Things to do with kids in Waterside & Ebrington, Derry
The Waterside and Ebrington are Derry's easiest side of the river for families: a huge open square, riverside paths and a big park, all reachable on foot from the Peace Bridge.
Popular with families in Derry: Ebrington Square, St Columb's Park, Riverside walk to the Peace Bridge.
Toddlers & preschoolers (2–4) in Waterside & Ebrington
Short, sensory and close to a toilet and a snack. Buggy access matters more than distance.
Ebrington Square
OutdoorsFreeVast open parade ground with room to run, scoot and play, plus regular family events and food stops around the edges.
St Columb's Park
OutdoorsFreeLarge parkland with playground, woodland trails and playing fields — the widest age spread of anywhere in the city on one site.
Riverside walk to the Peace Bridge
OutdoorsFreeFlat, buggy-friendly path with river views; a natural loop back into the Walled City if the weather holds.
Waterside leisure and library facilities
IndoorsSwimming and library sessions nearby — the reliable indoor fallback when the park is a washout.
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 Waterside & Ebrington
Big enough for playgrounds and trails, still happiest with a clear task and a bit of story.
Ebrington Square
OutdoorsFreeVast open parade ground with room to run, scoot and play, plus regular family events and food stops around the edges.
St Columb's Park
OutdoorsFreeLarge parkland with playground, woodland trails and playing fields — the widest age spread of anywhere in the city on one site.
Riverside walk to the Peace Bridge
OutdoorsFreeFlat, buggy-friendly path with river views; a natural loop back into the Walled City if the weather holds.
Waterside leisure and library facilities
IndoorsSwimming and library sessions nearby — the reliable indoor fallback when the park is a washout.
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 Waterside & Ebrington
Ready to lead the map, take on a challenge and be given real responsibility.
Ebrington Square
OutdoorsFreeVast open parade ground with room to run, scoot and play, plus regular family events and food stops around the edges.
St Columb's Park
OutdoorsFreeLarge parkland with playground, woodland trails and playing fields — the widest age spread of anywhere in the city on one site.
Riverside walk to the Peace Bridge
OutdoorsFreeFlat, buggy-friendly path with river views; a natural loop back into the Walled City if the weather holds.
Waterside leisure and library facilities
IndoorsSwimming and library sessions nearby — the reliable indoor fallback when the park is a washout.
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 Waterside & Ebrington
Give them a role that isn't babysitting — photography, navigation, or a proper physical challenge.
Ebrington Square
OutdoorsFreeVast open parade ground with room to run, scoot and play, plus regular family events and food stops around the edges.
St Columb's Park
OutdoorsFreeLarge parkland with playground, woodland trails and playing fields — the widest age spread of anywhere in the city on one site.
Riverside walk to the Peace Bridge
OutdoorsFreeFlat, buggy-friendly path with river views; a natural loop back into the Walled City if the weather holds.
Waterside leisure and library facilities
IndoorsSwimming and library sessions nearby — the reliable indoor fallback when the park is a washout.
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 Waterside & Ebrington
- Ebrington Square — Vast open parade ground with room to run, scoot and play, plus regular family events and food stops around the edges.
- St Columb's Park — Large parkland with playground, woodland trails and playing fields — the widest age spread of anywhere in the city on one site.
- Riverside walk to the Peace Bridge — Flat, buggy-friendly path with river views; a natural loop back into the Walled City if the weather holds.
Rainy day in Waterside & Ebrington?
Swap the square for a swim or a library hour, then finish with a warm drink before crossing back over the bridge.
Getting there
Walk over the Peace Bridge from the city centre, or drive to the Ebrington and St Columb's Park car parks. Derry~Londonderry railway station is on this 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 Derry, and the party planning FAQ if there's a birthday coming.
Find activities for your ages