NORTHERN IRISH DAYS OUT - help please

[Eve]

HI,

I am back to my parents next week for 1/2 term and looking for ideas of where to take my 2 boys, 8 & 5.

We have done W5 a few times and looking for somewhere else.

What is Folk & transport museumlike these days, can they touch or get onto anything of the trains in the transport bit.

Also ...is there much at the ice bowl..apart from , well ice and bowling??

Thanks.

Ice bowl has 2 large outdoor mini-golf things which seem popular. Also has an indoor soft play.

Folk and Transport museum is OK, but not terribly hands-on.

Park at Stormount is pretty good for an hour or two.

Swimming at Lisburn leisureplex is good - plenty of flumes, a lazy river etc.

Depends on how far you want to drive but I would recommend you see Giants Causeway.

How about the Ulster American folk park in Omagh? It's a lovely day out. Lots of walking, lots of Irish history. They will get to taste bread cooked on open fires & get to walk around a boat filled with Irish/American imigrants.

If you fancy taking a longer trip you could get the ferry from Magilligan over to the other side & drive to the Famine Village in Doagh

The transport museum is quite good - you can touch some of the stuff and get into some of the old carriages.
My DS (7) liked it - haven't done the folk part of the museum for years. Although I think the ticket gets you entrance for both.
Might all be a bit grim at this time of year for traipsing about all the old buildings (if you're back in December, they do a lovely Christmasy themed weekend - lots of re-enactment/dressing up/demonstrations etc.

The ice bowl has also got a indoor play area (Indianaland), soft play/slides etc; and there is also a new Pirate golf thing outside which my DS liked (but it wasn't me that took him, so I don't know any more details). I think there is something else too, but can't remember what it is, or if it would still be open at this time of year.

Not sure where you're visiting, but there is a good leisure pool in Lisburn (slides/lazy river etc - although only your 8yr old would be old enough for most slides, and they have a one-to-one adult/child policy.

sorry had to take a call at work while typing, so realise everyone has already answered for you!

excellent , thank you ladies..

I haven't been to Folk museum since I was at primary school so wasn't sure about it. We went to Ulster American folk park & marble Arch last easter when I was back so looking for somewhere different.

My parents are near Armagh, so we are central for most things.

When is 1/2 term in NI?

...and I like the sound of lisburn pool..will check that out.