Inspiration for a fun summer day out
Photo By Justin Kernoghan
St James’s Community Farm.
If you are looking to plan some family fun before the kids this summer, petting zoos and open farms a great way to explore their curiosity and keep them entertained.
Away from iPads and screens, open farms are a fantastic way to introduce the little ones to the world around them and teach them about animals and nature.
With too many fantastic spots to mention, we’ve rounded up just a handful of zoos and farms across Northern Ireland for you to check out.
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Streamvale Farm
Located on Ballyhanwood Road, Belfast.
Meet the animals, or go to the Bubble Bop Disco which runs daily at 1pm – until the end of August. Visit the newborn rabbits at the Cuddle Corner, or head to the Chick House to see lots of cute chicks, and sometimes there’s adorable ducklings.
If you fancy a puppy cuddle, you might find yourself lucky, but give the farm a call before your visit to check. Streamvale works with local families to socialise puppies before they go on to their forever homes.
For more info, click here.
St James’ Community Farm
Located on Rodney Parade, West Belfast
West Belfast’s first urban farm, they offer a diverse range of activities and services to enrich the community.
The farm is a vibrant hub where people can engage in gardening, learning to grow their own vegetables and understand the importance of sustainable agriculture.
The website reads: “We provide hands-on animal care experiences, fostering empathy and responsibility through interactions with our friendly farm animals. Our recycling program, particularly focused on recycling cans, promotes environmental stewardship and sustainability.”
For more info, see here.
The Ark Open Farm
Located on Bangor Road, Newtownards.
Meet and feed the animals, see the Reptile Room, go to an Animal Handling Session, or dinosaur fans can see the impressive Jurassic Ark.
There’s also outdoor play areas, tractor trailer or quad barrel rides, and more.
For more info, see here.
Rosepark Farm
Located on Bravallen Road, Ballymoney.
A fun, family-run farm with animals, play areas, walks and loads to explore! Great for a chilled day out with the kids. Open seasonally with events and “good vibes”.
For more info, see here.
Carrickfergus Urban Farm
Located at Elizabeth Ave, Kilcreggan, Carrickfergus.
The website says: “Our urban farm at Kilcreggan Homes Ltd is known locally as a best kept secret in Carrickfergus, a popular attraction to local families and visitors from around Northern Ireland and beyond.
“The farm was established thanks to the idea of one of our tenants, Linda Bennett, she loves animals and knew that spending time caring for animals and in nature made her feel good and improved her life – she knew others could benefit too and so began the creation of a much-loved community space were our service users can engage in therapeutic activities and demonstrate their skills, passion and knowledge for what they do with visitors and guests.”
Entry is free and groups, individuals and families can visit to see up close the pet goats, pigs, pony, poultry, waterfowl, geese and small pets.
For more info, click here.
Mountpanther Farm Park
Located at Dundrum Road, Clough, Downpatrick.
Meet the guinea pigs, snakes and lizards, lemurs and llamas, and more. There’s also monkeys, parrots, wallabies and meerkats.
They have a bouncy pillow and castles, a play park, a play village for younger kids, and a playhouse.
For more info, see here.
Sperrin Fun Farm
Located at Glenshane Road, Feeny, Derry.
Features indoor and outdoor play areas for children of all ages, including bouncy castles, indoor climbing frames, trampolines, swings, slides, go-karts, a zip line, climbing frames, sandpits, and a water-based slide.
There’s a nature trail, a fairy garden, the small animal barn, animal paddocks and a quad train ride.
For more info, click here.
Laganvale Farm
Located at Sandy Lane, Lisburn.
A family farm combining indoor play and outdoor fun.
Visit the goats, alpacas, chickens, donkeys, sheep, ponies, pigs and cattle, or stop by the pond to meet the ducks.
For more info, see here.
Tannaghmore Gardens & Ariel Farm
Located in Craigavon.
The animal farm offers close encounters with many animals. Many of these breeds are now rare and close to extinction including Irish Moiled Cattle, Dexter Cattle, Galway Sheep, Saddleback Pigs and poultry.
There’s also a country-style play area, suitable for young children, with an aerial slide for older children.
For more info, click here.
Glenshane Country Farm
Located at Lisnamuck Hill, Maghera.
See how owner Jamese can direct his highly trained working dogs to herd a flock of well-behaved sheep.
Head to the Shearing Shed where you can see some rare breeds of sheep, or go to the viewing gallery and see panoramic views of Slieve Gallion, Lough Neagh and the Mourne Mountain range.
For more info, see here.
Fort Evergreen Warrenpoint
Located at Rath Road, Warrenpoint, Newry.
The animal nursery offers the opportunity for all ages to handle baby rabbits, guinea pigs, chicks, ducklings, and small rodents.
Explore the farm where you will find an outdoor adventure fort, pedal tractors and a sand pit, or visit the indoor play area with slides, a free-fall and ball pits.
For more info, click here.
C&J’s Animal Park
Located at Derryall Road, Craigavon.
Meet a wide variety of animals, from farm animals to reptiles, and cuddly bunnies to endangered exotics.
Everyone has the opportunity to touch or hold a variety of animals, including snakes, lizards, rabbits, guinea pigs, tortoises, and more, depending on the day.
For more info, see here.
If you want your open farm added to our list, pop us an email at be@belfastlive.co.uk
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