic. 1 Olympic Way, Queens Road, Belfast BT3 9EP, UK All ages (under 5 free, under 16 with adult) Adult from £24.95 online, Child (5-15) from £11 online, Family passes available www.titanicbelfast.com
W5 Belfast Interactive science and discovery centre with over 250 exhibits across multiple zones, including Spacebase and Climbit. The Odyssey, 2 Queens Quay, Belfast BT3 9QQ, UK All ages (under 3 free) Adult from £9.50, Child from £8.00, Family tickets available w5online.co.uk
Belfast Zoo Home to over 120 species of animals with a focus on conservation. Features feeding sessions, keeper talks, and playgrounds. Antrim Rd, Belfast BT36 7PN, UK All ages (under 4 free, under 16 with adult) Child (4-16) from £7 online, Adult from £14 online, Family tickets available www.belfastzoo.co.uk
Streamvale Open Farm Family-run dairy farm offering hands-on animal encounters, tractor and barrel rides, play areas, and live shows. 38 Ballyhanwood Road, Belfast, BT5 7SN All ages (under 1 free, under 16 with adult) Child (3-17) from £11, Toddler (1-2) from £4, Adult from £12, Family tickets available streamvale.com
Giant's Causeway UNESCO World Heritage site with unique basalt columns and rich folklore. Visitor Centre offers exhibitions and tours (fee applies). 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8SU All ages Free to access Causeway, Visitor Experience from £14.00 (off-peak) www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Parks and Playgrounds

Belfast Mela Festival, Belfast City Centre, Co. Antrim - Crowds enjoying the performances at Botanic Gardens.
Image: Courtesy of ArtsEkta
Belfast Mela Festival at Botanic Gardens
Park/Playground Description of Features Location Typical Age Range Entry Fee Website/Council Page
Botanic Gardens Lush green space, Palm House, Tropical Ravine, playground, events. Botanic Gardens, Belfast BT9 5AB, UK All ages Free (check for event/attraction fees) www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parks-events/parks
Cave Hill Country Park Walking trails, panoramic views, Cavehill Adventure Playground, archaeological sites, caves. Belfast (Playground: Belfast Castle Estate, Antrim Road, BT15 5GR) All ages Free www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parks-events/parks
Victoria Park Lake, walking trails, picnic spots, activity playpark, soccer pitches, bowling green, cycling/BMX track. Edge of Sydenham Bypass, east Belfast All ages Free www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parks-events/parks
Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park Rose Garden, meadows, woodland, gardens, adventure playground. Upper Malone Road, BT17 9LA (South Belfast) All ages Free www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parks-events/parks
Ormeau Park Expansive urban park, outdoor activities, Ormeau 2000 playground, Ravenhill playground, summer events. Central Belfast (Playgrounds: Park Road, BT7 2FW; Ravenhill Road, BT6 8EF) All ages Free www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parks-events/parks
Mo Mowlam Play Park (Stormont Estate) Inclusive play park with over 40 pieces of equipment, themed zones for all abilities. Stormont Estate, Belfast All abilities Free www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/mo-mowlam-play-park-children

Museums and Historical Sites

Family at Ulster Museum, Belfast, Co. Antrim.
Image: Courtesy of Ulster Museum
Family at Ulster Museum, Belfast.
Activity Description Location Age Range Price Website
Ulster Museum Showcases art, history, and natural science with interactive discovery zones and exhibits like an Egyptian mummy and dinosaur skeleton. Botanic Gardens, Belfast BT9 5AB, UK All ages Free www.ulstermuseum.org
Ulster Folk Museum Step back in time to experience traditional Ulster life in reconstructed historic buildings. Cultra, Holywood, BT18 0EU (approx. 15-20 min drive from Belfast) Likely all ages Likely fee applies (check website) www.nmni.com/our-museums/ulster-folk-museum
Ulster Transport Museum Features an impressive collection of locomotives, carriages, vintage vehicles, and Titanic exhibits. Cultra, Holywood, BT18 0EU (approx. 15-20 min drive from Belfast) Likely all ages Likely fee applies (check website) www.nmni.com/our-museums/ulster-transport-museum
Belfast City Hall Magnificent civic building offering free public tours and featuring the Titanic Memorial Garden. Donegall Square, Belfast City Centre All ages (tours better suited for older children) Free (for tours and memorial garden) www.belfastcity.gov.uk/things-to-do/city-hall/city-hall-tours
Crumlin Road Gaol 19th-century prison offering guided tours through its history of incarceration, executions, and the Troubles. 53-55 Crumlin Road, Belfast, BT14 6ST 5+ Child from £7.50 online, Adult from £12 online, Family tickets available www.crumlinroadgaol.com
Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum Tells the story of Northern Ireland's role in WWII with exhibits and family events on Saturdays. 21 Talbot Street, Belfast, BT1 2LD All ages Free www.niwarmemorial.org
Discover Ulster Scots Centre Exhibits on the history, language, and culture of the Ulster-Scots people, with a VR experience. 1–9 Victoria Street, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast BT1 3GA All ages Free www.discoverulsterscots.com
HMS Caroline WW1 light cruiser turned museum ship, offering exploration of its decks and naval history. Alexandra Dock, Queen's Road, Titanic Quarter, BT3 9DT All ages (under 5 free, under 16 with adult) Child from £9 online, Adult from £11 online, Family tickets available www.nmrn.org.uk/visit-us/hms-caroline
Belfast Castle Historic castle with beautiful views and gardens, offering a visitor centre and cat-themed scavenger hunt. Antrim Road, BT15 5GR All ages Free (for grounds) www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfastcastle/
Ulster American Folk Park Open-air museum depicting the story of Irish emigration to America through historic buildings. Cultra, Holywood, BT18 0EU (approx. 1.5 hours drive from Belfast) All ages Child from £8, Adult from £13, Family tickets available www.ulsteramericanfolkpark.org
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens Northern Ireland's royal residence with State Rooms, gardens, and family-friendly events. Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6HR (approx. 20 min drive from Belfast) All ages Check website for prices www.hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle/
Carrickfergus Castle Well-preserved Norman castle dating back to 1177, with interactive exhibits and dress-up for kids. Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7BG (approx. 20 min drive from Belfast) All ages Child from £4, Adult from £6, Family tickets available www.shapedbyseaandstone.com
Grey Point Fort Early 20th-century coastal fort with large guns and a small military museum. Fort Road, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1PU (approx. 20 min drive from Belfast) All ages Free discovernorthernireland.com
Titanic's Dock and Pump House The dry dock where Titanic was fitted out, with a Pump House heritage attraction. Queen's Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, BT3 9DT All ages Check website for tour details titanicdistillers.com
Linen Hall Library Historic library with Irish and genealogy collections, offering exhibitions and tours. 17 Donegall Square North, Belfast, BT1 5GB All ages Free linenhall.com
St Anne's Cathedral Beautiful cathedral with mosaics, stained glass, and a kids' trail. Donegall Street, Belfast, BT1 2HB All ages Free (donations welcome) www.belfastcathedral.org
St George's Market Victorian covered market with local crafts, produce, food stalls, and live music. May Street, Belfast, BT1 4GH All ages Free entry www.belfastcity.gov.uk
Clonard Monastery Historic monastery known for its architecture and role in Belfast's peace process. Clonard Gardens, Belfast, BT13 2RL All ages Free www.redemptorists.ie
The White House Thought to be the oldest house in Ireland, with exhibitions on its history. 34 Whitehouse Park, Newtownabbey, BT37 9SQ (just north of Belfast) All ages Free thewhitehouseindalaradia.co.uk