The UK holiday destination with great family attractions for all types of British weather
For a family-friendly holiday, Wales has it all.
No matter the age – or the weather – there are attractions to suit, from adrenaline-fuelled water parks to museums that will ignite their passion for science. And the best bit? You don’t need to break the bank.
If you’re heading to North Wales, you’ve got the epic natural playpark of Snowdonia to explore, as well as thrilling zip wire rides through quarries, such as Zip World Penrhyn Quarry for a treat.
Or how about taking mini marine biologists to spot sea creatures at the Anglesey Sea Zoo?
Meanwhile, South Wales is home to the capital – you could head to Bute Park for a picnic (tip: grab some traditional Welsh cakes from Bakestones) or see the Norwegian Church where children’s author Roald Dahl was christened (free to visit).
The Cardiff Bay area also has free things to do on a day out, like scooting the Barrage embankment to the skate park and taking a selfie at the Enormous Crocodile bench.
But don’t just take our word for it. We’ve chatted to Wales experts and Sun readers who have taken £9.50 Holidays in Wales for their favourite best family attractions located near our £9.50 Holiday parks.
Here’s what they said…
Fun on the farm
Chantelle Hawkins, Guest Experience Manager at Trecco Bay, recommends Wiggleys Fun Farm for families.
She said: “It’s about 15 minutes away from our park and is a really good day out. They’ve got indoor and outdoor play areas as well as animal paddocks, sit-on tractors and a cafe.”
Open every day except Christmas and Boxing Day, the park is great value, costing from £4 for kids and from £2 for adults.
Big thrills at the Aqua Park
Steph Powell, a parent blogger from South Wales, recommends taking older water babies to let off steam at the Aqua Park in Cardiff Bay (suitable from age eight upwards) with its inflatable slides, towers and “flip stations”.
There are plenty of wallet-friendly activities nearby for a family day out too.
Steph said: “In the summer holidays, Cardiff Bay Beach is free to enter, with rides and attractions for the whole family. We like the Bay and its surroundings, so usually we grab a coffee and stroll across Cardiff Bay Barrage.
“We enjoy the sea air, and taking in the views as we go.
There’s a sandy play park and skate park along the route, too. These days can be as cheap or expensive as you like. We often take a picnic so it only means covering parking, petrol and coffees/ice creams.”
Spark their imaginations
Chantelle Hawkins recommends Techniquest, a science attraction in Cardiff, around half an hour from Trecco Bay.
Kids of all ages can dive into science, technology and engineering via over 100 hands-on exhibits and live shows.
A good all-weather option, highlights include a planetarium, sensory garden and a Mini Metro Play Zone for under-sevens.
Chantelle said: “It’s really fun for all ages and isn’t expensive.” Tickets cost £11.81 for adults and £10 for children; free for under-threes.
Hit the market…and fairground at Tir Prince
Nicola Jones, 36, from Worsley, Manchester, has been visiting Lyons Robin Hood, on the coast of Rhyl in North Wales, since she was a child.
She said: “It’s somewhere where we’ve always gone. We usually go to Tir Prince Market because there’s loads of parking and a fairground next to it, which the kids love.”
The fairground has everything from rollercoasters for thrill seekers, to bumper cars and caterpillar rides for little ones.
The market is also a great place to pick up a bargain, with Pound shops and hundreds of stalls and a car boot area selling things like fresh food and second-hand household goods.
Go wild at the zoo
With stunning panoramic views of Colwyn Bay, the Welsh Mountain Zoo is within easy reach of Lyons Robin Hood, just a half-hour drive along the coast.
Nicola Jones said: “It’s a great option for children. They have some more unusual animals there, like tigers, camels and snow leopards.
“The site is mostly outdoors, so bring warm clothes and prepare for steps and narrow paths.”
Tip: if you’re taking a buggy, pick up a free map at the entrance showing pram-friendly routes. Tickets from £12.98pp for a family of four; free for under-threes.