Last Updated on September 26, 2026

Belfast punches well above its weight as a family city break. It’s compact enough to actually manage with kids in tow, it’s got a genuinely brilliant mix of hands-on museums, animals, forest zip lines and free things to wander into, and you’re never more than an hour from a rope bridge, a rock formation or a beach. This is the family-specific version of my full Belfast guide, everything here is either aimed at kids directly or works genuinely well with them along. Everything on this list is somewhere I’ve either visited with my son already or have planned to take him myself, nothing here is guesswork.

BELFAST WITH KIDS ESSENTIALS

✈️ Getting There / Belfast has two airports, Belfast International (BFS) and George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD), most UK flights use City Airport, which is closer to the centre. Book a private airport transfer with WelcomePickups so you’re not wrangling kids and luggage on public transport after a flight. Search flights on Skyscanner.

🚗 Getting Around / The city centre is very walkable, most attractions are within a 20 to 30 minute walk of each other, which is genuinely manageable with a buggy. For day trips out to the Giant’s Causeway or the North Down coast, compare rental cars on DiscoverCars.

🎟️ Tickets / Book Titanic Belfast and W5 in advance where you can, both get busy with school groups and weekend families and time slots can sell out. Book your Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic tickets here.

🏨 Stay / Family rooms and a pool make the biggest difference here, see the full picks in Where to Stay below.

🧳 Luggage Storage / If you’re early for check-in or killing time before a flight home with tired kids, there are luggage storage points all over the city. Use this website to find one nearby.

📱 Connect / Stay connected from the moment you land with an eSIM. I use Holafly, use code TRAVELWITHPAU for 5% off.

🛡️ Get Insured / Even for a UK trip, it’s worth having cover, especially with zip lines and farm visits on the itinerary. World Nomads offers coverage for over 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Things to Do in Belfast with Kids

1. Titanic Belfast & SS Nomadic

Titanic Belfast is the big one, and it genuinely earns the hype: built on the exact slipway where the ship was constructed, the museum walks you through Belfast’s shipbuilding story, the launch, the sinking, and the aftermath, with enough interactive exhibits (including a small ride through a recreated shipyard) to hold younger attention spans too. Combine your ticket with a visit to the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line ship, moored just outside. Standard tickets are £24.95 for adults, £11 for children aged 5 to 15, under 5s free, or £62 for a family pass. Book in advance, this sells out on weekends. Book your Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic tickets here.

2. W5 Discovery Centre

Right next door to Titanic Belfast in the same Titanic Quarter, W5 is a hands-on science centre with over 250 interactive exhibits across themed zones, kids can climb a multi-storey structure, explore space-age dinosaurs in The Lost Planet, or get properly stuck into MED-Lab. It’s best suited to roughly ages 3 to 10, with a dedicated Discovery Zone for under-8s specifically, and pairing it with Titanic Belfast makes for an easy, walkable double-header without moving the car. Tickets are from around £12 for adults and £10.50 for children, with family bundles available, and your ticket is valid all day so you can leave for lunch and come back. Check current W5 ticket prices and book here.

3. Colin Glen Forest Park

Just 5 minutes from the city centre, Colin Glen is a 200-acre forest park built for exactly this kind of day out: the longest zip line on the island of Ireland (700m over the Colin River, up to 50mph if your kids are brave enough), the island’s only official Gruffalo Trail, SKYTrek high ropes, and the island’s first Alpine Coaster. There’s enough here to fill a whole morning or afternoon, and plenty of gentler walking trails through the glen itself if you’ve got mixed ages in the group. Check activities and book online. Pricing is per activity or bundled into multi-activity passes rather than one flat entry fee, so it’s worth checking current rates on the site before you go.

4. Belfast Zoo

Set across 55 acres on the slopes of Cave Hill with genuinely lovely views back over the city, Belfast Zoo is home to over 120 species. It’s a proper half-day out rather than a quick stop, budget 3 to 4 hours if you want to see everything without rushing. Online tickets are £15 for adults, £7.50 for children aged 4 to 16, under 4s free, or £44.50 for a family of 2 adults and 3 children, cheaper than paying at the gate. Book Belfast Zoo tickets online.

5. Streamvale Open Farm

A short drive from the city, Streamvale Open Farm is the pick for younger children specifically: cows, sheep, ponies and a proper cuddle-time session where kids get to pet rabbits, chicks and sometimes puppies. There is lots to do in the farm, from a tractor driven ride to a barrel one, feeding, soft play, bouncy castles and a lot, lot more. My son loved our day there so much he skipped his nap! Admission is around £10 for adults and £9 for children, with toddlers under 3 often free or reduced. Book Streamvale Open Farm tickets here.

6. Botanic Gardens, the Palm House & Ulster Museum

The Botanic Gardens in Queen’s Quarter are free and beautiful, and the Palm House inside is a stunning Victorian glasshouse well worth a wander on its own, kids tend to love the humid, jungle-like warmth of it. Right next door, the Ulster Museum has a proper Egyptian mummy collection alongside dinosaur skeletons and natural science exhibits, more than enough to hold attention for a couple of hours. Both free.

7. Say Hello to Aslan at C.S. Lewis Square

Belfast is the birthplace of C.S. Lewis, and East Belfast celebrates it with C.S. Lewis Square, a small public square dotted with bronze statues of characters from the Chronicles of Narnia, including Aslan and the White Witch. It’s free, it’s outdoors, and it’s an easy 20 to 30 minute stop that Narnia-loving kids genuinely light up over.

8. Follow the Game of Thrones Glass Trail

Belfast and Northern Ireland were the main filming locations for Game of Thrones, and the city marks it with twelve individual stained glass windows depicting scenes from the show, displayed across the city. It’s free to follow, self-paced, and works well as a scavenger hunt if you frame it that way for older kids, hand them the map and let them find each one.

9. Browse St George’s Market

St George’s Market, a Victorian covered market open Friday through Sunday, is easy and low-pressure with kids: food stalls, crafts, live music, and enough going on to just wander for half an hour without a fixed plan. Friday is the Variety Market, Saturday is the City Food and Garden Market, and Sunday is the City Market. Good for grabbing lunch between bigger activities. Free to browse.

10. Belfast Castle & Cave Hill Country Park

Belfast Castle, built in 1870 in Scottish Baronial style, sits on the slopes of Cave Hill with spectacular views over the city. The surrounding Cave Hill Country Park has walking trails for every fitness level and a proper adventurous play park for younger kids to burn off energy after the walk up. About a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Free.

11. Andersonstown Indoor Aqua Park

For a rainy-day backup (this is Northern Ireland, keep one in your pocket), Andersonstown Indoor Aqua Park in West Belfast is the largest indoor water park in Northern Ireland, three high-speed water slides including a drop slide and a master blaster, plus a dedicated area for younger kids. A reliable option when the weather turns. From £6.35 for the small slides, £12.60 for full access (adult), £9.50 child 5+, under 5s free.

12. See the Big Fish

The Big Fish, officially the Salmon of Knowledge, is a ceramic mosaic sculpture on the waterfront near the Lagan, each tile tells part of Belfast’s history. It’s a two-minute stop, but kids like spotting the details, and it’s an easy add-on to a walk along the river or a Titanic Quarter visit. Free.

13. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

A good one for your first day, the hop-on hop-off bus gives you your bearings before deciding what’s worth going back to properly. The full loop takes about 1 hour 10 minutes across 19 stops, taking in the Peace Wall and Falls Road murals, Queen’s University, St George’s Market and the Titanic Quarter. Book the Belfast City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. £24 for a 48-hour ticket.

14. The Lost City Adventure Golf

Another solid rainy-day option, The Lost City Adventure Golf has two indoor 18-hole jungle-themed courses with special effects and interactive obstacles built in. A family pass covering 4 players is £30 for one course or £45 for both. Open 10am to 10pm daily.

15. We Are Vertigo

In the Titanic Quarter, We Are Vertigo is home to Northern Ireland’s only indoor skydiving tunnel, suitable from age 4, plus a Ninja Master Course (age 6+) with ziplines, jungle bars and rolling logs. Skydiving is £45 for a 2-minute session, the Ninja Course is £15. It’s not cheap for what you get, but it’s a genuinely memorable, one-off experience if you want to splash out on a single big activity.

16. Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory

More than just a sweet shop, Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory lets kids watch traditional sweets, handmade chocolates and honeycomb being made, with candy shows most weekends at midday. Entry is around £5 to £8. A nice, low-key one to pair with a wander around East Belfast.

17. Prison Island Belfast

Prison Island is 25 different prison-themed challenge cells where teams use physical and tactical skill to score points over a 2-hour session, not an escape room, you can leave any cell at any time. Best suited to ages 9 and up, though 6 to 9-year-olds can play alongside an adult. A child ticket for a standard session is £18.

18. Black Cab Political History Tour (Older Kids & Teens)

For older kids and teens who can handle the subject matter, a Black Cab tour through the Peace Wall and the Falls Road and Shankill Road murals is one of the most genuinely valuable things you can do in Belfast, a local driver walks you through the history of the Troubles with real personal context that no textbook replicates. It’s not aimed at younger children, but for the right age it’s an experience worth building a day around. Book a Belfast Political Taxi Tour. From £32.50 per person.

19. Crumlin Road Gaol (Older Kids & Teens)

A genuinely fascinating self-guided tour through Belfast’s Victorian-era prison, Crumlin Road Gaol lets you into some of the actual cells and the underground tunnel prisoners were once brought through from the courthouse. It’s atmospheric rather than gory, but the hanging cell at the end is a bit much for younger children, this one’s better suited to older kids and teens than the rest of this list. Book Crumlin Road Gaol tickets here. £18.50 adults, £12 children, £17 concessions, £55 family of 4.

20. The Gobbins Cliff Path Walk

A dramatic, guided-only cliff walk carved into the rock along the Causeway Coast, about 3.2km and roughly two hours including bridges, steps and a small tunnel. It’s more manageable than it sounds, walking is single-file so the pace is naturally slow, and a buggy is provided for the steep hill back up if you need it. Children must be over 4ft tall, no upper age limit. Plan your visit and book here. £20 adults, £14.50 children/students/seniors, £42 family ticket, guided tours only.

21. Let’s Go Hydro

Northern Ireland’s biggest outdoor aqua park, Let’s Go Hydro is about 15 minutes from the city centre and packs in inflatable slides, climbing walls, wakeboarding and pier jumps across 55 acres, genuinely fun for a mix of ages. It also does accommodation, tents, glamping pods, Viking huts and even houseboats, if you fancy basing yourselves there for a night rather than just a day visit. Check current prices and book here.

22. The Odyssey Complex: Cinema, Bowling & Crazy Golf

Right below W5 in the Titanic Quarter, the Odyssey is a whole complex worth knowing about for a wet-weather afternoon: a 13-screen Cineworld, a 20-lane bowling alley, a 36-hole crazy golf course and an arcade, all under one roof, with restaurants and shops if you need a break between activities. Easy to combine with a W5 or Titanic Belfast morning. Individual prices per activity, check the site for current rates.

23. Browse Belfast Central Library

On Royal Avenue, Belfast Central Library is a genuinely beautiful piece of public architecture as much as a working library, with a dedicated children’s area, free activities, and a calm, air-conditioned break from a busy day of sightseeing. An easy stop if you need somewhere quiet for half an hour. Free.

24. Black Axe Throwing (16+)

Strictly for the older end of “kids”, Black Axe Throwing doesn’t allow anyone under 16 to throw, and 16 and 17-year-olds need an adult to co-sign their waiver. Worth knowing about if you’re travelling with teens rather than young children, instructors run you through safety and technique before you start. £29 per person, per hour.

25. HMS Caroline

Moored right in the Titanic Quarter, a short walk from Titanic Belfast and W5, HMS Caroline is the last surviving ship from the Battle of Jutland, the largest naval battle of the First World War. It’s a self-guided tour with touchscreen displays and panoramic harbour views, genuinely well-suited to families, and an easy add-on to a Titanic Quarter day since you’re already right there. During NI school holidays it runs free-flow rather than a fixed 45-minute guided slot, easier with kids who want to move at their own pace. Book HMS Caroline tickets here. £12 adults, £7.50 students/seniors, £5 children, under 5s free, tickets valid for a year.

26. Laganvale Farm

Just outside the city between Belfast and Lisburn, in the Lagan Valley Regional Park, Laganvale Farm is a great alternative or add-on to Streamvale: a petting barn, animal paddocks, a big sandpit and activity tunnel outdoors, plus a genuinely good indoor soft play centre for a wet day, catering from babies up to 10-year-olds. There’s a tearoom on site too, and seasonal events like pumpkin picking and a maize maze. Prices vary depending on whether you add the soft play session, roughly £8 to £13 for adults and £33 to £40 for a family of 4, pre-booking required. Check current prices and book here.

Belfast Day Trips to Take with Kids

Giant’s Causeway

A UNESCO World Heritage Site about 1.5 hours from Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway is 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity, and it looks genuinely otherworldly in person, kids tend to find it fascinating rather than “just another rock formation.” If your kids are a bit older and steady on their feet, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge nearby is a proper adventure (check height and confidence levels first, it’s a real swaying rope bridge over open water), and the eerie tunnel of trees at Dark Hedges, another Game of Thrones filming spot, is free to see and an easy photo stop on the way. Book a Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour from Belfast, the easiest way to see it all without driving yourself.

North Down Coast: Cultra, Holywood & Bangor

All three of these sit on the same train line out of Belfast, handy if you’d rather not deal with parking and car seats for the day, though it’s just as easy to drive between them if you already have a car. First stop, Cultra, home to the Ulster Transport Museum, kids can climb aboard an original steam locomotive and see the actual DeLorean used in Back to the Future. Tickets are £12.50 for adults, £7.80 for children aged 5 to 17, under 5s free, family tickets from £26.70. Book Ulster Transport Museum tickets here. Right next door on the same site, the Ulster Folk Museum is worth the extra time if you’re already there: over 50 historic buildings dismantled and rebuilt stone by stone from across Ulster, with costumed interpreters demonstrating blacksmithing, weaving and traditional farming, a proper hands-on living history village for kids to explore. Book Ulster Folk Museum tickets here. A short hop on in Holywood, Crawfordsburn Country Park and Helen’s Bay beach are free to visit and perfect for a sandy afternoon if the weather holds. Push on a bit further to Bangor for Pickie Fun Park, the adventure playground and splash pad are free, with individual rides like the Pickie Puffer steam train, giant pedal swans and the 18-hole nautical mini golf course paid separately on-site, easily a highlight of the whole trip for younger kids. Book Pickie Fun Park wristbands here.

Hillsborough Castle & Gardens

About 30 minutes south of Belfast, Hillsborough Castle is the official Northern Ireland residence of the Royal Family and the Secretary of State, an 18th-century Georgian house with genuinely beautiful gardens that are just as much the draw as the castle itself. I visit the gardens every year, and it’s beautiful every time, the grounds are massive, plenty of open lawn for kids to run around while the adults linger over the flower beds, and they’re pretty much guaranteed to tire the kids out. Castle and Gardens tickets are £23.70 for adults, £12.10 for children and young people (16-17), under 5s free, with reduced child pricing and free garden entry for kids running over the summer months, check the current offer before you go. A relaxed, easy half-day out, although note that the Castle itself needs a timed entry and can only be visited via a tour (since it’s a working Royal Castle), so to be honest I skip it most visits and just visit the gardens. Nearby Hillsborough Forest Park has its own playground too, one that genuinely looks like it’s stepped straight out of Harry Potter (not officially themed, it just has that look), well worth the extra 10 minutes if the kids still have energy left. Book Hillsborough Castle Garden Only tickets here.

Kinedale Donkeys

Also in County Down and easy to pair with Hillsborough Castle for a fuller day out, Kinedale Donkeys is a small family farm in Ballynahinch with over 25 therapy-trained donkeys. I took my son Robin, and he absolutely loved it, brushing and grooming the donkeys was his highlight of the whole trip. There are a few different experiences depending on age and how much time you want to spend: the Cuddle Session (brushing, grooming and petting, £10 per person aged 5+, £5 for toddlers) is genuinely amazing, you get to spend proper time up close with them and the donkeys themselves are so sweet, it’s the simplest and most toddler-friendly option too. The Donkey Trek (£29) is great fun, but worth knowing the donkeys are surprisingly strong, even my niece, who was 11 at the time, struggled to control hers, and it wasn’t even a big one. The Donkey Trail Through Time (£45 adult, £19 child) is the other option, better suited to slightly older kids. Book in advance. Book Kinedale Donkeys here.

Game of Thrones Studio Tour

For the mega-fans, about 40 minutes south of Belfast at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour takes you through the real sets, costumes and props from all eight seasons, the Great Hall of Winterfell included. It’s genuinely family-friendly and there’s no minimum age, though it suits older kids and teens who’ve actually watched the show best, younger children who don’t know the story will mostly see rooms of costumes and swords, and a few of the darker sets and weapons can be a lot for little ones. Adult tickets are around £39.50, children around £29.50, with a cheaper per-head family option. Book a timed slot in advance, weekends and school holidays sell out. Book the Game of Thrones Studio Tour with coach transfer from Belfast.

Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary

About an hour from Belfast on the shores of Strangford Lough in Portaferry, Exploris is Northern Ireland’s only public aquarium, a genuinely good pick if your kids are into sea life: an Open Sea tank, a Tropical Ocean zone with over 100 coral reef species, Asian short-clawed otters, and a working seal sanctuary where rescued seals are rehabilitated before release. Individual tickets run from around £12.50 for a child at the gate (cheaper booked online), with a family ticket at £42 (down from the £54 RRP), and under 3s go free. Open daily 10am to 5pm, last admission 3:45pm. Book Exploris Aquarium tickets here.

Where to Stay in Belfast with Kids

Family rooms and a pool make the single biggest difference to a Belfast trip with kids, here are the best-suited options:

Self-Catering, Best for Bigger Families

If you’re travelling as a bigger family group or want more space and a proper kitchen, I also have my own self-catering properties across Belfast, a few genuinely work well for families specifically:

• Walk to City Centre Townhouse, Garden and Parking: Particularly well set up for families with young children, it comes with 2 cots and 2 high chairs already there, so you’re not travelling with half a nursery in the boot.
• Comfy City Base + Free Parking, Walk Everywhere: Another good family option, spacious and central, with free parking included.
• Spacious Victorian Flat Near Queens, Walk to City: One of a few self-contained flats in the same building, handy if you’re travelling as an extended family or two households together and want your own space but to still be close by.

We’ve got a lot more than just these three, including some genuinely big houses that work well for large or multi-generational families, I’ve put together a full round-up of the best options for bigger groups here: Where to Stay in Belfast for Big Groups. Filter to Belfast on the booking site itself to see everything available for your dates.

If you’d still prefer a hotel, then I recommend these:

Budget Accommodation

• Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre: Reliable, well-located, and good value, with family rooms available and an easy walk to the Titanic Quarter. Best for: families who want a no-fuss, central base without paying for extras they won’t use.

Mid-range

• Clayton Hotel Belfast City: Has a pool, which is genuinely worth the upgrade with kids, plus family rooms and a central location close to the main attractions. Best for: families who want a proper pool evening without leaving the city centre.

Splurge

• Crowne Plaza Belfast: A 20-metre indoor pool, sauna, a dedicated children’s playroom with toys and games for kids up to 8, and free kids’ bikes to borrow. It’s about 15 minutes outside the city centre near Lagan Valley Regional Park, so you’ll want a car, but it’s worth it if the hotel itself is meant to be part of the holiday. Best for: families prioritising hotel amenities and a proper splash-about over a central location.

None of these float your boat? Search all Belfast hotels.

Where to Eat in Belfast with Kids

Neighbourhood: Brunch done brilliantly, and relaxed enough to bring kids without feeling out of place. Expect a queue on weekends.

The Teal Monkey: A genuinely lovely, quirky spot on Dublin Road, and one we’ve actually eaten at ourselves. Kids eat free (under 2, I believe, worth double-checking on the day), and when we visited over Christmas they made my son a delicious meal to order.

Established Coffee: The best coffee in the city for the grown-ups, with a relaxed atmosphere that works fine with kids in tow. There’s a huge communal table to sit in.

Villa Italia: A family-run pizzeria near Queen’s University, established in 1988 and housed in a Georgian listed building, genuinely one of Belfast’s best family restaurants and an easy win with fussy pizza-loving kids.

For something more casual, St George’s Market (Friday to Sunday) has food stalls covering pretty much everything, good for letting everyone pick their own lunch rather than agreeing on one restaurant.

How Long to Spend in Belfast with Kids

A long weekend (2 to 3 days) covers the city centre essentials, Titanic Belfast and W5, plus one more activity like Colin Glen or the zoo, without feeling rushed.

4 to 5 days gives you room to add a full day trip, either the Giant’s Causeway or the North Down coast combo, without cramming everything else into fewer days.

A week or more lets you do both day trips comfortably and mix in some down time, useful if you’ve got a range of ages or energy levels in the group.

Best Time to Visit Belfast

May to September is the most reliable window weather-wise (still pack a waterproof, this is Northern Ireland), with long daylight hours that make the outdoor stuff, Colin Glen, Cave Hill, the beaches, much easier to plan around. School holiday weeks get busier at the big-ticket attractions like Titanic Belfast and W5, so book ahead if you’re travelling then. If you’re flexible, term-time weekdays are noticeably quieter.

Getting To & Around Belfast

Belfast has two airports, Belfast International (BFS) and George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD), most UK flights use City Airport, which is closer to the centre. Book a private transfer with WelcomePickups for a stress-free arrival with kids and luggage, and search flights on Skyscanner. If you’re coming from Scotland or the Republic of Ireland, Stena Line and P&O run regular ferry services, and there’s a direct rail connection from Dublin on the Enterprise service, around 2 hours.

Once you’re there, Belfast is genuinely very walkable, most attractions are within a 20 to 30 minute walk of each other, and the Glider bus service connects East and West Belfast efficiently. For the Giant’s Causeway or the North Down coast day trips, a rental car gives you the most flexibility, though the North Down coast (Cultra, Holywood, Bangor) is also easily doable by train alone. Compare Belfast car hire prices with DiscoverCars.

Belfast with Kids FAQ

Is Belfast a good city break for families?

Yes, it’s compact and walkable enough to manage with kids, and has a genuinely strong mix of hands-on museums (Titanic Belfast, W5), animals (Belfast Zoo, Streamvale Open Farm), and outdoor activity (Colin Glen’s zip line and high ropes) within easy reach of the centre.

What is the best free thing to do in Belfast with kids?

The Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum together, both free, easily fill a couple of hours, and C.S. Lewis Square and the Game of Thrones Glass Trail are also free and easy with kids.

Do I need to book Titanic Belfast and W5 in advance?

It’s worth it, especially on weekends and school holidays, both attractions can sell out their time slots. Booking online is also usually cheaper than paying at the door.

Is the Giant’s Causeway worth it with young kids?

Yes, most kids find the basalt columns genuinely fascinating rather than “just rocks,” and the site itself is flat and manageable for buggies near the visitor centre, though the coastal paths further out do involve some walking.

Is Belfast Zoo or Streamvale Open Farm better for younger kids?

Streamvale Open Farm is better suited to under-8s specifically, it’s smaller and built around hands-on animal contact. Belfast Zoo works well across a wider age range and is more of a proper half-day out.

How many days do you need in Belfast with kids?

A long weekend of 2 to 3 days covers the city centre essentials comfortably, but 4 to 5 days lets you add a full day trip to the Giant’s Causeway or the North Down coast without rushing.

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