Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Days to feed your kids’ imagination..
Top attractions across Ulster to boost family fun
A NORTHERN Ireland charity is urging mums and dads to remember the importance of family days out for children.
Parenting NI has teamed up with Discovernorthernireland.com to develop a list of the best activities, attractions and places to stay.
The charity’s Charlene Brooks said: “We want to highlight the importance of spending time together and enjoying new experiences.
“Many experts state the childhood years between three and eight is when parental influence is at its strongest, so if you have children under the age of eight now is the time to experience the eight activities as a family.”
Lesley-ann O’donnell from Tourism NI added: “All parents understand the significance of spending time together as a family but choosing what to do during this time is also important to capture children’s imagination and explore what Northern Ireland has to offer.”
From building sandcastles in Portrush to traversing caves in Fermanagh, there is a wealth of attractions to enjoy.
Located in Dundonald, Streamvale Open Farm provides children with the opportunity to see a range of animals in Pets’ Corner, cuddle the pups, baby rabbits and chicks and bottle feed the goats and lambs. If you want to spend a night, the La Mon Hotel and Country Club is only a 10-minute drive away. This woodland walk features a trail of intertwined fairy houses and arts features creating a childhood land with dragons, giants and fairies. The Adventure Playpark is located nearby and includes a specially designed toddler’s area. As one of NI’S oldest and most popular attractions the zoo provides a fun day out for all. Your little monkeys can swing by the new reptile and amphibian house, waddle over to the penguins and other favourites at feeding time and pick up a special “zoovenir”. After a day of watching animals, the family can relax at the nearby Clayton Hotel.
Entertain and educate your children with a trip to Portaferry’s Exploris Aquarium. Here they can learn about many species via the unique touch-tank talks and create new memories at the seaside rock pools in the Kids Zone. After a fun-filled day, take the Strangford ferry and spend a night glamping at Castle
Ward in one of the family pods. One of Europe’s finest showcaves offers the chance to see an underworld of rivers, winding passages and lofty chambers. The tours are suitable for all ages and children love gliding along in the electrically-powered boats.
Gortin Glen Forest Park is located six miles outside of Omagh and offers the opportunity to climb a variety of trees, go mountain biking and canoe on the lakes. You can pack a picnic or make use of the barbecuing facilities on site to fuel your next adventure in the new play sculpture. For those who wish to explore the local area, you can take a tent and set up camp in the park. At around 2.5 miles long there is plenty of sand to create everything from masterful sandcastles to exquisite sculptures. Your littles ones can have a blast splashing in the water and you can join them – if you’re brave enough.
After a fun day of frolicking on the beach, take a five-minute drive to Morelli’s which offers delicious Italian ice cream. The early childhood years are so formative, but with such a range of fun experiences, activities and events, parents can be inspired to make the most of this valuable family time.
Visit Discovernorthern ireland.com for further information.