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Date: 6 August 2025
Belfast City Council has launched a new Play Trails guide just in time for National Playday – packed with games, activities and ideas to help families make the most of the city’s parks and green spaces this summer.
Designed to encourage outdoor adventure and learning, the illustrated guide includes suggested walking routes, imaginative games and challenges that bring nature to life – from fairy house building and scavenger hunts to tree tag and sensory walks.
Councillor Ruth Brooks, Chair of the council’s People and Communities Committee said:
“Our new Play Trails guide is a brilliant way to help children and families get outdoors, stay active and have fun together. It’s bursting with creative ideas that encourage children to explore our beautiful parks and discover the magic of nature right on their doorstep.
“Introduction of the guide is part of the council’s commitment to making Belfast a child-friendly city, where children and young people have access to fun, inclusive spaces to play, learn and thrive.
“I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy of the Play Trails guide and get outside and explore this summer.”
The Play Trails guide is free and easy to use – with many of the games involving natural materials already found in parks. Activities combine physical activity with imaginative play and promote creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, and are suitable for a range of ages and abilities.
The guide also includes simple safety tips to help families explore confidently, along with playful illustrations to help younger children learn how to stay safe outdoors. Copies of the guide can be found at play centres across Belfast and for more game ideas visit belfastcity.gov.uk/playtrails
The launch of the Play Trails guide comes as part of the council’s wider programme of free seasonal activities for families including Summer Fun Days at Victoria Park on Thursday 14 August and Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park on Thursday 21 August; as well as Music in the Parks at Botanic Gardens and Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park on Sunday 24 August and Sunday 14 September, along with Belfast’s playgrounds there are now even more opportunities to enjoy the city’s outdoor spaces over the coming months.