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
July 2025
Summer Play in the Parks | Various dates and locations from 3 July onwards | FREE Events
Enjoy some family time across the Summer with our new Play in the Parks Events.
Various dates and locations across Ards and North Down.
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 any queries please contact andplay@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
July dates:
- Thursday 3 July | Ward Park Play Park, Bangor | 11am-1pm
- Tuesday 8 July | Scrabo Estate Play Park, Newtownards | 10am-11am
- Tuesday 8 July | West Winds Play Park, Newtownards | 12noon-1pm
- Wednesday 30 July | Killinchy Play Park | 11am-1pm
Love Parks Week | 25 July - 2 August | Various locations
Celebrate Nature, Community and Wellbeing across Ards and North Down
This summer, join us for Love Parks Week 2025, a vibrant programme of free events celebrating the natural beauty, biodiversity, and community spirit of our local parks and green spaces.
Whether you're a nature lover, a creative soul, a young explorer, or simply looking to get outdoors and feel good, there's something for everyone — from ranger-themed activities and nature walks, to beach art, biodiversity workshops, plant swaps, and outdoor empowerment sessions for women and girls.
- Coastal foraging and citizen science
- Inclusive and dementia-friendly gatherings
- Creative workshops inspired by the outdoors
- Hands-on volunteering opportunities
- Try-it taster sessions and movement in nature
Join us in connecting with nature, caring for our parks, and discovering new ways to enjoy the outdoors — together. Events are happening in Bangor, Portavogie, Holywood, Kircubbin, Killinchy, Ballywalter, Groomsport, and more.
For full programme details visit our dedicated Love Parks page: Love Parks Week - Ards and North Down Borough Council
Teens on Wheels | Various dates and Locations | First event: Thursday 31 July, Portavogie
Hey teens! Ready to hit the parks? Join us for the Teens on Wheels summer events.
With events taking place in Portavogie, Killinchy, Comber and Newtownards, this is a great opportunity tohave a go at new activities, make friends and get active.
Event dates
- Thursday 31 July | Portavogie Skate Park & MUGA (BMX taster sessions, Parkour/Urban Gymnastics) | 6pm to 8pm
- Wednesday 13 August | Killinchy Pump Track (BMX taster sessions) | 6pm to 8pm
- Wednesday 20 August |Comber Skate Park (Stunt Scooters taster) | 6pm to 8pm
- Wednesday 17 September | Ards Blair Mayne Pump Track (BMX taster) | 6pm to 8pm
Come showcase your skills, try new tricks, and meet fellow teen thrill-seekers! Whether you're into bikes, skateboards, scooters, or parkour — there's something for everyone.
Bring your friends and make some epic memories!
- Parental consent required on the evening
- No booking required
- All equipment will be supplied
- For any queries please contact andplay@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
August 2025
Summer Play in the Parks | Various dates and locations | FREE Events
Enjoy some family time across the Summer with our new Play in the Parks Events.
Various dates and locations across Ards and North Down.
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 any queries please contact andplay@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
August dates:
- Wednesday 6 August | Seapark, Holywood* |10am-12noon
- Wednesday 6 August |The Green, Kircubbin* | 2pm-4pm
- Monday 11 August | Millisle Play Park 11am-1pm
- Tuesday 19 August | Bloomfield, Bangor | 10am-11am
- Tueesday 19 August |Kilcooley Square, Bangor | 1pm-2pm
- Wednesday 20 August | Rope Walk, Portaferry | 11am-1pm
*National Play Day Event with Circus skills
Playday 2025 | Wednesday 6 August | Holywood and Kircubbin
Playday is the national day for play, traditionally held on the first Wednesday in August.
Celebrate #Playday2025 with us on Wednesday 6 August.
Free activities available, please come along and join the fun!
- 10am-12pm, Sea Park, Holywood
- 2pm-4pm The Green, Kircubbin
Events will be facilitated by Circusful.
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Play Day 2025 - Kircubbin
Wild Days Out - Nature Adventures for Kids| Fridays in August 8th, 15th and 22nd | Various locations
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.
Ideal for children and their families: just drop in anytime between 10am and 2pm.
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Wild Days Out Social Square 2025
Friday 8 August - Feasts for Feathers
Location: Kiltonga Nature Reserve, Newtownards
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Get your binoculars ready! We'll go on a gentle guided walk to spot and identify native birds. Kids will also get to make eco-friendly bird treats using natural and recycled materials a fun way to support our feathered friends!
Friday 15 August - Coastline Biodiversity
Location: Coastal Playpark, Millisle
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Explore the shoreline and learn all about the animals and plants that call our coast home. This hands-on session will have kids discovering shells, seaweed, and even tiny sea creatures!
Friday 22 August - Tremendous Trees and Plants
Location: Walled Garden (Playpark), Bangor
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Learn how to identify native trees and wildflowers, then try 'Hapa Zome' a creative Japanese technique of leaf dyeing. Kids can make their own natural artwork to take home!
What to Bring:
Weather-appropriate clothing
Your curiosity and creativity!
For more information, please contact ANDparks@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Teens on Wheels | Various dates and Locations | Wednesday 13 August (Killinchy) and Wednesday 20 August (Comber)
Hey teens! Ready to hit the parks? Join us for the Teens on Wheels summer events.
With events taking place in Portavogie, Killinchy, Comber and Newtownards, this is a great opportunity to have a go at new activities, make friends and get active.
Event dates
- Thursday 31 July | Portavogie Skate Park & MUGA (BMX taster sessions, Parkour/Urban Gymnastics) | 6pm to 8pm
- Wednesday 13 August | Killinchy Pump Track (BMX taster sessions) | 6pm to 8pm
- Wednesday 20 August |Comber Skate Park (Stunt Scooters taster) | 6pm to 8pm
- Wednesday 17 September | Ards Blair Mayne Pump Track (BMX taster) | 6pm to 8pm
Come showcase your skills, try new tricks, and meet fellow teen thrill-seekers! Whether you're into bikes, skateboards, scooters, or parkour — there's something for everyone.
Bring your friends and make some epic memories!
- Parental consent required on the evening
- No booking required
- All equipment will be supplied
For any queries please contact andplay@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
**Event Sold Out** | Bat Talk and Walk | Friday 29 August 8-10pm | Holywood Mens Shed (beside Redburn Country Park)
Are you a little batty about bats? Or just interested in learning more about our flying mammals and what makes them so special.
Join the Northern Ireland Bat Group to celebrate International Bat Night, an annual event dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about the ecological importance of bats.
Using bat detectors, we will discover which of Northern Ireland's eight bat species call Redburn Country Park their home, as well as listening to their batty conversations.
There will be an informal talk before heading out for an evening stroll to carry out some bat detecting.
Not suitable for dogs. Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and shoes.
Children over the age of 12 are welcome to attend with an adult.
Please book via Eventbrite: International Bat Night : Bat Talk & Walk with Northern Ireland Bat Group Tickets, Fri, Aug 29, 2025 at 8:00 PM | Eventbrite
Park Pedal | Saturday 30 August | Londonderry Park | from 1.30pm
Roll up for the third - Park Pedal in Ards and North Down
Park Pedal is a fun, traffic-free Community Bike Ride designed for everyone- whether you're new to cycling or a regular rider.
Taking place on the last Saturday of each month.
This Saturday 30th August we're in Londonderry Park, Portaferry Road, Newtownards from 1.30pm, with rides starting at 2pm, 2.30pm and 3pm.
More details on Eventbrite - Park Pedal Newtownards - Londonderry Park Tickets, Sat, Aug 30, 2025 at 1:30 PM | Eventbrite
We look forward to welcoming all cyclists
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