Things to do with kids in Shantallow & the Northside, Derry

Shantallow and the wider Northside are residential Derry — this page is for the everyday outings rather than the big day out: parks, greenways and leisure facilities within a short journey of home.

Toddlers & preschoolers (2–4) in Shantallow & the Northside

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

  • Northside greenway paths

    OutdoorsFree

    Connected walking and cycling routes for a low-effort family loop after school or on a bright morning.

  • Neighbourhood play parks

    OutdoorsFree

    Local playgrounds that work for a 20-minute energy burn with a toddler and an older sibling at the same time.

  • Leisure centre and library sessions

    Indoors

    Swimming, sports and free library sessions — the wet-weather backbone of the area.

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 Shantallow & the Northside

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

  • Northside greenway paths

    OutdoorsFree

    Connected walking and cycling routes for a low-effort family loop after school or on a bright morning.

  • Neighbourhood play parks

    OutdoorsFree

    Local playgrounds that work for a 20-minute energy burn with a toddler and an older sibling at the same time.

  • Leisure centre and library sessions

    Indoors

    Swimming, sports and free library sessions — the wet-weather backbone of the area.

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 Shantallow & the Northside

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

  • Northside greenway paths

    OutdoorsFree

    Connected walking and cycling routes for a low-effort family loop after school or on a bright morning.

  • Neighbourhood play parks

    OutdoorsFree

    Local playgrounds that work for a 20-minute energy burn with a toddler and an older sibling at the same time.

  • Leisure centre and library sessions

    Indoors

    Swimming, sports and free library sessions — the wet-weather backbone of the area.

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 Shantallow & the Northside

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

  • Northside greenway paths

    OutdoorsFree

    Connected walking and cycling routes for a low-effort family loop after school or on a bright morning.

  • Leisure centre and library sessions

    Indoors

    Swimming, sports and free library sessions — the wet-weather backbone of the area.

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 Shantallow & the Northside

  • Northside greenway paths — Connected walking and cycling routes for a low-effort family loop after school or on a bright morning.
  • Neighbourhood play parks — Local playgrounds that work for a 20-minute energy burn with a toddler and an older sibling at the same time.

Rainy day in Shantallow & the Northside?

A swim or a library hour covers most wet afternoons; otherwise pick an indoor activity from the matcher that gives each age a real job.

Getting there

Regular city buses run from the Northside into the city centre in around 15 minutes.

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 Derry, and the party planning FAQ if there's a birthday coming.

Find activities for your ages