Cookstown Leisure Centre, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

This is a local resource for those who live locally rather than somewhere you would set out to for a daytrip. Although it is worth a visit if you are local. I have used the place many times and there are a variety of activities available for adults and children.

The place is well kept, clean and with friendly staff. There are two swimming pools. One children’s pool, which is adequately sized and has toys, floats and statues. And its much warmer than the big pool. The larger pool is a well maintained functional swimming pool. Both have constant lifeguards on duty who seem to be very attentive.

There is also Space World. This is one of those children’s indoor adventure type play areas. There is also a section specifically for toddlers. It’s quite small although they seem to have crammed a lot of stuff into the seemingly tiny space. Maybe it’s not small, just claustrophobic. Again there is always more than one member of staff on duty, any time I have been there, to maintain safety. 3pm on a Saturday afternoon seems to be the favourite time for birthday parties to book this, so check before you turn up.

Next there is ten pin bowling. It’s certainly not the Superbowl although its well laid out with four lanes and provides enough fun for an hour on a Saturday afternoon. You need to book early for this, it always seems to be booked up at weekends.

And of course there is the snack bar. It does exactly what it says on the tin. I don’t think Jamie Oliver would be too happy with it though. I have been here several times and attended a number of functions or birthday parties in the cafe. It’s ideal for young kids parties and all the usual party foods can be ordered at what seems to be a very reasonable cost.

Overall great. My daughter had her birthday celebrations there this weekend again. With bowling and a party in the snack bar afterwards. The staff were great and very helpful at the party. The food choices were chicken nuggets, burgers or sausages and chips, with juice. You have to bring your own cake of course although the staff were most helpful in supplying cutlery and napkins etc. There seemed to be 4 parties all happening at the same time. The snack bar is well sized and laid out to deal with this.

WOW Overview

Stress Level: 1 (there is nothing really stressful about the leisure centre other than the kids you bring to it )

Fun Level: 4.5 (Lots of fun and enough activity to keep everyone occupied)

Cost Level: 1 (very reasonable)

For more details and prices etc check out …. Cookstown Leisure Centre