Family harbour

Things to Do in Belfast with Kids

The exciting portside capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is steadily making itself known as one of the top cities to visit in the UK. As well as a buzzing cultural scene and awe-inspiring natural scenery, there’s also plenty things to do in Belfast with kids. With interactive activities, museum exhibitions and a mammoth 55 acre zoo, this thriving city has something for all the family.

Titanic Belfast

Built on the very site where the ill-fated ship was constructed over a hundred years ago, Titanic Belfast is an unmissable chance to take a step back in time. An award-winning building with a glistening exterior, its angular structure is designed to mimic the boat’s epic hull. Step inside and you’ll find six floors of activities for all the family to explore. Divided into nine galleries, there’s interactive exhibitions, gantry rides and the chance to travel into the depths of the ocean with an underwater cinema experience. Gripping, and educational, visitors of all ages can spend hours touring the full-scale reconstructions, original artefacts and hands-on displays.

Belfast Zoological Gardens

Belfast Zoo
Image by Lindsay Wilson

Home to over 150 species across 55 acres, the Belfast Zoological Gardens provides thousands of animals with a tranquil, secluded setting, carrying out important conservation work in over 90 global breeding programmes. One of the leading attractions in Northern Ireland, visitors can see everything from tree kangaroos to a two-toed sloth, and there’s an interactive, animal-themed playground that’s a must for young explorers.

Giant’s Causeway

Giant's Causeway

Nestled in the rugged coastline along the edge of county Antrim, UNESCO World Heritage site Giant’s Causeway is a natural phenomenon, and just a short drive from the city centre. 50-60 million years in the making, this breathtaking terrain covers 70 hectares, with some 40,000 curiously hexagonal columns. Local legend puts this rocky territory down to giant Finn McCool – see if you can find clues to this tale in the rock formations, such as the Wishing Chair and Giant’s Boot. There are four thrilling trails suited to every ability, from a pram friendly slope to a challenging hike, making this one of the best things to do in Belfast with kids.

Ulster Museum

Located in Belfast’s beautiful botanical gardens, Ulster Museum is the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland and is home to a sizeable fine art collection, local artefacts and industrial archaeology. For kids, the discovery centres are unmissable: choose from art, history and nature, with each offering interactive play and exciting discoveries – such as the chance to see a real life dinosaur egg.

With so many great things to do in Belfast with kids, check out our adventure page for more information and book your trip to this fascinating city today.