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What's On in Cardiff during the Summer Holidays?
18 July 2024
School’s officially out for Summer and here at Visit Cardiff we think both the adults and little ones alike deserve lots of fun, quality days out together!
We have put together this guide featuring a host of exciting activities for you to enjoy as a family. The list has been divided into City Centre, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff International Sports Village and those attractions a little further away.
Scroll for ticketed attractions and events you must book in advance, fun & free activities you can be more spontaneous with, a list of family-friendly hotels in case you want to extend your stay a little longer and some practical advice that you may need to know.
CITY CENTRE
1. BLACK TOWER TALES AT CARDIFF CASTLE
Discover the Black Tower Tales at Cardiff Castle, an exciting new experience re-telling the story of Llywelyn Bren, a forgotten hero of medieval Welsh history.
Meet the ghosts of long ago as this immersive attraction bringing history to life in a way you wonât soon forget. Discover more here or book at the Cardiff Castle office.
2. BBC STUDIO TOURS
Looking for something different to entertain the kids over the summer holidays? Step into the future of broadcasting at BBCâs newest and most advanced studios at Central Square, Cardiff.
Join friendly guides for an exclusive award-winning behind-the-scenes tour of the television and radio studios with cutting-edge technology including augmented reality, virtual reality and robotic cameras. BBC Cymru Wales has received a TripAdvisor Travellersâ Choice award, and a coveted Visit Wales gold award for the quality of its tours. Check availability and book your tickets now at bbc.co.uk/tours.
3. HALF PRICE FOR KIDS AT SCALE PRINCIPALITY STADIUM
Prepare to be amazed by Cardiffâs breath-taking skyline. Traverse the roofâs edge during THE CLIMB. Take in a birdâs eye view of the pitch and 75,000-seater stadium below before scaling the Stadiumâs mast and whooshing through the air on THE ZIP WIRE across the roof canopy. Finally descend back to earth via THE DROP, if you dare!
Currently, kids can get a half price climb when booked online. Find out more here.
4. NATURE TRAILS AT BUTE PARK
Bute Park is the green heart of the city. Discover natural play features and trails, a visitor centre, three cafes as well as a wealth of horticultural and wildlife interest.
Explore a superb tree collection within an extensive area of mature parkland. Bute Park is a Green Flag site and CADW Grade I listed historic park and garden. Discover more here.
5. PLENTY OF GAMES AT ROXY LANES
More than just a bowling alley, Roxy Lanes also has American pool, shuffleboard, beer pong, batting cage, duck pin bowling plus loads more games and an unbelievable bar and mouth-watering food.
Unlike their sister bars, Roxy Ball Room, at Roxy Lanes will allow under 18s until 5pm when supervised with an adult. Let the fun begin! Book online here.
6. PRINCIPALITY STADIUM TOURS
Step behind the scenes of Principality Stadium and follow in the footsteps of your rugby heroes.
Our expert tour guides will take you on a journey, sharing fun facts and insights from the stadiumsâ history of events from rugby, world class boxing, football and motorsport to concerts by titans of rock & roll such as the Rolling Stones, U2, BeyoncĂ© and Jay-Z. An experience not to be missed! Book your tickets here.
CARDIFF BAY
7. FAMILY FUN PARK CARDIFF BAY
Cardiff Bay Family Fun Park is heading to Roald Dahl Plass, just in time for the Summer holidays! Find an exciting line up of outdoor Funfair attractions in the Plass, located in the heart of Cardiff Bay â between Mermaid Quay and the Wales Millennium Centre.
Enjoy favourites such as âThe Dodgemsâ and âPirate Party Fun Houseâ, as well as various childrenâs rides to enjoy and family game stalls giving you the chance to win massive cuddly toy prizes. There is also be a selection of sweet and savoury takeaway treats on offer. View the event here.
8. FAMILY INDOOR FUN AT THE RED DRAGON CENTRE
The Red Dragon Centre is one of Cardiffâs largest leisure and entertainment destinations, packed with fun-fuelled activities all under one gigantic roof!
From bowling to the big screen and regular special events, there are plenty of things to do and a variety of tasty places to refuel â there really is something for everyone. Find out more here.
9. WORKSHOPS AND SHOWS AT TECHNIQUEST
Experience a day out like no other this summer, right in the heart of Cardiff Bay! Techniquest has over 100 hands-on exhibits just waiting to be discovered and will be open every day throughout the summer holidays for you to come and explore.
The Air & Flare workshop allows you to explore the wonders of pressure in hands-on exciting experiments. See the world from space with the immersive 360° film, We Are Guardians. See the beauty of the planet and find out how the satellites help protect our world for the future at the planetarium show. Or discover how we can defy gravity and harness natural forces to solve the challenges of flying in Skybound, an exciting live science show. Book your tickets here.
10. SPLASH OUT AT AQUAPARK
Slip, slide, splash and share laugh out moments this summer holidays at Walesâ largest aqua park! Enjoy a full season of thrills and spills with the all new season pass!
There are climbing walls, trampolines, balance bars, slides, blast bags and monkey bars making it the ultimate day out for groups, families, adults, children age 8+ and adrenaline junkies alike! Book your session ahead here.Â
11. TAKE A BOAT TOUR
This summer Cardiff Boat Tours are offering our popular water taxi service on board Princess Katharine â ideal for travelling to and from Cardiff Bay or Bute Park or a relaxing hour long cruise from either boarding point.
Princess Katharine departs Cardiff Bay on the hour every day from 10am to 4pm. The booth on the lower boardwalk is manned daily from 9.30am to 4pm for information on both boats. Find out more here.
12. SCENIC WALKS AT CARDIFF BAY BARRAGE
Perfect for a relaxing stroll or bike ride, the Barrage embankment is situated in a stunning maritime setting and offers spectacular views over Cardiff Bay and the Severn Estuary.
Thanks to its flat gradient and lack of steps, itâs accessible for all visitors. Look out for the Croc in the Dock! More information is available here.
CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL SPORTS VILLAGE
13. FAMILY RAFTING AT CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL WHITE WATER
Give white water rafting a go. More relaxed than the traditional course, white water rafting family sessions at CIWW are great fun for adults and little ones, giving everyone the opportunity to experience unforgettable family adventure days on the water.
Ride the rapids together and book your session here.
14. FAMILY SWIM AT CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL POOL & GYM
Discover a world of endless fun and excitement for you and your children at the leisure centre! The kids activities are designed to get them active whilst having fun with friends. The dedicated and experienced staff ensure a safe and inclusive environment, where your kids can make new friends, learn new skills, and create unforgettable memories.
Family swim sessions are there for you to swim with freedom, help the kids get comfortable in the water and, of course, have fun! Book online here.
15. SUMMER CRASH COURSE AT VINDICO ARENA
Crash Courses take place during School holidays. They are open to all ages and abilities, the courses are intensive skating lessons that take place over 5 days. They are a great way to brush up your skating skills quickly or learn something new. A great activity for the whole family – the aim is to have you finish the course with a smile on your face and a new skill in the bag!
Each course consists of a 30 minute group lesson each day and skate hire. Book online here.
16. ACTION PACKED DAYS AT FUN HQ
Clip ân Climb @ Fun HQ Cardiff is a fun climbing concept where theme park meets climbing walls, guaranteeing excitement and fun for everyone from 4 upwards. You donât need any previous climbing experience and no specific climbing equipment is required, the experienced arena staff are on hand to support your climbing session.
Excellent for Family time or team building or perhaps just challenging yourself to reach new heights Clip ân Climb @ Fun HQ Cardiff is a fun and healthy activity for all. Book online here.
A LITTLE FURTHER…
17. OFFERS AT BUZZ TRAMPOLINE PARK CARDIFF
BUZZ Parks Trampoline Cardiff have some fantastic promotions lined up for you this summer! They have a 2-for-1 offer available all summer long from 4 PM to 6 PM. Additionally, theyâre introducing a new Summer Saver Loyalty Scheme. This scheme rewards you the more often you visit, offering a range of exclusive deals and discounts.
Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming promotions here.
18. THEMED EVENTS AT FONMON CASTLE
Adventure, nature and fun await at Fonmon Castle, where you can discover a variety of events for everyone to enjoy. From meeting superheroes and characters or watching shows at themed weekends during the holidays to the permanent Dinosaur Experience Jurassic Wales, there is plenty to keep you busy.
Explore acres of woodland, the Medieval Village and follow the Welsh story trail as well as of course looking around the 12th century castle. Make it even easier with a summer pass and return as many times as you like. Discover more here.
19. PIRATE TAKEOVER AT THE ROYAL MINT
Catch a live pirate show and take part in a bounty of activities that will keep the whole family entertained. The show is on Wednesdays and Saturdays between July 31 and August 26, and the August bank holiday Monday at 11am and 1.30pm.
Also, explore the history of coins and their place on the high seas at the Royal Mintâs Coins of the Sea exhibition. Find out why people went to sea, what everyday life on ships was like and if pirates did bury their treasure. Discover more here.
20. HIGH ROPES AT ST FAGANS NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY
One of the worldâs best open-air museums, explore over fifty original buildings from different locations in Wales and from different historical periods have been re-built in the 100-acre parkland. Each building is frozen in time and opens a door into Welsh history offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Climb, swing, balance and wobble your way through the High Ropes at the open-air museum on the grounds of St Fagans Castle and gardens and exploring the stories and history of the people of Wales. Cost is £20 per person. And every weekend, and during the summer holidays, leave the digital age behind and experience the magic of a bygone era, enjoying all the fun of a traditional fair on the grounds. Entry is just £1. Find out more at here.
FAMILY ACCOMMODATION
VOCO ST DAVID’S CARDIFF
The Admiral at vocoÂź St Davidâs Cardiff is our eclectic restaurant and bar. The bold flavours draw inspiration from world food cultures and blend perfectly with the best seasonal produce Wales has to offer.
They are also family friendly and offer interconnecting rooms or a family room, consisting of two double beds. Discover more and book your stay here.
Did you know most Cardiff hotels offer dedicated family rooms across the City? Head to our Stay page for more options.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
BUSES
It is even easier to get around the city. Cardiff Bus is running services to several great locations and you can also enjoy riding the open-top bus breeze down to Penarth Pier and Cardiff Bay.
et a family day-to-go ticket for reduced-price travelling during the school holidays. A family of five can travel all day within Cardiff and Penarth for £10 or across the entire Cardiff Bus network for £20. Simply buy from the driver or on the app. Terms and conditions apply.
TRAINS
Get free rail travel for children with TfW. Those aged 11-16 can travel free at off-peak times and under 11s travel for free on all services at all times with a paying adult.
For further information on getting around, parking, mobility buggies & maps, check out our Visitor Information page.
