School Holiday Days Out in Northern Ireland
Planning school holiday days out in Northern Ireland? You're in the right place. From world-class science centres and immersive studio tours to ancient forest trails and seal sanctuaries, Northern Ireland is packed with family activities that keep kids of all ages entertained - whatever the weather. And with some of the best free days out sitting alongside genuine bucket-list experiences, there's something here for every family and every budget.
Whether you're a local looking for fresh ideas or visiting for the first time, here are some of the best things to do with kids in Northern Ireland this school holiday.
Family Days Out in Northern Ireland: Ideas for Every School Holiday
One of the best things about planning school holiday activities in Northern Ireland is the sheer variety on offer. You can go from a hands-on science adventure in Belfast to a mythical woodland trail in the Mournes in under an hour. Rainy day? Head indoors to W5, Titanic Belfast, or the Ulster Museum - which is completely free to enter and endlessly rewarding for curious kids. Sun's out? The options open up even further, from the seal sanctuary at Exploris Aquarium to the giant hedge maze at Castlewellan Forest Park.
For families with younger children, the Gruffalo & Stickman Guided Walk in Tollymore Forest and Fionn's Giant Adventure at Slieve Gullion Forest Park are two of the most magical things to do with kids in Northern Ireland - both bring beloved stories to life in stunning natural settings. For older children and teenagers, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge is an unmissable experience, offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most ambitious TV productions at the actual filming location.
If you're planning a longer school holiday break, Northern Ireland rewards exploration. Each region brings something distinct — Belfast's Titanic Quarter and zoo, the dramatic coastline of County Antrim, the Mourne Mountains and Strangford Lough in County Down, the stargazing of County Tyrone, the lakes of Fermanagh, and the walled city of Derry~Londonderry. Every direction offers a new family adventure.
Below you'll find our handpicked selection of the best school holiday days out in Northern Ireland - spanning indoor and outdoor activities, free attractions, and experiences for all ages and interests.
Rainy Day? These Indoor Activities Have You Covered
Northern Ireland's school holiday options don't stop when the weather turns. Some of the best indoor activities for kids in Northern Ireland include:
W5, Belfast - 250+ interactive exhibits across eight zones; perfect for ages 5–15
Titanic Belfast - Nine immersive galleries telling the story of the world's most famous ship, right where she was built
Ulster Museum, Belfast - Free entry, dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, and world-class art collections
Armagh Observatory & Planetarium - A full-dome theatre that takes families on a journey through the universe
Game of Thrones Studio Tour, Banbridge - Original sets, costumes, and weapons from the series; best for older children and teens
Free Days Out in Northern Ireland
Looking to keep costs down? Some of the very best things to do with kids in Northern Ireland won't cost a penny:
Ulster Museum - World-class collections, completely free
The Narnia Trail, Kilbroney Park - A woodland loop trail inspired by C.S. Lewis, free to walk
City Walls, Derry~Londonderry - Walk the walls of Ireland's only remaining fully intact walled city, free year-round
Castlewellan Peace Maze - One of the world's largest permanent hedge mazes, set in beautiful forest park surroundings
Whether you're searching for indoor family activities, outdoor adventure, free days out, or something genuinely out of the ordinary, Northern Ireland delivers. Pack your snacks, charge the camera, and get ready to make some memories.
