Theme : Family
THE ARK OPEN FARM
Bangor Road, Newtownards
The Ark Farm is a family run business, with very helpful friendly staff, in a safe, relaxed environment with lots to see and do. Staff are always on-hand to supervise the cuddling of all the baby animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, chicks etc. and of course the ever popular Pony rides on Paddy and Pinto the farm favourites
The farm specialises in rare and endangered species of cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry, many of which are no longer seen in Ireland today. The Ark farm is open all year round with extended indoor facilities including an excellent new educational and activity centre which make an entertaining day out no matter what the weather.
The new extended Cottage cafe now holds approx 70 people and is open all year round with home cooked food served daily.
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 2pm - 6pm
View Ark Open Farm Website
EXPLORIS
The Northern Ireland Aquarium, Castle Street, Portaferry
Located in the picturesque town of Portaferry, Exploris is Northern Ireland’s award winning aquarium, with everything from 6 foot conger eels, octopus, rays, star fish and sharks. This really is a fun day out as well as being a learning experience.
Be prepared to get wet at our discovery pools – it’s all part of the fun. While the aquarium has been involved in the rehabilitation of seals since 1989, the new purpose built Seal Sanctuary opened in 2000. Not only did this provide state of the art facilities to look after sick or abandoned seals from rescue to release, but also includes a Education Suite and Exhibition Hall.
| Opening Times |
|
April - August
Mon to Fri 10am - 6pm
Sat 11am - 6pm
Sun 12noon - 6pm |
September - March
Mon to Fri 10am - 5pm
Sat 11am - 5pm
Sun 1pm - 5pm |
View Exploris Website
CASTLE ESPIE
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Ballydrain Road, Comber
Castle Espie Wildfowl & Wetlands Centre is home to the largest collection of ducks, geese and swans in Ireland. It also has woodlands and walks around the lakes and nature reserve. A truly wonderful day out even if it rains – it doesn’t affect the ducks or the kids.
For a small charge children can buy food and feed the ducks. As well as roaming in the woodlands the family can take a seat in one of the hides around the centre and view the wildfowl in its natural habitat.
| Opening Times |
|
|
|
Nov - Feb
Mon to Fri 11.00 - 4.00
Sat & Sun 11.00 - 4.30 |
March - June
Mon to Fri 10.30 - 5.00
Sat & Sun 11.00 - 5.30 |
July - August
Mon to Fri 10.30 - 5.30
Sat & Sun 11.00 - 5.30 |
September - Oct
Mon to Fri 10.30 - 5.00
Sat & Sun 11.00 - 5.30 |
View Castle Espie Website
MOUNTSTEWART HOUSE & GARDENS
National Trust, Portaferry Road, Newtownards
A really fabulous place to go for a day out, the grounds are huge and very suitable for chasing children. The lake area is full of swans and ducks, the walk around is easy enough for little ones and small bridges add extra interest. The spectacular colours and scents of the flowers make this particular garden a really lovely place for picnics.
| Opening Times |
|
| Mar |
10am - 4pm Weekends |
| Apr |
10am - 6pm Daily |
| May to Sept |
10am - 8pm Daily |
| Oct |
10am - 6pm Daily |
| Nov to Feb |
Closed |
View Mount Stewart Website
WHACKY WIZARDS
Ards Leisure Centre, William Street, Newtownards
Whacky's has 2 storeys of adventure soft play with a Spiral Slide into a Ball Pool, Wobbly Mirror, Spiders Web and Stepping Stones - just a few of the features that make it one of our most popular activities for young children.
DINO’S DEN
Comber Leisure Centre, Castle Street, Comber
Dino’s Adventure Soft Play for toddlers to 10 year olds.Dino’s Den is packed with three storeys of soft play to entertain for 45 minutes to 1 hour.Climb rope nets, shoot down the spiral slide, crawl through spiders webs, jump across the stepping stones, beat your way through the hanging vines and visit the ghost house, and that’s just half of it!
Back to listing