Places to visit with your children
There are lots of interesting places
for you to visit with your children all over Northern Ireland – some free of
charge. Museums and libraries, for example, provide interactive exhibitions and
interesting things to do. Find out what’s on offer in your area.
Open
farms
There are a number of 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.
Find an open farm near you on the
Discover Northern Ireland website.
- Discover Northern Ireland
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.
- Things to see & do in Northern Ireland (Discover Northern Ireland website)(external link)
- National Trust
Libraries
Libraries offer a huge range of
mostly free services you probably wouldn't expect - from Internet access to
magazines, newspapers and dvds - as well as books to borrow.
Internet access is available in
every public library. There's no need to worry about what sites your child
might be visiting as parental controls are in place. Find out more on the
Libraries NI website.
- Libraries NI
Museums
and galleries
From dinosaurs to space rockets,
local history to modern art, there's something for everyone at the museums and
galleries across the country.
In addition to their featured
exhibitions, museums and galleries often hold special workshops, activities and
events. These are often aimed at children and are usually arranged to coincide
with the school holidays.
- National Museums Northern Ireland
Online
exhibitions
If you don't want to travel far,
children can always take an online tour of a virtual exhibition. Details of these
feature on the 'Show me' website - provided by the 24 hour museum.
For children aged four to 11, there
is an exciting collection of games and interactive content, designed to
encourage children to visit museums and galleries.
There is also a dedicated section
for parents and carers, offering ideas to help you encourage your child's
interest in the country's cultural heritage.
- Show me website(external link)
BBC
tours
Many BBC TV and radio stations,
especially regional ones, offer 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.
- Book a BBC tour (BBC website)(external link)
Childcare
in the holidays
For working parents, childcare
during the holidays can be a problem. Many families get a hand from grandparents
and other relatives, while others arrange holiday childcare or book children in
for summer activity programmes.
