What to do in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion for children under 5

Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion is a beautiful, fun-filled area that offers plenty of family-friendly activities for children under 5. Whether you're looking for indoor activities to avoid bad weather,  or outdoor adventures that let little ones explore nature, which is vital for their physical, emotional and cognitive development, the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion will provide the perfect family day out for you!

Here’s a guide to some of the best activities for kids under 5, both indoors and outdoors. 

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Castlewellan Forest Park 

The Peace Maze here is one of the world's largest permanent hedge mazes, which can be fun for toddlers (with some guidance from parents). The lake path is flat and accessible for prams, bicycles and there’s a fun adventure play area. 

Slieve Gullion Forest Park

Slieve Gullion Forest Park is perfect for little ones. Fionn's Giant Adventure, a magical, fairy-themed woodland walk is designed to captivate young imaginations. There’s also an adventure play park with age-appropriate play structures. 

Kilbroney Park 

Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor has a fantastic playground for children, plus the magical Narnia Trail, a short, interactive walk inspired by the world of Narnia. It’s a great way to introduce young children to nature in a fun, imaginative way. The park also has picnic areas, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some wildlife along the way. 

Delamont Country Park 

On the shores of Strangford Lough near Killyleagh, sits Delamont Country Park. Kids will enjoy marveling at the towering Strangford Stone, Ireland’s tallest monolith. They will also delight in the Outdoor Adventure Playground, while the whole family can enjoy treats at Steamer's Kiosk and a ride on the Delamont Miniature Railway. 

Cranfield Alpacas 

Come and meet the cute, cuddly alpacas with stunning panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough. If you’ve got kids aged 7 years and under, they recommend that you take a walk with the alpacas in the large field. They can get a chance to take the reins of their own alpaca. At the end of the walk, its feeding time, with an opportunity to meet and mingle with the rest of the gang.  

Mountpanther Farm Park  

Explore a custom-built play village with cosy playhouses, swings, slides, and even ride-on tractors for your little farmers! Meet adorable animals at the Petting Barn, from fluffy Guinea Pigs to the  scaly Snakes and Lizards, and don’t forget the Lemurs, Llamas, Marmoset Monkeys, Parrots, Wallabies, and Meerkats! Or hop on the Deer Safari for close-up encounters with deer. 

Fort Evergreen Pet & Play Farm

Plan your visit out to Fort Evergreen Pet & Play Farm in Kilkeel, a plethora of happenings throughout the farm to keep the kiddos entertained with the pet farm to cuddle or feed a new furry friend. They feature plenty of outdoor and indoor play areas and many more exciting things. 

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A Day Out in Newcastle

A visit to the beautiful seaside town of Newcastle is a perfect destination to take under 5’s at any time of the year with lots of activities in summertime and on special occasions. In the quieter times of the year, you have Newcastle Beach, local play parks, shops and a wide selection of delicious ice cream shops. Bring the children into Joyland Amusements or Kent Amusements for a day of fun with themed rides and games. 

Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch

Families will enjoy the Woodland Trail and mini exploXers can enjoy the tree house and natural play area, they also have a playground for under 5's only.  Everything here has been designed to fuel the imagination through exploration and discovery.

Kinedale Donkeys, Ballynahinch

Get up close and personal with these lovely animals.  Meet and snuggle the donkeys and friends in a cuddle session.  Not only do you get to cuddle you can brush, groom and pet.  Or book the Bairns at the Barn Toddler morning session.  What better way can you enjoy a great day out.

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Indoor Activities in the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion 

Coco’s Adventure Playground 

Located in Newcastle, this indoor play centre is perfect for under 5's. It features a dedicated toddler area with slides, ball pits, and soft play equipment. The centre also has a small café, so you can relax while the kids enjoy some indoor playtime. It’s a great option for those rainy days. 

Tiddly Town Newry 

Your kids will enjoy a visit to Tiddly town in Newry, get their imaginations ignited! This soft play area is themed as a life-like town. Helping children to play creatively as well as developing skills in communication, physical development and much more. 

Global Adventure  

At Global Adventure in Ballynahinch your kids will be highly entertained, A play experience that not only encourages children to be active and have fun, but that also feeds their curiosity about the world around them. 

Rhythm and Rhyme in the NI Libraries 

Stop off at a library in the area for Rhythm and Rhyme sessions which introduce parents and children aged 0 - 4 years to the wonder of rhymes, songs and stories.   Be sure to contact the library or look online for the date and time! 

Colours Pottery & Painting Studio 

Enjoy an afternoon being creative with your little ones at Colours in Ballynahinch, this cute little paint your own studio offers art techniques for all ages, A baby hand or footprint on a finished piece of ceramic, make a fabulous, personalized gift, paint a picture or help your little one colour their own ceramic character! 

Mourne Archery Centre 

For rainy days, the Mourne Archery Centre really hits the spot. Based in a barn in the middle of Maghera, the centre was started in 2009 and today boasts a strong local membership. Sessions run for three hours with a variety of fun games ranging from traditional target shooting to popping balloons. 

Sticky Fingers, Newry

Check out storyland in Sticky Fingers and let your imagination take over.  It's a place perfect for family fun.

Sheepbridge Family Entertainment Centre 

Sheepbridge Family Entertainment Centre has a lot to offer families of all ages. Young kids can swing to their heart’s content in the Cheeky Monkeys play area with a four-tiered climbing frame and ball pools or get some fun out of the bumper boats and battery-powered go-karts.