1 / 6County Antrim packs an astonishing amount into one corner of Northern Ireland, from the dramatic Causeway Coast to castles, gardens and a hillside zoo. Here are our favourite confirmed family days out, with what each place is, why kids love it, and where it sits so you can plan an easy day.
🎟️See things to do in County Antrim on GetYourGuide →Giant's Causeway
A UNESCO World Heritage site near Bushmills made up of around 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns stepping down into the Atlantic, with an award-winning National Trust visitor centre. Kids can clamber over the natural stone "stepping stones", hunt for the Giant's Boot and Organ, and follow a myth-and-science audio guide built for families. It sits on the coast at Bushmills.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
A National Trust rope bridge slung about 30m above the sea at Ballintoy, linking the mainland cliffs to the tiny Carrick-a-Rede island, with a coastal cliff walk. The wobbly bridge crossing is a genuine thrill for older kids, plus there are rock pools, seabirds and dramatic cliff scenery along the way. You'll find it at Ballintoy on the Causeway Coast.
The Gobbins Cliff Path
A guided cliff-face walking tour at Islandmagee along steel bridges, tunnels and staircases bolted to dramatic basalt sea cliffs. It's an adventurous escorted walk over crashing waves and through caves, best suited to families with children over 1.2m tall and a moderate level of fitness. The path is at Islandmagee on the east Antrim coast.
Carrickfergus Castle
A well-preserved 12th-century Anglo-Norman castle on the shore of Belfast Lough, run by Historic Environment NI. Families get a costume dress-up room, giant chess in the keep, life-like medieval exhibits, a sensory room and a keep to climb. It stands right on the waterfront in Carrickfergus.
Belfast Zoo
A 55-acre hillside zoo on the slopes of Cave Hill, home to over 500 animals from giraffes and gorillas to red pandas and reptiles. Daily feeding times, an adventure play park at the Adventurers' Learning Centre and cafes and picnic spots make an easy full family day. It's at Newtownabbey on Cave Hill, north Belfast.
Antrim Castle Gardens
Free 400-year-old ornamental gardens with canals, a Yew Tree Pond, sprawling lawns and a grassy motte, beside Clotworthy House. Kids get wide-open lawns to run free, a climbable Norman motte mound, ponds and seasonal family events, all free to enter. You'll find them in the town of Antrim.
The Dark Hedges
A free, atmospheric 18th-century avenue of interlocking beech trees on Bregagh Road, famous as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones. It's a short, spooky, photogenic tree-tunnel walk of 15 to 30 minutes that older kids and Thrones fans love, free and open 24/7. It sits between Armoy and Stranocum.
Dunluce Castle
A ruined medieval clifftop castle perched dramatically above the sea on the Causeway Coast, run by Historic Environment NI. The evocative ruins and sea views spark imaginations, though it's best for older children as it sits atop cliffs with steps and uneven paths. It's between Portrush and Bushmills.
Tips for a family day out
- Many of the star attractions cluster along the Causeway Coast, so you can pair Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, the Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle into one coastal loop.
- Pack layers and waterproofs, the coast can be windy and wet even in summer.
- Wear sturdy shoes for clifftop and rope-bridge walks, and keep a close hold on younger children near cliff edges.
- Balance the free days out, like Antrim Castle Gardens and the Dark Hedges, with the ticketed sites to keep costs down.
- Check height and fitness requirements before booking the Gobbins Cliff Path, and book timed slots for popular sites in high season.
FAQs
What is the best family day out in County Antrim?
The Giant's Causeway is the standout, combining a UNESCO landscape with a family-focused visitor centre and audio guide, and it pairs easily with other Causeway Coast attractions nearby.
Are there free days out in County Antrim?
Yes. Antrim Castle Gardens are free to enter, and the Dark Hedges tree avenue is free and open 24/7, making both great low-cost options for families.
Which County Antrim attractions suit younger children?
Belfast Zoo, Antrim Castle Gardens and Carrickfergus Castle work well for younger kids, while the rope bridge, Gobbins Cliff Path and clifftop ruins are better for older children.
🎟️ Top things to do in County Antrim
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