Places to visit with your children
There are many interesting places to visit with your children in Northern Ireland. Museums and libraries have interactive exhibitions and creative activities. To find out what's on in your area, check noticeboards in libraries, museums, galleries and tourist offices or their websites.
Open farms
There are several open farms across Northern Ireland. They offer a great chance for children to see - and often play with and feed - newborn animals like lambs, chicks and piglets. Children can also see tractors in action and learn about how food is grown.
To find an open farm near you, go to:
Children’s outings
Days out at the beach, in the country, or visiting heritage sites, can be affordable and enjoyable for both adults and children. Trips to amusement parks and adventure playgrounds are another option.
Outdoor recreation and sport
Libraries
When you and your child join the library, you can borrow:
- books
- CDs
You can also get free internet access. You don't need to worry about your child going online in the library as there are parental controls in place.
To find out more about libraries, go to:
Museums and galleries
From dinosaurs to space rockets, local history to modern art, museums and galleries have different exhibitions and collections.
Museums and galleries often hold special workshops, activities and events. These are often suitable for children and on during school holidays.
Arts and culture
Getting involved in arts and culture helps children learn how to express themselves creatively.
BBC tours
Many BBC TV and radio stations, especially regional ones, offer free guided tours free of charge. The tour of BBC, Broadcasting House, Belfast will provide children with a unique opportunity to take a look "behind the scenes" at BBC Northern Ireland.
Childcare in the holidays
For working parents, childcare during the holidays can be difficult. Many families get help from grandparents and other relatives, while others arrange holiday childcare or book children in for summer activity programmes.