If you know of any other great historical and educational attractions near belfast which aren't listed on DAYoutWITHtheKIDS, please get in contact with us, so we can add them to the website and share the fun places to go with other children - thanks a lot
Historical and Educational Attractions near to Belfast
Belfast Castle Visitors Centre (2 miles)
Belfast
Belfast Castle Visitors Centre Belfast Castle Visitors Centre tells the story of Belfast Castle and its residents over the years as well as providing an insight into Cave Hill where it is situated.
Carrickfergus Castle (7 miles)
Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus Castle Carrickfergus Castle is one of Ireland's finest Medieval castles and stands impressive on the shore of Belfast Lough.
Castle Ward (25 miles)
Strangford
Castle Ward Your children can immerse themselves in the Victorian Past at Castle Ward. There's also a farmyard to visit and an adventure play area.
Palace Stables Heritage Centre (36 miles)
Armagh
Palace Stables Heritage Centre The Heritage Centre is situation with the lovingly restored 18th Century Stables of the Palace Demesne. Costumed tour guides take you around the estate allowing you to relive life here in the late 18th Century.
Logan Botanic Garden (40 miles)
Stranraer
Logan Botanic Garden Scotlands Most Exotic Garden. Because of the influence of the Gulf Stream, a remarkable collection of bizarre and beautiful plants flourishes outside, making this Garden a plantsmans paradise.
Peel Castle (60 miles)
Peel
Peel Castle Overlooking picturesque Peel harbour is the ancient castle and island fortress of Peel Castle set on St Patrick's Isle, where you can unwrap the layers of Manx history within the castle's magnificent walls.
Whithorn Cradle of Christianity (62 miles)
WIgtownshire
Whithorn Cradle of Christianity Founded by St. Ninian in the 5th century this is the site of the first Christian church in Scotland, later becoming the cathedral church of Galloway. The ongoing archaeological excavation is partially open to visitors. In the museum itself is a significant collection of early Christian stones.
The Culzean Experience (66 miles)
Ayreshire
The Culzean Experience A splendid and atmospheric castle full of history and significance, and surrounded by beautiful country parkland. Houses the 2nd largest armoury display in the world.
Old House of Keys (67 miles)
Castletown
Old House of Keys Manx National Heritage has restored the Old House of Keys to provide visitors with an insight into the political life and times of the Island.
Castle Rushen (67 miles)
Castletown
Castle Rushen Situated in the heart of Castletown, the Island’s ancient capital, Castle Rushen is one of Europe’s most finely preserved medieval castles and fortress of the Kings and Lords of Mann.
Laxey Wheel (67 miles)
Laxey
Laxey Wheel Not a full day's worth but an interesting stop: this is the largest working waterwheel in the world!
Brodick Castle and Country Park (71 miles)
Ayr
Brodick Castle and Country Park There are dramatic gorges with water-carved shapes in the rocks to discover. and you can experince stunning views across Brodick Bay.
Cardoness Castle (72 miles)
Gatehouse of Fleet
Cardoness Castle A well-preserved six storey tower house of the McCullochs dating back to the 15th century. Its battlements command excellent views over Fleet Bay.
Newark Castle (73 miles)
Ayr
Newark Castle Historic castle dating back to the 15th century, housing a collection of historic prints of the local area. Great for kids to explore with tall winding staircases and atmospheric rooms.
Heads of Ayr Park (72 miles)
Alloway by Ayr
Heads of Ayr Park There's almost 50 different types of animal, each with its own particular charm. Meet them, touch them, feed them! And it's packed with fantastic activities like indoor and outdoor play areas, an aerial runway, thrilling ringo sledging, tunnel land and the combine castle.
Belfast Zoo (< 1 mile)
Belfast
Belfast Zoo Have fun at the zoo where you'll see more than 1200 animals including elephants and giraffes, monkeys and wolves, kangaroos and lions, bears and birds, turtles and tortoises, snakes and penguins. There's also a play park and a farm. Great idea if you are looking for family days out in Northern Ireland.
Botanic Gardens and Palm House (6 miles)
Belfast
Botanic Gardens and Palm House Fun for kids and adults the Botanic Gardens includes a children’s playground, giant bird feeders, rockery, rose garden and sculptures. Make sure you visit the Palm House with its mini jungle of exotic plants and birds of paradise!
Butterfly House and Seaforde Gardens (25 miles)
Downpatrick
Butterfly House and Seaforde Gardens A visit to the gardens and tropical butterfly house can be the perfect day out for all the family. Experience the beauty of free-flying tropical butterflies or challenge your sense of direction in Ireland's oldest maze or simply relax and enjoy the fine collection of trees and plants in the gardens.
Exploris (26 miles)
Portaferry
Exploris An award-winning aquarium with daily 'touch tank' sessions so you can get really close to our underwater friends and it hosts one of the largest open sea tanks in the UK. There are also changing marine exhibitions and other activities and displays.
Seaforde Tropical Butterfly House (29 miles)
Seaforde
Seaforde Tropical Butterfly House The Tropical Butterfly House contains hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies, as well as parrots, reptiles and other creatures.
Giant's Causeway and Visitors Centre (45 miles)
Bushmills
Giant's Causeway and Visitors Centre The Giant's Causeway is a World Heritage site and National Nature Reserve maintained by the National Trust. The Visitors Centre is a good starting point where you can learn about the origins of the Causeway - the mythology, the science and the nature.
Machrihanish Seabird Observatory (53 miles)
Argyll
Machrihanish Seabird Observatory The modern focus of bird watching in Kintyre, this purpose-built sea hide provides shelter for sea watchers can take place during the worst weather, yet best sea watching conditions. 200 species regularly sighted, including some rarities.
Monreith Animal World (57 miles)
Newton Stewart
Monreith Animal World Set in twelve acres of scenic countryside, the animals are placed in a circular route around the park, taking in a peaceful pondside walk. There are seats and picnic tables along the route, along with toilet stops.
Tropic House (63 miles)
Newton Stuart
Tropic House Exotic plants and butterflies, a frog pond and an play area: a pleasant little afternoon!
The Little Turnberry Farm (63 miles)
Ayr
The Little Turnberry Farm Plenty of wildlife to see and pet, and a fantastic range of experience sessions for kids where they follow someone around and do literally everything, to pony rides and owl lessons
Mann Cat Sanctuary (67 miles)
Santon
Mann Cat Sanctuary Not a full day and slightly surreal but a very worthy cause: a vast host of rescued cats and kittens meowing about for your pleasure. An important lesson for the kids about looking after animals.
Red Deer Range Trail (73 miles)
Newton Stewart
Red Deer Range Trail Follow this short trail for wonderful views of red deer in their natural environment. If it's raining you can now take shelter in their new hide which is located at the viewpoint!
whowhatwherewhywhy (5 miles)
Belfast
whowhatwherewhywhy W5 is a world-class interactive discovery centre with over 160 amazing interactive exhibits housed in five action-packed exhibition areas. Great idea if you are looking for family days out in Ulster.
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum (6 miles)
Holywood
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum The outdoor Folk Museum tells the story of life in early 20th century Ulster. The Transport Museum displays Ireland's largest and most comprehensive transport collection.
ECOS Millennium Environmental Centre (18 miles)
Ballymena
ECOS Millennium Environmental Centre The ECOS Millennium Environmental Centre shows visitors in a fun and dynamic way the major challenges facing our planet, how the problems are being tackled and what we can do about our effect on the environment.
Armagh Planetarium (36 miles)
Armagh
Armagh Planetarium Armagh Planetarium has interactive displays and galleries, a state-of-the-art Digital Theatre and outdoor exhibits in the landscaped grounds. Great idea if you're looking for family days out in Ulster.
Saint Patrick's Trian Visitor Complex (36 miles)
Armagh
Saint Patrick's Trian Visitor Complex Discover more about the Patron Saint of Ireland in this visitor centre complete with highly interactive exhibitions, games and crafts.
Campbeltown Heritage Centre (54 miles)
Argyll
Campbeltown Heritage Centre A treasure-trove of interesting information, artefacts and exhibits, which depict cultural, social, economic and industrial influences which have contributed to this unique town, situated on one of Scotland's most beautiful peninsulas. A comfortable tea-room and a warm welcome await you.
The House of Manannan (59 miles)
Peel
The House of Manannan The Island’s mythological sea god, Manannan, welcomes you to his fascinating Kingdom and guides you through the Island’s rich Celtic, Viking and Maritime past.
Cregneash Village Folk Museum (64 miles)
Cregneash
Cregneash Village Folk Museum A living museum of a Manx upland crofting community including thatched cottages and farm buildings illustrating a traditional way of life around the 19th and early 20th century.
Creetown Gem Rock Museum (65 miles)
Newton Stuart
Creetown Gem Rock Museum Regarded as one of the finest private collections of gemstones, crystals, minerals, rocks and fossils in Great Britain, this is also a fully interactive experience with lots of things to do as well as to see.
The Manx Aviation and Military Museum (66 miles)
Malew
The Manx Aviation and Military Museum Through the fascinating display of gathered artefacts and memorabilia etc., MAPS hopes to convey the rich heritage of this part of the Island’s history for all to appreciate.
Nautical Museum Isle of Man (67 miles)
Castletown
Nautical Museum Isle of Man The Nautical Museum is a fascinating ‘tardis like’ building, originating from the discovery of the 18th century armed yacht, the ‘Peggy’, walled up in her boat cellar and now seen as being of 'extraordinary' maritime importance on the National Historic Ships Register.
Manx Museum (69 miles)
Douglas
Manx Museum Bursting with fascinating artefacts and treasures. The Museum reveals the Story of Mann through film, exhibitions and interactive displays. It is the perfect place to discover Manx history and culture, and begin your journey around the beautiful Isle of Man.
The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (74 miles)
Ayr
The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum In memory of the poet; the museum includes plenty of hands-on and interactive exhibits to keep the kids interested, plus a nice play area outside to reward them for paying attention!
The Queens Physical Education Centre (6 miles)
Belfast
The Queens Physical Education Centre Standard swimming facilities with dive pool: 1m and 3m springboards and 5m platform.
Bangor Castle Leisure Centre (11 miles)
County Down
Bangor Castle Leisure Centre Diving pool with 1 metre and 3 metre springboards, standard swimming facilities and nearby areas of interest.
Lagan Valley LeisurePlex (12 miles)
Lisburn
Lagan Valley LeisurePlex The Leisure Pool has the longest, fastest and most definitely wettest water flumes around,
including: The Space Bowl; The Falling Rapids; Rubber Tyre Ride; Drag Racer; Master Blaster; Spa Pools; Sunken Pirate Galleon; Bubble Loungers; Dancing Water Fountain.
Tropicana (32 miles)
County Down
Tropicana Splash out at Tropicana, Newcastle's outdoor heated leisure pool with a giant waterslide. There are paddling pools just for toddlers with a âNellie the Elephantâ slide. In the summer the Newcastle Centre runs a summer creche for 3 to 5 year olds while 6 to 12 year olds can be entertained in their summer scheme.
Ryan Leisure Centre (40 miles)
Stranraer
Ryan Leisure Centre As well as the leisure pool there is a 60 metre flume, poolside spa bath, water features and inflatables in specific sessions.
Waterworld (47 miles)
Portrush
Waterworld Splash around at this indoor leisure centre with waterslides and jacuzzis or try your hand at some bowling.
Fun Works Play Centre (< 1 mile)
Glengormley
Fun Works Play Centre The huge play frame is crammed full of energetic activities from our four lane astra slide and crawl tubes to a mini football and basket ball area, plenty to keep the kids happy while you relax in our coffee shop or upper level viewing gallery and enjoy one of the cappuccinos
Cave Hill Adventurous Playground (2 miles)
Belfast
Cave Hill Adventurous Playground
Located in the picturesque grounds of Belfast Castle the Cave Hill Adventurous Playground is an exciting play area for 3 to 14 year olds.
Cheeky Monkeys Indoor Play Centre (6 miles)
Ballyclare
Cheeky Monkeys Indoor Play Centre A small indoor play centre with friendly staff where kids can have fun on astroslides and tunnels and in soft play areas while parents relax over a cuppa. Great idea if you're looking for family days out in Ulster.
Kidz Club (11 miles)
Bangor
Kidz Club A fantastic indoor adventure play centre for under 12's featuring Large Inflatables, Large & Small Play Frames, and "Water Walkerz" our latest edition where kids can walk on water in our zorb balls.
Captain Jacks (11 miles)
Newtownards
Captain Jacks offer purpose built facilities designed to ensure you and your Little Shipmates have great fun again and again! Pirate themed softplay with little cars and sports areas.
The Play Cafe (11 miles)
Newtonwnards
The Play Cafe A specially designed interactive play facility with play frames which are packed full of exciting and energetic activities to keep kids happy.
Sportsbowl (18 miles)
Ballymena
Sportsbowl At Sportsbowl your kids are sure to find something to keep them entertained, whether it be bowling, pool, 'kids' quadz', video games or a soft play area!
Funky Monkeys (21 miles)
Lurgan
Funky Monkeys A great soft play adventure play structure targeted at the under 8 age group. (There is also a height restriction of 4ft 3 inches and under.)
Fun House (39 miles)
Newry
Fun House Let the kids loose in this well-equipped indoor adventure play centre with something for toddlers through to your fun-loving 12 year olds.
Finn Mc Cool’s Playground (46 miles)
Portrush
Finn Mc Cool’s Playground Finn Mc Cool's have got play centre fun for the young kids to the pre-teen. Ballpools and soft shapes for the under 4s, spiral tube slides and tunnels, cargo nets, obstacle courses and climbing wall for the over 4s.
The Dragons Castle (69 miles)
Douglas
The Dragons Castle Kids can let themselves and their imaginations run wild. This indoor adventure play area gives plenty of opportunities for youngsters to let off steam under the watchful eye of their parents. The Dragon's Castle can accommodate as many as 40 children in each session.
Castle Island (71 miles)
Enniskillen
Castle Island The West’s state of the art children’s indoor activity centre. Guaranteeing Lots of fun and relaxation for all. A safe and stimulating environment where children up to the age of 12 can enjoy and explore our multi-level play equipment.
Dundonald International Ice Rink (8 miles)
Belfast
Dundonald International Ice Rink A centre for all the family to enjoy, Dundonald International Ice Bowl has skating, bowling, an indoor adventure area for children as well as a new adventure golf course. Great idea if you're after things to do with kids in Ulster.
The Wigwam Roller Rink (11 miles)
Bangor
The Wigwam Roller Rink Get your skates on at The Wigwam Roller Rink, the only roller skating rink in Northern Ireland. Roller skating is suitable for all ages and abilities which makes it a great family activity.
Discover Diving (64 miles)
Ballasalla
Discover Diving Runs snorkelling courses for the whole family (over 8 years) and scuba diving courses for over 12s, all in the beautiful blue waters off the IOM coast.
The Venture Centre (65 miles)
Maughold
The Venture Centre During weekend and school holiday periods the centre is open to family groups. It is an ideal venue for active families who wish to spend quality time together taking part in a range of outdoor activities.
Duke Track Days (68 miles)
Jurby
Duke Track Days Karting thrills for the over eights, minimum height 1.25 metres.
Glengormley Sports Bowl (< 1 mile)
Glengormley
Glengormley Sports Bowl 16 lanes of top class Tenpin bowling provided by Brunswick, the Rolls Royce of bowling equipment. Kids' bowling balls and ramps are available on request. Also on site kids' quads, karts and an indoor play area!
Odyssey Bowl (5 miles)
Belfast
Odyssey Bowl Classic family friendly tenpin bowling with gutter guards and bowling ramps to give the kids a chance. Also do glow bowling for an extra edge!
Dundonald International Bowling (8 miles)
Belfast
Dundonald International Bowling A centre for all the family to enjoy, Dundonald International Ice Bowl has skating, bowling, an indoor adventure area for children as well as a new adventure golf course. Great idea if you're after things to do with kids in Ulster.
Ballymena Sports Bowl (18 miles)
County Antrim
Ballymena Sports Bowl 16 lanes of top class Tenpin bowling provided by Brunswick, the Rolls Royce of bowling equipment. Kids' bowling balls and ramps are available on request. Also on site kids' quads, karts and an indoor play area!
Brunswick Cinebowl (60 miles)
Derry
Brunswick Cinebowl Your kids can't fail to find something to do at this entertainment complex: cinema, bowling, pool tables, video games and adventure castle.
Speedway Indoor Karting (7 miles)
Doagh
Speedway Indoor Karting Speedway Indoor Karting has 270cc Honda-powered Karts and mini-motos.
Nutts Corner Circuit (8 miles)
Belfast
Nutts Corner Circuit Enjoy Speeds of up to 50mph on Northern Ireland's only European Standard Kart Racing Circuit. There is no age limit, only a height restriction of 150cm.
Eddie Irvine Sports (12 miles)
Bangor
Eddie Irvine Sports Karting School for 8 years plus, and laser combat for the same (but for groups). Indoor circuit 300m long.
Belfast Treasure Hunt (5 miles)
Belfast
Belfast Treasure Hunt A great way for your family or friends to have a day out to explore Belfast. We have six great Treasure Hunts for you to choose from. Don’t forget when you complete the Treasure Hunt; you have a chance to win £1000!
Streamvale Farm (8 miles)
Belfast
Streamvale Farm A family run dairy farm situated on the edge of Belfast, with play area, extra animals and beautiful views over the city and its surrounding hills.
Clementsmount Fun Farm (10 miles)
Crumlin
Clementsmount Fun Farm Clementsmount Fun Farm is a real family day out combining animals and play park activities.
Ark Open Farm (11 miles)
Newtownards
Ark Open Farm Ark Open farm is home to about 200 different animals, many of whom are rare and endangered species of domestic animals. It also has play areas.
Ballywhiskin Open Farm (19 miles)
Newtownards
Ballywhiskin Open Farm At Ballywhiskin you'll get a chance to see many rare breeds as well as goats, sheep, geese, bronze turkeys, bantums, hens and birds in a natural environment.
Tannaghmore Animal Farm (22 miles)
Craigavon
Tannaghmore Animal Farm This attraction offers close encounters with many animals including rare breeds of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry traditionally found on farms in Ulster 100 years ago.
Finvoy Fun Farm (34 miles)
Ballymoney
Finvoy Fun Farm Finvoy Fun Farm offers a family everything you'd want on a day out: see, meet and hold lots of different animals and play in their indoor and outdoor play centres. Great idea if you're looking for family days out in Ulster.
Leslie Hill Open Farm (36 miles)
Ballymoney
Leslie Hill Open Farm Leslie Hill has everything a family needs for a great day out from woodland paths to adventure playgrounds, fruit picking in walled gardens and playing with small animals.
Drumaway Junction (53 miles)
Donaghadee
Drumaway Junction Have fun taking a ride on this miniature railway or hire it out for your kid's birthday party.
The Great Laxey Mine Railway (68 miles)
Laxey
The Great Laxey Mine Railway Ride in a tiny carriage along the half mile of ancient miner routes, past the world's largest remaining waterwheel.
Isle of Man Steam Railway (69 miles)
Douglas
Isle of Man Steam Railway The train passes through the countryside. From all sides are trees, grasslands and farms. In the distant on one side, the sea. Never has there been a more pleasant way to travel 15 miles.
Manx Electric Railway (69 miles)
Douglas
Manx Electric Railway For the best coastal views there is no better way to travel then the Manx Electric Railway. It weaves its way up and down along the eastern side of the island.
Groudle Glen Railway (69 miles)
Douglas
Groudle Glen Railway If you can catch them open then it's a lovely day for small folk keen on trains or a perfect introduction to them. Steam trains and cliff top tea room.
Wallace Park (11 miles)
Lisburn
Wallace Park Ideal for families, with a good children's play area and lots of gentle walks for buggies and space to play for bigger kids. Also has a nice duckpond.
Castle Espie Wildfowl Centre (14 miles)
Comber
Castle Espie Wildfowl Centre You'll have a wonderful day out at Castle Espie Wildfowl & Wetlands Centre, situated on the shores of Strangford Lough, watching and learning about exciting wildlife.
Carnfunnock Country Park (16 miles)
Larne
Carnfunnock Country Park There's something for everyone at Carnfunnock Country Park: colourful gardens and walking trails, a fun-packed family fun zone, a large activity centre and miniature golf course to name a few.
Agnew Park (40 miles)
Stranraer
Agnew Park Plenty to do here, from karting, putting and pedal boating to tiny cars and a miniature railway, plus play areas!
Abriachan Trails (47 miles)
Abriachan
Abriachan Trails An excellent woodland and moorland walk using trails laid out by the Abriachan Forest Community Trust. Good views and a great many interesting things to see for the kids
Manx Wildlife Trust (62 miles)
St Johns
Manx Wildlife Trust Excellent hiking and picnicking territory, especially if they like their bugs and birds.
Kirroughtree Visitor Centre (64 miles)
Dumfries
Kirroughtree Visitor Centre Calling all explorers! 300 square miles of hills and woodlands, cycle and hiking trails, with scattered sculptures and features for the kids to discover. Also has a great woodland play area.
Silverdale Glen (66 miles)
Ballasalla
Silverdale Glen Play area, boating lake and famous water powered merry go round. Waterfalls and lilly ponds in adjacent woodland over little wooden bridge.
Cream o Galloway (72 miles)
Castle Douglas
Cream o Galloway Our fabulous adventure playground includes the indoor 'Smugglers Warren' with underground tunnels and climbing towers, and the Pirate Ship for Under 6s.
Outside, explore an extensive Play Area including Pedal Karts, Flying Fox, 3D Maze and Viewing Tower.
Choose from 30 ice cream flavours made here on our organic farm.
Tyrella Beach (30 miles)
Down
Tyrella Beach The award winning beach offers a car free zone, off beach parking, safe bathing, dog free area, amenities, walks and tourist information. Lifeguards patrol the beach daily during July and August.
Ballycastle Beach (37 miles)
Ballycastle
Ballycastle Beach Sandy beach with spectacular views, good for sandcastles, shallow swimming and taking boat trips for bird watching and diving down to the shipwrecks around the island.
Portrush Whiterocks Beach (47 miles)
Portrush
Portrush Whiterocks Beach Blue Flag awarded sandy beach with summer lifeguard cover. Take a boat trip into the amazingly structured caves visible from the beach, or visit nearby Dunluce Castle.
Machrihanish Bay (57 miles)
Argyll
Machrihanish Bay A soft sandy beach surrounded by rocky coastline good for swimming, surfing and kite-surfing. You can usually see seals and wild goats in their respective habitats, and there is a nearby wildlife observatory.
4D Turbo Tours (46 miles)
Portrush
4D Turbo Tours Go on an adventure at 4D Turbo Tours, Ireland’s only 4D simulation ride.
Aunt Sandra's Candy Factory (6 miles)
Belfast
Aunt Sandra's Candy Factory Take a visit to this candy shop - re-done to look as it did when it opened in 1953 - and a tour of the factory to see candy being handmade to Aunt Sandra's traditional recipes.
Pickie Family Fun Park (11 miles)
Bangor
Pickie Family Fun Park A fun park that's a top venue for kids of all ages. Adventure playground, paddling pools, sandpit, mini go-karts and entertainers.
Thanks for all the great things to do and Historical and Educational Attractions near belfast with kids you keep sending in.
Now the school half term is upon us are with winter and the christmas holidays fast approaching, we're trying to find as many fun things to do with kids as possible, especially cheap and free family friendly places to visit this year - theme parks, waterparks and swimming pools, museums, indoor playcentres and softplay for toddlers, petting farms, wildlife parks and zoos, aquariums, castles, steam railways, pottery making and ceramic cafes, roller and ice skating rinks, karting tracks, snowdomes, dry and indoor ski slopes, climbing walls, activity centres, ten pin bowling alleys and all the other best family tourist attractions, that you can visit at the weekend.
Also teachers may find the site useful for ideas for the best places to take their classes on school journeys with many historical and educational atractions listed
So, if you've been for great days out with the kids, or a school trip, which isn't shown above, just send in an email and we'll add it on so people visiting on holidays and all the other children in Ulster can enjoy the great day out as well.
Swimming Pools in belfast | Zoos near belfast | Theme Parks near belfast
Indoor play areas in belfast | Museums in belfast | Things to do in belfast
Historical and Educational Attractions in Ulster | Historical and Educational Attractions in Belfast | Bangor Historical Sites
Historical Sites in Greater Manchester | Family things to do in Ulster | Places to visit in London
Things to do in Bangor
Educational Attractions near Portrush | Historical Sites in | Educational Attractions near
