Colin Glen Forest Park (Adventure Park Entrance)
County: County Antrim
Postcode: BT17 0HW
Best for: Families, teens, couples, outdoor adventure, mixed activity days
Average visit time: 2 to 4 hours
Colin Glen Forest Park, often called Belfast’s “adventure park”, is a really good mix of nature and activities. It’s one of those places where you can go for a simple walk or turn it into a full-on action day depending on what you feel like doing.
The standout attraction is the Black Bull Run, which is one of the longest zip lines in Ireland. It’s a proper thrill ride rather than a gentle glide, so it’s ideal for teens and adults looking for something exciting. There’s also an alpine coaster that winds its way through the forest, which is great fun and usually a favourite with families.
If you’ve got younger children, the Gruffalo-themed trail is a big hit. It’s an easy woodland walk with characters and features along the way, making it more engaging than a standard stroll. There are also play areas and open space to explore, so it doesn’t feel too structured.
The setting itself is a big part of the appeal. You’re surrounded by woodland, but still very close to Belfast, which makes it easy to fit into a city trip without a long drive.
There’s a café on site for drinks and light food, and picnic areas if you prefer to bring your own. Like most activity centres, individual attractions can add up, so it’s worth deciding in advance what you want to do.
Good to know: Some activities, especially the zip line and coaster, have height and age restrictions. Booking ahead is a good idea if you’re set on doing specific activities.
Nearby ideas: It’s only a short drive from the city centre, so you can easily combine this with indoor attractions like W5 or a wander around the Cathedral Quarter for food and atmosphere afterwards.