Belfast Attractions for Children

(Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK)

Located on the far northerly outskirts and just 8 km / 5 miles from the city centre, the Belfast Zoological Gardens come with many fun exotic attractions, being perfect for a day out for those with young children. Opened in 1934, the zoo is today called home by some 1,200 animals (over 140 species), many of which are endangered and part of successful captive-breeding conservation programmes.

Located slightly under an hours' drive away from central Belfast is the Exploris Aquarium, which is based in Portaferry and just across the water from Strangford. Other family based attractions in the area include the Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House, the Ark Open Farm in Newtownards, and the Cave Hill Adventure Playground within the grounds of the Belfast Castle estate, in the city's northern suburbs.

Belfast Zoological Gardens (Bellevue Zoo)

Address: Antrim Road, Bellevue, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
Tel: +44 (0)28 9077 6277
Belfast Zoo is one of the most popular attractions for children's visiting Northern Ireland and is located in the Newtownabbey area, on the northerly outskirts of the city, where it covers around 55 acres / 22 hectares. Highlights include modern facilities, spacious, landscaped enclosures for the animals, an important preservation programme, animal adoption, an extensive gift shop, a restaurant and a teahouse. The main attractions at Belfast Zoo are of course the large collection of exotic animals, such as the zoo's tapirs, meerkats, monkeys, kangaroos, wallabies, gorillas, red pandas, camels, Asian elephants, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, tigers, cheetahs, bears and many other animals can be found in this vast Belfast zoo.
Open hours: April to September, daily - 10:00 to 17:00, October to March, daily - 10:00 to 14:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and families, children under fours years old are free

Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House

Address: Seaforde Nursery, Seaforde, County Down, Northern Ireland, UK
Tel: +44 (0)28 4481 1225
The Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House, in the South Down district, is home to many large and colourful tropical butterflies, landscaped ornamental flower gardens, a historic maze, guided tours, a gift shop and tea rooms. Dating as far back as the early 17th century, Seaforde Gardens also features snakes, lizards, parrots and other exotics.
Open hours: gardens daily throughout the year, butterfly house April to September, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Ark Open Farm

Address: 296 Bangor Road, Newtownards, County Down, Northern Ireland, UK
Tel: +44 (0)28 9182 0445
Ark Open Farm, situated in the North Down area, is roughly 30 minutes away by car. Perfect for an excursion, the farm has a number of friendly farmyard animals, many of which can be touched and stroked by children. In the spring, baby chicks, lambs and puppies are a familiar site, while donkeys, sheep, reindeer, rabbits, ponies and free-range chickens are always here. There is also a train ride around the farm, although this is quite short and pricey.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 14:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Cave Hill Adventure Playground

Address: Antrim Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
Tel: +44 (0)28 9037 1013
Cave Hill Adventurous Playground, in northern Belfast, is one of the most extensive playgrounds in the city and is suitable for children of all ages. Notable highlights include high walkways, steep slides, sandpits, climbing equipment and soft playground equipment specifically designed with younger children in mind.
Open hours: April to May, Monday to Friday - 14:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00
June, Monday to Friday - 14:00 to 20:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 20:00
July and August, daily - 10:00 to 20:00
September, Monday to Friday - 14:00 to 19:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 19:30
October to March, Saturday and Sunday - 11:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Exploris Aquarium

Address: The Ropewalk, Portaferry, County Down, Northern Ireland, UK
Tel: +44 (0)28 4272 8062
The Exploris Aquarium, in the Ballymurphy area, is a major draw for families. With numerous exciting exhibits, including sharks, rays, large and small fish, a seal sanctuary, and a wide range of other sealife, specific attractions include feeding demonstrations, a 'touch tank' area where children are able to feel some of the friendly rays, numerous large aquariums and a gift shop. The Exploris also operates an important rehabilitation program for sick and injured seals.
Open hours: April to August, Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 18:00, Saturday - 11:00 to 18:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 18:00; September to March, Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 11:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 17:00