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!

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

National Play Day 2026 | Wednesday 5 August at Millisle Beach and Car Park | 10.30am - 12.30pm

Today we celebrate every child's right to play and the incredible role it plays in their development, creativity and wellbeing.

The theme for the UK's National Play Day 2026 is "Play - here, there, everywhere!", highlighting the importance of creating everyday play opportunities for children in all kinds of spaces. Let's celebrate by championing accessible, inclusive and welcoming places where every child can explore, connect and have fun.

Join us on Wednesday 5 August at Millisle Beach and Car Park for a FREE day of family fun!

10.30am - 12.30pm

Thunder Action - Scooter activities
12.30pm - 2.30pm - Bring a picnic and enjoy lunch on the beach while Labyrinth Collective joins us with interactive activities, alongside beach games and family fun.
2.30pm - 4.30pm - Active Youth NI will be delivering fun-filled family games and activities to keep everyone active and entertained.

Come along and celebrate the power of play with us. Together, let's make sure all children have the spaces they need to thrive.

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

Love Parks AND Love Outdoors Day | 15 August, 11am-4pm | Bangor Castle Park and Walled Garden

Our big Love Parks AND Love Outdoors Day takes place on 15 August in Bangor Castle Park and Walled Garden, bringing together nature activities, family fun, play opportunities and chances to meet the organisations we work with and learn how to get involved.

Find out more at Love Parks Week - Ards and North Down Borough Council

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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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.

Reserve your place: Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks