NI's best water parks & activity centres

Tire the little ones out this summer 🌊

Author: Emma DicksonPublished 8th Jul 2021
Last updated 8th Jul 2021

Are you looking for something a bit different to do this summer?

A water park is just the kind of splashing, good fun that is perfect for families of all ages and will keep the kids entertained all day long.

Come rain or shine, it doesn't matter if you're hurtling down a waterslide or climbing across an inflatable aqua park, you'll have a smile on your face!

For many of us, our summers were spent bobbing along to a wave machine and floating along the lazy river on a donut ring. That's nothing compared to the exhilarating experiences on offer today.

And we're not talking about Tenerife here, we've got so many first-class rides and parks right on our doorstep.

Check it out ⬇️

The Lake, Kilrea

With over 11 acres of freshwater, this 80,000 sq ft waterpark on the Lake Kilrea is now the biggest in Ireland. It's also home to the worlds tallest, floating slide - The Beast! Standing over 40ft tall, your pulse will be racing as you soar through the air at 25 mph. If you're not a fan of heights, there's still plenty to see and do, including their inflatable adventure park, kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding .

Let's Go Hydro, Carryduff

Activities here include their floating inflatable aqua park, aqua rugby, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, cable watersports and so much more! Turn your day out into a family staycation, with over 15 different accommodation options on site, as well as a drive-in cinema! There's something for everyone at Let's Go Hydro.

Splash NI, Moneymore

Tucked neatly amongst the trees, sits this 12-acre fresh water lake! New this summer, Splash NI's inflatable park comes loaded with fun obstacles like towers, bridges, bends and slides. Open-water swimming is also available on site too for those who would prefer a paddle to a diving session.

Surf Belfast

Complete with water slides, a children's aqua park and a surf machine, Andersonstown Leisure Centre is a haven of fun! Experience the thrill of catching your first wave without the salty water or sandy toes. This indoor simulator has multiple settings and you'll be coached the whole way throughout, so it's open to a variety of age levels and skill sets. Once you've mastered the waves, take to the slides! Are you brave enough to tackle The Abyss - where the floor disappears right below their feet?

Gullion Adventures, Newry

Adventure is in their name, and adventure is their game! The team here love everything outdoors from bouldering to team paddle boarding. If you're looking for hen party/stag do inspiration, these guys cater for larger groups.

The Edge Watersports at The Crannagh, Coleraine

A trip to the North Coast isn't complete until you get your feet wet, but why don't you ditch the sand for The Crannagh Complex. Located on the banks of the Lower Bann between Coleraine and Portstewart, if you love an adrenaline rush, this place is perfect for you. We're talking wakeboarding, water skiing, paddle boarding and canoeing to name a few activities on offer. They've even got special packages so you can try out a few different sports in one day.

Causeway Coasteering, North Coast

There's nothing quite like the smell of sea air and baltic water to put a smile on your face! Follow the team at Causeway Coasteering as they journey along the coastal path, diving into pools, discovering hidden caves and climbing rugged cliffs. The team can provide relevant equipment so you're safely kitted out for a day at sea. This is another popular choice for larger groups and parties.

Read more:

NI's best play parks for adventurous kids this summer

50 things to see and do in Northern Ireland this summer

Outdoor attractions across Northern Ireland kids are going to love this summer

How to listen to Cool FM:

Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for music, Cool FM on 97.4FM, online, on our Cool FM app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Cool FM’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists, from Pete Snodden in the morning to the NI Hit 40.