10 Easy Family Walks in Northern Ireland Kids Will Love
If you’re looking for simple outdoor adventures for the family, Northern Ireland is full of incredible places where kids can explore forests, beaches and mountains without needing to hike for miles.
These walks are perfect for younger explorers aged 5–10, with plenty of nature, space to roam, and opportunities for adventure.
Pack a snack, download a scavenger hunt, and get ready for a proper family dander.
2. Murlough National Nature Reserve
This stunning beach and dune system is perfect for a relaxed wander.
Children can explore the wooden boardwalk trails before running free on the beach.
Adventure idea:
Turn the walk into a beach scavenger hunt and see how many natural treasures they can find.
1. Tollymore Forest Park
Nestled at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, Tollymore is one of the best places in Northern Ireland for a family walk.
Kids love crossing the old stone bridges and following the river through the forest.
Why kids love it
• Stepping stones across the river
• Fairy-tale style bridges
• Lots of space for picnics
4. Gosford Forest Park
Gosford feels like something out of a storybook.
There are open fields, forest trails and even a castle hidden in the trees.
Perfect for imaginative kids who enjoy pretending they’re on an adventure.
3. Castlewellan Forest Park
Castlewellan has wide trails perfect for little legs.
There’s also the famous Peace Maze, one of the largest hedge mazes in the world.
Kids love trying to find the centre.
6. Crawfordsburn Country Park
A brilliant mix of woodland and coastline.
You can walk through the forest before finishing at the beach for a paddle.
Bonus: there are plenty of places to stop for an ice cream.
5. Divis and the Black Mountain
For families near Belfast, Divis offers incredible views across the city.
The paths are wide and easy to follow, making it great for younger walkers.
On a clear day you can see all the way across the countryside.
8. Rowallane Garden
This hidden gem has beautiful gardens and woodland paths.
It’s especially magical in autumn when the leaves change colour.
7. Oxford Island Nature Reserve
A peaceful walk along the shores of Lough Neagh.
There are bird hides and wildlife trails where kids can try spotting different species.
10. Mount Stewart
The trails around Mount Stewart are perfect for families who want a relaxed nature walk.
The gardens are full of wildlife and hidden corners to explore.
9. Silent Valley Reservoir
A gentle loop around the reservoir with incredible mountain views.
It’s a fantastic place for kids to feel like they’re on a real mountain adventure.
Make Your Walk an Adventure
A simple walk becomes much more exciting when kids have a mission.
Before you head out, download one of our free printable activity sheets from Dander Outdoors.
You can turn any walk into:
• A forest scavenger hunt
• A nature treasure hunt
• A wildlife spotting challenge
Download Free Outdoor Activity Sheets
Looking for ways to keep the kids busy outdoors?
Download our free printable adventure sheets designed for forests, beaches and gardens.
Perfect for family walks, weekend adventures, and holiday days out.
👉 Explore all downloads at Dander Outdoors