What an amazing beach! Whiterocks is hard to miss. If you're driving towards Portrush from…read moreBushmills you can see the dunes in the distance. After Dunluce castle you'll spot an unassuming right turn - I would heavily advise taking that turn. Whiterocks is like a beach from a story book, perfectly maintained with miles of golden sand stretching all the way to Portrush's East Strand. Facilities wise it's second to none. There's four car parks at different levels capable of hosting hundreds of cars and camper vans. The lower car park has sheltered showers and clean toilets. There was also an ice cream van on site when we visited. The wind whips down on the dunes creating a bit of a sandstorm so if it's even slightly windy I would recommend wrapping up because it can get chilly. We noticed numerous surfers enjoying the April swell and they were doing it in safety too as a lifeguard was in attendance. The beach is dog friendly, our puppy loved galloping along the sand. Because the beach is so big it is a perfect place to let your pup off the lead and have a good run about. I'd say judging by his face this was Ted's favourite walk to date!

This is probably one of the nicest children's play parks in Carrickfergus, and strangely, a lot of…read morepeople don't know about it, as it is quite secluded! There are two entrances to Legg Park, one along the main Belfast Road, just up from the Model Primary School, and another entrance facing the Windrose. The park is fully fenced off and really well equipped with soft flooring, swings, slides and climbing frames. The park is also really nicely landscaped with lots of benches making it pleasant to sit around on a sunny day.

This is an excellent park. It suits all age groups from youngest of the young to the elder folk!!!…read morePlenty of well kept flower beds, the place is spotless and lots to see and do. Love the lake but didn't get to see the inside of the Pavillion. Great toddlers play area and there are tennis courts and bowling green. There are also tables on which one can Bbq. The colours of the flowers and kiddies play area are wonderful and this is a wonderful gift left by Sir Frederick Adair in 1909.

fantastic forest with plenty to entertain every member of the family. Plenty of nooks and crannies…read morefor all the little adventurers to discover and beautiful scenery for the older family members.

We have always enjoyed Ramore Head park and do so even more now that Coleraine Borough Council has…read morefinally come to its sense and stopped charging people to get in. Paying to go to a park - what kind of nonsense was that? So now that's it's free, I would urge you to take your kids for a good old run around with the added extra of fresh sea air while you're at it. There are loads of things to keep toddlers to pre-teens amused for at least an hour, including a zip line, bouncy see saw thing, several sets of swings, clinging frames and a huge structure with big round pod things which kids can hide inside. There are pic nic benches and tables too for those rare north coast days when it's warm enough to eat outside and toilets next door beside the tennis courts. That may sound trivial but parents will know it can make or break an afternoon out. Just one tip - the park is literally feet from the Atlantic and can be really windy, even during the summer. In the spring and autumn, it would blow the head off you as they say, so bring an extra layer and maybe even a hat. Oh yeah, I suppose you should bring coats for the kids too. Also bring your own refreshments as there are no shops nearby.

Set in the sheltered Sheep Haven Bay the long sandy strand of Marble Hill extends for about 2km…read more Very popular beach with families and for good reason as it is safe and clean, it is a Blue flag beach. Watched over by lifeguards during the summer months with the very shallow water (even at high tide) and clean well kept shore line makes it perfect for families (and anyone else that enjoys a good beach). It is always a hive of activity with surf schools, anglers, sailors and swimmers all taking to the water. Plenty of sea life roam the waters to keep the amateur marine biologist interested. With all the holiday houses and caravan parks close by it is no surprise that this lovely beach is so popular. It is only going to get busier with the re-opening of the Shannon Hotel. So get there early when the sun comes out otherwise there will be no parking space left!

I have family down here so visit now and again, If you want to see a bit of Coleraine and keep fit…read moreat the same time try the Highway to Health Trail, starting at Coleraine Leisure Centre which can be walked in approximately 35 minutes and is suitable for people of all ages. My daughter also enjoys this walk

We took a drive up to portrush on Sunday, couldn't believe that the weather was so good being…read moreFebruary and the beach was beautiful,clean and people were out enjoying themselves either strolling or walking dogs and the brave were out surfing! It was our baby's first proper beach experience and he loved it , plenty of parking and and ice cream van in the car park. The beach seems to stretch into the distance and the sand is soft and golden. Has to be the best beach here.

Havnt been able to locate this directly on the map but its off limavady on the DOGLEAP ROAD WELL…read moreWORTH A VISIT! Icing on the cake for that peaceful time out! Roe valley country park is the most tranquil place that i have ever been! Not easily impressed.it takes alot to for me to say YES..there is miles of walking and one day will never cover the whole park however u will have a wonderful experience with the miles that you do cover the fishermen will love it, the walkers will say HAPPY DAYS and the people just looking for something different will enjoy the time out. I took my children and though it was long for them ( I would advise a picnic) They loved it! So much from bat caves to the old bridges over the riverDefinitely a hidden treasure! A MUST SEE!

This is a great walk on the outskirts of Belfast. It is well hidden from the Manse road entrance…read morebut don't be put off its worth the view! It takes roughly 30 - 40 mins to ascend depending on fitness level. The path leads from a quaint bridge along a stony lane running behind Lagan college. It has quite a steep incline half way through - really gets the heart pumping. The vista over Belfast and the lough are breath taking. I usually catch a plane or ship coming in. Tip 1. Parking can be tight, i recommend parking in local estate Garland Hill and adding to the dander Tip 2. If you don't fancy the strenuous walk up hill there is another entrance with parking on the Lisnabreeny road itself.

I love finding different places to walk without having to travel too far and this is another such…read moreplace. 10 mins by car from my house in Carryduff and nestled in the Castlereagh hills. There's a small car park off Manse Rd easy to miss as it's not signposted. Entry to the walk is through a wooden gate on the left. You are on a par with Cavehill height- wise and when it's clear you can see right down to the port of Belfast or over to the spectacular Mournes. There's a Rath surrounded by trees which is eerily quiet and the gravelled path leads you down towards Cregagh Glen and waterfalls. You walk past the back of Lagan college and enter the Glen via an underpass. Be careful as the old railway sleeper path ways can be treacherous as I found out to my cost recently! They look dry but can be slippery as I ended upon my ass. Fortunately nothing damaged except ny dignity! You can take a detour to visit the monument to American soldiers who served in NI during WW2 or walk on down the Glen which is beautiful especially after rain when the water is really flowing. It is quite a steep walk back up to the car park but there are a few benches dotted around. Hard to believe you are right in the heart of urban Belfast. This place is well worth a visit with kids (there's a little adventure playground) or its a haven for dog walkers or even just on your own.