I attentended my daughters class mates 5th birthday party at World of Wonder (WOW) this morning…read more WOW opened before Christmas and was the idea of the owners of the Loughshore Hotel. It's a big indoor soft play area which has four private party rooms and different packages for parties as well as single use entry fees. It can accommodate upto 200 kids and adults with ample seating and eating facilities. It's also in a prime location. After the kids played the cake was cut and the kids were ready for cocktail sausages, fresh chicken nuggets, chips, sandwiches, pizza and crisps, with water and juice to wash it down. I would have liked to have seen some fruit and carrot sticks also. That being said both kids and adults were well satisfied-it would be great if there was something like this for adults only!!!!

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.

I have a somewhat strange soft spot for seals so the Exploris Aquarium is one of my favourite…read moreplaces to go for a family day out. The experts at Exploris take in and care for seals which have been rescued from the coast suffering from injury or illness. Mind you, sometimes there are no seals in the seal sanctuary which is obviously good news for the seal population but not for the selfish visitors who want to see them. Check the website before you go to see how many seals are being cared for. The aquarium has loads of other stuff to see and learn about. The first thing you see when you go in is a huge touch tank where there are frequent talks from the expert staff who encourage visitors to touch the fish and rays which is great fun. There are lots of tanks and pools as you make your way through the aquarium, including one which has a wave splashing too and fro. The most exciting bit is the largest tank which has sharks in it. Only little ones but still very exciting nonetheless and throughout the day divers go into the tank to feed the sharks. There are loads of fish and rays in this tank too to really give you an idea of how the species interact in the open sea. You can view this tank from the side through the glass walls or from above as a bridge is suspended above it. Exploris is relatively pricey to get in - £22 for a ticket for a family of 4 and even if you take a break in the café and visit the shop (both of which will see you forking out more cash), I think the most you will spend there is a couple of hours. Stretch out your visit by taking a picnic and going to the park right next door.

Jaw dropping, awe inspiring, beautiful marine creatures…read more Take a trip to Exploris Aquarium and witness the amazing spectacle of what life is like in our local waters. I'm a water baby, always have been, always will be and sea life fascinates me. Lucky mites get to live in the water all day every day, why can't I! They don't even get wrinkles! Bah! Jealousy aside, this attraction is a fascinating peek in to the marine world. It's educational and fun; a great day out for the family or there's a tour/workshop facility available for school trips. You can watch in amazement as the divers hand feed the sharks, even walk across the murky depths on the bridge above the shark tank! Make sure you visit the discovery pool where you get hands on action with the flat fish! The staff give regular presentations and talks throughout the day about an interesting range of topics, so if you're a sea geek, don't miss this! The aquarium is also home to The Seal Rescue Centre *arf arf* where sick pups are nursed back to health before being released into the wild. This is a great programme which ensures the rehabilitation and ongoing care of our local seal population. Yay! There are regular exhibitions held on location so contact them before you come to see whats on. For example, this year there is; shark week, seal week, a puppet theatre and art / photography exhibitions. This year seal week is 6 - 14 Nov ...See you there! As of August 2010 - Prices: Adult £7.00 Junior (16 years and under) £4.50 Family (2 adults and 4 children) £22.00 Family (1 adult and 4 children) £19.50 60 years +, Disabled and unemployed £4.50 Under Fours Free Opening Hours: April - August: Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm Sat 11am - 6pm Sun 12noon - 6pm September - March: Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm Sat 11am - 5pm Sun 1pm - 5pm For such an interesting, informative day, Portaferry is only about an hour away from Belfast so if you're stuck on a rainy day don't miss it! Or do as we used to and pack the kids away, hook up the caravan and come stay in the caravan site next door and make a weekend of it!

This is a beautiful well kept park with plenty of facilities for all ages. There is a lovely kids…read moreplay park, a large duck pond and an aviary with some very pretty birds. For the sporty type there is an athletics track marked during the better months and pitches for cricket and football. There are also a number of tennis courts and a bowling green. This is also where my local Saturday morning 5k park run is held with about 300 runners attending most weeks. If you just fancy a lovely walk Ward Park is the place to go with numerous paths to choose around the pond and lots to see on the way.

Ward park is a great place for all the family to enjoy . If you want a leisurely stroll with the…read morekids and dog this is the place to go. With an adventure play park for the kids and the ability to feed the ducks and geese as you walk along beside the stream. The setting is very tranquil and you can forget that you are only a stones throw from Bangor town centre. For those who are actively sporty there are tennis courts and a bowling green It is an ideal place to appreciate all the seasons of the year.

We took our toddler here today for a play. A huge warehouse turned into a children's play area,…read moregreat idea. There is a lot in here for kids, there is a big stage at the back of the store where kids can dance with a huge video screen above, dj section too. Lots of rides, a mini library, a quietish seating area , toddler area for under 4s , bigger kids play area and lots of games machines. There is a cafe selling, chips, coffee, tea, crisps, sandwiches, baked potatoes , ice cream and more. There are lots of tables and chairs to sit at and the prices are decent in the cafe. We paid £4.95 for 2 hours I think it is for the play area, our boy is nearly 2 and prices vary depending on the children's age. Lockers available, this place is great for kids birthday parties etc not sure of the prices. Can get quite busy in here. Free car parking available outside.

Happy town is an ideal play centre to take your kids to. Its split into sections for different age…read moregroups with a variety of soft play equipment. There's even a stage for little performers to dance to music and a massive screen too. Slides , ball pits,cosy coupe cars and track. There's also tablet style screen in one section with various apps. Books and a football cage. there's plenty of rooms for birthday parties and games machines and rides. It's got everything including hot food , the car park is really big too. They could easily use part of the car park as a small outside play area with swings etc. Best play centre by far and the staff are watching and supervising all areas to keep it safe for everyone. Making sure older kids don't get into areas designed for younger kids and babies.

If you havnt been here before its defo worth the visit. ..been here a few times with the family…read morethe last time we wnt it had new things added to it Pay a pound at the shoo and can get a cup of food so that u can feed the animals which the kids love. Goats were out walkin about the last time we were here came to us to get food and a pet Theres a peting part were they bring aniamls and u can hold and feed them Kids love it The cafe is good Good picnic areas Park Lake to feed ducks Big boucing thing for kids And an ark Ive put sum pics up wel worth the visit

I have now been to The Ark three times in the last two years. I think this should tell you that I…read morereally like it. The first time, we had some visitors staying and we thought it would be a nice day out. We had a great time feeding and stroking the animals -it was like being kids again! The second time my fiancé took me to visit as part of my birthday fun things to do. It was raining but we still had a great time as many areas are enclosed. There was a school trip there and we lingered by the petting farm area to watch the kids feed the kids (baby goats) using a bottle and to listen in on the educational talk given by the guide. The third time I took my nephew - what a hoot that was - one of the enclosures houses a really big goat who can almost stretch out of his pen - he took a rather large lick of my nephews ice cream which then had to be chucked even though Niall protested by screaming his head off. The farm is well run with a shop selling farm themed toys, animal food as well as farm produce. There are many different types of farm creature that you would expect to find on any farm- pigs, horses, sheep and, rather randomly, a wallaby. For a few quid it's well worth a visit. Apart from the farm animals there is also a really great playground for the (human) kids to enjoy. With a café on site as well as a large indoor area full of toy tractors for the younger ones to ride about on you can have a nice time in the sun or the rain. The owners also offer pony and horseback rides for a few pounds more. Most of the animals have a lot of space and are in pens with just one other of their species - I did notice that some chickens who were locked away did look a little cramped but in fairness most of the chickens are free to wander around the land. A great day out!

Mookie world now known as the famous "Funky Monkeys" is superb for kids and of course adults who…read morelike to act like kids!! It is adult supervision at all times so its great if you love slides and climbing if not its too bad! There are two areas which include a baby area and a bigger play area from ages 2+. The baby area is brilliant for tiny toes who are not yet completely on their feet yet as it gives them room to explore without being flung to side by a wrecking ball (older child). This area has a tinier climbing frame, 2 slides, soft blocks and musical instruments...Let's face it who doesn't love the sound of drums :/ Funky monkeys has its own cafe so its strictly no outside food and drink and they are quite strict with these rules. This isn't suitable if you have a child with special dietary requirements i.e lactose intolerant as majority of the staff are reluctant to allow you to feed your child with your own food. Some of the staff are brilliant and completely understand and in most circumstances allow this to happen so thumbs up to them! The cafe is also quite expensive for example a tiny carton of apple/orange juice is £1! They have great facilities including a disabled toilet and a lift down to the main toilets. The staff are always on hand to make sure that child play is safe and secure which is great if you are the panic mum or dad. Overall Funky Monkeys is a great family outing! The kids all appear to love it as they run about beetroot red with tons of energy. Also don't forget that if you would like to join your kids make sure to bring an extra pair of clean socks :)

Mookie World has only recently opened its technicolour doors and so is still fresh, clean and…read morebright. Everything is in tip top condition and I think this place is completely brilliant. It has none of that hell factor that some indoor play areas have - it is as much a pleasure for the adults as it is for the over excited kids. Just one caveat - Mookie World describes itself as being suitable for kids up to age 11. I would have to disagree with that - my nine year old wouldn't choose to go as the equipment is too young for him. I think 7 or 8 is a more realistic cut off age. Having said that, the nine year old was delighted with the free internet access and a huge chocolate brownie from the cafe. Mookie World has the usual slides, ball pits and swings etc but it is really beautifully done - the theme seems to be Mookie the Cow who appears everywhere. For adults there are comfy seats and a really good cafe - Yum Yums. Actually it is yum yum. The tray bakes, brownies, muffins and scones are excellent and resaonably priced. For the kids there's plenty of sweets, crisps, drinks and fruit. They also do organic baby food and hot meals made with local ingredients. Another big tick for the fact that Mookie World opens at 10am on Sundays and we have been a couple of times for playtime for the kids and breakfast bagels and the papers for us. Result. There is plently of parking and the cinema and another couple of restaurants next door, so could be a good choice for a birthday day out. It's £4.95 per child and this is good value for money given the excellent facilities. I will keep going to Mookie World until even the 5 year old outgrows it.

Brambles is an amazing wee cafe, it is in balloo industrial estate and I very easily missed. But…read moreit's one not to be missed. The staff are very friendly and would do anything to help. If you work or live close you can order for collection or just walk in and order yourself. It is very small inside but could cater for around 25/30 people, the food is fantastic with a very big choice on the menu. Ranging from frys-Currys. My boss took me and a few other lads today and we went for the Christmas dinner, for a cafe I wasn't expecting to much and I was very wrong it was delicious!! I would recommend this place for food if your local, I can imagine it would be a great place to sort the hangover out on a Sunday aswell!!