How do you keep a teenager happy? No, there’s no punchline coming. Just a whole lot of helpful ideas and brilliant things to do in Northern Ireland. Whether your teenagers are into water sports or turning into budding rally champions, there’s an experience waiting for them here. So, charge up the phones. These are memories they’ll want to keep.
Adventures under £20 | Adventures between £20-£40 | £40+ Adventures
Zipline in County Tyrone
50m above the ground, a staggering 500m long and more fun than you ever thought possible. Welcome to Todds Leap. A custom zipover will take you along dirt tracks to the highest point before you soar through the skies over the forest below. It’s just one of the many action-packed activities here in this home for daredevils. It’s good fun for all the family too. Once the parents promise not to embarrass the kids.
Somewhere to stay
When you’re back down to earth, there are handy self-catering log cabins at the heart of the activity centre. Or try self-catering Mill Lodge in the peaceful Clogher Valley.
Canoeing at Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast
It’s time to paddle your own canoe or rather one that Mobile Team Adventure have provided for you. Then you can take to the River Lagan like a duck to water. No experience is needed and all equipment is there for you. Canoeing sessions run every Saturday from April to September or you can book private sessions for family groups or friends. And nearby the stylish Crowne Plaza makes a perfect place to stay.
Mountain biking at Blessingbourne, County Tyrone
Sixteen miles east of Enniskillen, Blessingbourne is an ideal place to get to grips with the exhilarating world of mountain biking. 13km of biking trails take you through woodlands, private lakes and a nature reserve on trails designed by Architrail’s Phil Saxena - who also happened to design trails for the Beijing Olympics and the Downhill World Cup.
Gentle blue trails and dramatic red/black technically-challenging ones means there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a complete beginner or in search of an adrenaline fix. And if you need a night or two to recover or to continue the adventure, Blessingbourne Courtyard Apartments are ready and waiting.
>>> Adventures costing between £20-£40 <<<
Surfing on the Causeway Coast
Some of the most fantastic beaches are found along the Causeway Coastal Route, such as Whiterocks Beach - a surfer’s paradise. The waves are powerful here for much of the year. And you’re within walking distance of Portrush – another top spot for surfers. Sign up for lessons with an expert instructor and you’ll be ‘awesome’ in no time.
Stay at the Portrush Atlantic Hotel – well, the name says it all really. If it were any more convenient, you’d be surfing through the lobby.
Wet bouldering in the Mourne Mountains
Wet bouldering? It’s an exhilarating mix of walking, scrambling, jumping, swimming and sometimes crawling along a river. Book a session with Life Adventure Centre or Outdoor Concepts NI Ltd. and they’ll get you in the swim in no time, as you face waterfalls, rock slides and plunge pools at Bloody Bridge.
And if you need somewhere to stay (or shower) afterwards, head for Ivy Cottage - a cosy and welcoming spot.
Downhill zorbing, County Londonderry
It’s a sad fact that there are not many places where you can climb inside a giant inflatable ball and roll down a hill. Jungle NI is one the best spots in Northern Ireland to encourage it. So, if this is your only chance to ‘zorb’, it’s definitely worth taking and definitely good for a laugh.
While you’re there, check out the Jungle NI glamping pods – where the fun continues.
High speed sea safari, County Antrim
One thing you won’t hear on this trip is ‘I’m bored’. There’s too much going on as you zoom across the water and along the coastline on an superfast speedboat. This is sightseeing with a difference. So keep an eye out for caves, castles and, of course, the fantastic Giant’s Causeway
Aquaholics Dive Centre and Sea Safari's or Causeway Sea Tours can get you there and, if you want to stay a bit longer, 10 Atlantic Bay makes an ideal base.
Paddle boarding on the River Roe, County Londonderry
Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is great for balance, strength and clearing the head, and the idyllic River Roe is a pretty spectacular spot to have a go. And after all that fun, you all deserve a stay at the award-winning Roe Park Resort.
Jump around at Airtastic
Fun for all ages at Airtastic, where you can enjoy lots of indoor inflatable fun. Test your nerve with Beat the Wall, Freefall, Wipe Out and Drop Slides.
Visit one of their three locations at Bangor, Craigavon or Newtownabbey.
Canoeing on Castlewellan Lake, County Down
The calm and secluded water of Castlewellan Lake is an ideal place for teens – who like their independence – to learn how to canoe. There’s a choice of Canadian canoes or sit-on-top kayaks, depending on how wet they’re willing to get. And onsite canoe hire and instruction from Life Adventure Centre. If you’re planning to spend more time in the area 1 Sea Haven is a welcoming spot to stay.
>>> Adventures costing £40+ <<<
Junior rally experience, County Down
Designed specifically for non-drivers, this is an opportunity for teenagers to get fast and furious on the Junior Rally Experience. They’ll take the wheel in rally suit and helmet to learn basic driving and rally competition skills before an experienced instructor takes them on a high-speed demonstration around the purpose built track. Adrenaline? Exhilaration? And just about everything else a teenager wants from an adventure like this.
That’s just a selection of the many things teens can find to do or learn in Northern Ireland’s great outdoors. And, of course, if you ask nicely (or perhaps bribe them) they might let you join in too.
