As parents, we know how expensive it can be to keep the kids entertained, so we’ve put together a list of things to do with them for free — yes, completely free of charge. Here are our suggestions for the best free things to do in Northern Ireland with kids.
Visit the Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens in Belfast is a great place to take the kids. There’s plenty of space to walk and run around in, lots of plants to see, and you can pop into the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine to explore a range of tropical plants and flowers. Encourage older kids to enjoy taking unusual pictures of the buildings, plants and flowers with their phones or tablets.
We love the Tropical Ravine because it gives a real sense of “being in the jungle,” and the fish ponds at the end of the Ravine are always a highlight. You can continue on to the Ulster Museum afterwards for some more free indoor time.
Roe Valley Country Park, Limavady
Head off for a family walk to Roe Valley Country Park at Limavady. This scenic and tranquil park on the outskirts of Limavady offers spectacular riverside views and woodland walks. Plenty of outdoor activities are available too, including fishing, canoeing, climbing and orienteering.
If you need to head indoors, you can learn about local heritage at the museum and countryside centre, where you’ll see the remains of buildings used in the linen industry and a restored water wheel, as well as learning more about Ulster’s first domestic hydro-electric power station, which operated from here under the guidance of local engineer J.E. Ritter.
For visitors with disabilities, there’s a specially designed trail that highlights the wildlife of the park, including an audio guide for blind and partially sighted visitors.
Slieve Gullion Forest Park
Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers walking trails, a walled garden, a mountain-top trail to two megalithic cairns, and a lake with stunning views. There’s also a children’s playpark.
The huge burial cairn located on the summit of the mountain, the South Cairn, is known as The Calliagh Berras House and is the highest surviving passage tomb in Ireland.
According to legend, it’s associated with a witch who could transform herself into a hare. The story goes that she tricked Finn McCool into jumping into the nearby lake, from which he emerged an old and withered man. While she was forced to restore his youth, his hair is said to have remained white for the rest of his life — a fate still said to befall anyone who bathes in the lake.
Slieve Gullion Courtyard, set in the midst of the park, offers a homely coffee shop and restaurant for when you need a break.
Family Cycling in NI
Castlewellan Forest Park has good cycling facilities for families, with picnic spots to stop off at along the way, while Gosford Forest Park has a four-mile cycle trail starting and finishing in the main car park, suitable for children of all ages. You can expect to complete the trail in about an hour, not including stops! Check with the individual forest parks for current cycling routes and facilities before you go.
Make the Most of Libraries
Make sure to check out your local library and find out what classes and events run there throughout the year. Your local library branch is a wonderful, free resource for families.
Libraries often host popular annual summer reading programmes, and many branches run or host parent and toddler groups, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts classes, book clubs, games and activities sessions, and exhibitions. There’s also free computer access and the option to borrow books and DVDs.
For a change of scenery, why not visit a different library branch to your usual one?
Visit a Playground
There are some great playgrounds throughout the counties, including in Belfast. Why not make it a mission to visit them all over time? It’s an activity that’s both free and good fun. Just remember to bring some snacks, drinks or a picnic lunch along for the outing.
History & Heritage
There are some great free museums to explore in Belfast, Armagh and Derry:
- The Workhouse Museum in Derry occupies two floors of the old Workhouse building. It’s a building of great historical interest, and a number of ghostly residents are said to haunt it and the surrounding area.
- The four museums forming the National Museums of Northern Ireland are all free to visit and extremely child-friendly, with plenty of activities and events throughout the year: the Ulster Museum, the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, the Ulster American Folk Park, and Armagh County Museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really possible to have a full day out in Northern Ireland for free?
Yes. Parks, forest trails, playgrounds, libraries and several museums across Northern Ireland don’t charge admission, so you can easily build a full day of activities without spending anything beyond travel and food.
What free things to do in Northern Ireland with kids are good for toddlers?
Playgrounds, the Botanic Gardens in Belfast, and library storytelling or parent and toddler sessions are all gentle, toddler-friendly options that don’t cost a thing.
Are museums in Northern Ireland free for children?
Many are. The National Museums of Northern Ireland sites and the Workhouse Museum in Derry are free to visit, though it’s worth checking current opening times before you travel.
What should we bring on a free day out to a forest park?
Pack snacks, drinks or a picnic, comfortable walking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing, since most of these outings involve time outdoors.
Related Articles
- Best Outdoor Adventures for Families in Northern Ireland
- Rainy Day Ideas for Kids in Northern Ireland
- Family-Friendly Walks and Trails Across Ireland
- Budget Days Out: Making the Most of School Holidays
Save This for Your Next Family Day Out
Love the idea of a free family day out? Bookmark this page or save it to your phone so you’ve always got a list of ideas ready for the next school holiday or free weekend.
Never Miss an Idea
Want more free and low-cost family day-out ideas delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the MyKidsTime newsletter for weekly ideas, activities and inspiration for days out with the kids.
