A Year in Cardiff Bay: An Insider's Guide
Cardiff Bay through the year, with Martin Eagle of Future Inn on when the Bay is busiest, what visitors walk straight past, and where he sends guests to eat.
Discover the best family-friendly activities and places to stay in South Wales, from attractions and cafés to events and accommodation - perfect for fun days out with all ages. Explore family-friendly days out such as animal adventures at Folly Farm, museums such as Techniquest, or free days out for families including the National Museums of Wales as well as beaches, waterfalls, and plenty of other ideas.
Welcome to our family-friendly guide to South Wales, your go-to resource for fun-filled activities and welcoming businesses that cater to visitors of all ages. Whether you're planning a weekend outing or a full holiday, South Wales is packed with attractions designed to entertain, educate, and inspire children and grown-ups alike. From interactive museums and outdoor adventure parks to coastal trails and rainy-day play centres, there’s something to suit every family’s interests and energy levels. Our guide helps you discover tried-and-tested spots where you can make lasting memories together - without the stress of wondering whether your destination is truly family-friendly.
South Wales also boasts a wide variety of family-oriented businesses that make travelling with children easy and enjoyable. Think child-friendly cafés with play areas, welcoming accommodation with family rooms, and local events that cater specifically to younger audiences. We've gathered the best recommendations across the region, complete with useful information on facilities, accessibility, and age-appropriate activities. Whether you're local or visiting from further afield, this page will help you plan a family day out or getaway that keeps everyone smiling. With the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and practical tips, your next family experience in south Wales starts here.
The Unexpected World of The Royal Mint – A Multi-Award Winning Journey of History, Innovation, and… The Unexpected World of The Royal Mint – A Multi-Award Winning Journey of History, Innovation, and Precious Metal.
Future Inn Cardiff is a modern hotel in Cardiff Bay offering spacious rooms, free parking, on-site… Future Inn Cardiff is a modern hotel in Cardiff Bay offering spacious rooms, free parking, on-site dining, and easy access to top attractions like the Wales Millennium Centre…
Cardiff Cruises offer a variety of boats trips and experiences around Cardiff Bay, including boat… Cardiff Cruises offer a variety of boats trips and experiences around Cardiff Bay, including boat tours, self-drive boats, and trips out to nearby Flatholm & Steepholm…
Kart Kingdom in Llandow near Cowbridge offers indoor go karting fun for all ages, with a well… Kart Kingdom in Llandow near Cowbridge offers indoor go karting fun for all ages, with a well designed track, modern karts and a lively atmosphere perfect for families,…
Treetop Golf Cardiff is an indoor mini golf venue with colourful themed courses, offering fun,… Treetop Golf Cardiff is an indoor mini golf venue with colourful themed courses, offering fun, relaxed competition for families, friends and groups in the city centre.
Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway is a heritage steam railway in South Wales offering scenic journeys… Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway is a heritage steam railway in South Wales offering scenic journeys through former coalfield landscapes, volunteer-led experiences for families,…
Garwnant Cabins by Forest Holidays offer cosy woodland lodges in the Brecon Beacons, combining… Garwnant Cabins by Forest Holidays offer cosy woodland lodges in the Brecon Beacons, combining comfort, nature and adventure with trails, wildlife and scenic views right on…
South Wales Miners Museum in Afan Forest Park explores coal mining history through exhibits,… South Wales Miners Museum in Afan Forest Park explores coal mining history through exhibits, restored colliery buildings and volunteer-led displays celebrating local mining…
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Event Date: 28th Oct 2026
Adventurer, natural history TV Presenter, public speaker and author. Steve’s ever-growing passion… Adventurer, natural history TV Presenter, public speaker and author. Steve’s ever-growing passion for the big wild natural world started as a child and continues to this day,…
Event Date: 30th Mar 2027
Bringing Ms Rachel's character to life in a fun, interactive live on stage performance with lots of… Bringing Ms Rachel's character to life in a fun, interactive live on stage performance with lots of audience participation for the little ones!With over 5 billion views and…
Event Date: 1st Apr 2027
Hold onto Your Tailfeathers - the UK’s wildest animal adventure has landed.Step into a world… Hold onto Your Tailfeathers - the UK’s wildest animal adventure has landed.Step into a world bursting with imagination, as creatures leap onto the stage through master…
Event Date: 23rd Jun 2027
Arad Goch’s Summer ShowTi werth y byd, Sali Mali!Tickets: Adult £12, Child £8Age: 2-7 years and… Arad Goch’s Summer ShowTi werth y byd, Sali Mali!Tickets: Adult £12, Child £8Age: 2-7 years and their familiesDuration: Approximately 50 minutesGet ready for a magical,…
Event Date:
31st Oct 2026
Audiences are invited to bring their little ones to enjoy the magic of… Audiences are invited to bring their little ones to enjoy the magic of Disney on the big screen,…
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Event Dates:
28th Oct 2026 - 28th Oct 2026
Age Guide 4+Running Time - 45mins (no interval)Half Moon PresentsThe Tale… Age Guide 4+Running Time - 45mins (no interval)Half Moon PresentsThe Tale of the Loneliest Whalea…
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Event Dates:
30th Oct 2026 - 30th Oct 2026
Trick or treat and dancing feet - get ready for a spook-tacular night of… Trick or treat and dancing feet - get ready for a spook-tacular night of neon lights, music and…
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Event Dates:
10th Nov 2026 - 10th Nov 2026
Tocynnau/Tickets - Oedolion/Adults - £15, Plant/Children - £7Cymraeg yw… Tocynnau/Tickets - Oedolion/Adults - £15, Plant/Children - £7Cymraeg yw iaith y sioeau. - Shows are…
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£37.50
Family Sunday Lunch with Santa Family Sunday Lunch with Santa
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£13.00
One of the top-rated tourist attractions in South Wales, a guided tour of The Royal Mint Experience… One of the top-rated tourist attractions in South Wales, a guided tour of The Royal Mint Experience give you unprecedented access to The Royal Mint and its 1,100-year history.
New for 2026, entry to The Royal Mint Experience Exhibition in Llantrisant, South Wales, is now… New for 2026, entry to The Royal Mint Experience Exhibition in Llantrisant, South Wales, is now free of charge - enjoy over 1,100 years of coin-making history and discover…
Whiteford Burrows is a National Nature Reserve near Llanmadoc on the Gower, with sand dunes, a… Whiteford Burrows is a National Nature Reserve near Llanmadoc on the Gower, with sand dunes, a quiet beach, rich birdlife and a historic cast-iron lighthouse.
Cardiff Bay through the year, with Martin Eagle of Future Inn on when the Bay is busiest, what visitors walk straight past, and where he sends guests to eat.
Looking for the perfect summer day out? Discover the best sunflower fields in South Wales, and find out when to see these spectacular yellow blooms.
Stuck for toddler activities in South Wales? Escape the soft play with these 24 amazing rainy-day and outdoor days out, tailored perfectly for preschoolers.
This shiny new addition to Cardiff’s dining scene is a great city-centre spot for quality ramen and kid-friendly bento boxes