Everything you need to know about Ballymena FREE Adventure Quests – plus every family event still to come this summer

Families still searching for summer holiday activities need look no further, with Ballymena 400 offering a packed programme of FREE family events throughout August.

At the heart of the programme are two interactive Adventure Quests, transforming Ballymena town centre into a giant outdoor game where families become detectives, explorers and storytellers as they solve clues, complete challenges and meet colourful characters.

But the quests are only the beginning.

From a town centre street party to Ballymena’s official 400th birthday celebration, there’s still plenty to look forward to as the town continues marking 400 years since receiving its charter.

Step into an adventure

The first of the remaining family events is The Enchanted Tower Quest on Friday 7 August.

Combining theatre, treasure hunts, storytelling and interactive games, the experience invites families to explore Ballymena in a completely different way.

Children and adults work together to crack clues, complete missions and uncover secrets hidden around the town centre, meeting a cast of intriguing characters as the adventure unfolds.

A week later, on Friday 14 August, families can return for an entirely new experience with The Strange Worlds Quest.

Rather than repeating the first adventure, organisers promise a fresh storyline featuring new puzzles, characters, challenges and surprises as another immersive adventure takes over the streets of Ballymena.

Everything you need to know before you go

Both Adventure Quests follow the same format.

Families should register at Wellington Court any time between 11am and 1pm, with 1pm the final registration time.

Once signed in, participants receive their first instructions before setting off on their adventure through the town centre.

Along the route they’ll solve clues, tackle challenges and discover a series of interactive stops that bring the story to life.

The quests are designed for families to enjoy together, making teamwork just as important as detective skills.

Even if you’re not taking part in the quest itself, Wellington Court will be buzzing throughout the afternoon with FREE traditional games and FREE balloon modelling, giving children plenty to enjoy before or after their adventure until 2pm.

More FREE family fun still to come

The Adventure Quests are just one part of Ballymena’s summer-long celebration.

Here’s what’s still to come:

• Friday 7 August – The Enchanted Tower Quest

Wellington Court

Register 11am–1pm (final registration 1pm)

An interactive town centre adventure where theatre, storytelling, puzzles and treasure-hunt style challenges combine to create a living family experience.

• Friday 14 August – The Strange Worlds Quest

Wellington Court

Register 11am–1pm (final registration 1pm)

A brand-new adventure featuring a completely different story, new characters, immersive challenges and mysterious worlds waiting to be explored.

• Saturday 22 August – Ballymena 400 Street Party

Greenvale Street

11am–2pm

Expect one of the biggest family events of the summer, featuring:

• Live entertainment

• Amusements

• Arts and crafts

• Face painting

• Balloon modelling

• Games stations

• Special guest characters

The event will be hosted by the Downtown Radio team alongside Kirsty McMurray.

• Tuesday 25 August – Ballymena 400 Birthday Bonanza

Ballymena Town Centre & Wellington Court

The celebrations conclude with Ballymena’s official 400th birthday party.

Families can look forward to:

• Live entertainment

• Birthday cake

• Spot prizes

• In-store events

• Special offers

• Family activities

• A few top-secret surprises still to be revealed

Celebrating Ballymena’s past—and its future

The Ballymena 400 programme has been designed not only to celebrate an important milestone in the town’s history, but also to encourage families to spend time together, discover Ballymena town centre and support local businesses.

With every event completely free, organisers hope residents and visitors alike will make the most of what’s shaping up to be one of the town’s biggest-ever summer celebrations.

For families wondering how to keep the children entertained over the coming weeks, Ballymena’s calendar offers everything from mystery adventures and immersive storytelling to street entertainment and a landmark birthday celebration—all without spending a penny.

Proudly delivered by Ballymena BID in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, with support from the Department for Communities.