Best Family Days Out in and Around South Wales
Updated: Jul 29
Looking for the best family days out in South Wales? Whether your family loves exciting attractions, incredible animals, historic castles or lots of outdoor fun, you'll find plenty to explore. We've rounded up the very best family-friendly attractions, hidden gems and budget-friendly days out in and around South Wales to help you create unforgettable memories, whatever the season, the weather or your budget.
The Royal Mint Experience
Discover where every British coin begins at The Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant, one of UK’s most fascinating family attractions. Go behind the scenes on a guided factory tour to watch coins being made before your eyes and uncover over 1,100 years of history through interactive exhibitions packed with rare coins, Olympic medals and remarkable treasures. Have a go at striking your own commemorative coin to take home as a unique souvenir and take the ultimate family photo with £1 million in shiny pound coins. With hands-on displays, family-friendly activities, a welcoming café and gift shop, The Royal Mint Experience offers an engaging and memorable day out for the whole family.
📍 Location: Heol-Y-Sarn, Llantrisant, Pontyclun, Rhondda Cynon Taff CF72 8YT
⏱ Allow: 2–3 hours
⭐ Perfect for: Families • History Lovers • Indoor • Half Day Out • Wheelchair Friendly
Techniquest
Techniquest in Cardiff Bay is where science comes to life through fun, hands-on discovery. Celebrating 40 years of inspiring curious minds, the award-winning science discovery centre is packed with more than 100 interactive exhibits, exciting live science shows, hands-on workshops and an immersive Planetarium experience. This summer, visitors can also enjoy 10 brand-new exhibits, a new live show and creative activities in the Create & Shape Zone, making every visit a fresh adventure. Whether you’re launching rockets, experimenting with science or exploring the wonders of space, Techniquest offers a brilliant day out that’s educational, entertaining and guaranteed to inspire.
📍 Location: Stuart St, Cardiff CF10 5BW
⏱ Allow: 2–3 hours
⭐ Perfect for: Families • Science Lovers • Indoor • Half Day Out • Wheelchair Friendly
WWT Llanelli Wetlands Centre
This summer, WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre is buzzing with adventure as its spectacular Dragonfly Festival takes flight. Running throughout the school holidays, the festival celebrates one of nature’s most fascinating insects with a packed programme of family-friendly activities, interactive trails and hands-on experiences. Follow the dragonfly safari, discover the secret lives of these dazzling aerial acrobats and enjoy plenty of opportunities to get closer to nature. Set within 500 acres of beautiful wetlands on the Carmarthen Bay estuary, the centre is also home to flamingos, ducks, swans and a wealth of wildlife. It’s the perfect place for families looking to combine outdoor adventure, learning and unforgettable summer fun.
📍 Location: Llwynhendy, Llanelli SA14 9SH
⏱ Allow: 2–3 hours
⭐ Perfect for: Families • Nature Lovers • Outdoor • Half Day Out • Wheelchair Friendly
Vindico Arena
Cool off this summer and enjoy a fun-filled day on the ice at Vindico Arena. Whether you’re looking to keep the kids entertained during the summer holidays, stay active or try something new, public skating sessions are perfect. You can also turn up the fun with lively Disco Skate sessions, complete with music, lights and a fantastic atmosphere, or build your confidence with expert skating lessons for both children and adults. With skate hire included, an on-site café and free parking, you're guaranteed a fun, stress-free day out. Whatever the weather, it's the perfect place to enjoy quality time together and create lasting summer memories.
📍 Location: Olympian Drive, Cardiff CF11 0JS
⏱ Allow: 1 hour
⭐ Perfect for: Families • Active Family • Indoor • School Holidays • Wheelchair Friendly
Fun HQ
Looking for an action-packed activity for the whole family? Fun HQ Cardiff is the ultimate indoor adventure destination, packed with fun for children of all ages. Brave the exciting Clip ‘n Climb arena with 30 colourful climbing walls, let younger adventurers explore the huge multi-level Active Play Zone, or celebrate with one of their popular birthday party packages. When it’s time to refuel, the on-site café serves tasty meals, snacks and drinks while parents relax and watch the fun unfold. Rain or shine, Fun HQ is the perfect place to climb, play, laugh and create unforgettable family memories this summer.
📍 Location: Olympian Drive, Cardiff CF11 0JS
⏱ Allow: 1–2 hours
⭐ Perfect for: Families • Active Family • Indoor • Rainy Days • Wheelchair Friendly
Plantasia Tropical Zoo
Escape to the tropics without leaving South Wales at Plantasia Tropical Zoo in Swansea. Home to over 40 fascinating animal species, this immersive indoor rainforest is packed with exotic creatures, from crocodiles, snakes and meerkats to colourful parrots and curious reptiles. Wander through lush tropical landscapes, discover interactive exhibits and enjoy up-close encounters with amazing wildlife in a fun and educational setting. Families can also experience the exciting AR-powered Giants of the Past dinosaur attraction and the fascinating Vital Venoms & Practical Poisons exhibit. Rain or shine, Plantasia offers a fantastic day out for all ages, with a café, gift shop and plenty of opportunities to learn and explore.
📍 Location: Parc Tawe Retail Park, Swansea SA1 2AL
⏱ Allow: 1–2 hours
⭐ Perfect for: Families • Nature • Indoor • Rainy Days • Wheelchair Friendly
The Roll Up Play Village
The Role Up Play Village in Pontyclun is the perfect place for little imaginations to run wild. Designed for children to explore, create and learn through play, the immersive role play centre features a miniature village packed with exciting themed areas, including a farm shop, hair salon, accident and emergency department, space centre, theatre and diner. Children can dress up, take on different roles and let their creativity flourish in a safe, engaging environment while grown-ups relax in the on-site café. Ideal for toddlers and younger children, it’s a fantastic rainy-day activity and a brilliant family day out during the school holidays.
📍 Location: Unit 15F, Hepworth Business Park, Pontyclun CF72 9FQ
⏱ Allow: 2 hours
⭐ Perfect for: Toddlers • Indoor • Rainy Days • Wheelchair Friendly
The National Waterfront Museum
Step into 300 years of Welsh history at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, where fascinating stories of innovation, industry and people come to life through interactive exhibits and impressive displays. Located in the city’s vibrant Maritime Quarter, this award-winning museum blends a striking modern building with a historic warehouse to create one of Wales’ most engaging attractions. Discover giant industrial machines, historic vehicles, cutting-edge technology and hands-on exhibits that will captivate visitors of all ages. Admission is free, making it an ideal family day out. Throughout the summer, the museum also hosts a fantastic programme of family activities, workshops and events, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.
📍 Location: Oystermouth Rd, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3RD
⏱ Allow: 1–3 hours
⭐ Perfect for: Families • History • Indoor • Half Day Out • Wheelchair Friendly • Budget Friendly
Zip World Tower Colliery
For a thrilling summer day out head to Zip World Tower at the historic Tower Colliery near Aberdare. Set against the stunning South Wales landscape, this adrenaline-packed attraction combines Welsh industrial heritage with world-class thrills. Brave Phoenix, the world’s fastest seated zip line, reaching speeds of up to 70mph, race family and friends on the exhilarating Tower Coaster, or conquer the UK’s largest high ropes course, Tower Climber, with its challenging obstacles and breathtaking views. Younger adventurers can enjoy the family-friendly Tower Flyer, ensuring fun for all ages. After an action-packed day, refuel at the on-site Cegin Glo Bar & Bistro.
📍 Location: Treherbert Road, Hirwaun, Aberdare CF44 9UF
⏱ Allow: 1–3 hours
⭐ Perfect for: Families • Adventure • Outdoor • Half Day Out • Wheelchair Friendly
Museum of Cardiff
A great starting point for any visit to Cardiff with an introduction to the city’s history through engaging, interactive displays. There’s a fun-packed programme of hands-on summer activities. Families can enjoy free Dinky Dragons sessions (14 Aug, 11 Sept), offering a full day of imaginative play, storytelling, rhyme time and crafts for younger children. Crafty Wednesdays throughout the summer holidays. For younger visitors, the museum will also host the Lotta & Lola Museum Trail, where children explore the galleries through play-based challenges inspired by the characters from the books. As well as these activities, families can also pick up Explorer Packs and become ‘history detectives’, searching for clues and solving puzzles as they explore the museum.
📍 Location: The Old Library, The Hayes CF10 1BH
⏱ Allow: 1–3 hours
⭐ Perfect for: Families • History • Indoor • Budget Friendly • Wheelchair Friendly
The Meadows Wildlife Park
A fun-filled day of animals, adventure and hands-on experiences for all ages in Caerphilly. Home to more than 300 animals, including capybaras, meerkats, alpacas, wallabies, reptiles and farm favourites, the park offers visitors the chance to get closer to wildlife through interactive experiences and daily activities. Younger visitors will love feeding friendly animals, exploring the habitats and discovering fascinating species, while adults can enjoy the relaxed rural setting and welcoming café. For those looking to make their visit extra special there’s unique animal experiences, from alpaca cuddles to capybara encounters. Enjoy unlimited entry until September 30th 2026, giving you the freedom to visit again and again throughout the summer holidays.
📍 Location: Gypsy Lane, Groeswen, Cardiff, CF15 7UN
⏱ Allow: 2–3 hours
⭐ Perfect for: Families • History • Indoor • Half Day Out • Wheelchair Friendly
BBC Cymru Wales Studio Tours
Ever wondered what happens behind the cameras? Discover the magic of television and radio on an award-winning BBC Cymru Wales Studio Tour at Central Square, Cardiff. Step inside one of the UK’s most advanced broadcast centres and explore real TV and radio studios, bustling newsrooms and high-tech galleries where some of your favourite BBC programmes are made. Learn how news bulletins are produced, see cutting-edge broadcasting technology in action and even try your hand at reading the news. Every 90-minute guided tour is unique, making it a fascinating experience for families, aspiring broadcasters and curious visitors alike. A brilliant day out that offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the BBC.
📍 Location: 3 Central Square, Cardiff CF10 1FT
⏱ Allow: 1–2 hours
⭐ Perfect for: Families • History • Indoor • Half Day Out • Wheelchair Friendly
Castell Henllys Iron Age Village
Step back in time at Castell Henllys, Britain’s only reconstructed Iron Age village built on the site of an original Iron Age hillfort. Nestled within 30 acres of peaceful woodland and river meadows in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, this unique attraction offers an unforgettable day out. Wander through authentic roundhouses, meet costumed interpreters from the Demetae tribe, and discover how people lived more than 2,000 years ago through engaging demonstrations and guided tours. Beyond the village, explore scenic woodland trails, challenge your senses on the Barefoot Trail, or relax with a picnic beside the river. Families will enjoy the children’s play area, while the on-site café and gift shop provide the perfect pit stop.
📍 Location: Castell Henllys, Meline, Crymych, Pembrokeshire. SA66 3UR
⏱ Allow: 2–3 hours
⭐ Perfect for: Families • History • Outdoor • Half Day Out • Nature Lovers
EXPLORE MORE DAYS OUT & TOP ATTRACTIONS:
