Things to do with kids in Portadown town centre, Portadown & Craigavon
Portadown works well as a base for a mixed-age afternoon: a riverside park in the middle of town, a big lakes complex minutes away, and indoor play and leisure options if the weather turns.
Toddlers & preschoolers (2–4) in Portadown town centre
Short, sensory and close to a toilet and a snack. Buggy access matters more than distance.
Portadown People's Park
OutdoorsFreeTown-centre park with a playground, bandstand and flat paths for scooters and buggies.
Bann riverside walk
OutdoorsFreeFlat towpath along the river where older children can cycle ahead and younger ones watch the boats.
South Lake Leisure Centre
IndoorsBig pool complex with a shallow area for small children and lanes and flumes for older ones.
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 Portadown town centre
Big enough for playgrounds and trails, still happiest with a clear task and a bit of story.
Portadown People's Park
OutdoorsFreeTown-centre park with a playground, bandstand and flat paths for scooters and buggies.
Bann riverside walk
OutdoorsFreeFlat towpath along the river where older children can cycle ahead and younger ones watch the boats.
South Lake Leisure Centre
IndoorsBig pool complex with a shallow area for small children and lanes and flumes for older ones.
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 Portadown town centre
Ready to lead the map, take on a challenge and be given real responsibility.
Portadown People's Park
OutdoorsFreeTown-centre park with a playground, bandstand and flat paths for scooters and buggies.
Bann riverside walk
OutdoorsFreeFlat towpath along the river where older children can cycle ahead and younger ones watch the boats.
South Lake Leisure Centre
IndoorsBig pool complex with a shallow area for small children and lanes and flumes for older ones.
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 Portadown town centre
Give them a role that isn't babysitting — photography, navigation, or a proper physical challenge.
Portadown People's Park
OutdoorsFreeTown-centre park with a playground, bandstand and flat paths for scooters and buggies.
Bann riverside walk
OutdoorsFreeFlat towpath along the river where older children can cycle ahead and younger ones watch the boats.
South Lake Leisure Centre
IndoorsBig pool complex with a shallow area for small children and lanes and flumes for older ones.
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 Portadown town centre
- Portadown People's Park — Town-centre park with a playground, bandstand and flat paths for scooters and buggies.
- Bann riverside walk — Flat towpath along the river where older children can cycle ahead and younger ones watch the boats.
Rainy day in Portadown town centre?
Head straight for the leisure centre pool or indoor play, then a warm drink before the drive home.
Getting there
On the Belfast–Dublin rail line with a town-centre station, and free and paid car parks around the shops.
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