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
SparkHer Series: Outdoor Pilates with Christine | Tuesday 2 June 2026, 6:30 pm | Ballywalter Beach & Park
Stretch, breathe and soak up some fresh air in this chill outdoor session with Christine.
Book via Eventbrite: Outdoor Pilates with Christine Tickets, Tuesday, Jun 2, 2026
Part of the SparkHer Series: Ignite, Inspire Empower collection
UK Bike Week | 8 to 14 June | Events at various locations across Ards and North Down (Note: Park Pedal Saturday 6 June)
Whether you ride every day or haven't cycled in years, Bike Week is all about showcasing how cycling can be fun for everyone. It's a week to celebrate the simple joy of getting on a bike and to inspire others to give it a go.
| Date | Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 6 June | 1.30-4pm | Park Pedal for all ages | Comber, Parkway |
| Mon 8 June | 9.30-11.30am | Bike Checks | Walled Garden, Bangor and |
| Tue 9 June | 6-8pm | BMX Taster Sessions with Thunder | Ards Blair Mayne Pump Track, Newtownards |
| Weekday mornings | 11am - 1pm | Accessible cycle skills and games | Bangor Sportsplex |
Wed 10 June | 6-8pm | BMX Taster Sessions with Thunder | Portavogie Skate Park **CANCELLED** |
| Thu 11 June | 6-8pm | BMX Taster sessions with Thunder | Killinchy Pump Track |
| Sat 13 June | 12noon | Peninsula Quietway Cycle Tour | From Bangor. Register at Events | AND Cycle Campaign |
| Wed 17 June | 6-9pm | Ards Cycle Club Town Criterion Town Races - child races all ages and adult club road cycling | Town Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards |
| 1-30 June | Active Travel Challenge: Sign up online at Active Travel Challenge | ||
For more information and booking, please visit AND Bike Week 8-14 June 2026 | Eventbrite
Cloughey Bioblitz | Saturday 13 June, 1-6pm | Cloughey Beach
Join us for an afternoon of wild, hands‑on nature discovery at Cloughey Beach. Explore the shore, dunes and grasslands with brilliant experts and conservation partners. A bioblitz is a fun, fast‑paced wildlife survey where we work together to find and record as many species as possible in one place.
Image gallery carousel
Promotional poster for Cloughey Bioblitz on 13 June 2026
Cloughey Bioblitz June 2026
On the day you can enjoy
- Intertidal ID discover crabs, fish, sea snails and the hidden life between the tides
- Rockpooling sessions hands‑on exploration for all ages
- Seals outreach learn about our local seal colonies and how they use the coastline
- Bugs and dune habitat exploration uncover the insects and species that thrive in the dunes
- Seaweeds exploration get to know the seaweeds that support our coastal ecosystems
- Birds ID spot and identify coastal and shoreline birds
- Grassland ID explore the meadows and dunes, learn to recognise the plants that live there
- Craft activities creative, nature‑inspired fun throughout the afternoon
Be part of the science! We're recording every species on iNaturalist - sign up and join the project so your sightings count: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/cloughey-bioblitz
Proudly delivered by Newry Mourne and Down District Council, Ards and North Down Borough Council, Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership, Ulster Wildlife, The Conservation Volunteers and the Marine Conservation Society.
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.
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.
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
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
August 2026
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
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.
Image gallery carousel
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.
