Head a few miles towards Newtownabbey and the choice opens up: soft play, indoor bowling, and five golf courses all within easy reach.
Several spots here cost nothing. Walk or cycle the Newtownabbey Greenway for free, take the kids to Mossley Mill Museum, or head up to Knockagh Monument on a clear night for a proper stargazing session.
The best days out near Ballylagan
Ballylagan Trail Rides
Ballylagan Organic Farm
Borderline Combat Airsoft
Aerosports Paragliding
Sixmile Leisure Centre
Ballyrobert Cottage Garden & Nursery
Mini Minds Play Café
Knockagh Monument Stargazing Spot
Greenacres Golf Centre
Delta Force Paintball Belfast
Newtownabbey Footgolf
Ballyearl Golf Club
Greenisland Golf Club
Ballyclare Golf Club
Theatre at the Mill
Mossley Mill Museum
Mossley Mill Bowls Pavilion
Newtownabbey Greenway
Gleno Waterfall
Mini Ville Play
Fisherwick Farm
The Dairy - Bistro & Farm Shop
Forest Fitness NI / S51 Airsoft
World of Wonder
Laurel View Equestrian Centre
Need 4 Speed Indoor Karting
The Donkey Sanctuary Belfast
Carrickfergus Golf Club practice range
Carrickfergus Golf Club
Glengormley Sportsbowl
Flame! The Gasworks Museum of Ireland
Sentry Hill Historic House
Amphitheatre Leisure Centre
Carrickfergus Skatepark
Omniplex Cinema Carrickfergus
Jordanstown Loughshore Park Playground
Bel-Aire Bowl
Jordanstown Loughshore Park
Carrickfergus Mill Ponds
Carrickfergus Museum
Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus Sailing Club
Marine Gardens Play Park
Carrickfergus Urban Farm
Belfast Artisan Gin School
The Wee Village
Andrew Jackson Cottage & US Rangers Museum
Patterson's Spade Mill
What's on near Ballylagan
- 16AugMaurice Shannon Botanical Art — Belfast Central LibraryBelfast Central Library
- 19AugPatchwork & Quilting exhibitionIsland Arts Centre
- 2SepBlack heritage in NI: Hidden History — Belfast Central LibraryBelfast Central Library
- 2SepMary Mangan’s Pocket WatchTtianic Befast
- 2SepEmerging Artists ExhibitionArtisAnn Gallery
- 4SepW5 September SaverW5 Belfast
Days out in Ballylagan — your questions
What are the best days out in Ballylagan?
Ballylagan Trail Rides is a top pick for horse riding, and the Newtownabbey Greenway makes a great family cycle. For younger children, Mini Minds Play Café is a reliable choice. Mossley Mill Museum is free and worth an hour, and Gleno Waterfall is a good outdoor option for a forest walk.
What free things are there to do in Ballylagan?
There are several free options close by. Ballylagan Organic Farm and Ballyrobert Cottage Garden & Nursery are both free to visit. The Newtownabbey Greenway is great for a free walk or cycle, and Knockagh Monument Stargazing Spot costs nothing — head up on a clear night for a brilliant view of the stars.
Where can you go on a rainy day near Ballylagan?
Mini Minds Play Café and Mini Ville Play are both indoor soft play options that work well on a wet afternoon. Mossley Mill Museum is free and good for a browse on a rainy day. Mossley Mill Bowls Pavilion is another free indoor activity for older kids and adults.
What's good for young children near Ballylagan?
Ballylagan Trail Rides is a lovely first horse riding experience for young children. Mini Minds Play Café is a popular indoor soft play spot with a café on site. Mini Ville Play is another good indoor option, and The Donkey Sanctuary Belfast is free and great for little ones.