Free Days Out in Belfast

That is the obvious way to use them. Ulster Museum at Botanic Gardens sits within the Botanic Gardens and Palm House grounds, so a family can move between a national collection and open green space without a journey in between. It removes the usual problem of committing to indoors or outdoors at the start of the day, which with young children is the decision most likely to be wrong.

Belfast Castle Visitors Centre records both indoor and outdoor space and sits above the city with the ground rising behind it, so the walk is part of the appeal. Historic houses with grounds usually give children more than the building alone suggests. Opening arrangements at sites like this can vary with events and private bookings, so a check beforehand saves a wasted climb.

They differ in character more than in size. Victoria Park Belfast and Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park are the ones families use for ordinary afternoons, while Stormont Park is a long approach and a lot of open ground, which suits older children who want to run rather than a toddler who wants equipment. What a listing cannot tell you is which play equipment fits which age, and that is worth a look at photos first.