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WHAT TO SEE & DO IN CARDIFF THIS MAY HALF TERM
Monday, 18 May 2026
School’s out for the Half Term so Visit Cardiff have put together a guide of exciting things to do to enjoy as a family. Scroll for ticketed attractions and events, fun & free activities you can be more spontaneous with, a link to family-friendly hotels in case you want to extend your stay a little longer, and some practical advice that you may need to know.
Don’t forget – this is just a small selection of the many attractions & events going on in the city. Make sure you take a look at our See & Do & Events pages for more.
ALL HALF TERM | FREE | JUST TURN UP
Visitors are invited to enjoy an exciting interactive adventure this spring as the Shaun the Sheep: Fun with the Flock augmented reality trail arrives at St David’s Dewi Sant. Participants can explore the centre by following a trail map and using the dedicated app to locate nine markers, unlocking animated scenes, completing Bitzer’s fun challenges, and interacting with Shaun and his friends along the way. The experience includes playful activities, photo opportunities, and the chance to earn a special Shaun the Sheep sticker upon completion, as well as entry into a competition to win a £100 St David’s gift card.
29 – 31 MAY | FROM £9 | BUTE PARK
Visitors are invited to experience Feast On as it arrives in Cardiff’s Bute Park from 29–31 May, bringing together the South-West’s favourite food festival. The event showcases the best of the city’s food scene, with top local restaurants and traders serving everything from comforting classics to bold new flavours. Alongside the food, guests can enjoy wine tastings, sustainability talks and live fire-cooking demonstrations, creating a mix of entertainment and discovery. With live music, family-friendly activities and a vibrant communal atmosphere, Feast On promises a memorable day out for all.
ALL HALF TERM / ADULTS £16, CHILDREN (5-16) £10.50, UNDER 5S: FREE / JUST TURN UP
Marvel at the once Roman fort, Norman stronghold and Victorian Gothic masterpiece. Situated in the light and spacious castle Visitor Centre, the Castle Cafe offers a selection of hot meals, sandwiches, daily chef’s specials and sweet treats, plus a range of coffees and blends of tea. For a small additional fee you can follow in the footsteps of the Bute family, accompanying one of our expert guides on a fascinating and informative tour of the spectacular Victorian living quarters.
ALL HALF TERM | FREE / GUARANTEE A SPACE FOR £1 | BOOK IN ADVANCE TO AVOID DISAPOINTMENT
Visitors are invited to experience a lively 30-minute live science show at Techniquest, designed for ages 5 and up, exploring the fascinating world of bubbles and blasts. Led by an engaging presenter, the show answers questions about how bubbles are formed, how different gases affect them, and even how they can be made to explode, featuring everything from glowing bubbles to giant floating forms. Free to attend (with £1 guaranteed seating available), the show offers interactive fun for all ages, with safety measures in place including warnings and ear defenders for the loud finale, alongside accessible facilities to ensure an inclusive experience.
ALL HALF TERM | FROM £36.95 | BOOK IN ADVANCE | MARGAM PARK
Looking for things to do this May half term in South Wales? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape Margam, set within the stunning grounds of Margam Country Park, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Perfect for families, friends, and thrill seekers, Go Ape Margam offers an incredible high ropes experience family day out for anyone searching for May half term activities, things to do with kids, bank holiday treats or outdoor adventures.
The forest doors will be open throughout bank holiday and May half term, making it easy to plan a fun, active day outdoors. Get outside, enjoy the fresh spring air, and spend quality time together while taking on a challenge high in the treetops. Discover where boring ends and adventure begins — at Go Ape Margam. The stories you tell start here!
VARIOUS DATES | FROM £13 | BOOK IN ADVANCE
Step behind the scenes at BBC Cymru Wales and discover how your favourite TV and radio programmes are made, right in the heart of Cardiff at Central Square. Led by friendly, knowledgeable guides, BBC Tours offer families an exclusive look inside one of the UK’s most advanced broadcast centres. You will explore real working studios, peek into busy TV galleries and visit one of the largest BBC newsrooms, packed with cutting edge technology including augmented reality, virtual reality, and robotic cameras
Tours are interactive, engaging, and suitable for a wide age range, making them a great option for families with curious minds. Children can learn how news is presented, how programmes are made and what it is really like to work at the BBC, all while having plenty to talk about afterwards. BC Tours at Central Square have received a Visit Wales Gold Award and a 2026 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, recognising the quality of the experience and the warmth of the welcome.
ALL HALF TERM | FROM £7.35 | FREE FOR UNDER 3S | BOOK AHEAD TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
The Full Feature Session offers a fun-filled experience for all ages, combining thrilling rides with relaxing spaces. Guests can enjoy flumes and the spacebowl, unwind in the lazy river and whirlpool, or let younger children explore the interactive play area. The Changing Village includes lockers (£1 returnable), showers, and accessible facilities. Trained lifeguards are always on duty, and each session lasts one hour, with extra time provided for changing.
ALL HALF TERM | FROM £5.25 FOR LIL’ EXPLORERS | NO NEED TO BOOK
Step into the jungle this half-term, where little monkeys can let off steam and grown ups can swing back and relax. Get competitive on the courses, line up the perfect putt, and celebrate every hole in one with tasty food and drinks served in our buzzing market . This half term, adventure is closer than you think — just a (golf) ball’s throw away. Book now to secure your spot in the jungle, or feel free to drop in — walk ins are always welcome.
ALL HALF TERM | FREE TO ENTER
St Fagans National Museum of History has been Wales’s most popular heritage attraction for many years. This museum holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Wales because it is a people’s museum, where you can explore history together through people’s everyday lives.
See how people in Wales have lived, worked and spent their leisure time. The re-erected buildings include farmhouses, a row of ironworkers’ cottages, a medieval church, a Victorian school, a chapel and a splendid Workmen’s Institute which you can go inside and explore. Visit the Traditional Fairground and experience the magic of a bygone era – a chance for your little ones to leave the digital age behind.
ALL HALF TERM | FREE TO ENTER WITH PAID ACTIVITIES
Looking for the perfect destination to treat the kids this half term? The Red Dragon Centre in Cardiff Bay has got you covered with fun-fuelled activities, free customer parking, and great places to eat all in one place! Inside you’ll find blockbuster entertainment at ODEON cinema which boasts South Wales’ only IMAX screen, as well as epic bowling and arcades galore at Hollywood Bowl. You certainly won’t go hungry here either, as there are plenty of options for family dining, from grab and go to sit-down meals at pocket friendly prices.
25-29 MAY
Up to two kids can eat free ALL DAY from Monday 26th – Friday 6th June (excluding Saturday & Sunday), when one adult orders any main dish (breakfast, lunch or dinner). Bill’s children’s menu features family favourites including the famous buttermilk pancakes, mac & cheese, and fish fingers & chips.
FANCY MAKING A CITY BREAK OF IT?
Visit our stay page for accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Want to know more about transport, or need to download a map? Check out our visitor information page.
Let us know what you got up to during the May Half Term, we would love to see your photos! Use #VisitCardiff.