Playdates for big kids in Wales

You’re never too old to enjoy simple pleasures like climbing a tree, jumping waves or rolling down a hill. Why not join the youngsters with their 50Things activities at one of our special places around Wales? We’ve picked out our top 11 for you to rekindle some childhood memories this summer. Download the checklist and share the fun using #11PlayDates

Children climbing a tree in the grounds of Mottisfont, Hampshire.

Erddig, Wrexham 

When was the last time you climbed a tree? Scale old heights (or try it for the first time) with help of experts from the Big Tree Climbing Company. Get a bird’s eye view of Erddig’s acres of parkland. We promise the view, and the buzz, is as good as you remember.

Climb a tree
Children rolling down a slope at Plas Newydd, Anglesey

Plas Newydd, Anglesey 

There are 160 acres of woodland and parkland, plus 40 acres of gardens to play in at Plas Newydd. The hillside setting overlooking the Menai Straits provides absolutely stunning views – and it’s an awesome place to roll down a hill. One, two, three – go!

Roll down a hill
A young girl adds branched to her den at Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire

Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire 

Dinefwr’s 800 acre parkland is steeped in history and mystery – a perfect place to let your imagination run wild and build a den. With ancient forest and rolling meadows, the remains of two Roman forts and a medieval Deer Park, you could be in another world...

Build a den
Plentyn yn hedfan barcud

Dyffryn Gardens, Cardiff 

Let’s go fly a kite! Enjoy an old fashioned family pastime at the 55-acre Edwardian gardens. All you need is a clear sky and you’re away – see who can fly theirs the highest. If you’ve got time you can have a go at croquet on the grand lawn too.

Fly a kite
Girl jumping over waves

Newgale Beach, Pembrokeshire 

Get in a line, roll up your trousers and make a splash! Discover and explore one of Pembrokeshire's most stunning beaches with a Surfing Ranger - play and swim in the surf within your depth and learn some useful lifeguard tips for the future too.

Jump the waves
Children on a bug-hunt at Sheffield Park, East Sussex

Sugar Loaf and Usk Valley 

If you're after a family summer adventure in the great outdoors, look no further. There are plenty of chances for kids to tick off their 50 Things activities and on Wild Wednesdays the whole family can join in with wild art, damming a stream, den building and bug hunting.

Hunt for bugs
Dad and children at Tredegar House

Tredegar House, Newport 

The grounds of this old mansion, home to one of Wales most important families, go back hundreds of years and are full of nooks, crannies and neat hiding places. Play Hide and Seek as you wander - it's a great way to explore the wooded parkland together.

Hide and Seek
Exploring Llanerchaeron on a geocashing adventure

Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion 

Explore the countryside on a high-tech treasure hunt. Llanerchaeron is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a perfect spot for geocaching. The woods and meadows of this working farm estate are great for bug hunting all summer long too.

Hunt for treasure
Parent and child playing Pooh Sticks on a bridge at Bodnant Garden

Bodnant Garden, Conwy 

Water, water everywhere...you're never far away from the sound of a tinkling stream, lapping river or crashing waterfall at Bodnant Garden, nor bridges to stop off for a game of Pooh Sticks. More places to play than you can shake a stick at!

Play Pooh Sticks
Child rock pooling at Porthdinllaen, Llŷn Peninsula

Porthdinllaen, Gwynedd 

See who can catch the biggest crab, spot a starfish or find the prettiest shell. Join us on the beach for a day of fun filled activities. As well as rock pooling there will be kayaking or paddle board taster sessions, beach football, a sandcastle competition and much more.

Rock-pooling
Explore the wonders of nature at Colby Woodland Garden

Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire 

Come down to the woods today. Join National Trust's Chris Harvey-Jones for a 2 hour woodland survival session at Colby and learn how to survive in the woods. Try your hand at shelter building, fire lighting, trail marking and tracking.

Survive in the wild