A run-down of some of our favourite play parks across the country!
Any parent knows there are not many activities quite like a play park. Not only are they (mostly) free and easily accessible, they’re also great for running off steam and getting out in the fresh air. Whether it’s natural wooden play structures, huge climbing towers, or zip lines your kids are into, here is everything you need to know about Northern Ireland’s best play parks.
Hillsborough Forest Park
Journey through the majestic Hillsborough Forest with lakeside trails to the state-of-the-art, woodland-themed children’s play area. Steeped in nature, the extensive play equipment offers something for everyone, from tall frames that will challenge older children to a tractor-styled play structure designed to pay homage to Irish mechanic and inventor Harry ‘Fergie’ Ferguson. There’s a huge variety of play to keep children stimulated and engaged and a great selection of facilities such as ample picnic seating and on-site toilets.
Cloughey Play Park
On the main road through Cloughey is a play park offering spectacular views across the Irish sea. Refurbished in 2023, the park is home to a range of equipment to suit children of varying abilities. Children can rule the castle-themed climbing frame or take on the sea-bed in the submarine before hiding out in the infant-sized house. Listen to animal sounds and explore one of the many sensory panels with interactive games and learning activities that will keep even the most discerning kids entertained.
Marine Gardens Play Park, Carrickfergus
The Carrickfergus playground is another kid’s play area which reopened in 2024 following an extensive refurbishment. The park has been transformed into a vibrant and exciting space for all ages, and is designed to encourage inclusive, accessible play alongside adventure, challenge, and imagination. The focal point of the play space is a large ship that reflects the area’s ship building past, and there are plenty of dedicated areas for toddlers too. Alongside classic playground equipment such as swings and slides, the addition of a zipline has added an extra layer of fun for all who visit.
Drum Manor Forest Park, Cookstown
The medium-sized children’s play area is open daily and is suitable for children up to age 14. The mostly wooden play structures provide ample opportunities to inspire imaginations and encourage the development of motor skills. This site also offers a range of waymarked trails and scenic walks around the forest and wildfowl lake making it the perfect spot to spend the day exploring.
Diversity Park, Portstewart
Designed for children with a range of abilities, Diversity Park, located in the grounds of Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart, has just about everything you could ever want from a playground. The varied apparatus provides a sensory experience for all and has widespread appeal for under 10s. It was the first play park in Northern Ireland to offer an aero glider, which still delights today. There is an area aimed at younger children as well as picnic benches, and plenty of open space for playing games.
Dr Pitt Memorial Park, Belfast
This East Belfast park reopened in June 2024 following a £1.7m revamp which included the development of a new playground. The outdoor play space now has a nautical theme to reflect the overall park design which is inspired by the area’s rich maritime history. Flanked by Harland & Wolff’s Samson and Goliath cranes, the playground is painted to mimic the iconic yellow of Belfast’s shipyard.
Castle Archdale, Irvinestown
Kids will adore Castle Archdale’s aptly themed “Castle” playpark with wood beams and climbing structures that echo the park’s natural surroundings. Designed to provide hours of stimulating play, parents can relax and take in the scenic surroundings while they watch on. The playground is part of a wider range of activities which include walking and cycling trails, war museum, water sports, and camping facilities.
Palace Demesne Public Park, Armagh
The outdoor play area at the Palace Demesne can be found within walking distance from Armagh City Centre. The modern, accessible playpark has innovative play structures designed to delight children of varying abilities with tunnels to secrete in and climbing walls to scale. Visitors can also avail of any of the designated walks around the Demesne and explore the “Garden of Senses” for a unique sensory experience.
Tannaghmore Gardens and Animal Farm, Lurgan
There’s plenty to do at Tannaghmore Gardens and Animal Farm, and one of the greatest pulls for families is the country-style play area. Constructed using wooden play equipment, the area has plenty for its youngest visitors, as well as a more challenging play tower and ariel slide for older children and teenagers. The attraction is also home to an animal farm, maze, and zip line, making it a full-day activity.
Gortin Glen Forest Park, Omagh
Housed within Gortin Glen Forest Park is one of NI’s best outdoor play areas for children. The equipment features all the classics, including wings, roundabouts, climbing frames, springers and rockers, as well as an in-ground trampoline, sensory panels, multi-activity units, climbing nets, and wall and pod swings. Kids really will be spoilt for choice and won’t want to leave. If you can coax them out of the playground there are over 10km of walking trails, as well as wildfowl and deer enclosures to be discovered.
