Looking for activities for kids a rainy day in Northern Ireland? Need some ideas for things to do to keep the kids occupied when it’s wet outside? Then we have lots of suggestions here to make your job a little easier!

Indoor Splash!

Based at Lisburn Leisure Park just outside the city centre, the Lagan Valley LeisurePlex boasts the largest leisure pool of its kind in Northern Ireland, with some of the fastest, longest and wettest water rides in Ireland!

At Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex, visit Northern Ireland’s only 50m Pool and Sidewinder. Enjoy a great family day out in the Aurora Splash Leisure Waters with two large flumes, slides, wave machine, water features, baby beach and pirate ship. Also Adventureworld soft play zone has swings , slides and plenty of climbing, and is open daily.

History & Heritage

Titanic Belfast

At Titanic Belfast, explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way. Explore the shipyard, travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of Titanic, in the city where it all began. With several levels of interactive exhibits, tracing the story of the Titanic from its origins in industrial Belfast to the final tragedy itself, you will find plenty for all ages.

Ulster Museum

Ulster Museum, is located in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens, and admission is free. Pick up your free kid’s explorer map, complete with stickers in the welcome area, to help plan your way around the museum! Do you know how big dinosaurs were or what a Mummy looks like? Have you ever wanted to see real treasure that was lost at sea? Well now you can – they’ve got all sorts of cool things that you’ll love to discover, and there are three interactive discovery centres(Discover Art, Discover Nature and Discover History)which are so jam-packed with exciting things to do that you will want to visit again and again!

Nomadic, Belfast

The SS Nomadic – Tender to the Titanic and the last remaining White Star Line ship in the world! Restored to her original glory and back home in Belfast’s historic Hamilton Dock. Go on board and experience over 100 years of authentic maritime and social history.

Crumlin Road Gaol

The Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast dates back to 1845 and closed it’s doors as a working prison in 1996. Today the gaol is a visitor attraction – you can take a guided tour of the prison and hear about the history of the site. Visit the underground tunnel that used to connect the gaol to the Crumlin Road Courthouse, sit in the Governor’s chair, view all the wings from the circle and of course pay a visit to the condemned man’s cell before seeing the execution cell where the majority of the 17 men were hanged.

Science Fun

whowhatwherewhenwhy – W5 is Ireland’s award winning science and discovery centre at Odyssey in Belfast. With over 250 interactive exhibits and a changing programme of events, shows and exhibitions, W5 is a great value day out for all the family!

 Movies & More

Brunswick Moviebowl, at Pennyburn Industrial Estate, has something for everyone with a 7 screen cinema, 16 cosmic ten pin bowling lanes, Banana’s Adventure Park (Ireland’s largest indoor play centre), and lots more. Sure to keep the kids, and you, happy on a wet day!

Alternatively, why not enjoy all the fun of the cinema, without ever leaving home, by creating your own home cinema experience! Get the kids involved in setting up the cinema, arranging seating, making tickets etc. then sit back and relax!

Related : Make Your Own Home Cinema

Get Creative

Let the kids learn through play at Jumping Clay, Belfast. JumpingClay is a jasmine scented, mess free clay that when you roll into a ball, bounces when thrown or dropped. There is no need to bake it and once dry, finished creations can be treasured forever. Join a children’s or family workshop to create your own artwork, or expand the children’s creativity and join a Saturday Club. Also host parties.

Explore Caves, Stars & Sea!

The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark is located in the rugged mountainous uplands and the gentle rolling lowlands of counties Fermanagh and Cavan. Taking in the world-famous Marble Arch Caves, the Geopark boasts some of the finest natural landscapes in Ireland and offers a window into the area’s 650 million year past.

Armagh Planetarium is a world-renowned astronomical educational establishment whose purpose is to bring astronomy to a wider audience. View the exhibits and catch one of their family shows in the dome.

Exploris Aquarium, Portaferry, is located on shores of Strangford Lough. Learn about the marine species of Strangford Lough and the Irish coastline. See the open sea tank, the Discovery pools, and lots more and be sure to stop by the seal sanctuary to see the rescued seal pups, who are rehabilitated for their return to the wild.

Get Outside

Sometimes, you have just got to get out and get wet! Put on the raingear and wellies and go for a walk in the rain.  Most kids love splashing in puddles, and sometimes it’s a great way to release pent-up energy from being cooped up inside. Here’s our Top 10 Things to do Outside in Rain for some ideas!

Warm up afterwards with a hot bath/shower, dry clothes and hot chocolate. Then, why not pull out a board-game or snuggle up on the couch with a movie – a perfect end to a wet day!

Related : 50 Fun Rainy Day Activities for Kids & What to Do on a Rainy Day & Activities for a Rainy Day