Holidays with kids and without kids are very different animals! Holidays without kids can be like sitting on the sofa with an old cat. Quiet, calm and totally chilled. While holidays with kids can be more like being stuffed in a bag of over-excited kittens!
What calms kittens down? A plan! Actually, that’s nonsense. Nothing calms kittens down, but if you’re holiday with kids then it’s good to have stuff to do that you know they’ll like. A happy kid is a happy parent, aunt or uncle, grandparent, guardian or whatever it is you are. Especially, when you’re on holiday!
So, if Belfast is your holiday destination, then it’s good to know where to take the little ones. Here are some ideas that are guaranteed to keep your bag of kittens happy!
Table of Contents
Get Creative and Curious
W5
W5 is a super cool place in Belfast where the whole family can learn about science in a really fun way! It’s like a giant playground filled with experiments and exciting things to do. You can climb a huge structure which is like a vertical maze, watch amazing science shows, and even pretend to be a TV star. There’s something for everyone, so neither you nor the kids will ever get bored!
Ulster Museum
The Ulster Museum is the largest museum in Northern Ireland! It’s packed with amazing things from dinosaurs to Egyptian mummies. It’s like several museums rolled into one. There’s art, archaeology, local history, animals, plants and even treasures from the Spanish Armada!
If you can’t find something that interests you all, we reckon they’d give you your money back if it wasn’t already free to get in!
Dive into History
Titanic Belfast
A visit to Titanic Belfast is one you’ll never forget! You’ll feel like a real-life explorer as you journey through different parts of the museum. This amazing interactive exhibition takes you through the entire story of the Titanic, from its inception to its unfortunate demise. You’ll learn about the people who built it, and discover what life was like on board. There are cool interactive displays, like getting to touch icebergs and hearing stories from survivors. It’s like watching an exciting movie, but you’re right in the middle of the action!
You can also explore the SS Nomadic, which was the Titanic’s tender ship. Tender ships serviced bigger ships and the Nomadic ferried passengers and mail to her biggest sister. The Nomadic was done out to the same high standards as the Titanic, which you can see for yourselves when you visit this ship that’s been restored to its full former glory.
Get out and explore
Belfast Zoo
Belfast Zoo is guaranteed to be a hit with kids of all ages! You can meet majestic creatures like lions, tigers, and elephants, or get up close with playful monkeys, adorable red pandas, and waddling penguins. If you love reptiles, you can check out some cool snakes and other slithery friends. And don’t forget to visit the aviary to see colourful parrots, wise old owls, and other feathered wonders. There are so many amazing animals to discover!
The zoo sits at the bottom of the stunning Cave Hill.
Cave Hill
Cave Hill is a really cool and massive hill that overlooks the city of Belfast! It’s like a big giant looking down on the city. People say it looks like the face of Napoleon, so it’s sometimes called “Napoleon’s Nose”.
You can climb up Cave Hill and see amazing views of Belfast. There’s a big park there called Cave Hill Country Park with lots of fun things to do. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy a walk or maybe just enjoy a picnic with your family. There’s a brilliant adventure playground that’s sure to keep the kids happy while you have a much-deserved sit-down!
Cave Hill is also home to Belfast Castle, which is more of a posh Victorian house than a castle, but it’s still a fascinating place to visit and the views over the
Climb to the top for stunning views of the city. It’s like being on top of the world!
Ulster American Folk Park
The Ulster American Folk Park is a place where you can learn about life a long time ago and discover the story of Irish immigrants to America. You can step inside real old Irish homes and see how people cooked, worked, and lived. There’s even a big ship you can explore, just like the ones people took to America. You can also visit cabins like the ones people lived in when they first arrived in America. There are fun things to do too, like dressing up, playing games, and listening to stories. It’s a great place for kids to have fun and learn new things!
Other Fun Stuff
St. George's Market
This vibrant market is full of delicious food and cool stuff to buy. You can find yummy food from all over the world, like tasty treats and fresh fruit. There are also really cool things to look at, like pretty jewellery, cool clothes, and fun toys.
On Fridays, there’s a special variety market that’s been taking place for more than 400 years! You can buy pretty much everything you could want. Saturdays sees a special food market with tons of local producers and Sundays sees a mix of both markets!
Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens in Belfast are a beautiful place to explore. They have a huge collection of plants from all over the world, including tropical rainforest plants and colourful flowers.
Perhaps the highlight of the gardens is the Palm House conservatory, which consists of two wings, the cool wing and the tropical wing. The tropical wing has has an extra high roof and has been home to plants as high as 11 metres tall! It’s a great place to learn about nature and have a fun day out.
The gardens are a fantastic place to chill out and maybe have a picnic. Perhaps, with some delicious food you bought at St. George’s Market.
Lagan Tow Path
Another of Belfast’s more relaxing places to head is the Lagan Towpath, a lovely walking and cycling path that follows the River Lagan through Belfast. You can enjoy beautiful views of the city and the river as you stroll or bike along the path. There are plenty of places to stop and rest, including parks and cafes. It’s a great way to see another side of this fantastic city.
Outside Belfast
The Giant's Causeway
If you’re in Belfast long enough for a day trip, then you really have to go to the Giant’s Causeway!
This stunning natural wonder is made up of thousands of interlocking basalt columns that look like a giant staircase leading into the sea. Legend says that a giant named Finn MacCool built the causeway to challenge a Scottish giant to a fight. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and somewhere that should be on everyone’s bucket list! The kids will be amazed by this otherworldly place!
Brilliant Belfast
That’s just some of the things that you can do with kids in Belfast. The more you explore, the more you’ll find there is to discover. Whatever you do, have fun!
Like? Share this post with your friends
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Belfast is a great city for families. It boasts a wide range of family-oriented activities and attractions such as the W5 interactive science museum, Belfast Zoo, and the Titanic Belfast museum. The city is also known for its green spaces like Botanic Gardens and Cave Hill Country Park, perfect for picnics and outdoor play.
Getting around Belfast with children is straightforward thanks to its compact size and well-organized public transportation system. Families can make use of buses and trains which are often stroller-friendly and economical. Another fun option for short distances is the hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses which can be an attraction themselves for the kids. Additionally, renting bikes and using pathways can also be a pleasant and healthy way to explore the city.
Belfast has several kid-friendly restaurants that cater to family dining. Some popular options include:
- Tony Roma’s: Known for its child-friendly menu and comfortable seating.
- Maggie Mays: Offers a casual setting with hearty meals that appeal to both adults and children.
- Pizza Punks: Allows kids to create their own gourmet pizzas, providing a fun and interactive dining experience.
The best time to visit Belfast with children is during the late spring through early autumn, from May to September. During these months, the weather is generally warmer and drier, making it conducive for outdoor activities. Additionally, these months coincide with school holidays, and you’ll find that many local attractions host special events for children.
Planning a flexible itinerary in Belfast for families can be straightforward by including activities that can be adjusted based on time and interest. Utilizing the hop-on hop-off bus can significantly enhance flexibility, allowing families to visit attractions at their own pace.
Tips for a Flexible Itinerary:
- Start early to avoid crowds: Particularly with popular attractions like Titanic Belfast.
- Incorporate free-play areas: Places like the Belfast Botanic Gardens or the playgrounds at Ormeau Park provide downtime for kids.
- Mix indoor and outdoor activities: Belfast’s unpredictable weather can often change plans, so having a mix ensures that rain or shine, the fun continues.
- Be mindful of over-scheduling: Leave room in your itinerary for rest and unexpected discoveries.
By keeping these factors in mind, families can enjoy a relaxed and memorable visit to Belfast.