Down Arts Centre features a brilliant cultural facility operating inside a beautifully restored historic building right in the centre of Downpatrick. When planning a list of the best things to do with kids in Downpatrick, this local indoor theatre, gallery, and arts centre category stands out for delivering vibrant community craft workshops, seasonal musical events, and intimate family stage plays. Visiting families can browse local creative exhibitions, engage with hands-on artistic media, and watch live children's storytelling performances.

While general entry to the primary public art gallery spaces is usually free, Ticket and enrollment prices at vary based on the specific type of event, workshop, or performance. Typically range from £5.00 to £25.00 depending on the act (e.g., local theater vs. touring stand-up comedy). 

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this multi-use cultural destination provides an inspiring, cozy space to explore the creative arts. Children can view colorful regional art displays, try their hand at crafting bespoke objects, and experience the thrill of live performance. It offers a fantastic, screen-free escape that perfectly suits curious toddlers, creative school-aged kids, and parents who love local heritage.

Features

• Sensory Play: Young children can explore tactile crafting materials like clay and fabrics, see brilliant dynamic stage lighting setups, and listen to diverse musical instruments during weekend workshops.
• Interactive Exhibits: The dedicated classroom studio areas function as a live creative masterclass where children can paint, draw, and sculpt their own take-home projects.
• Educational Day Out: A family trip to this architectural heritage site functions as an excellent local history and design education lesson, introducing kids to regional arts, historic civic buildings, and performance etiquette.

Top 5 Highlights

• The Main Performance Auditorium: A beautifully restored, intimate theatre space that hosts family panto shows, live music, and youth dance showcases.
• The Bright Visual Arts Galleries: Multi-level exhibition spaces that display changing arrays of fine art, photography, and sculpture from regional artists.
• The Dedicated Creative Studios: Purpose-built workshop rooms equipped with excellent art materials where kids can participate in guided weekend craft clubs.
• The Historic Red Brick Exterior: A striking architectural landmark in the town centre that gives kids a real sense of stepping back into municipal history.
• The Seasonal Youth Showcases: Special local exhibition events where children can see work created by nearby schools and fellow young artists on public display.

Specific Named Areas & Sub-Exhibits

• The Ground Floor Gallery: The primary open-access room used for displaying modern painting and photographic works.
• The Upper Tier Gallery Space: A secondary exhibition area showcasing artisan crafts, local textiles, and ceramic designs.
• The Theatre Auditorium Stall: The central spectator space featuring high-quality acoustic controls and tiered seating for plays.
• The Studio Workshop Room: The designated messy-play and technical art space used for weekend children's groups.
• The Local Heritage Corridor: A display section highlighting the civic conversion and architectural history of the town building.