Tips For A Great Family Day Out In Northern Ireland

Family Health

We’ve created this blog in partnership with Parenting NI to help parents get out the door with top tips for families.

We don’t always get the weather here in Northern Ireland but that doesn’t stop families enjoying days out and what better way to entertain the kids than a road trip! We have some top tips to make your family road tripping days as stress free as possible. So whether you’re travelling from Belfast to Ballycastle, stopping at the People’s Park, Ballymena for a swing or going for a swim and a slide at The Lake, Kilrea here are Parenting NI’s top tips to ensure a fun day out for all the family.

Tip 1 – Involve the kids

There’s no better way to drum up some excitement in the household than to involve the kids in planning your road trip. Is there somewhere they would really like to go? Something they would really like to see? Maybe each family member could choose one place each weekend, or draw places out of a hat to choose your destination. This is also a great time to set out your expectations for the trips. Some rules such as ‘no one is allowed to run off, let’s all stay together’ which are put in place before all the excitement leads to a much less stressful trip for all. 

Tip 2 – Pack your kit

Ever been out for a Sunday drive and come across a lovely sunny beach, but have no towels to enjoy it? Having a ‘Day Out’ kit that you keep in the car means no more missing out on those spontaneous adventures! Keeping a small bag in the boot of the car with a couple of towels, spare clothes or even pyjamas, wipes, suncream and a first aid kit means that you are prepared for every occasion. You could even go one step further and have a snack kit. Having some cereal bars, water or even some treats means you can extend your day out without making it too costly.

Tip 3 – Research your route

There are so many beautiful places to see in Northern Ireland so planning your route beforehand means that you won’t miss out. Make the most of the drive by finding out where else you can explore on the way there. Take this time to plan out breaks to stretch your legs and check where the local amenities are so you’re not searching for toilets in the middle of the countryside. You can even download a toilet locator app to make life a little easier. Having these planned stops will also prevent little ones from getting too restless in the car.

Tip 4 – Check out the Discover NI website

There are so many exciting things happening in Northern Ireland with something for all the family, from climbing over the rocks at the Giant’s Causeway with your toddler to visiting Let’s go Hydro with your teen, there really is something for every family! Check out new and different festivals and events that are happening and use the Family Activities and Attractions section for inspiration on the most family friendly places in Northern Ireland.

Tip 5 – Keep it Simple

Every day out doesn’t have to be expensive! Northern Ireland has an abundance of beautiful free spots for all the family to enjoy. Simple things such as a scavenger hunt in Portglenone Forest, or collecting mini beasts by Strangford Lough can provide hours of joy for little ones at no cost. Involve your little one in making up a scavenger hunt sheet before your trip or download one on your phone. You can even look at apps such as geocaching for hours of family fun. This is a great way to break up road trips to make them more enjoyable for all the family. Planning some road trip games such as I Spy, or a singalong can prevent bickering with siblings and make the road trip a real part of the experience.

Content sourced from Discover Northern Ireland (discovernorthernireland.com).

Family Health Useful Resources

This scheme applies to all eligible teachers to provide leave to care for their child or...
This scheme applies to teachers who adopt a child from within the UK or overseas (subject...
This scheme applies to all teachers to provide leave to care for their child or support...
This document explains entitlement to parental leave. To view the document, click the...
This document explains how statutory annual leave entitlement is to apply when a teacher...
The project aims to meet the maternal mental health needs at this perinatal stage and...
Relationship counselling is an effective form of relationship maintenance, particularly...
Seeking Solutions offers children and young people help and support to deal with problems...
The Sustaining Healthy Relationships project is a new and innovative venture for Relate...
We’ve gathered useful advice, information and help for young people aged 8-25 and those...
Get help finding missing relatives abroad through our international family tracing...
Are you experiencing changes in your relationship because of a brain tumour? If you, your...
One At A Time Therapy is a single session of relationship counselling support, which can...
The Engage service provides a family therapy programme available to professionals working...
Relate Kids can help primary school-aged children, usually up to age 11, to deal with...
This is delivered to expectant mothers & parents of babies under 3 years of age. It...
Steps to Cope has been developed specifically for young people who have experienced...
Relationship support can be helpful for Individuals who have concerns or difficulties...
Our Wellness Service uses 1-1 Wellness Recovery Action plans (WRAP) to support new and...
We understand that a diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, or suffering a heart attack...
Speakeasy is a Public Health Agency funded, community based teaching programme for...
55% of Young People in NI are looking to Social Media for the information they need to...
The Parenting Apart Programme is aimed at parents who have separated, are separating,...
Positive Minds for Premature Parents supports families of premature babies to develop and...
Even the most loving relationships will experience stress from time to time. But by...
This 50 minute session is an accessible way for couples to check in with each other, and...
Fun, fast food for less. This is a practical six-week nutrition programme aimed at...
The British Red Cross home care services will provide you with the support and care to...
Relate Teen can help post-primary school-aged children, usually aged 11 and over, to deal...
Mood Matters Young People programme is aimed at 14-18 year olds and gives them knowledge...
The Engage service provides a family therapy programme available to professionals working...
Family relationship support can be helpful for supporting relationships within the family...
In Ctrl is a group work programme for children and young people that aims to help them...
Just Ask is a unique Relationships and Sexuality Education programme working specifically...
Relationship support can be helpful for couples who have concerns or difficulties arising...
Baby and child first aid
First aid advice
Support hub for mothers
Pregnancy and guidance for after birth
Our free Easy Meals app is a great way to eat foods that are healthier for you. You’ll...
Nutrition scanner
Music timer for brushing teeth

Family Health Helplines & Web Chats

NSPCC - Helpline
Family Lives - Forum
ParentLine NI
ParentLine NI
Family Lives Forum