Pay
Report
Apply
ParkLife is an education programme to encourage children and their families to get outdoors and explore our parks.
It’s a great way for children to:
•care for their local park
•learn about park wildlife such as hedgehogs, bees and squirrels
•meet new friends
•interact with other children
•play and exercise
•enjoy the fresh air
•become self reliant
The main elements for ParkLife involve school visits, Saturday clubs and community groups.
The programme has been evaluated by Queen's University Belfast as a very positive experience for children. It has been running since 2007 and is delivered in partnership with Ulster Wildlife along with our staff.
The video below was filmed in Ormeau Park by Scoil an Droichid and shows children's enjoyment of participating in our ParkLife programme.
ParkLife for schools
We work with schools to offer children seasonal-themed visits and learning about:
•animal and bird survival
•how trees change with the seasons
•history and heritage in our parks
Learning outside the classroom can help to raise standards and can improve students’ personal and social development, therefore every element of the ParkLife programme is closely linked to the curriculum.
The programme is delivered to Key Stage two children in 40 schools across the city. Each school has five visits throughout the school year. Three visits are to a local park.
The ParkLife education programme is fully booked.
If you are interested in being involved in the future, you can register your interest by emailing parklife@belfastcity.gov.uk
Resources
We have developed seasonal educational resources and activities for individuals or groups. To request your free resource pack, email parklife@belfastcity.gov.uk.
ParkLife Saturday clubs
The themes and activities for each month change and the activities include games, crafts, walks, mini beast hunts, bird identification and scavenging hunts.
Children of all ages can join a Saturday Club. Children under seven must be accompanied by an adult.
We run six free Saturday clubs in:
•Falls Park
•Fullerton Park
•Botanic Gardens
•Victoria Park
•Orangefield Park
•Ballysillan Playing Fields