Don’t want to spend Black Friday trawling the internet for great deals? Tesco Mobile brings the bargains to you, so all you have to decide on is what to do with the family instead. Now, we know planning a family outing can get complicated when everyone has different interests and ideas of what’s fun – that’s why we’re working with Tesco Mobile to share our curated list of the best family-friendly experiences in and around Belfast. From hidden gems to the old faithfuls, there’s something to please everyone in this list of family-friendly fun!
You might have to come to a consensus on what to do at the weekend, but Tesco Mobile really does understand that everyone is different. Their Family Perks benefit allows each member to choose their own free monthly reward—from extra data to Tesco Clubcard points—so the whole family can save while staying connected on their days out, thanks to Tesco Mobile’s 99% network coverage across the UK.
Plan your next family outing in Belfast.
1. Discover Belfast’s rich bird population at Window on Wildlife
Immerse the whole family in the great outdoors with a trip to Window on Wildlife (WOW), a hidden nature reserve home to more than 100 bird species and wildlife from around the world.
Kids will love exploring the visitor centre, where they can learn how to spot different birds and discover fascinating facts through the reserve’s engaging exhibitions.
📍100 Airport Rd W, Belfast BT3 9ED
2. Join the Golden SIM Hunt to unlock mystery prizes
Tesco Mobile x Secret Media are teaming up to give families the brightest Black Friday deals, with none of the usual price hunting. In an exciting activation, Golden SIM Cards will be hidden around Belfast, with clues dropping on Tesco Mobile’s and Secret Belfast’s Instagram. You’ll also be able to find the clues on the Golden SIM Hunt site, which is launching on November 17. Get the family together to see who can find one first and scan the QR codes to win big! Each Golden SIM card will unlock mystery prizes, from Fever experiences to the latest phones and tech gadgets.
📍Up to you to uncover!
3. Journey through the Ulster Transport Museum
With endless collections on display, including steam locomotives, vintage cars, horse-drawn carriages, and more, there’s plenty to see at the Ulster Transport Museum, just outside of Belfast.
The museum’s standout exhibition is its Rail Gallery, which features around 40 full-sized railway vehicles and engaging interactive displays that bring regional transport history to life in a fun and accessible way.
Plus, this December the museum will be screening It’s A Wonderful Life and Polar Express!
📍153 Bangor Rd, Holywood BT18 0EU
4. Deck the halls at Rowallane Garden’s Yuletide Christmas Market
A family-friendly favourite just 20 minutes outside of Belfast, the Rowallane Garden’s Yuletide Christmas Market will return for the 2025 season on December 13 and 14.
Shop a variety of stalls selling special gifts and goodies while enjoying the beautiful garden sights in a new season.
📍Crossgar Rd, Saintfield, Ballynahinch BT24 7LH
5. Race down Ireland’s first and only Alpine Coaster
Reach thrilling speeds of up to 40kph on the Black Bull Run Coaster as you zoom along 565 metres of track filled with 12 twists and two tunnels. Along the way, enjoy stunning panoramic views of Colin Glen Forest for the ultimate adrenaline rush.
The coaster is open to everyone ages 3 and up (children 3-7 must ride with an adult), and operates in all weather conditions—so be sure to dress appropriately as temperatures continues to drop.
📍28 Colinglen Rd, Belfast BT17 0LR
6. Hit a hole in one at Scrapyard Golf
Challenge the family to 21 holes of miniature golf at Scrapyard Golf (three more holes than the usual 18)! Completely indoors, this family-friendly spot lets you play no matter the weather—because, let’s face it, it’s Northern Ireland, and the weather is always a wildcard.
Each hole features a unique theme, crafted almost entirely from items sourced around the island of Ireland, adding a creative local twist to every putt.
📍Unit 6, 11 Glenwell Rd, Glengormley, Newtownabbey BT36 7RF