Scrabo Country Park is a dramatic nature reserve and historic hilltop landscape situated just outside Newtownards, recognized as one of the best things to do with kids in Newtownards. Operating as a public country park and outdoor recreation area, it offers families expansive walking paths, geological features, and iconic vistas.

Prices start from £0.00, as admission to the country park trails, open hill areas, and car parking is completely free of charge. Because access is open and free throughout the year, it serves as an accessible outdoor spot for a budget-friendly day out.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this scenic nature park delivers plenty of space for outdoor activity. Children can explore former sandstone quarries, climb woodland trails, spot local wildlife, and enjoy panoramic views stretching across Strangford Lough. It makes for an invigorating green escape in County Down.

What are the key features for families?

• Interactive Exhibits: Natural quarry faces, woodland paths, and hill climbs encourage hands-on physical activity and outdoor discovery.
• Educational Day Out: Children learn about ancient volcanic activity, local geology, basalt formations, and the history of sandstone quarrying.
• Sensory Play and Nature: Pine scents, crisp breezes, bird calls, and sweeping views across Strangford Lough excite the senses.
• Outdoor Exploration: Waymarked walking loops lead through quiet woodlands, open hillside, and dramatic disused quarries.

What are the main highlights kids will love?

• The Iconic Scrabo Tower Landmark: Looking up at the 135-foot Scottish Baronial stone tower that stands prominently atop the country park hill.
• The Sandstone Quarries: Discovering the sheer cliff faces of the disused quarries where stone was mined for historical buildings across the region.
• Hazel Woodland Trails: Walking under dense tree canopies filled with native flora, woodland birds, and natural trail paths.
• Strangford Lough Panoramic Lookout: Reaching the summit areas for views over Strangford Lough, the Ards Peninsula, and distant mountains.
• Kite Flying & Open Hillside Run: Taking advantage of the high, breezy grassland slopes to fly kites and run freely outdoors.

Beyond the Main Attraction

• Killynether Wood: Located right next to the park, offering quiet woodland trails and ancient tree canopy walks.
• Mount Stewart Estate: Situated 5 miles east, a famous National Trust property featuring formal gardens and natural play trails.
• Ark Open Farm: Positioned 3.5 miles north, featuring farm animals, indoor play facilities, and outdoor fun areas.
• Castle Espie Wetland Centre: Located 5 miles south, a wildlife reserve offering bird feeding and wetland trails.