01/03/2016
Easter Outings...
Easter is fast approaching and is falling earlier than usual this year, however there is still time to formulate a plan to take full advantage of the weekend.
Below we have listed some things to do which don't include sitting in front of the TV stuffing our faces full of chocolate eggs…
On Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday, join the Jungle in a daring quest against time. You will be given a number of clues and puzzles and must make your way through the enchanted forest to answer the riddles in the hope that you might find the missing eggs at the end of the trail.
The Jungle's Easter Egg Hunt experience is approximately 60 minutes in duration and entails a lengthy walk through the width and breadth of The Jungle's enchanting forest.
You're sure to work up an appetite but fear not as there are a variety of hot foods, savoury snacks and naughty nibbles, in addition to both hot and cold drinks, sure to leave you refreshed, refuelled and revived and ready for your next adventure challenge!
Children £6 per person (0-15 years, Adults £3 per person.
Book now at thejungleni.com
Belfast City Council will once again host its annual, and free, Spring into Easter Festival at the City Hall, from Saturday 26 to Tuesday 29 March. It is sure to be a "cracking" way to spend the bank holiday weekend.
Over the weekend, you can: • Take a 'Nearly True' walking tour through City Hall and meet some interesting characters along the way. • Join Punch and Judy on their egg-citing seaside adventure or meet Mr Magic himself as he spell binds his audience with magic that is full of fun and laughter. • Willa Wonka invites children to come to his festive chocolate making workshops. • Get crafty at one of the seasonal themed workshops, visit the ParkLife stand or get your feet tapping at a dance workshop. • Visit Phil's Farmyard and meet his meerkats Itchy and Scratchy and Skippy the wallaby who are on their holiday adventure to Belfast.
And no festival would be complete without face painters, balloon modellers and an array of colourful street theatre.
All events take place in and around Belfast City Hall.
These events are ticketed. Tickets will be available from Belfast Welcome Centre in early March.
belfastcity.gov.uk
On Easter Monday and Tuesday you can hop on board the Easter Eggpress for a steam train adventure to Whitehead, which promises "fun for all the family, and easter eggs for the children".
There are two trains on each day, one which leaves Belfast Central at 11:30, arrives in Whitehead at 12:20, and returns to Belfast at 13:45; the second train leaves at 14:30 and returns at 16:45.
Tickets are £12, which are listed as "one fare for all", which we presume means one price for both adults and children.
You can book tickets online at the link below, or buy them from the Belfast Welcome Centre.
steamtrainsireland.com
BOUNCEMANIA returns for an Easter "Eggtravaganza" for two days - Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 March - at Score Football Centres, Hillmans Way, Coleraine.
More than 30 inflatables spread over three halls allow children to bounce, slide and climb until their hearts content.
Over the two days everything from the Toddler Play Zone to the huge 80ft Assault Course will be on offer, alongside other inflatables including a large selection of Bouncy Castles, Inflatable Mega Slides, Demolition Zone, Rock N Roll Joist, Sumo Wrestling, Disco Dome, Soft Play Set, Wipeout Balls.
There will also be Zorbing Balls and much more.
Sessions will last 2 hours 15 minutes and children will be allowed unlimited play on all activities for one set fee - 3 Years & under £4.95, 4 - 12 Years £7.95.
Sessions times are 13:00 to 15:15, and 15:30 to 17:45.
All children must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times.
cromorecastles.co.uk
While it might be the furthest away from bunnies and chocolate, a sightseeing tour of Strangford Lough does offer the SeaGen, Angus Rocks Lighthouse, surface whirlpools and some of the many seals at Cloughy Rocks Nature Reserve.
You might see a pod of porpoise or even a basking shark! Suitable for age 3 years plus. Trips leave from Strangford Pier and run hourly throughout the day.
Booking is essential (follow the link below) and tickets are priced at £20 per adult, £17 per child or £69 family ticket - 2 adults, 2 children.
Alternatively there is the "Whirlpool Special" for just £25 per adult and £22 per child, family ticket £87.
strangford-seasafari.com
Below we have listed some things to do which don't include sitting in front of the TV stuffing our faces full of chocolate eggs…
Easter Egg Hunt At The Jungle!
On Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday, join the Jungle in a daring quest against time. You will be given a number of clues and puzzles and must make your way through the enchanted forest to answer the riddles in the hope that you might find the missing eggs at the end of the trail.The Jungle's Easter Egg Hunt experience is approximately 60 minutes in duration and entails a lengthy walk through the width and breadth of The Jungle's enchanting forest.
You're sure to work up an appetite but fear not as there are a variety of hot foods, savoury snacks and naughty nibbles, in addition to both hot and cold drinks, sure to leave you refreshed, refuelled and revived and ready for your next adventure challenge!
Children £6 per person (0-15 years, Adults £3 per person.
Book now at thejungleni.com
Spring into Easter
Belfast City Council will once again host its annual, and free, Spring into Easter Festival at the City Hall, from Saturday 26 to Tuesday 29 March. It is sure to be a "cracking" way to spend the bank holiday weekend.
Over the weekend, you can: • Take a 'Nearly True' walking tour through City Hall and meet some interesting characters along the way. • Join Punch and Judy on their egg-citing seaside adventure or meet Mr Magic himself as he spell binds his audience with magic that is full of fun and laughter. • Willa Wonka invites children to come to his festive chocolate making workshops. • Get crafty at one of the seasonal themed workshops, visit the ParkLife stand or get your feet tapping at a dance workshop. • Visit Phil's Farmyard and meet his meerkats Itchy and Scratchy and Skippy the wallaby who are on their holiday adventure to Belfast.
And no festival would be complete without face painters, balloon modellers and an array of colourful street theatre.
All events take place in and around Belfast City Hall.
These events are ticketed. Tickets will be available from Belfast Welcome Centre in early March.
belfastcity.gov.uk
'Easter Eggspress' Steam Train Adventure
On Easter Monday and Tuesday you can hop on board the Easter Eggpress for a steam train adventure to Whitehead, which promises "fun for all the family, and easter eggs for the children".
There are two trains on each day, one which leaves Belfast Central at 11:30, arrives in Whitehead at 12:20, and returns to Belfast at 13:45; the second train leaves at 14:30 and returns at 16:45.
Tickets are £12, which are listed as "one fare for all", which we presume means one price for both adults and children.
You can book tickets online at the link below, or buy them from the Belfast Welcome Centre.
steamtrainsireland.com
Cromore Castles' 'Easter Bouncemania'
BOUNCEMANIA returns for an Easter "Eggtravaganza" for two days - Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 March - at Score Football Centres, Hillmans Way, Coleraine.
More than 30 inflatables spread over three halls allow children to bounce, slide and climb until their hearts content.
Over the two days everything from the Toddler Play Zone to the huge 80ft Assault Course will be on offer, alongside other inflatables including a large selection of Bouncy Castles, Inflatable Mega Slides, Demolition Zone, Rock N Roll Joist, Sumo Wrestling, Disco Dome, Soft Play Set, Wipeout Balls.
There will also be Zorbing Balls and much more.
Sessions will last 2 hours 15 minutes and children will be allowed unlimited play on all activities for one set fee - 3 Years & under £4.95, 4 - 12 Years £7.95.
Sessions times are 13:00 to 15:15, and 15:30 to 17:45.
All children must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times.
cromorecastles.co.uk
Easter Sea Safari
While it might be the furthest away from bunnies and chocolate, a sightseeing tour of Strangford Lough does offer the SeaGen, Angus Rocks Lighthouse, surface whirlpools and some of the many seals at Cloughy Rocks Nature Reserve.
You might see a pod of porpoise or even a basking shark! Suitable for age 3 years plus. Trips leave from Strangford Pier and run hourly throughout the day.
Booking is essential (follow the link below) and tickets are priced at £20 per adult, £17 per child or £69 family ticket - 2 adults, 2 children.
Alternatively there is the "Whirlpool Special" for just £25 per adult and £22 per child, family ticket £87.
strangford-seasafari.com
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with some patchy light rain and drizzle through the morning and afternoon. Rain is then likely to turn heavy for a time late afternoon. Maximum temperature 18 °C.Tonight:A band of heavy rain spreads east this evening, quickly clearing to leave the rest of the night mainly dry with just the chance of a few light showers. Minimum temperature 14 °C.
