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Huddlepin
Indoors

The MAC

Belfast
Courtesy of The MAC

ENTRY

from £16

SETTING

Indoors

WHERE

Belfast

What it’s like

A city-centre arts venue with theatre shows, galleries and a dedicated playroom for younger kids to get stuck into.

Theatre is the main event here, with shows like Goldilocks and the Three Bears priced for kids and adults separately, plus grown-up drama like The Glass Menagerie if you fancy a night without them. Alongside that there's a playroom the site is clearly proud of (they mention it's won awards), Imagination Stations where kids can make a mask or draw out their dreams, and workshops covering everything from ceramics to animation. Art exhibitions run through the building too, so even a wander between sessions gives you something to look at.

It's open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm, and booking is required for shows, though there's no link to do it online here so you'll need to ring or check in person. The £16 child ticket for Goldilocks against £24 for the adult Glass Menagerie gives you a sense of the range, family shows sit at the cheaper end, and the grown-up theatre costs more, which feels fair enough given it's a different audience entirely.

Food-wise, the CaféBar does a children's menu, with the kitchen open 9am to 3:30pm and snacks and drinks running until 5pm, later if there's a show with the bar open. There's an under-5s area listed among the amenities too, so it isn't just older kids who get something to do here. Access has clearly had real thought put into it: step-free throughout, lifts to all levels, hearing loops, and a free carer's ticket if you need one, which is worth knowing before you book rather than finding out on the day.

Parking is the one bit that needs planning. St Anne's Square multi-storey is right beside the building but charges apply, and on-street parking on Exchange Street West, Talbot Street and Academy Street is the free-ish alternative if you're prepared to walk a bit, with blue badge holders parking free on-street.

What’s on here

Facilities

Accessible toilet
Baby change
Blue badge parking
Booking required
Café
Gift shop
Hearing loop
Kids menu
Food on site
Public transport nearby
Step-free access
Toilets
Under-5s area
Wheelchair accessible

Need to know

Parking
St Anne's Square multi-storey (charges apply, open 24hrs), or on-street parking on Exchange Street West, Talbot Street, Academy Street
Food
Café bar with coffee, food menu, homemade treats and children's options
Wheelchairs
6 dedicated wheelchair seats in Main Stage (2 balcony, 4 ground floor)
Getting there by bus or train
Bus and train options available
  • Booking is essential for shows but there's no online link, so ring or call in ahead
  • The multi-storey next door charges, on-street parking on nearby streets is the cheaper workaround
  • Carer's tickets are free but need arranging with the box office in advance
  • Café kitchen stops serving at 3:30pm though snacks and drinks run until 5pm

Plan your visit

How much does it cost?

Depends what's on. A child ticket for Goldilocks and the Three Bears is £16, while an adult ticket for The Glass Menagerie is £24.

Do we need to book ahead?

Booking is required for shows. There's no online booking link listed, so it's a case of contacting the box office directly.

What is there for younger kids specifically?

There's an under-5s area alongside the playroom and Imagination Stations, so it isn't only the older kids doing the workshops.

What are the opening hours?

Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm.

Is there food for kids?

The CaféBar does a children's menu. Kitchen hours are 9am to 3:30pm, with snacks and drinks available until 5pm.

Is the building accessible?

Step-free access throughout, lifts to all levels, accessible toilets on each floor and hearing loops. There's dedicated wheelchair seating too, six seats in the Main Stage and two in the Studio.

Can carers get a free ticket?

Yes, a personal assistant or carer is entitled to a free ticket. Contact the box office by email or phone to sort it.

Where do we park?

St Anne's Square multi-storey is right beside the building but charges apply and it's open 24 hours. On-street parking on Exchange Street West, Talbot Street and Academy Street is the other option, free for blue badge holders.

Are there baby changing facilities?

There's a parenting toilet on the ground floor with baby-changing facilities, a toddler seat and nappies provided.

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