Farms & Animal Days Out in Northern Ireland
Meeting animals is a highlight of any childhood. Northern Ireland has a wonderful range of open farms, animal parks and wildlife attractions where families can get close to nature. Here's a selection of places to visit, from well-known farms to smaller animal encounters. Use the full directory to filter by location and age suitability.
Explore all Family Days Out24 places to explore
Castle Espie
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Get close to ducks, geese and other wetland wildlife as you explore family-friendly trails around the reserve. It’s a lovely mix of animals, outdoor exploring and nature discovery for a family day out near Comber.
The Ark Open Farm
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Primary (5–11)
Meet farm animals and enjoy a hands-on family day out at this popular open farm near Newtownards. It’s a great choice for younger children who love animals and having plenty to see and do in one visit.
Exploris Aquarium
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Primary (5–11)
Discover marine life up close at Northern Ireland’s aquarium in Portaferry, with plenty for children to see as they explore the exhibits. It’s a strong indoor choice for animal-loving families and works particularly well on a wet day.
Little Bridge Farm
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Primary (5–11)
A family farm attraction for animal-loving little adventurers.
Belfast Zoo
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Meet animals from around the world while exploring this hillside zoo overlooking Belfast. With lots to see across the day, it’s an easy pick for animal-loving families who want a full day out.
World of Owls
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Primary (5–11)
An animal-focused family attraction in Randalstown with plenty to interest children who love wildlife and getting closer to animals. It’s a good choice when you want a day out that feels fun while still giving little adventurers something new to discover.
Rosepark Farm
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Primary (5–11)
An animal-focused family attraction in Ballymoney with plenty to interest children who love wildlife and getting closer to animals. It’s a good choice when you want a day out that feels fun while still giving little adventurers something new to discover.
Streamvale Farm
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Primary (5–11)
An animal-focused family attraction in Dundonald with plenty to interest children who love wildlife and getting closer to animals. It’s a good choice when you want a day out that feels fun while still giving little adventurers something new to discover.
Tannaghmore Gardens
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Primary (5–11)
Enjoy a gentle family wander around the gardens and meet the rare-breed animals that make Tannaghmore such a fun stop with children. It’s free to visit and a lovely option for younger kids who enjoy animals and outdoor exploring.
Mourne Alpacas
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13)
A Dromara alpaca farm offering bookable alpaca experiences, including opportunities to meet, learn about and trek with the herd in the countryside.
Causeway Fun Farm
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13)
A family farm attraction near Bushmills where children can meet animals and enjoy farm-based activities as part of a relaxed North Coast day out.
Laganvale Farm
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13)
A family farm near Moira offering animal encounters and outdoor farm fun, giving children the chance to enjoy a more hands-on countryside experience.
Heather Hill Farm
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13)
A family farm experience near Bangor where children can meet animals and enjoy hands-on countryside fun in a friendly farm setting.
C&J's Animal Park
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13)
A family animal park near Portglenone where children can get close to a variety of animals and enjoy a relaxed countryside day out.
Spruce Meadows Adventure Farm
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13)
A family farm attraction with animal encounters, outdoor play and countryside activities for children.
Carrickfergus Urban Farm
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13)
A free community urban farm and garden centre in Carrickfergus where families can meet farm animals in a relaxed social-enterprise setting.
Crindle Stables
Ages: Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
An equestrian centre offering riding experiences for children and families, with opportunities to spend time around horses and enjoy a more active countryside outing.
Faughanvale Stables
Ages: Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A family-friendly equestrian centre where children can enjoy riding and spend time around horses in a countryside setting.
Ballylagan Trail Rides
Ages: Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A horse-riding experience offering guided trail rides through the countryside, suited to families looking for an outdoor activity built around horses and exploring on horseback.
Sheans Horse Farm
Ages: Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A family-run horse farm offering riding and countryside experiences, giving children and grown-ups the chance to enjoy horses and explore the surrounding landscape.
City of Derry Farm & Equestrian Centre
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A community farm and equestrian centre in Derry where families can spend time around horses and other farm animals, with equestrian activities and a countryside feel within the city.
Fort Evergreen
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Primary (5–11)
A family attraction with play and farm-style activities.
Mountpanther Farm Park
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Primary (5–11)
A full family day out with farm animals, indoor play and outdoor adventure.
Fermanagh Fun Farm
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13)
A family farm attraction with animals, interactive experiences and play.