Upcoming events for NI kids – June

Woohoo – it’s almost June which means that it’s officially almost summer! After what felt like the longest, coldest winter in living memory it’s fantastic to be able to get out and about with the little ones again, even if it’s just an afternoon playing in the garden.  But if you fancy venturing a bit further afield, there are some fab, fun events happening in Northern Ireland this month – and here’s a taster!

PlayMais Crazy Creatures at W5

Odyssey Pavilion, Belfast / June 5
PlayMais is a fully biodegradable, easy to use modelling material designed for use by younger children. Go artistically crazy by simply ripping and rolling, shaping and sticking this versatile material into your very own crazy creature. Entry is free with your admission to W5, 2-4pm.

Ulster Wildlife Trust: Magic of Spring at Kilbroney Park

Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor / June 6
A chance to explore all the wildlife that has sprung up around the park this spring, from plants and insects to baby birds!  Run by the Ulster Wildlife Trust in conjunction with Newry and Mourne District Council, the event promises fun and games for all the family.  Admission free, 2-4pm, booking essential – email events@ulsterwildlifetrust.org.

Miniature Railway Open Day, Coleraine

Damhead Miniature Railway, Coleraine / June 12
Allow your kids to experience the long-lost thrill of travelling by steam train with an open day at Damhead Miniature Railway near Coleraine.  With a track 1/3 of a mile long running through beautiful, landscaped countryside, little ones are sure to think they’re on a big adventure!  There is also a souvenir shop on site with picnic facilities plus other activities for children. Admission to the site is free and train rides cost £2 per adult, £1 per child, 12-5pm.  For more information tel: (028) 7034 4723.

Omagh Midsummer Carnival

Omagh Town Centre / June 18
Now in its 11th year, the Omagh Midsummer Carnival is a festival of colour and excitement for the whole family to enjoy.  The 2010 event takes the theme ‘Friendly Faces from Different Places’ and encourages participants to celebrate and gain a further understanding of cultures from all around the world.
Prepare to be dazzled and amazed by the breathtaking display of creative talent as the carnival weaves its way through the town. The line up is an open air music concert at Omagh Leisure Complex which will display a vast range of multi-cultural music and dance. There will also be an opportunity to listen to local talent from up-and-coming young bands from across the district and then enjoy the grand finale with the spectacular firework display. Admission is free and the event runs from 7.30pm – 10.30pm.  Click here for more information.
Image courtesy of Sandra Armstrong Photography.

Peppa Pig at the Millenium Forum, Derry.

Millennium Forum / June 19 & 20
A modern day kids’ icon, Peppa Pig is a firm favourite with children and they will relish the chance to see Peppa ‘in person’ at the fabulous Peppa Pig Live show in Derry’s Millenium Forum!  See the story of Peppa’s birthday acted out with the use of fabulous, oversized puppets, complete with lots of songs, oinks and of course – muddy puddles! Tickets start from £10.50 and concessions are available.  For more information and booking visit the Millenium Forum website.

Traditional Storytelling Day at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum

Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Cultra / June 19
Enjoy a day of yarns and tales for young and old with the museum’s storytelling team.  Come and listen to tales of mystery and adventure from the old tradition of storytelling before the days of radio, television or iPods! Hear about the exploits of heroes, the deeds of the wee folk and other lore to capture the imagination. If you have a tale to tell, why not take part in the grand storytelling ceili? Admission for two adults and up to three children start from £17 and the event runs from 10am – 5pm.

Super Dads at Exploris, Portaferry

Exploris, Portaferry / June 20
Especially for Fathers’ Day 2010, some of the sea-going father figures at the fabulous Exploris Aquarium will be taking centre stage, offering kids an opportunity to learn a little more about the ‘dads of the deep’!  Of course there are all the usual attractions, from the discovery pools where kids can get up close and personal with some fascinating ocean creatures to the open sea tank where they can see some real ’sea monsters’ including sharks and conger eels.  For a more cute and cuddly experience, why not pay a visit to the seals at the purpose-built hospital and sanctuary on site? Under fours go free, and a ticket for two adults with four children is £22.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Belfast Zoo

Belfast Zoo / June 26
Spook the Andean bear is celebrating his 16th birthday and Belfast Zoo is making it one to remember with a fantastic teddy bears’ picnic from 11.30am to 1.30pm!  Highlights include a sing-a-long, face painting, birthday cake, as well as the chance to watch the bears eat their birthday treats.  Don’t forget to bring your teddy bear along and enter the ‘best bear’ competition! For more information, call 028 9077 6277 or email events@belfastzoo.co.uk.