Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

Down

The 2018 Carryduff Forklift Down Rally kicks off at the Eikon Centre, where the adrenaline fuelled action will kick off at 8.30am on the 21st of July. The live action will continue throughout the day with plenty of safe viewing areas within the Eikon Centre. There will also be lots of additional entertainment in the form of static car displays, interactive model car racing, kids entertainment, face painting and lots more.

Armagh

Asda Portadown is hosting a Teddy Bear’s Picnic in aid of Children in Need at Kids United, North Way Community Association on Thursday 19th July.  There will be lots of ‘bear-y’ exciting activities for everyone to take part in, from teddy bear bingo to a traditional tombola. A fun filled day for all the family to enjoy while doing their bit for Children in Need.  Admission is free.

Fermanagh

Grab your favourite teddy bear and look out his best outfit, because you are invited to the Ultimate Teddy Bears’ Picnic!  Departing from SHARE on Sunday 22nd July at 11.00am & 2.30pm this picnic cruise will venture along Upper Lough Erne. On board all baby bears will enjoy a delicious picnic spread (don’t worry there will be food for mummy & daddy bear as well) and take part in fun party games including Balloon Modelling and Teddy Bear Games. Cruise last approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and booking is essential as places are limited.

Tyrone

Book a guided a tour of  Hill of The O’Neill Dungannon &  the exhibition space with an experienced guide when you’ll hear tales of the skeletons found on the Hill during a major excavation in 2010, the escape tunnels leading from the O’Neill castle which snake underneath Dungannon town, and the well which served as a hiding place for the inhabitants of the Hill during many sieges.  At least two castles are thought to have been built on the hill, as well as a grand manor house and a fortified town.  A walk to the top of brings stunning views across 7 Ulster counties, all the more impressive when seen from the height of a new glass viewing tower, making it all the more clear why this site was chosen by the famous O’Neill dynasty to rule Gaelic Ireland for over 300 years. Tours run until 28th September at 2.30pm Monday to Friday.

Derry

Enjoy a day out with the kids at the Jungle!   Set in deep countryside, engulfed in trees and streams, hills and hollows just outside Moneymore The Jungle uses a blend of creative vision, subtle touches, and some less-than-subtle machinery, and have fashioned it into an outdoor pursuits haven with a range of activities for children of all ages and abilities : Choose from Kids Adventure Packages, Kids Tree Top Adventure and Laser Tag from 10 per person.

Antrim

The Merchant of Venice is coming to Shaftesbury Park, Carrickfergus on Friday 20th July.  Shakespeare’s great courtroom drama is by turns gripping, funny, romantic and thought-provoking. International award-winning Illyria promise a production to keep you on the edge of your seat!  £3 per ticket. Free admission ticket for under 16s, must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets available for collection from Carrickfergus Visitor Information Centre, based within Carrickfergus Castle. Tel: 028 9335 8222.

Belfast

Keep your ‘little explorers’ busy this summer with the adventure of a lifetime at Belfast Zoo’s Explorers’ Club! From 23rd to 27th July, explore the wonderful world of animals through a five-day programme (9.15am to 3.30pm) of animal encounters, VIP behind the scenes access, crafts, animal enrichment and the chance to meet the zoo keepers.  Tickets must be pre-booked, a registration form must be completed with the education team and payment must be received to secure your place.  The Explorers’ Club is open to children aged 7 to 11.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.