The official website of Visit Ards and North Down
En

Family Fun

Plan your trip
  • Stay
  • What's On
  • Things to Do
  • Food & Drink
  • Shopping
Accommodation Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
I'm interested in...
Things to Do Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
What's On Search
Dates
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
Food & Drink Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
Shopping Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:

Refine By

Refine Your Search Further:

Type
Attraction
Activity
Entertainment
Location

Number of results: 44

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. a boy and his dad looking at a sea creature in the tank
    View of underwater tank to tunnel
    Penguins
    a little girl looking at a fish in the tank
    a photograph of two kids kneeling down and looking into the fish tank
    a photograph of someone holding a starfish
    a photograph showing the interior of the aquarium
    a photograph of two otters in the water
    Food from the Kraken Bar and Grill at Exploris Aquarium
    a boy and his dad looking at a sea creature in the tank
    View of underwater tank to tunnel
    Penguins
    a little girl looking at a fish in the tank
    a photograph of two kids kneeling down and looking into the fish tank
    a photograph of someone holding a starfish
    a photograph showing the interior of the aquarium
    a photograph of two otters in the water
    Food from the Kraken Bar and Grill at Exploris Aquarium

    Portaferry

    Address

    The Rope Walk, Castle Street, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NZ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4272 8062

    Gradings

    • Five Star Quality Assurance
    Five Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Zoo / Aquarium

    Enjoy a diver's view of marine life from around the world without getting wet. An underwater Tunnel Experience, friendly sharks and a Dwarfcrocodile, a Waddle of Penguins, all star in Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre.

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Licensed

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • Parking (free)

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on Premises

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wi-fi available
  2. Leafy pathway through the country park
    Crawfordsburn waterfall
    Leafy pathway through the country park
    Crawfordsburn waterfall

    Helen's Bay

    Address

    Bridge Road South, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1JT

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9185 3621

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    With tranquil walks through peaceful meadows and wooded glens and a stunning waterfall, Crawfordsburn Country Park provides a relaxing natural retreat.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking - Car Parking is available at the Main Car Park, exit road lay by, Fort Road Car Park, Grey Point Fort and Sea Park, Coastguard Avenue.
  3. Photo of flagged bouy set out as decor at Ballyholme near the pitch and putt facility, overlooking the bay
    Image of generic golf ball and hole
    Photo of flagged bouy set out as decor at Ballyholme near the pitch and putt facility, overlooking the bay
    Image of generic golf ball and hole

    Bangor

    Address

    Seacliff Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BN

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 5622

    Type

    Type:

    Mini Golf and Pitch and Putt

    One nine hole pitch and putt course. Two 18 hole putting greens. 4 Tennis courts.
    There is also putting and pitch and putt equipment for hire.
    For booking information, please contact Bangor Sportsplex.

  4. Image of the NIEA signpost entitled Scrabo County Park, caring for the environment with Scrabo Tower in background
    Drone photo of Scrabo Tower sitting majestically on it's hill overlooking countryside
    Image of the NIEA signpost entitled Scrabo County Park, caring for the environment with Scrabo Tower in background
    Drone photo of Scrabo Tower sitting majestically on it's hill overlooking countryside

    Newtownards

    Address

    203A Scrabo Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4SJ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9181 1491

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    This charming park is situated around the upper slopes and top of Scrabo Hill, near the area of Newtownards. When visitors come and explore, they will be able to view the panoramic sights of Strangford Lough as well as the surrounding countryside.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • On site parking
  5. Photo of Formula 1 race car
    Photo of two competing go kart race drivers
    Group of men
    Group of children with medals and trophies after a successful football match
    Trophies
    A group of men
    A laser quest participant in action
    A group of children posing for a photo ready to play laser quest
    A man using the Race-2-Drive game
    Photo of Formula 1 race car
    Photo of two competing go kart race drivers
    Group of men
    Group of children with medals and trophies after a successful football match
    Trophies
    A group of men
    A laser quest participant in action
    A group of children posing for a photo ready to play laser quest
    A man using the Race-2-Drive game

    Bangor

    Address

    41 Balloo Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 7PG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9145 1457

    Type

    Type:

    Zorbing

    Race around an indoor karting track designed by Formula One superstar Eddie Irvine. Enjoy the adrenaline rush as you make your way around the track racing your friends.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  6. A photo of Ballywalter harbour on a bright day with pink flowers to the forefront of the image
    An image of Ballywalter harbour from the beach on a bright sunny day
    a photo of a sandy beach with some rocks
    a photo of some trees on a grassy area next to the sandy beach
    photo of the beach showing the sand and the sea
    a photo of the long sandy beach
    a photo of an arch in a brick wall next to the beach
    a photo of a brick wall next to the beach
    A photo of Ballywalter harbour on a bright day with pink flowers to the forefront of the image
    An image of Ballywalter harbour from the beach on a bright sunny day
    a photo of a sandy beach with some rocks
    a photo of some trees on a grassy area next to the sandy beach
    photo of the beach showing the sand and the sea
    a photo of the long sandy beach
    a photo of an arch in a brick wall next to the beach
    a photo of a brick wall next to the beach

    Ballywalter

    Address

    Springvale Road, Ballywalter, County Down, BT22 2PE

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    A long sandy beach which offers enjoyment for all.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  7. a photograph of a group of people standing next to a lake
    an image of a path
    a photo of a group of people walking on a path
    a photograph of a group of people standing next to a lake
    an image of a path
    a photo of a group of people walking on a path

    Bangor

    Address

    Close to Signal Business Growth Centre, Innotec Drive, Bangor, County Down, BT19 7PG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9045 4094

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    Accesible to all and perfect for a family stroll while looking at the local flora and fauna the area is maintained by Ulster Wildlife.

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  8. Photo of museum exterior and grassland to front
    Photo of staged set that depicts soldier life in the war. The image shows a map, headphones, a gas lamp and some gear
    A staged set with a dummy model of a soldier in gear in ditch holding a gun over sandbags on alert
    Image of staged bunker set showcasing life in war, featuring uniforms, sleep set up and dining set up as well as everyday items used to survive the wa
    Photo's of an officers office setting featuring signs and posters encouraging men to enlist to the war, as well as featuring gear and accessories of t
    Photo of green hut exterior where some of the museum displays are featured
    Photo of staged bunker set showing bed, soldiers headwear and a table and chair for dining and writing
    Photo of museum exterior and grassland to front
    Photo of staged set that depicts soldier life in the war. The image shows a map, headphones, a gas lamp and some gear
    A staged set with a dummy model of a soldier in gear in ditch holding a gun over sandbags on alert
    Image of staged bunker set showcasing life in war, featuring uniforms, sleep set up and dining set up as well as everyday items used to survive the wa
    Photo's of an officers office setting featuring signs and posters encouraging men to enlist to the war, as well as featuring gear and accessories of t
    Photo of green hut exterior where some of the museum displays are featured
    Photo of staged bunker set showing bed, soldiers headwear and a table and chair for dining and writing

    Newtownards

    Address

    233 Bangor Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7PH

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 3202

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    The Museum examines Ireland's role in the 1st World War with special reference to the cross-community involvement in the 3 local volunteer Divisions: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions and the 36th (Ulster) Division.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Leisure Facilities

    • Wifi
  9. Photo of the brightly coloured bandstand where live music takes place in the summer months
    Photo of the war memorial in Ward Park, framed by leafy trees
    Close up image of green grass covered in white daisy flowers and green leafy trees in Ward Park
    Photo of the Ward Park duck pond and wooden bridge, surrounded by leafy green trees mid summer
    Photo of bowlers in action at the Ward Park Bowling Green
    Photo of the Ward Park Bowling Green and Club house surrounded by flora and fauna
    Photo of the Ward Park Aviary beside the duck pond
    Photo of the brightly coloured bandstand where live music takes place in the summer months
    Photo of the war memorial in Ward Park, framed by leafy trees
    Close up image of green grass covered in white daisy flowers and green leafy trees in Ward Park
    Photo of the Ward Park duck pond and wooden bridge, surrounded by leafy green trees mid summer
    Photo of bowlers in action at the Ward Park Bowling Green
    Photo of the Ward Park Bowling Green and Club house surrounded by flora and fauna
    Photo of the Ward Park Aviary beside the duck pond

    Bangor

    Address

    Hamilton Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TA

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Public Park

    A perfect park in the centre of Bangor. An ideal spot to enjoy the local wildlife and feed the ducks.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  10. Visitors enjoying picnics in the grounds of the Folk Museum
    Horses at work ploughing a field
    Children enjoying the autumn leaves in the museum grounds
    A little girl enjoying one of the working displays
    Children sitting on a wall within the village of the Museum
    A spinner at work
    A weaver at work
    Ballycultra Village within the museum
    One of the museum characters at work
    Ballycultra Village replica homes
    Visitors enjoying picnics in the grounds of the Folk Museum
    Horses at work ploughing a field
    Children enjoying the autumn leaves in the museum grounds
    A little girl enjoying one of the working displays
    Children sitting on a wall within the village of the Museum
    A spinner at work
    A weaver at work
    Ballycultra Village within the museum
    One of the museum characters at work
    Ballycultra Village replica homes

    Holywood

    Address

    153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9042 8428

    Price

    Price from: £11.50 Per Ticket

    Gradings

    • Four Star Quality Assurance
    Four Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    Refresh the connection at Ulster Folk Museum, a place where traditions and heritage skills are preserved and celebrated to help shape future generations.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Oct 2024to1 Mar 2025Various Opening Times

    Price

    Price from: £11.50 Per Ticket

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  11. Close up photo of the ripples of sand on Ballyholme Beach with the promenade and bathers in backdrop
    Ballyholme Esplanade during the day showing the waters splashing against the seawall.
    Photo of bathers and a kayaker enjoying the sparkling waters of Ballyholme Beach on a sunny day
    Close up photo of the ripples of sand on Ballyholme Beach with the promenade and bathers in backdrop
    Ballyholme Esplanade during the day showing the waters splashing against the seawall.
    Photo of bathers and a kayaker enjoying the sparkling waters of Ballyholme Beach on a sunny day

    Bangor

    Address

    Bank's Lane, Groomsport Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5EG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    The mile long crescent of sandy beach curving along Ballyholme bay has been a favourite sea bathing spot for generations.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  12. arial photo of part of the lough
    photograph showing a field of sunflowers
    a photo showing the lough with the mountains in the background
    arial photo of part of the lough
    photograph showing a field of sunflowers
    a photo showing the lough with the mountains in the background

    Portaferry

    Address

    8 Ballyquintin Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1RG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4461 5520

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    Ballyquintin Nature Reserve includes Ballyquintin Point at the tip of the Ards Peninsula, County Down where the Irish Sea enters Strangford Lough.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
  13. Image of the Ark Open Farm's small replica of Noah's Ark with animal statues including giraffe
    Photo of beautiful highland cow at the Ark Open Farm
    Photo of Chicks at the Ark Open Farm
    Photo of grazing goat peaking over fence to say hello
    Image of a Reindeer in stalls at Ark Open Farm
    Image of playground area at Ark Open Farm
    Photo of winding path that take you to the Fairy Trail and Jurassic Ark at the Ark Open Farm
    Image of the Ark Open Farm's small replica of Noah's Ark with animal statues including giraffe
    Photo of beautiful highland cow at the Ark Open Farm
    Photo of Chicks at the Ark Open Farm
    Photo of grazing goat peaking over fence to say hello
    Image of a Reindeer in stalls at Ark Open Farm
    Image of playground area at Ark Open Farm
    Photo of winding path that take you to the Fairy Trail and Jurassic Ark at the Ark Open Farm

    Newtownards

    Address

    296 Bangor Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7PH

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 0445

    Type

    Type:

    Open Farm

    The Ark Open Farm is a fantastic family day out; the farm itself is set in 40 acres of beautiful countryside between Newtownards and Bangor. It’s home to a huge selection of farm animals and some that are a little more exotic.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Leisure Facilities

    • Wifi
  14. Scrabo Tower at dusk
    Photo of yellow gorse bush and Scrabo Tower peaking up from behind framed by blue sky
    Drone photo of Scrao Tower sitting majestically on it's hill overlooking the countryside
    Scrabo Tower at dusk
    Photo of yellow gorse bush and Scrabo Tower peaking up from behind framed by blue sky
    Drone photo of Scrao Tower sitting majestically on it's hill overlooking the countryside

    Newtownards

    Address

    203A Scrabo Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4SJ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Tower

    At the top of Scrabo Hill, overlooking Strangford Lough and the whole of North Down, is Scrabo Tower. The tower, which was built in 1857, is one of Northern Ireland’s best known landmarks and the views from the top are spectacular.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  15. ariel view of WWT Castle Espie
    Flock of light-bellied Brent geese in flight.
    Mother and son learning bird ID in the Brent Discovery Hide
    Exterior of Castle Espie visitor centre - a white building surrounded by grass and trees.
    A Teal duck on a lake
    A family handfeeding geese with a keeper.
    View of a lagoon and the Crannog roundhouse - a circular building with a thatched roof.
    Two visitors enjoying a coffee and traybake in the cafe.
    Aerial view of the Limekiln Observatory - a glass building overlooking Strangford Lough
    Whooper swan taking flight out of the water.
    ariel view of WWT Castle Espie
    Flock of light-bellied Brent geese in flight.
    Mother and son learning bird ID in the Brent Discovery Hide
    Exterior of Castle Espie visitor centre - a white building surrounded by grass and trees.
    A Teal duck on a lake
    A family handfeeding geese with a keeper.
    View of a lagoon and the Crannog roundhouse - a circular building with a thatched roof.
    Two visitors enjoying a coffee and traybake in the cafe.
    Aerial view of the Limekiln Observatory - a glass building overlooking Strangford Lough
    Whooper swan taking flight out of the water.

    Comber

    Address

    Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EA

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9187 4146

    Gradings

    • Four Star Quality Assurance
    Four Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    WWT Castle Espie is an extraordinary day out for the whole family. Escape the everyday, reconnect with nature, and experience the wonder of wetlands on the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough.

    Visit Castle Espie all year round and discover new…

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Parking (free)

    Facilities

    Leisure Facilities

    • Wifi

    Establishment Features

    • Wi-fi available
  16. Photo of two children with woolly hats on running through the autumn leaves of the park

    Holywood

    Address

    Bangor Road, Holywood, County Down, BT19 6JF

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Public Park

    A lovely park perfect for families located only a short distance from Holywood.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  17. A close up photo of Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport with a sense of location beside the harbour
    A photo of a boat sculpture set within a garden display located on grassland beside the seafront area
    A photograph of boats in the water at the harbour
    A photo of the view of Groomsport Harbour which featured a number of boats moored in the bay
    An image of the Groomsport Information sign
    A close up photo of Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport with a sense of location beside the harbour
    A photo of a boat sculpture set within a garden display located on grassland beside the seafront area
    A photograph of boats in the water at the harbour
    A photo of the view of Groomsport Harbour which featured a number of boats moored in the bay
    An image of the Groomsport Information sign

    Groomsport

    Address

    Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JP

    Telephone

    +44 (0)28 9127 0069

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    Groomsport village is a delightful spot, with quaint village shops, cafes and popular eateries, including historic Cockle Row Cottages, a restored turn of the century fisherman's cottages.

    Dates

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  18. View from the Coastal Path from Stricklands Glen direction coming into Bangor town
    Photo on a cool day overlooking the area where Stricklands Glen meets the Coastal Path
    View from the Coastal Path from Stricklands Glen direction coming into Bangor town
    Photo on a cool day overlooking the area where Stricklands Glen meets the Coastal Path

    Bangor

    Address

    Bryansburn Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 3SU

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Public Park

    An enchanting park leading onto the North Down Coastal Path.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  19. Close up photo of two putting sticks and two golf balls beside putting hole and flag at Seapark

    Holywood

    Address

    Seapark Road, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0LH

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 5622

    Type

    Type:

    Mini Golf and Pitch and Putt

    Seapark Recreation Grounds has one putting green of 18 holes. There is also putting equipment for hire.

  20. Photo of shrubs and reeds along Millisle promenade with water in the distance

    Millisle

    Address

    Ballywalter Road, Millisle, County Down, BT22 2HS

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Millisle Beach Park is an area of 150 metres of golden sand and a relatively safe bathing seawater lagoon extending out 50 metres. A jetty, slipways and paddling pool complement the lagoon area.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
View Maps and Visitor Guides
View of what Ards and North Down has to offer and some of the best things to see and do during a visit.
E-newsletter sign up
Sign up for the Ards and North Down newsletter for inspiration and travel tips.
Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss