Jacqueline from whatsonni.com shares her pick of family events happening across the North this summer weekend.

Down

Join the world’s most famous outlaw – Robin Hood and come dressed up as one of his merry men/ladies for a weekend of medieval merriment at the Castle Espie Centre this weekend.  Outlaw activities include a falconry static display, archery, face painting, medieval woodland trail, village life demonstrations, crafts and games, medieval armour display, healing herbals clinic, leather makers, historical crafts with friendly Vikings and much more!  There will also be music from the period and a medieval BBQ in the courtyard. Prize for the best dressed merry man or lady.

Tyrone

Libraries NI is delighted to welcome K-9 and his creator, Mat Irvine, to Omagh Library on Wednesday 31 July at 7.00pm, making it this famous canine’s first visit to this island.  K-9 is the fictional robotic canine in the long-running British science fiction television series, Doctor Who, first appearing in 1977 and most recently in one of the series television spin-offs, K-9 (2009–2010).  Mat Irvine is a special effects designer and has worked extensively on Dr Who, operating K9 on the most recent Doctor Who series, which celebrates its 50th anniversary later this year.  During this event, Mat will present K9 and me: My Life in Special Effects covering his work with K-9 from the Tom Baker era to the more recent series with David Tennant and The Sarah Jane Adventures, which will appeal particularly to sci-fi and special effect enthusiasts.  Members of the audience will be able to have their photo taken with this famous dog, met Mat and buy a signed copy of one of Mat’s books!

Fermanagh

SUMMER EXTRAVAGANZA is the exciting and innovative summer activity programme available for visitors to Fermanagh at the Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea. Visitors may enjoy the thrills in a variety of land and water activities; one hour, two hour or even taster sessions in sailing, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking and banana skiing or archery, climbing and circus skills.

Derry

The National Trust’s Kite Festival takes place this Sunday 4th August at Downhill Demesne.  A high-flying spectacle with fun for all the family as a kaleidoscope of kites of all shapes and sizes fly over the stunning coastal estate.  There will be kite performers and a wild geese parachute display.  To add to the festive atmosphere there will be a kids area with craft making, bouncy castles, exhibitors, craft and food stalls and much more. 

Armagh

Join The Armagh Planetarium on the 3rd and 4th August 2013 for the Planet Aliens workshop where you will design and make your very own model alien with the help of the fantastic Emerald Garrison sculptors. Will your alien be friendly or scary?  That will be up to you!  On this special weekend the Emerald Garrison will also be demonstrating how they have created some of their amazing props and sets using clay.  This is a hands-on workshop where you will get the opportunity to create your own unique sculpture to take home.  Each workshop will last approximately 40 minutes where fun is guaranteed for all the family.  Spaces will be allocated on a first come basis.

Antrim

The Summer Theatre programme at the Courtyard Theatre presents Absent Friends, performed by the Hollywood Players this Friday and Saturday.  A classic comedy of manners and social embarrassment served up a slice of deliciously black humour.  When Colin loses his fiancée, his married friends invite him round for comfort. As the tea starts to pour, it’s clear that trouble is brewing with a wickedly funny blend of jealousy, infidelity and barely concealed loathing.

Belfast

Go MAD for Madagascar! You have seen the movies but how much do you really know about the animals of Madagascar? Come along to Belfast Zoo’s event to learn more. Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world and has a diverse variety of wildlife. The island may not be home to lions, zebras, giraffes or hippos but it is home to lemur, sifaka, fossa and many more.Join in the fun with feeding times, keeper talks and much more! Saturday 3rd August.

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.