Day out in NI

rachel_green

Hello

Would be grateful for some suggestions please for a day out next weekend for two adults and a 2 year old boy.

We are based in Co. Down but happy to travel (would even consider an overnight stay somewhere if we traveled more than 3 hours away from home and the price was good)

Don't want to go to the Barmoral show as I don't think this will engage the 2 year old for that long. Tractors, machinery and farm animals are not that unusual a sight where we live in the country.

we were thinking the zoo (Belfast or Dublin) but any other suggestions much appreciated as we would like a wet day option as well.

many thanks

butterflymum

The Transport side of the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is always a good 'wet weather' standby, and plenty of 'visual interest' and some 'hands on' aspects for even a 2 yr old. Ulster Museum also excellent, and again, plenty of visual aspects to capture attention of a 2 yr old. Or, the younger section at W5 is good too.

Numerous indoor soft play areas around the Province, but for 2yr olds, the areas they are allowed in tend to be fairly small.

If weather good, nothing beats a day on the beach/at the park with picnic, frisbee, ball games etc.

For Belfast Zoo, even if your 2yr old walks well, I'd take a buggy. With the hilly landscape, it is tiring even on adult legs .

For general ideas (albeit many suited to older children though):

http://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/search.php?county=ulster

rachel_green

Thank you very much for such a detailed reply.

I was thinking of Exploris or the zoo or Carnfunnock as these have been mentioned to me by colleagues but I don't really know if they are suitable for a 2 year old.

Any advise from experienced mummys and daddies appreciated. I don't fancy spending the day in a soft play area, child might love it although he would be on his own but him indoors and I would probably not!

butterflymum

A 2yr old's attention span will be short whatever activity you choose, and so often it is best to plan a few different things, interspersed with eating.

A good starting point is to decide what you, as adults, would like to get out of the day/weekend too - as well as, of course, quality time with the youngster. Have either of you ever really wanted to visit the Zoo or Exploris and not managed to before? If yes, then a trip to either would not only entertain the 2yr old but also give enjoyment to one or both adults, so an extra plus. Similarly with all of the other potential places to visit. Again, though, given the age, I would combine a few activities rather than sticking to one only.

So, for instance, if heading to the Zoo, you could also spend some time at the 'cat' garden next to Belfast Castle (spot the various 'cats' eg mosaic on ground, statues etc) or at the Cavehill Adventure Playground nearby (albeit it is more suited from age 3) or even enjoying some time walking in the woods.

If heading to Exploris, you could also take a trip on the short Ferry crossing and visit the grounds of Castle Ward for picnic/some walking/space to play games.

If heading to Carnfunnock, you could go on the train ride, try the crazy golf (obviously with adult helping 2yr old), try the younger children area of the excellent (and updated in past few years) playground (albeit again, depending on your own 2yr old, it may be a bit beyond them). Plenty of scope for picnic spots and areas to play games. You could even stop at carpark opposite entrance and spend some time throwing pebbles into the sea.

markdebby

The butterfly farm at seaforde.

rachel_green

Ruled this out as I hate things flying around me - this includes pretty butterflies.
So don't think I'd set that great an example swatting the butterflies and being asked to leave!!

Old_Git

tannaghmore gardens /animal farm in Craigavon