Life

Fun in the sun by the Mournes

There's a huge choice of family and kids' events taking place this weekend, writes Jacqueline McGonigle of whatsonni.com

Down

Youth Fest NI is back with a bang at Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor, on Saturday. Phil's Farm, Jo Jingles, The Gathering Drum, The Funhouse Newry Lazar Tag Arena, DJ Workshops, Cloughmor Extreme Mountain Bike Trails, Sticky Fingers Early Years Arts, live music, Pips Newry & Mourne information and much more.

Tyrone

Tyrone Farming Society looks forward to its 174th annual Omagh Show on Friday and Saturday. Now located on a prime site on the outskirts of Omagh, this thriving show remains a source of much pride for its community.

Fermanagh

Cuilcagh Mountain Jeep Safari, Saturday and Sunday 2pm-4pm. Jump on board one of the Geopark Landrovers and explore the stunning scenery of Cuilcagh Mountain Park. £5 per person. Not suitable for under 12s. Booking essential at Marble Arch Caves Visitor's Centre, 028 6634 8855.

Derry

The Chocolate Lab in Kilrea are holding summer workshops through July and August including the Chocolate Bar and Lollipop Workshop, the Frozen Themed Workshop and Minion Chocolate Mayhem. Workshops for children and masterclasses for adults too.

Armagh

After the huge success last year, the Emerald Garrison's Heroes and Legends event is coming back to Armagh Planetarium on Saturday and Sunday. Meet and have your picture taken with some iconic costumed characters and see the amazing fan-built sets and props from some of the biggest movies and television series including Ghostbusters, Dr Who, Star Trek, Batman, Aliens and Harry Potter. Come dressed up as your favourite character.

Antrim

Great news for all pirate lovers: friendly local Pirate Tavish Dhu will be back with a new adventure this year at Pirates Off Portrush. Tavish having captured the gold from the Navy Captains is on his way to the Skerries to hide it when a friendly whale knocks the treasure out of his rowing boat and carries it away in its mouth. The pirate festival will be on this weekend and rumour has it that this year the organisers are also planning to bring a replica Pirate Ship into Portrush this week.

Belfast

Tina, the Asian elephant, is one of Belfast Zoo's most loved and well-known animals. Come along and help celebrate her 'elephantastic' 50th birthday this Saturday with activities, including face painting, animal feeding times, a bouncy castle and much more.

* For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni. Add your events free of charge at www.whatsonni.com.