Things to do with kids in Craigavon Lakes, Portadown & Craigavon

Craigavon Lakes is one of the easiest mixed-age days in the county: watersports and a pump track for teens, a huge playground and flat lakeside loop for the youngest, all in one car park.

Toddlers & preschoolers (2–4) in Craigavon Lakes

Short, sensory and close to a toilet and a snack. Buggy access matters more than distance.

  • Craigavon Lakes playground and loop

    OutdoorsFree

    Large playground beside a flat surfaced loop round the water — split up and meet back at the same bench.

  • Tannaghmore Gardens & farm

    OutdoorsFree

    Rare-breeds farm, walled garden and play area nearby — short visit that suits toddlers best.

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 Craigavon Lakes

Big enough for playgrounds and trails, still happiest with a clear task and a bit of story.

  • Craigavon Lakes playground and loop

    OutdoorsFree

    Large playground beside a flat surfaced loop round the water — split up and meet back at the same bench.

  • Tannaghmore Gardens & farm

    OutdoorsFree

    Rare-breeds farm, walled garden and play area nearby — short visit that suits toddlers best.

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 Craigavon Lakes

Ready to lead the map, take on a challenge and be given real responsibility.

  • Craigavon Lakes playground and loop

    OutdoorsFree

    Large playground beside a flat surfaced loop round the water — split up and meet back at the same bench.

  • Craigavon Watersports Centre

    Outdoors

    Kayaking, paddleboarding and banana-boat sessions — usually from around age 8, so pair it with the playground for younger siblings.

  • Tannaghmore Gardens & farm

    OutdoorsFree

    Rare-breeds farm, walled garden and play area nearby — short visit that suits toddlers best.

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 Craigavon Lakes

Give them a role that isn't babysitting — photography, navigation, or a proper physical challenge.

  • Craigavon Lakes playground and loop

    OutdoorsFree

    Large playground beside a flat surfaced loop round the water — split up and meet back at the same bench.

  • Craigavon Watersports Centre

    Outdoors

    Kayaking, paddleboarding and banana-boat sessions — usually from around age 8, so pair it with the playground for younger siblings.

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 Craigavon Lakes

  • Craigavon Lakes playground and loop — Large playground beside a flat surfaced loop round the water — split up and meet back at the same bench.
  • Tannaghmore Gardens & farm — Rare-breeds farm, walled garden and play area nearby — short visit that suits toddlers best.

Rainy day in Craigavon Lakes?

Cross to South Lake Leisure Centre for a swim, or use the retail-park cinema if you need a full dry afternoon.

Getting there

Signposted off the M1 with large free car parks at the lakes and at Tannaghmore.

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 Portadown & Craigavon, and the party planning FAQ if there's a birthday coming.

Find activities for your ages