A family playing on the grass at Erddig, Wrexham, Wales: two little children on top of a parent — A family playing on the grass at Erddig, Wrexham, Wales | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Family days out in Wales

With fun-filled activities and exciting events, there are plenty of great family days out to be had in Wales. Explore vast Welsh castles, tick off some ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities, or let off steam in natural play areas. Plus, enjoy special half-term events like seasonal trails, craft sessions, and outdoor adventures, making it the perfect time for a memorable family getaway.

Family arriving at Chirk Castle, Wrexham, Wales

Place

Chirk Castle and Garden

Climb the steps up the medieval Adam Tower, dress up in armour, peek through murder holes, or brave the two-level dungeons. On 26-27 May, join Jake the storyteller for tales about birds, from soaring eagles to playful robins. Explore the award-winning garden and play area.

A young boy and girl looking at red flowers in the garden at Erddig, Wrexham, Wales

Place

Erddig Hall and Garden

On selected dates during Children’s Gardening Week (24 May-1 June), join the garden team to sow seeds the Grade-I listed garden. Or design your own upcycled plant pot and plant some seeds to take home and grow.

Children running along a fern-lined path in the garden at Penrhyn Castle, Gwynedd, Wales

Place

Penrhyn Castle and Garden

Join in activities throughout the garden for Children’s Gardening week. Plant a seed to take home and play outdoor games. On 26-27 May, join a sensory walk with the Head Gardener. Explore the neo-Normal castle or run wild in one of two play areas.

A family with a pushchair exploring the garden at Plas Newydd, Wales

Place

Plas Newydd House and Garden

Collect an activity booklet and capture your favourite moments through sketching, poetry and storytelling. Explore rolling hills, open lawns, the Dairy Wood play area, the tree house in the West Indies and stop for a picnic overlooking the Menai Strait.

Children running in the garden at Plas yn Rhiw in Gwynedd, Wales

Place

Plas yn Rhiw

Join the Pollinator Trail. Wander through the garden and orchard learning about the vital role pollinators play. Enjoy hands-on activities that bring the world of bees and butterflies to life. Try a waggle dance and learn how far bees travel to forage.

Man holding a child up in the air as they both laugh, in the grounds at Powis Castle, Powys

Place

Powis Castle and Garden

Follow the navigation trail with maps and instructions, hopping and jumping between numbered locations to uncover hidden wonders of the garden. Venture into the woodland, and the Wilderness. Don’t miss the two friendly Wyverns (dragons) and the Discovery Den for even more fun.

A child plays with pegs on a line in the courtyard while an adult and baby watch on, at Llanerchaeron, Wales

Place

Llanerchaeron

Ceri the fox and friends have visited - can you solve the clues to find out where they’ve been? Explore the turf maze and visit the Georgian Villa – what can you spot? Say hello to the farmyard animals, stop by the Stable playroom before heading home.

A small child walking in the Cedar Garden at Tredegar House with his parents walking behind him. It's a sunny day with blue skies and he walks alongside a flowerbed of flowers.

Place

Tredegar House

Celebrate spring with the Blossom Spotter Trail. Explore the house and gardens, uncovering blossom-inspired decorations hidden throughout the mansion. Enjoy gardens bursting with colour and discover Blossom Trail cards offering fascinating insights into various blossoms and their significance.

Panning for gold at Dolaucothi Gold Mines

Place

Dolaucothi

Visit the UK's only known Roman gold mine. Join a tour or follow the audio trail around the mine yard to learn about Romans in Carmarthenshire. Try your luck panning for gold and explore the new 'Treasures of Pumsaint' display in the Field Centre, showcasing 2,000-year-old artefacts.

Children balance on a low wall around a fountain in the garden at Dinefwr in summer

Place

Dinefwr

Craft your own crown in Newton House, home of the princes of Dehebarth. Hide under the table in a secret tent and imagine it's your castle. Chill in the film room or draw in the Old Kitchen, enjoy water play in the Oak Yard.

A family walking in the wildflower meadow, Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire

Place

Colby Woodland Garden

Get crafty with The Pembrokeshire Woodturners, who are demonstrating their skills during May half-term. Little adventurers can borrow an explorer backpack inspired by ‘50 things to do before you're 11 ¾', equipped with all the tools for a bug-hunt, birdwatching and discovering the age of a tree.