Pickie Funpark

Outdoor family fun park with both dry-land attractions and water-based activities.

Pickie Funpark is a beloved family destination located along the scenic Bangor seafront in Northern Ireland. With a perfect blend of nostalgic charm and modern family-friendly activities, it offers a vibrant day out for visitors of all ages. Unlike large theme parks or resort-style water parks, Pickie Funpark presents a more relaxed and manageable environment that is ideal for families with young children, multi-generational groups, and casual visitors looking for seaside fun.

The park features a mix of attractions that cater to different interests. Guests can enjoy the iconic giant pedal swan boats gliding gracefully across the lagoon, or hop aboard the delightful Pickie Puffer miniature railway, which provides a fun ride around the park with beautiful coastal views. The Disco Ducks ride brings extra giggles for toddlers and young children, while the adventure play area and splash pad offer opportunities for active play and cooling off on warm days. For those seeking a relaxed pace, the Pickie Café serves a selection of food and drink with panoramic views of Bangor Bay.

Pickie Funpark is known for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and well-maintained facilities. Its seaside location, combined with affordable pay-as-you-go attractions and free park entry, makes it an excellent option for spontaneous family outings or planned day trips. Seasonal events, such as themed Halloween festivities, add an extra layer of excitement throughout the year.

Seasonal Availability

Pickie Funpark operates on a seasonal schedule. The park typically opens fully in the spring and summer months (April to September), with limited operations during off-peak seasons and closures during severe weather. Specific opening dates and times vary yearly, so visitors are encouraged to check the official website before planning their visit.

Pickie Funpark Location & Directions

Marine Gardens, Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland BT20 5AG

🗺️ Directions to Pickie Funpark

Pickie Funpark Official Website & Contact Information

www.pickiefunpark.com

General enquiries

Phone: +44 (0)28 9127 2074

Email: info@pickiefunpark.com

Main Attractions

At the heart of Pickie Funpark are its iconic attractions that appeal to both children and adults. The giant pedal swan boats are perhaps the park’s most recognisable feature, offering a unique way to explore the calm waters of the lagoon while taking in scenic views of Bangor Bay. These boats are available for both adults and children (accompanied), making them a family favourite.

The Pickie Puffer miniature railway takes guests on a leisurely ride around the park, offering children and nostalgic adults alike a charming tour of the area. The train is a must-ride for first-time visitors and provides great photo opportunities.

For younger visitors, the Disco Ducks ride delivers fun and laughter with its bright, spinning duck-themed ride designed especially for toddlers and small children.

Special Rides

Adventure Golf: An exciting 18-hole mini-golf course where families can test their putting skills against creative obstacles and themed challenges.

Electric Cars: Small electric vehicles allow kids to enjoy a safe driving experience in a dedicated, controlled area.

Splash Pad: A popular feature during warmer months, offering water sprays and jets for children to enjoy safe water play.

Kids & Family Areas

The adventure playground is designed to encourage active play for children of various ages, with climbing frames, slides, and interactive equipment. This area is located close to seating spaces, allowing parents to relax while supervising.

There is also a large green space and picnic area for families who prefer to bring their own snacks or take a break between activities.

Relaxation Areas

The Pickie Café provides indoor and outdoor seating with stunning views over Bangor Bay. It serves a range of light meals, snacks, and beverages. Benches and grassy areas around the park allow visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The lagoon-side promenade is a peaceful spot for leisurely strolls.

Unique Features

Scenic coastal location with panoramic views of Belfast Lough.

Pay-as-you-go structure allows flexibility—families only pay for the attractions they use.

Seasonal events such as Halloween at Pickie, offering themed rides and activities.

Photography-friendly environment, with visitors often sharing picturesque views and fun moments on social media.

The park’s proximity to Marine Gardens adds to its charm, offering even more outdoor space to explore.

Baby Changing Facilities

Pickie Funpark provides multiple baby changing facilities, conveniently located near the main toilet areas and within easy reach of the park’s key attractions. These facilities are regularly cleaned and maintained to high standards, ensuring comfort and hygiene for families with infants and toddlers. Staff members are noted for their attentiveness and are available to assist with locating baby changing areas if needed.

Bottle-Warming Stations

While Pickie Funpark does not offer dedicated bottle-warming stations, the Pickie Café staff are known to assist parents with warming bottles or baby food upon polite request. This informal service adds a personal touch that many families appreciate.

Baby Pools

There is no dedicated baby pool at Pickie Funpark. However, the splash pad area offers gentle water sprays that are suitable for very young children under parental supervision. The splash pad’s soft flooring and low-pressure water jets make it a safe introduction to water play for infants and toddlers.

Minimum Age Restrictions

Most attractions at Pickie Funpark cater to young children, but certain rides and features have minimum height or age restrictions for safety reasons:

• Swan Pedal Boats: Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Electric Cars: Minimum age and height requirements apply; staff provide guidance.
• Adventure Golf: Suitable for children who can handle a putter, typically ages 4 and up.

The adventure play area has equipment suitable for toddlers as well as older children, with clear signage indicating any age or height recommendations.

Parents are encouraged to check with staff upon arrival for detailed information about ride requirements to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Entry Fees

One of the standout features of Pickie Fun Park is that entry to the park itself is free. This allows families and casual visitors to enjoy the atmosphere, picnic areas, and scenic coastal views without any initial cost. However, individual attractions and rides operate on a pay-as-you-go basis.

For convenience, Pickie Funpark also offers bundled wristbands or multi-ride passes during peak seasons, which provide discounted access to multiple attractions.

Typical prices include:

• Swan Pedal Boats: From £10 per boat
• Pickie Puffer Railway: £3 per ride
• Adventure Golf: £4 to £6 per person depending on age
• Electric Cars: £2 to £3 per ride
• Disco Ducks Ride: £2.50 per child

Pricing may vary during special events or peak times, and some attractions may be temporarily closed for maintenance or weather conditions.

Discounts & Offers

Pickie Fun Park occasionally provides seasonal promotions and family bundle offers through its website and social media channels. While there are no fixed annual passes, multi-ride wristbands during school holidays and summer months can offer significant savings.

Visitors can also check for Pickie Funpark promo codes through partner websites, local tourism promotions, or family voucher apps.

Group discounts may be available for schools, youth organisations, and larger family groups, but these typically require advance booking.

Pickie FunPark Tickets Booking

While walk-in visits are welcome, Pickie Funpark strongly recommends pre-booking tickets online for popular attractions, especially during weekends, holidays, and special events. Online booking not only secures availability but sometimes includes small discounts or priority access.

All tickets can be booked through the official website: www.pickiefunpark.com/tickets/park-tickets

Refund/Cancellation Policy

Pickie Funpark’s refund policy is relatively flexible for individual ride tickets, especially in cases of ride closures due to weather or technical issues. However, advance ticket purchases and wristbands are generally non-refundable unless the park cancels the booked services.

For group bookings, changes and cancellations must usually be made at least 48 hours in advance. Visitors are advised to read the terms and conditions carefully at the time of booking and to contact the park directly for any queries or special circumstances.

Daily Schedule

Pickie Funpark operates on a seasonal basis, with daily schedules that vary depending on the time of year. During the peak summer months (typically April to September), most attractions are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, weather permitting. On weekends and school holidays, opening hours may be extended slightly, particularly during special events or themed days such as Halloween.

Seasonal Changes

In the autumn and winter months (October to March), Pickie Funpark reduces its operations. While the park grounds and Pickie Café often remain accessible, rides and water attractions generally close or operate on a very limited schedule. The splash pad and swan pedal boats are usually available only during the warmer months, as they are weather-dependent.

Opening times for individual attractions can vary due to maintenance or inclement weather. It is highly recommended that visitors check the official website or Pickie Funpark’s social media channels for up-to-date information before planning their visit.

Peak & Off-Peak Info

Peak Season: Late spring to early autumn (April to September), weekends, school holidays, and bank holidays. Expect longer hours and larger crowds.

Off-Peak Season: Mid-autumn to early spring (October to March). Limited attraction availability, fewer crowds, and shorter operating hours.

Quiet Times: Weekday mornings and early afternoons outside school holidays offer a more relaxed experience with shorter queues.

Advance booking is strongly encouraged during peak times to avoid disappointment, especially for popular attractions like the swan boats and miniature railway.

Public Transport

Pickie Funpark is easily accessible by both train and bus services.

Bus Services: Multiple Translink bus routes serve Bangor, with stops near the town centre and seafront. Local buses from Belfast and surrounding towns provide convenient options for non-driving visitors.

Nearest Train Station: Bangor Railway Station is only a 10-minute walk from the park. Trains from Belfast and other major Northern Ireland hubs run frequently.

Wheelchair & Accessibility

Pickie Funpark is highly accessible to visitors with limited mobility:

Staff are trained to assist visitors with accessibility needs and can provide guidance on ride suitability.

Wheelchair access is available throughout the park’s main pathways.

Most attractions, including the Pickie Puffer railway and the Pickie Café, are wheelchair accessible or offer adapted entry points.

Accessible toilets and baby changing rooms are available near key attractions.

Pickie Funpark Parking

There is a large public car park adjacent to Pickie Funpark, offering ample parking spaces for cars and coaches. Parking fees apply, and rates vary depending on duration.

During busy periods, especially weekends and holidays, parking spaces can fill quickly, so early arrival is recommended.

Car Charging Stations

While there are no dedicated electric vehicle charging stations directly at Pickie Funpark, several EV charging points are located within Bangor town centre, a short walk or drive from the park.

Shuttle Service

Pickie Funpark does not currently operate a dedicated shuttle service. However, Bangor’s town centre transport links make it easy to reach the park via local taxi services or on foot from public transport hubs.

Bike Storage

Cyclists can use bike racks located near the park entrance, providing a secure and convenient option for those arriving by bicycle. The park is also connected to several seafront cycling routes, making it an accessible destination for active visitors.

Customer Ratings

Customer Reviews

Many visitors praise the park’s blend of classic and modern attractions, with common highlights including the giant swan boats, Pickie Puffer railway, and the adventure playground.

“A wonderful day out for families with young kids. The splash pad is brilliant on warm days and the swan boats are a must!”

“Great value for money. Love the pay-as-you-go system — no pressure to buy expensive day passes.”

“Staff were super helpful and the park was clean and well-maintained. Kids had a fantastic time.”

Safety & Cleanliness

Visitors frequently comment on the high standards of cleanliness throughout the park.

• Toilets and baby changing facilities are described as clean and well-equipped.
• Staff attentiveness regarding safety is often mentioned positively, especially in areas like the swan boats and splash pad.
• Reviewers also appreciate the park’s commitment to maintaining tidy green spaces and safe, well-maintained play equipment.

While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few mention that peak times can lead to queues, and that some attractions are weather-dependent, which is typical for an outdoor venue.

Food & Drink

The Pickie Café is the main dining option at Pickie Funpark, offering a selection of light meals, snacks, cakes, and beverages. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it provides lovely views over Bangor Bay, making it a relaxing spot for families to recharge.
Ice cream kiosks and seasonal snack stands are also available during busy periods.

Can visitors bring their own food?

Yes. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy it at the designated picnic areas around the park. These grassy spaces offer a perfect setting for family picnics, especially on sunny days.

Accommodation

While Pickie Funpark does not offer on-site accommodation, Bangor town centre has a variety of family-friendly hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments within walking distance. Some popular nearby choices include:

• Shelleven Guest House
• Marine Court Hotel

Seating & Lounging Areas

Numerous benches and shaded seating areas are scattered throughout the park. Grassy areas along the promenade also provide casual spots for relaxing or supervising children at play.

Changing & Locker Facilities

Toilets with changing facilities are available, including accessible options and dedicated baby changing rooms.
Lockers are not currently provided, so visitors are advised to keep personal belongings secure or attended at all times.

First Aid & Medical Assistance

The park has trained first aid staff on-site during operating hours. While there is no dedicated first aid centre, staff members are equipped to handle minor medical needs and can quickly contact emergency services if required. Lifeguards supervise the splash pad area during busy periods.

Toilets

Clean and well-maintained toilet facilities are located near the main entrance and close to the café, including accessible toilets.

Water Fountains

At present, free refillable water stations are not available within Pickie Funpark. Guests should plan to bring their own bottled water or purchase beverages from the café and kiosks.

Wi-Fi Availability

Wi-Fi is not officially provided by Pickie Funpark. However, nearby public areas and some local businesses may offer free or paid Wi-Fi services.

Baby-Friendly Facilities

Yes. Pickie Funpark is recognised for being very family and baby-friendly, with appropriate facilities and a relaxed, welcoming environment for parents with infants and young children.

Lost & Found Policy

Lost items can be reported to any staff member or at the main entrance kiosk. Found belongings are securely stored, and staff will assist in reuniting items with their owners.

Smoking Areas

Pickie Funpark is a smoke-free attraction. Smoking and vaping are prohibited within the park grounds to maintain a safe and family-friendly atmosphere.

Dog-Friendly?

Dogs are allowed in the park but must be kept on a lead at all times. Dogs are not permitted on rides or in the splash pad area. Water bowls are occasionally placed near seating areas during warm weather.

Explore our Pickie Funpark photo gallery for a glimpse of the fun-filled experiences that await your family in Bangor, Northern Ireland. From the iconic swan pedal boats gliding across the water to the colourful Disco Ducks and the refreshing splash pad, every image captures the vibrant atmosphere of this popular family destination. The gallery also highlights the park’s adventure playground, perfect for young explorers, and the scenic Pickie Café, where guests can relax and enjoy refreshments.

Whether it is a sunny summer afternoon or a crisp winter morning, Pickie Funpark offers year-round charm and memorable moments for visitors of all ages.