Last Summer we went to Belfast for just a night away, different scenery type of stuff. The kids were very excited to be able to go to “a different country” without leaving the actual island.
As always I did my research what there is actually to do for kids and to my surprise, there are plenty of activities for them. The number one thing on my list was the W5. However due to COVID, this was still closed at the time. It is open again now and we might be visiting this Summer if we can squeeze in a free weekend.
Colin Glen Adventure Park – Gruffalo & Stickman Walk
The Colin Glen Adventure Park is located just outside of Belfast. There are three different entrances. Our first stop was the River entrance to do the Gruffalo walk in the forest. This is a guided walk and it is really interactive. First you need to check-in at reception and you will be directed to a little room at the back where your guide will be waiting. She will read the story of the Gruffalo to the kids.
We then all headed off into the woods, stopping off at the Gruffalo statues. Everyone got an opportunity to have their photo taken with mouse, owl, snake, fox and the Gruffalo itself. As we walked toward the bottom of the river, we crossed a bridge. Every child had to find a stick and at the count of 3, they all had to throw it down the river to see which one floats the fasted.
When we reached the Stickman trail beside the river, the guide read the Stickman book to the kids while blowing bubbles for the kids to catch.
The trail took around an hour to an hour and a half. Everyone headed back to the main meeting point in the room. The guide had a box full of googley eyes, sticks and pipe cleaners so the kids could make their own Stickman. At the end everyone received a book from Julia Donaldson which I thought was a nice gesture. We have a lot of them at home so if you already happened to have the one you were given, you can swap. Chloe got the Snail and the Whale which we didn’t have yet. You can book online from £10.50.
Dinner in Villa Italia
That evening we booked a table in Villa Italia which is located in the Queen’s Quarter of Belfast. I stumbled across it on the official Belfast website. It is such a cool place, you wouldn’t think it is that big when you see it from the outside. I loved it that much, I went for dinner again in January there for my birthday. The decor in this place is gorgeous. You really feel like you are stepping into Italy. The menu is huge and the kids definitely will find something too. I mean who doesn’t like pizza?
Colin Glen Adventure Park – Black Bull Run
We were staying in the Crowne Plaza during our visit in Belfast. After breakfast we headed back to Colin Glen but this time to the Mountain entrance to try out the Black Bull Run which only opened up a few weeks before then. This is Ireland’s first Alpine coaster. it’s approximately 565 metres long and goes downhill 349 metres. Kids between the age of 3 and 7 years can ride for free but need to be accompanied by an adult. You get three turns and once you come to the bottom, the coaster pulls you back up to the start and you queue for your next turn. You will be given a wristband and the guys will take one token off each time. Cost is £15.50 for an adult and £10.50 for a child 8 years and older.
The Lost City Adventure Golf
Before heading back home, we went to the North inner city of Belfast for a bit of mini golf located in the Cityside Retail & Leisure Park. The kids are big fans of mini golf, more so my eldest. He’s been playing it since he was about four when we went on our first family holiday together in Spain. There are two 18 hole rainforest themed mini golf course. You can choose whether you just want to play the one or play all 36 of them. We went all out and played all of them… might as well.
There is a so called Tiki Bar that has special deal on as well. For example when you play mini golf, you can add on two pizzas and drinks for afterwards. They also do non alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. This is all fully operational again after all COVID restrictions being lifted.
Accommodation
As mentioned above, we stayed in the Crown Plaza. This hotel is on the outskirts of Belfast and so you can’t walk into the city. We didn’t mind though as we were quite happy to drive anywhere we need to be. We booked with breakfast which was very nice. However, if you do prefer to stay somewhere closer to the city, I highly recommend the Holiday Inn Express Belfast City. It has free parking and the delicious breakfast is always included. I stayed there twice now and it never disappointed.
