There’s not much of Wales that isn’t either incredibly beautiful to look at or boasts something fun to do, which handily makes it a fantastic venue for an unforgettable family. Whether you’re out and about exploring the wonderful countryside, trying out some adventurous activities or just kicking back with a board game in one of our luxury cottages in Wales, there’s a ton of things to do on a Welsh family holiday. The problem might be choosing what to do first – which is why we’ve put together this handy list of the best family activities in Wales!
1. Speed over the mountains at Zip World
Why go: Zip World is the closest your little scamps will get to flying without being in a plane or balloon, as they are hooked up to a zip line and plunge down across the Welsh landscape. There are three different zip line experiences you can try at this high-speed attraction. Velocity is the longest zip line in Europe, and those who dare to go on the mile-long wire can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. If you’ve got a brood of three, consider Zip World Titan, which allows three different zip liners to launch themselves along parallel cables for a race-like experience. The final Zip World takes you below ground level as you ride between the ledges of spectacular caverns. Children over five can enjoy the high-speed thrills, as long as they are accompanied by adults along the way.
Location: Zip World Titan | Llechwedd Slate Cavern,Snowdonia National Park, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3NB, Wales
Book: Online at Zip World or call 01248 601444
Zip World – Wales
2. Meet giraffes and lions at Folly Farm
Why go: Kids can get face to face with all sorts of cute creatures while learning about conservation and ecology on a fun day out. The zoo is the home of more than 250 different animals, ranging from the familiar (penguins and giraffes, for instance) to the lesser-known (such as the lithe fossa – a cat-like carnivore that loves to climb). The park features several other attractions, including a play area where kids can have a go at operating mini diggers, and a farmyard filled with sheep, pigs and other more typical farm creatures.
Location: Begelly, Kilgetty SA68 0XA
Book: Online at Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo
Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo – Wales
3. Ride a steam train through Snowdonia with Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
Why go: Combine the magic of a steam train with the beauty of the northern Welsh mountains and the result is a spectacular day out that children will remember for years. The Ffestiniog Railway has been around for almost 200 years, and is reputedly the world’s oldest narrow gauge line, plus the engines that ride along the line are vintage machines, too. The route climbs through the mountains, cutting through fields, forests and some of the best scenery in Wales. The Welsh Highland Railway takes you around places with wonderfully evocative names, from the picturesque town of Caernarfon through Beddgelert and Aberglaslyn Pass to Porthmadog. Both journeys offer the thrill of riding in old-fashioned carriages and hearing the whirr of the steam whistle, as well as views of Wales at its best.
Location: Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd County LL49 9NF
Book: Online at Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
4. Feast on sweet treats with the Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Co.
Why go: There’s a very simple reason to visit a chocolate factory and that is to eat chocolate. Although, in order to keep everything fresh and flavoursome, you don’t get to go into the main factory halls at Wickedly Welsh. Instead, they offer a Chocolate Experience where the processes behind making the confectionery are presented in child-friendly ways. From finding the cacao in the rainforests to turning it into one of the world’s most popular snacks, the Chocolate Experience tells you the whole story in thrilling detail. Then you can try your hand at making some yourself. There’s also a demonstration room for you to visit and a chocolate-themed café where, after watching it get made, you won’t be able to resist ordering something from a menu that features chocolate drinks, pizzas, and even a chocolate kebab.
Location: 13, Withybush Trading Estate, Withybush Rd, Haverfordwest SA62 4BS
Book: Call 01437 557122
Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Co.
5. Get in touch with nature with Welsh Bass Guide
Why go: Learn how Wales’s inhabitants would survive in the days before supermarkets during a tour that takes you into the waters and woodlands of Pembrokeshire. On one of the Welsh Bass Guide’s expeditions, you and your family will be taught how to forage through the undergrowth for your dinner, finding edible fungi and tasty plants on the land, as well as searching for seaweed and shellfish in the rock pools. The highlight of the trip comes at the end of the day, when you get to cook what you find over an open flame and enjoy a hard-earned meal. The company also offer lessons in angling with a lure for groups of two.
Location: Wales, Pembrokeshire
Book: Call 07515380169 or email matt@fishingandforagingwales.co.uk
Welsh Bass Guide
6. Paint pottery at Lollipops and Ladybirds
Why go: Children love colouring in and painting, and letting them do it on ceramics means that their art will last a lot longer, and, if it’s any good, it might even make a good gift for family members back home. The activity is a simple one: you and your children pick items of blank pottery from the shop, then you paint them with whatever decoration you can imagine. After, your piece gets sent to be fired in the kiln, so the decoration will last for longer. It’s the perfect chance to spend some quiet time with the family and to get creative with the kids.
Location: Leisure at Cwmbran, Glyndwr Rd, Cwmbran, Torfaen NP44 1QS
Book: Call 01633 406406
Lollipops and Ladybirds – Wales
7. Spring from an underground trampoline with Bounce Below
Why go: Everybody loves trampolines anyway, but put those trampolines in an old slate mine underground and you have the recipe for a whole load of fun. Bounce Below has this and other subterranean delights in its play area, which is spread across giant caverns beneath the hills of Wales. Jump between several different-height trampolines in two chambers, which are linked by walkways, tunnels and a 60-foot slide. Kids aged seven and up can enjoy the play area, while Bounce Below Junior is exclusive to younger jumpers.
Location: Zip World Titan | Llechwedd Slate Cavern,Snowdonia National Park, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3NB, Wales
Book: Online at Bounce Below
Bounce Below – Wales
Looking for the perfect place to stay on your Wales retreat with the rest of the family? Our fabulous concierge team is on hand to help find it – just let them know what you’re looking for and they can help you find it, or get in touch is you’ve already fallen in love with somewhere and want to see about booking. How about some more inspiration courtesy of other posts on our blog? If everyone’s into nature, check out some of our best properties for natural beauty in Wales, or find out where you can enjoy some amazing British cultural experiences for free.
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