Things to do with kids in Coleraine town centre, Coleraine
Coleraine is the practical base for the north coast: a riverside town with parks and indoor options, and beaches and cliff walks fifteen minutes away when everyone has the energy for them.
Toddlers & preschoolers (2–4) in Coleraine town centre
Short, sensory and close to a toilet and a snack. Buggy access matters more than distance.
Anderson Park
OutdoorsFreeRiverside park with play equipment and flat paths beside the Bann, close to the town centre.
Bann riverside walk
OutdoorsFreeLevel route along the river for a scooter lap or a bird-spotting walk, easy to shorten.
Mountsandel Forest
OutdoorsFreeWoodland trails on an ancient settlement site — den building for the youngest, a history angle for older children.
Coleraine Leisure Centre
IndoorsPool and indoor sports space that works as the reliable wet-weather fallback for the whole group.
Activity ideas that work for this age here
- Pizza production line — Everyone gets a station — dough squashing, sauce spreading, topping design — and dinner sorted at the end.
- Cardboard city — Build a whole town from boxes — towers, roads, a river of blue paper.
- Garden obstacle course — Cushions, hoops and a stopwatch — the classic that works for every age at once.
Young children (5–7) in Coleraine town centre
Big enough for playgrounds and trails, still happiest with a clear task and a bit of story.
Anderson Park
OutdoorsFreeRiverside park with play equipment and flat paths beside the Bann, close to the town centre.
Bann riverside walk
OutdoorsFreeLevel route along the river for a scooter lap or a bird-spotting walk, easy to shorten.
Mountsandel Forest
OutdoorsFreeWoodland trails on an ancient settlement site — den building for the youngest, a history angle for older children.
Coleraine Leisure Centre
IndoorsPool and indoor sports space that works as the reliable wet-weather fallback for the whole group.
Activity ideas that work for this age here
- Pizza production line — Everyone gets a station — dough squashing, sauce spreading, topping design — and dinner sorted at the end.
- Cardboard city — Build a whole town from boxes — towers, roads, a river of blue paper.
- Garden obstacle course — Cushions, hoops and a stopwatch — the classic that works for every age at once.
Older children (8–11) in Coleraine town centre
Ready to lead the map, take on a challenge and be given real responsibility.
Anderson Park
OutdoorsFreeRiverside park with play equipment and flat paths beside the Bann, close to the town centre.
Bann riverside walk
OutdoorsFreeLevel route along the river for a scooter lap or a bird-spotting walk, easy to shorten.
Mountsandel Forest
OutdoorsFreeWoodland trails on an ancient settlement site — den building for the youngest, a history angle for older children.
Coleraine Leisure Centre
IndoorsPool and indoor sports space that works as the reliable wet-weather fallback for the whole group.
Activity ideas that work for this age here
- Pizza production line — Everyone gets a station — dough squashing, sauce spreading, topping design — and dinner sorted at the end.
- Cardboard city — Build a whole town from boxes — towers, roads, a river of blue paper.
- Garden obstacle course — Cushions, hoops and a stopwatch — the classic that works for every age at once.
Teens (12–15) in Coleraine town centre
Give them a role that isn't babysitting — photography, navigation, or a proper physical challenge.
Anderson Park
OutdoorsFreeRiverside park with play equipment and flat paths beside the Bann, close to the town centre.
Bann riverside walk
OutdoorsFreeLevel route along the river for a scooter lap or a bird-spotting walk, easy to shorten.
Mountsandel Forest
OutdoorsFreeWoodland trails on an ancient settlement site — den building for the youngest, a history angle for older children.
Coleraine Leisure Centre
IndoorsPool and indoor sports space that works as the reliable wet-weather fallback for the whole group.
Activity ideas that work for this age here
- Pizza production line — Everyone gets a station — dough squashing, sauce spreading, topping design — and dinner sorted at the end.
- Cardboard city — Build a whole town from boxes — towers, roads, a river of blue paper.
- Garden obstacle course — Cushions, hoops and a stopwatch — the classic that works for every age at once.
Free things to do in Coleraine town centre
- Anderson Park — Riverside park with play equipment and flat paths beside the Bann, close to the town centre.
- Bann riverside walk — Level route along the river for a scooter lap or a bird-spotting walk, easy to shorten.
- Mountsandel Forest — Woodland trails on an ancient settlement site — den building for the youngest, a history angle for older children.
Rainy day in Coleraine town centre?
Book a leisure centre swim or use the town's indoor play and cinema options, then keep the forest for a drier day.
Getting there
On the Belfast–Derry rail line with a town-centre station, and car parks either side of the river.
Nearby areas
Planning for two very different ages?
Tell the matcher your children's ages and it finds activities where each one has a real job — plus check the partner directory for family discounts near Coleraine, and the party planning FAQ if there's a birthday coming.
Find activities for your ages