The summer is going so quickly, we’ve been very busy this July between days out close to home and on the train. We’ve had some beautiful weather to enjoy, and we love the warm and sunny weather over the past month, which doesn’t happen often, and it’s one of the things I miss from Saskatchewan. Now that August is upon us, there are so many fun family-friendly things to do in the Belfast area and beyond!
Once again this summer the councils are sponsoring Biodiversity Summer Schools at three locations for a week each. Drop in and learn bush craft, built bird boxes, go pond dipping and more. It’s free, and a great way to learn about nature. My children always look forward to attending!
August 11 takes us to the skies with the Festival of Flight in Newcastle. This will be the second time I’ll be attending this airshow with the family, having enjoyed last year’s show. Tristan will have the opportunity to think back about his training with Doctor Aviation.
Victoria Square Dome has an awesome view over Belfast from where you can see Cave Hill, Belfast Lough, the leaning Albert Clock tower, as well as the famous Sampson and Goliath cranes.
August 4-5 If you like to go where the wind blows you, then fly up to Downhill Demesne on the North Coast to the Kite Festival, I’m not sure if we’ll be able to make this, but it would be fun after Phil and Tristan made Asian Kites earlier this year.
If you’re in Belfast city centre during the weekends this month, see what Castle Court Kids Club has shakin’.
It’s not often easy to find places to introduce live traditional Irish music to children as the usual place to enjoy it is in the pub. The next time we’re in the area, on a Saturday between 12-2 we’ll be heading to the Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich arts and cultural centre to do our toe-tapping!
August 18 – Nothing in life is guaranteed, but drop in to Port Muck, Islandmagee for a spot of Whale Watching with the National Trust and you just might spot a dolphin, porpoise, or perhaps even a whale!
August before last, we took a trip down to Silent Valley in the Mourne Mountains for a picnic and had a brilliant day together. There are forest walks, a playground, and of course, a beautiful view of the reservoir from the dam.
August 25-26 bring the Shoreline Festival in Jordanstown back for another year. We went a few years back, and it would be good to return with the kids again. There will be free music, family fun, as well as amusements and food vendors.
Tollymore Forest Park is always a great place to go for the day, or even longer if you enjoy camping. We have taken overseas visitors here in the past. There are great views of the Mourne Mountains, wonderfully old trees to walk amongst, and unique architecture.
Let me know what your favourite things are to do in your city or area; contact me if you’d like to participate in our Postcard From… Awesome Places Around the World series.
