Free Days Out in Northern Ireland
Some of the best days out in Northern Ireland cost absolutely nothing. From windswept beaches and forest parks to local play parks and city green spaces, here's a selection of free places to explore with the family. Use the full directory to filter by location and facilities for even more free days out.
Explore all Family Days Out24 places to explore
Dundrum Castle
Ages: Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Discover a little more of the history and story of Dundrum at this family-friendly heritage attraction. It’s a good option for curious children and works especially well when you want a day out with something to see, learn and talk about afterwards.
Ulster Museum
Ages: Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Explore everything from art and history to nature and science under one roof beside Botanic Gardens. Entry is free, making it a brilliant Belfast option for a flexible family day out whatever the weather.
Crawfordsburn Country Park
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Follow woodland paths down towards the coast and enjoy a mix of forest, streams and shoreline at Crawfordsburn. It’s a brilliant free family outing for walking, exploring and getting outdoors without needing a packed itinerary.
Groomsport Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A lovely coastal stop in Groomsport for paddling, sandcastle building and a walk by the sea. It’s a simple free family day out when you want fresh air, open space and an easy adventure without overplanning.
Roe Valley Country Park
Ages: Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A great outdoor option in Limavady for families who enjoy getting out, exploring and having a more active adventure. It’s a good choice when you want fresh air and plenty of space rather than a quick indoor stop.
Murlough Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Backed by dunes and nature reserve, Murlough is a beautiful stretch of sand for family walks, paddling and beach exploring. It’s a great free choice when you want sea air, space and impressive views towards the Mournes.
Tollymore Forest Park
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Explore woodland trails, rivers, stepping stones and beautiful stone bridges with plenty for little adventurers to discover along the way. There’s lots of open space for exploring, making it a brilliant outdoor family adventure.
Bangor Castle Walled Garden
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Discover a little more of the history and story of Bangor at this family-friendly heritage attraction. It’s a good option for curious children and works especially well when you want a day out with something to see, learn and talk about afterwards.
Victoria Park
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Primary (5–11)
A handy free play stop in Belfast where children can get outside, run around and burn off some energy. It’s an easy choice for a simple family outing and works well when you want something fun without planning a full day.
Hillsborough Forest Play Park
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Primary (5–11)
A handy free play stop in Royal Hillsborough where children can get outside, run around and burn off some energy. It’s an easy choice for a simple family outing and works well when you want something fun without planning a full day.
Downhill Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A huge stretch of sand backed by dramatic coastal scenery, Downhill is ideal for a beach walk, sandcastle building and plenty of room to run. It’s a brilliant free family option when you want a simple day beside the sea.
Portstewart Strand
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A lovely coastal stop in Portstewart for paddling, sandcastle building and a walk by the sea. It’s a simple family day out when you want fresh air, open space and an easy adventure without overplanning.
Helen's Bay Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A popular sandy beach with a sheltered feel and coastal walks nearby, Helen’s Bay is a lovely choice for a family beach day. Pack the buckets and spades and enjoy a simple free day beside the sea.
Tower Museum
Ages: Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13)
Discover a little more of the history and story of Derry at this family-friendly heritage attraction. It’s a good option for curious children and works especially well when you want a day out with something to see, learn and talk about afterwards.
Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Discover a little more of the history and story of Castlerock at this family-friendly heritage attraction. It’s a good option for curious children and works especially well when you want a day out with something to see, learn and talk about afterwards.
Delamont Country Park
Ages: Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Enjoy wide open spaces, woodland walks and views across Strangford Lough at this family-friendly country park. It’s a lovely place for a full outdoor day with room to explore, picnic and let the kids burn off energy.
Ballyholme Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A lovely coastal stop in Bangor for paddling, sandcastle building and a walk by the sea. It’s a simple free family day out when you want fresh air, open space and an easy adventure without overplanning.
Drum Manor Forest Park
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A great outdoor option in Cookstown for families who enjoy getting out, exploring and having a more active adventure. It’s a good choice when you want fresh air and plenty of space rather than a quick indoor stop.
Share Discovery Village
Ages: Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A family activity destination in Lisnaskea with a mix of indoor and outdoor options, making it easier to build a fuller day out. It’s a useful choice for active families who like having more than one thing to explore.
Castle Archdale Country Park
Ages: Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Enjoy woodland walks, lakeside scenery and lots of open space at this country park on the shores of Lower Lough Erne. It’s a relaxed free family day out with plenty of room to explore at your own pace.
Davagh Forest
Ages: Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A great outdoor option in Cookstown for families who enjoy getting out, exploring and having a more active adventure. It’s a good choice when you want fresh air and plenty of space rather than a quick indoor stop.
Ramore Head Play Park
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Primary (5–11)
A free seaside play park at Ramore Head in Portrush.
Pomeroy Forest Park
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A free woodland family day out with trails and outdoor exploration.
Castlerock Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A lovely coastal stop in Castlerock for paddling, sandcastle building and a walk by the sea. It’s a simple free family day out when you want fresh air, open space and an easy adventure without overplanning.