Things to do in and around Cardiff this Summer
- ontargetmedia8
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Looking for unforgettable summer days out in Cardiff? Whether you're a local or planning a visit, the Welsh capital is bursting with family-friendly attractions, rainy day ideas, and sunshine-filled adventures. From interactive museums and indoor trampoline parks to scenic strolls along Cardiff Bay, here are the top things to do in and around Cardiff this summer.
Techniquest Cardiff Bay – A Summer of Science & Fun
Techniquest is Cardiff Bay’s award-winning family science centre, and this summer it's better than ever. From 19 July to 31 August, explore the Wallace & Gromit: All Systems Go AR Trail – an augmented reality adventure where kids (and big kids!) can help the duo save the day. Plus, enjoy 100+ hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, creative workshops, and science experiments.
📍 Located in Cardiff Bay
Best Bit: Gromit clay model-making workshops.
Great For: Curious kids, families, and summer holiday fun.
St Fagans National Museum of History – Outdoor Heritage Adventure
Looking for free days out near Cardiff? Just a short drive from the city centre, this open-air museum brings Welsh history to life. Wander through 40+ historic buildings – including a schoolhouse and a medieval church – and enjoy craft demonstrations in a lush, leafy setting.
📍 Just outside Cardiff
Best Bit: It’s completely free!
Great For: Culture lovers and outdoor explorers.
BBC Wales Studio Tours – Go Behind the Scenes
Step into the world of TV and radio with a BBC Cymru Wales studio tour at Central Square. Learn how shows are made, try sound effects, and even try your hand at reading the news.
📍 Cardiff City Centre
Best Bit: Access to real working studios.
Great For: Teens, media fans, and rainy days.
Disco Bowl Cardiff – Neon Bowling & Family Entertainment
Looking for cheap things to do with kids in Cardiff? Disco Bowl at Stadium Plaza offers glow-in-the-dark 10-pin bowling, arcade games, laser tag, and tasty food deals. DJ sessions turn up the energy during the school holidays!
📍 Cardiff City Centre
Best Bit: Family-friendly disco bowling nights.
Great For: Budget-friendly fun for all ages.
The Cardiff Story Museum – Discover the Capital’s Past
Tucked inside the Old Library, this free city museum tells Cardiff’s transformation from a market town to a vibrant capital through immersive exhibits and local stories.
📍 The Hayes, Cardiff
Best Bit: Reimagined model of Cardiff over time.
Great For: History buffs and families.
Fun HQ – Cardiff’s Ultimate Indoor Play Centre
Rainy day? Head to Fun HQ in Cardiff Bay, a buzzing indoor adventure zone with climbing walls, multi-level soft play, obstacle zones and a great café for parents.
📍 Cardiff Bay
Best Bit: “Leap of faith” climbing challenge.
Great For: Kids parties, rainy day rescues.
Cardiff Leisure Centres – Free Swimming & Family Sports
Enjoy free swimming for under 16s this summer at Cardiff Leisure Centres, with wave pools, soft play, pickleball and family fun sessions. Llanishen Leisure Centre even offers daily wave machine swims.
📍 Various locations across Cardiff
Best Bit: Swim for All sessions with inflatables and music.
Great For: Active families and budget-friendly fun.
Cardiff Bay Barrage – Walk, Cycle & Explore
Ideal for a scenic walk or bike ride, the Cardiff Bay Barrage connects the city’s waterfront with Penarth. Expect wide paths, playgrounds, skate plazas, and selfie stops like the Roald Dahl Crocodile Bench.
📍 Cardiff Bay to Penarth
Best Bit: Breathtaking views across Cardiff Bay.
Great For: Walks, picnics, family bike rides.
Buzz Parks Cardiff – The Ultimate Trampoline Park
Looking to burn off some serious summer energy? Buzz Parks is Wales' largest trampoline park, featuring giant inflatable assault courses, drop slides and wall-to-wall trampolines.
📍 Cardiff (Tremorfa area)
Best Bit: The 6-metre vertical drop and epic obstacle course.
Great For: High-energy family fun and birthday parties.
The Royal Mint Experience – Behind the Scenes at the UK’s Coin Maker
In nearby Llantrisant, this family-friendly attraction gives you a fascinating peek behind the curtain at the UK’s official coin factory. You can strike your own coin, explore its 1,100-year history, and even see coins being made in real time.
📍 Llantrisant – 30 minutes from Cardiff
Best Bit: Take home your own commemorative 50p.
Great For: Educational trips, hands-on learning.
The Meadows Wildlife Park – Hands-On Animal Fun
With over 300 animals, The Meadows is one of the best family wildlife parks near Cardiff. Meet pygmy goats, alpacas, meerkats, capybaras and even armadillos!
📍 Caerphilly, 24 minutes from Cardiff
Best Bit: Getting up close with rare and exotic animals.
Great For: Animal lovers of all ages.
Cardiff Bay Family Fun Park – Classic Fairground Fun
Get ready for thrills, laughs, and seaside magic – the Cardiff Bay Family Fun Park is back from 19 July - 25 August, bigger and better than ever! Roald Dahl Plass transforms into a buzzing pop-up fairground with all your favourite rides: Dodgems, the Runaway Train, the Funhouse and the splash-tastic Water Walkers. Whether you're riding, spinning or splashing, it’s the perfect family day out right on the Cardiff Bay waterfront.
📍 Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay
Best Bit: Water Walkers and bay views!
Great For: Family fairground fun, summer days out, and kids of all ages.
