Parks Activities and Events
Our Parks service offers a varied programme of activities and events throughout the year in our parks and open spaces. These activities and events are usually free of / minimal charge and aim to encourage residents and visitors to spend time in our borough, making the most of nature and its benefits for our health and wellbeing.
From educational walks and talks to opportunities for play, there is something for everyone.
Some of these events are ticketed via Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks Events | Eventbrite
If you have any queries about these events, please contact andparks@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
This section is updated regularly so please check back!
June 2026
Invasive Species Week Volunteering at Castle Park | Saturday 27 June, 10 AM - 1 PM | Castle Park, Bangor
Help clear invasive laurel in Castle Park! Join us for a hands‑on volunteer morning.
Join us for a hands‑on volunteer morning in Castle Park, Bangor, helping to remove invasive Cherry Laurel and support the health of our woodland. This is a relaxed, welcoming session suitable for anyone aged 8+ (with parent/ guardian supervision and permission), no experience is needed.
We'll be cutting small laurel stems, dragging and stacking brash, and opening up the woodland floor so native plants can thrive. All tools, gloves and guidance are provided.
You're very welcome to just show up on the day, but registering really helps us plan tools, equipment and refreshments.
Register via EVentbrite at Invasive Species Week Volunteering at Castle Park Tickets, Saturday, June 27 • 10 AM - 1 PM | Eventbrite
Outdoor Mindfulness Sessions | Thursday evenings in June | Bangor Castle Walled Garden
Ards and North Down Borough Council are excited to announce once again we'll be hosting *free* outdoor mindfulness sessions throughout June and July in Bangor Castle Walled Garden.
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Mindfulness session in Bangor Castle's Walled Garden
Mindfulness - Bangor Castle Walled Garden
Join us as you follow the breath, body, and the beat of the music to uncover new layers of self-understanding, in this guided musical, meditative journey all held in amongst the borough's wonderful parks and woodlands. Each free 1-hour session includes live music played on a melodic RAV drum, plus carefully curated playlists of pre-recorded music supported by hand-made drums, shakers, and other musical instruments. Meditation is guided with a focus on mind-body connection, to support emotional regulation.
Perfect for both newcomers and the experienced alike, offering either a first feel for this kind of practice, or an opportunity to let go and immerse deeply in a guided outdoor session.
Register for free on Walled Garden Mindfulness Sessions Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite
If you would like to know more about what is going on in your local park, please email Andpark@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk for more information.
July 2026
Wheels and Thrills | Ballygowan Muga, Moss Road | Wednesday 1 July, 6pm - 8pm
Come showcase your skills, try new tricks, and meet fellow teen thrill-seekers at this Parkour Gymnastics event.
- Parental consent required on the evening
- No booking required
- Age 8+
- All equipment will be supplied
For any queries please contact andplay@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Parkour Gymnastics | Ballygowan Muga, Moss Road | Wednesday 1 July, 6pm - 8pm
- Age 8+
- For more info - Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks
Summer Play | Thursday 2 July | Killinchy Play Area 10am-2pm
Enjoy some family time across the Summer with our Pop-up Play Events.
Bring your picnic baskets and blankets, and enjoy a variety of family-friendly lawn games.
FREE family event, suitable for all ages.
No booking required | Parental supervision is required at all times
For more info - Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks
Family Bug Hunt with Bug Life |Thursday 2 July | Ballymenoch Park 12noon-2pm
Get ready to explore the wild side and track down some cool bugs in the great outdoors!
Bug Hunt at Ballymenoch Park, Holywood Co Down
Join Buglife for an exciting Bug Hunt at Ballymenoch Park! Sharpen your magnifying glasses and get ready to explore the fascinating world of bugs right in the heart of Holywood, Co Down.
The event takes place on July 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM.
Bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure - who knows what tiny creatures you'll discover?
This is a free event registered through eventbrite.
This is a drop in event between 12-2pm
For more info - Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks
Bug Detectives | Friday 3 July | Ward Park 6pm-7pm
Join us for a family bug-hunting adventure where you'll uncover creepy crawlies and learn cool insect secrets!
Bug Detectives at Ward Park
Join Council Parks Team on July 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM (BST) for an exciting in-person event at Ward Park. Put on your detective hats and get ready to uncover the secret lives of bugs in their natural habitat. Whether you're a seasoned bug sleuth or just curious, this is your chance to explore, observe, and discover what Ward Park has to offer.
Bring your curiosity and a keen eye—Ward Park is waiting to reveal its creepy-crawly inhabitants!
Summer Play | Tuesday 7 July | Londonderry Park 10am-2pm
Enjoy some family time across the Summer with our Pop-up Play Events.
Bring your picnic baskets and blankets, and enjoy a variety of family-friendly lawn games.
FREE family event, suitable for all ages.
No booking required | Parental supervision is required at all times
For more info - Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks
Summer Play | Wednesday 8 July | Kingsland Play Area 10am-2pm
Enjoy some family time across the Summer with our Pop-up Play Events.
Bring your picnic baskets and blankets, and enjoy a variety of family-friendly lawn games.
FREE family event, suitable for all ages.
No booking required | Parental supervision is required at all times
For more info - Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks
Outdoor Mindfulness Sessions | Thursday evenings in July | Bangor Castle Walled Garden
Ards and North Down Borough Council are excited to announce once again we'll be hosting *free* outdoor mindfulness sessions throughout June and July in Bangor Castle Walled Garden.
Image gallery carousel
Mindfulness session in Bangor Castle's Walled Garden
Mindfulness - Bangor Castle Walled Garden
Join us as you follow the breath, body, and the beat of the music to uncover new layers of self-understanding, in this guided musical, meditative journey all held in amongst the borough's wonderful parks and woodlands. Each free 1-hour session includes live music played on a melodic RAV drum, plus carefully curated playlists of pre-recorded music supported by hand-made drums, shakers, and other musical instruments. Meditation is guided with a focus on mind-body connection, to support emotional regulation.
Perfect for both newcomers and the experienced alike, offering either a first feel for this kind of practice, or an opportunity to let go and immerse deeply in a guided outdoor session.
Register for free on Walled Garden Mindfulness Sessions Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite
If you would like to know more about what is going on in your local park, please email Andpark@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk for more information.
Wheels and Thrills | Ards Blair Mayne Skate Park | Wednesday 22 July, 6pm - 8pm
Come showcase your skills, try new tricks, and meet fellow teen thrill-seekers at this Skateboard Taster event.
- Parental consent required on the evening
- No booking required
- Age 8+
- All equipment will be supplied
For any queries please contact andplay@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Big Seaweed Search with Marine Conservation Society | Saturday 25 July, 2-3:30pm | Donaghadee Commuity Centre
Join us for coastal exploration with the Marine Conservation Society, learning and recording local seaweeds as citizen scientists using ShoreNI. Family‑friendly and perfect for curious coastal explorers.
Meeting point: Picnic benches opposite the car park (look for the flags)
Full details - Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks
Nature Writing Workshop with Poet Jess Berry | Tuesday 28 July 6:30-9pm | Groomsport Boathouse, Groomsport
Transform nature's beauty into powerful stories in this reflective coastal‑themed writing workshop with local poet Jessica Berry, including a biodiversity walk with the Parks team. Suitable for ages 11+.
Full details - Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks
August 2026
Butterfly Watch | Saturday 1 August, 1:30-3:30pm | Whitechurch Cemetery, Ballywalter
Join us for a Big Butterfly Count event at Whitechurch Cemetery, spotting and recording butterflies in this coastal green space. Explore wildflower areas and hedgerows, learn simple identification tips, and discover the species that thrive here.
Full details - Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks
Wheels and Thrills | Millisle Muga | Wednesday 5 August, 10.30am - 12.30pm
Come showcase your skills, try new tricks, and meet fellow teen thrill-seekers at this Scooter event.
- Parental consent required on the evening
- No booking required
- Age 8+
- All equipment will be supplied
For any queries please contact andplay@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
BMX Taster Session | Wednesday 5 August, 6-8pm | Portavogie Skate Park
Join us for a fully equipped 2-hour taster session - perfect for beginners or anyone looking to build confidence on a BMX.
For more details - Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks
Kiltonga Nature Volunteers | Thursday 6 August 10:30am-12:30pm | Kiltonga Nature Reserve, Newtownards
Join us for a volunteering morning at Kiltonga Nature Reserve, helping care for this much‑loved wetland habitat. Expect simple, practical conservation tasks suitable for all abilities and a chance to support local wildlife in a beautiful outdoor setting.
For more details - Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks
Summer Play | Wednesday 12 August | Cloughey Beach Area 10am-2pm
Enjoy some family time across the Summer with our Pop-up Play Events.
Bring your picnic baskets and blankets, and enjoy a variety of family-friendly lawn games.
FREE family event, suitable for all ages.
No booking required | Parental supervision is required at all times
For more info - Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks
Summer Play | Wednesday 19 August | Holywood Seapark 10am-2pm
Enjoy some family time across the Summer with our Pop-up Play Events.
Bring your picnic baskets and blankets, and enjoy a variety of family-friendly lawn games.
FREE family event, suitable for all ages.
No booking required | Parental supervision is required at all times
For more info - Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks
Wild Days Out - Nature Adventures for Kids! | Various locations |Friday 7th, 14th & 21st August 2026
Looking for free, fun, and educational outdoor activities for the kids this August? "Wild Days Out" is a series of exciting, hands-on nature sessions designed especially for children across Ards and North Down! Each event offers a chance to explore the outdoors, learn about local wildlife, and get creative with natural materials.
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Wild Days Out 2026
Wild Days Out 2026
Ideal for children and their families just drop in anytime between 10am and 2pm.
Coastal Playpark, Millisle (What3Words:///dancer.reminder.smuggled) - 10am to 2pm - Friday 7 August 2026
- Coastal ID and guided walk.
- Environmental games about marine litter
Walled Garden (Playpark), Bangor (What3Words: ///richer.soft.winner) - 10am to 2pm - Friday 14 August 2026
- Tree Walk and storytelling
- Wildflower walk followed by nature crafts- Hapa zome
Kiltonga Nature Reserve, Newtownards (What3Words: ///reverted.spokes.tenses) - 10am to 2pm - Friday 21 August 2026
- Bird ID and guided walk- think like a bird and have a minibeast hunt, make some biodegradable bird feeders.
- Wild survival skills, shelter building.
