10 Best Things to Do with Children in Northern Ireland This Summer (July 2026)

10 Best Things to Do with Children in Northern Ireland This Summer (July 2026)
Discover the top 10 family-friendly activities in Northern Ireland this July 2026.
From outdoor adventures to creative workshops, find the best ways to keep children entertained, active, and inspired this summer.

Summer in Northern Ireland offers endless opportunities for families to explore, learn, and have fun together. With school holidays in full swing, July is the perfect time to enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes, cultural attractions, and exciting events. This guide highlights ten of the best things to do with children across Northern Ireland this summer—each activity designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection.

For families looking for inspiration, here are the 10 Best Things to Do with Children during the summer holidays. Each suggestion promises fun and excitement while exploring the beauty of Northern Ireland.

1. Explore the Giant’s Causeway
Why it’s great for children:
The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with natural wonder.
Kids can climb the hexagonal basalt columns, learn about volcanic activity, and enjoy storytelling about the legendary giant Finn McCool.
Benefits: Encourages outdoor exploration, physical activity, and an appreciation for geology and folklore.Location: County Antrim
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

In Northern Ireland, the 10 Best Things to Do with Children include numerous outdoor adventures that stimulate creativity and encourage learning.

 

2. Visit W5 Science & Discovery Centre, Belfast
Why it’s great for children: W5 offers interactive exhibits, science shows, and creative workshops that make learning fun.
Benefits: Promotes STEM learning, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Practical info:
Location: Odyssey Complex, Belfast
Website: https://w5online.co.uk/

While visiting, don’t forget to check out the 10 Best Things to Do with Children, where every activity is packed with joy!

 

3. Spend a Day at Portrush’s Beaches

Why it’s great for children: East Strand and West Strand beaches are perfect for sandcastle building, paddling, and family picnics.

Benefits: Encourages outdoor play, relaxation, and sensory development.

With activities designed to be among the 10 Best Things to Do with Children, families can look forward to a thrilling summer in Northern Ireland.

Practical info:Location: Portrush, County Antrim

Facilities: Lifeguards, cafes, parking

4. Discover Castle Espie Wetland Centre
Why it’s great for children: A haven for wildlife lovers, Castle Espie offers birdwatching, nature trails, and hands-on activities.
Benefits: Builds environmental awareness and observation skills.
Practical info:
Location: Comber, County Down
Website: https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espie

Visiting places like Castle Espie is among the 10 Best Things to Do with Children, allowing kids to connect with nature.

 

 

5. Take a Family Hike in the Mourne Mountains

Why it’s great for children: The Mournes offer trails suitable for all ages, with breathtaking views and picnic spots.
Benefits: Promotes fitness, resilience, and appreciation for nature.
Location: County Down
Recommended trails: Slieve Donard, Silent Valley

 

 

 

6. Visit Ulster Folk Museum
Why it’s great for children: Step back in time to experience traditional crafts, old-fashioned schools, and farm life.
Benefits: Encourages curiosity about history and cultural heritage.
Location: Cultra, County DownWebsite: https://www.ulsterfolkmuseum.org/

Experiencing the 10 Best Things to Do with Children will create lasting memories for every family.

 

 

 

7. Enjoy a Day at Pickie Funpark
Why it’s great for children: With pedal boats, mini-golf, and playgrounds, Pickie Funpark is a seaside favourite.
Benefits: Combines physical play with family bonding.Location: Bangor, County Down

 

 

8. Explore the Marble Arch Caves
Why it’s great for children: Guided tours reveal underground rivers, stalactites, and fascinating rock formations.
Benefits: Inspires curiosity about geology and natural science.
Practical info: a great mobile caravan site is located nearby its called Rushin House https://www.rushinhouse.com/Location: County Fermanagh
Website:https://marblearchcaves.co.uk/

Exploring the Marble Arch Caves is definitely part of the 10 Best Things to Do with Children in Northern Ireland.

9. Visit Belfast Zoo
Why it’s great for children: Home to over 120 species, Belfast Zoo offers educational talks and animal encounters.
Benefits: Encourages empathy for animals and understanding of conservation.
Practical info:

Location: Antrim Road, Belfast
Website: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/zoo/home

10. Attend a Summer Festival or Outdoor Cinema
Why it’s great for children: From local food festivals to outdoor movie nights, Northern Ireland’s summer events bring communities together.
Benefits: Fosters creativity, social interaction, and cultural appreciation.
Practical info:

Northern Ireland offers a wealth of family-friendly experiences that combine fun, learning, and adventure. Whether exploring ancient landscapes, discovering science, or enjoying seaside fun, these activities promise to make July 2026 a memorable summer for children and parents alike, showcasing the 10 Best Things to Do with Children.

Resources

Belfast
Multi-sport / activity holiday camps (full-day / mixed sessions)

MR-Sports (summer multi-sport camps in Belfast; children can move between clubs across the day)
Healthy Kidz (multi-activity holiday camps)
Gaelic games-focused

Belfast YMCA – St Jude’s Summer Camp (ages up to 14) (Gaelic football/camogie/rounders + “fun and games”)
Sports & structured skills camps (incl. gymnastics/trampoline/teens/preschool-type options)

Sport Ireland Campus – Kids’ Camps (Belfast) (varied disciplines; they advertise multiple camp types including teen and preschool)
Creative holiday clubs

Miniversity (Belfast) (creative holiday camps; ages 2–15)
Childcare-style holiday camps (incl. half days/full days; pre-school places sometimes available)

Sleepy Hollow Group (Belfast) (holiday & activity camps run from school sites; they describe breakfast/half-day/full-day options)
Local youth/sport schemes (across Belfast/North Down)

Active Youth N.I. (summer camps across locations, including Belfast/North Down)
Derry / Londonderry (by type)
Primary school summer camps (coached, multi-activity with sport focus)
Derry City & Strabane District Council – CORE Kids Summer Camps (P1–P7)
CORE Kids Summer Camps (4–12yrs) at Ulster University, Derry (multi-sports, games, gymnastics, and creative arts/crafts)

Here are the contact details for the organisations we listed for Belfast and Derry.

Belfast

Belfast YMCA – St Jude’s Summer Camp (up to 14)

Email: linzi@belfast-ymca.org
Phone: 07907703507
belfast.cylex-uk.co.uk
MR-Sports (Belfast summer multi-sport camps)

Email: info@mr-sports.co.uk
Phone: 028 9600 5058
whatsonni.com
Sleepy Hollow Group (holiday & activity camps across North Belfast)

Email: info@sleepyhollowgroup.com
Phone: 028 9433 9031
St Therese of Lisieux PS, Belfast: 028 90770215
facebook.com
whatsonni.comhttp://www.whatsonni.com
Healthy Kidz (holiday camps / multi-activity)

Email: info@healthy-kidz.com
Phone: +44 20 4520 3651
belfast.cylex-uk.co.uk
Active Youth NI (summer camps incl. Glenlola Collegiate, Bangor)

Email: activekids97@gmail.com
Phone: 07934874535
facebook.com
Miniversity Creative Holiday Clubs (Belfast)

Email: study@miniversity.com
Phone: 07712042222
whatsonni.com
Derry / Londonderry
CORE Kids Summer Camps (Ulster University, Derry / P1–P7 style provision)
Phone (Strabane area listing): 028 7138 2510
Email: ussc@uppingham.co.uk
belfast.cylex-uk.co.uk