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Visit Cardiff have put together a guide of exciting things to do to enjoy as a family. Scroll for attractions and events, fun & free activities in Cardiff Bay, the City Centre and beyond. 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 & family fun in the city. Make sure you take a look at our See & Do & Events pages for more.
Take a look at our family fun in Cardiff guide below
CARDIFF BAY
With the weather getting brighter and days longer, it’s time to seize the Bay and head to the waterfront, whether you want some action-packed fun or a breath of fresh air.
EXPLORE MERMAID QUAY
Free to explore / Mermaid Quay
Mermaid Quay is a vibrant destination perfect for a family outing. With its array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, it offers something for everyone. Families can enjoy leisurely walks along the waterfront, indulge in delicious meals at various eateries, and explore unique shops for souvenirs and gifts. Children can enjoy the outdoor playgrounds or take a boat trip around the bay, while parents can relax and soak in the picturesque views. Mermaid Quay is a fantastic family-friendly location that promises a memorable day out in Cardiff.
TAKE A RELAXING FAMILY CRUISE
2 adults + up to 3 children £19 / Cardiff Boat
Board at either Cardiff Bay or Bute Park (close to Cardiff Castle) and take the half hour one way trip. Then after some time ashore, get back on for the return journey. There’s fascinating commentary telling the history of the area and the sights along the way. There is a toilet on board for passenger comfort. A great way to see the city from a different perspective.
SCIENCE SESSIONS AT TECHINIQUEST
Prices Vary / Techniquest
FAMILY DAY OUT AT THE RED DRAGON CENTRE
Prices Vary / The Red Dragon Centre
The Red Dragon Centre is a hub of entertainment and leisure activities perfect for a family day out. Boasting a range of dining options, including popular restaurants and cafes, it caters to diverse tastes and preferences. Families can catch the latest blockbuster at the cinema, enjoy a game of bowling, or test their skills at the arcade. With its lively atmosphere and various events held throughout the year, the Red Dragon Centre offers a dynamic and exciting setting for families to create lasting memories together.
VISIT CARDIFF BAY BARRAGE
FREE / Cardiff Bay Barrage
The Cardiff Bay Barrage promises endless fun for families. From taking in the breathtaking views of the bay to exploring the outdoor gym, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Kids can let their imaginations run wild at the sandy play area, while thrill-seekers can show off their skills at the skatepark. And don’t miss the chance to snap a photo with the enormous crocodile bench inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved stories. Whether it’s working out, playing in the sand, shredding at the skatepark, or simply relaxing on the crocodile bench, the Cardiff Bay Barrage is a lively and entertaining destination that guarantees a day full of family fun
CLIMB & PLAY AT FUN HQ
Prices vary / Fun HQ
Thrill-seekers, rejoice! Fun HQ Cardiff is your go-to family adventure with over 30 climbing challenges, catering to anyone aged 4 and up. Dare to ascend the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ or conquer the ‘Astroball’, with walls stretching up to 7.5 metres high. Young adventurers (12 and under) will find their happy place in the Play Zone, a 17,000 square foot soft play area sprawled over 3 levels.
CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL WHITE WATER
Prices Vary / Cardiff International White Water
Cardiff International White Water offers a family-friendly mix of thrilling activities, including Family White Water Rafting, Tubing, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Air Trail high ropes course, Indoor Wave, Gorge Walking, Kayaking, and a Climbing Wall. From adrenaline-pumping rapids to serene paddleboarding, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With such a diverse range of options, Cardiff International White Water guarantees a day of excitement and shared adventures for families in Cardiff.
GET YOUR (ICE) SKATES ON
£10 (£2.70 Skate Hire), Children Under 5: £5 (including Skate Hire) / Vindico Arena
Vindico Arena Ice Skating provides a fantastic family-friendly experience with its exhilarating ice skating sessions. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced skater, the rink offers a fun and engaging environment for all skill levels. Families can glide across the ice together, enjoying the thrill of skating in a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
CITY CENTRE
At the heart of it all, Cardiff city centre always delivers a fun day out for families, always something to adventure and stories to be told, we’ve uncovered the best family fun in the Welsh capital.
BLACK TOWER TALES AT CARDIFF CASTLE
General Admission (Adult £10, Child £5.50) Tour Upgrade (Adult £4, Child £3) / Cardiff Castle
Gather your family for an unforgettable adventure at Cardiff Castle’s Black Tower Tales, where the captivating saga of Llywelyn Bren, a legendary Welsh hero, springs to life. Perfect for families seeking a mix of education and excitement, this immersive storytelling experience will transport you all back to the drama of a 14th-century rebellion. For a family day out filled with mystery and history, secure your spot at the Castle’s ticket office and step into the hero’s shoes on a journey through time.
VISIT ST DAVID’S SHOPPING CENTRE
FREE / St David’s Dewi Sant
Cardiff’s premier family-friendly shopping destination where fun and fashion meet. With over 150 shops, this vibrant heart of the city caters to every member of the family— with a diverse range of stores offering toys, apparel, and gadgets. Indulge in a culinary adventure at their food court that serves a feast for the senses with kid-friendly menus and seating designed for family convenience. Their regular events calendar is brimming with entertainment suitable for all ages, ensuring that every visit is not just a shopping trip but an enjoyable family outing.
ADVENTURE GOLF
Prices vary / Treetop Golf, St David’s Dewi Sant
Embark on a miniature adventure at Treetop Adventure Golf located within St. David’s Shopping Centre, where families are invited to putt their way through exotic courses and enjoy the fun-filled atmosphere. This tropical paradise offers two 18-hole indoor golf courses, providing an exhilarating challenge for both young and old. Between rounds, families can gather at the café for delicious snacks and refreshments, or celebrate a hole-in-one with exotic drinks from the themed bar.
TOUR A WORLD CLASS STADIUM
Use code ‘VISITCARDIFF’ – to get 20% discount / Principality Stadium
The state-of-the-art Stadium features a fully retractable roof, making it one of the largest indoor arenas in the world. An experienced tour guide will share facts on its history of events including International Rugby Matches, 2012 Olympic Events, world class boxing, the 2017 UEFA Champions League Final and mighty rock & roll concerts. Tours include the Home and Away Dressing Rooms, Press Conference Suite, Players Tunnel and Hospitality Box – so plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
TOUR A TELEVISION STUDIO
£13 / BBC Cymru Wales
Looking for something different to entertain the kids? Step into the future of broadcasting at BBC’s 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.
BOARD GAME CAFE
Prices vary / Chance & Counters
Head to this premier Board Game Café, Chance & Counters offer a collection of over 650 games to be enjoyed alongside our quality selection of food and drinks. The friendly team are on hand to recommend and teach our games, whilst serving up dirty finger food for all diets alongside a mix of thick shakes.
A LITTLE FURTHER AWAY…
There’s lots going on in Cardiff, but you’re missing a trick if you don’t venture into the region, where you’ll find more than you’d expect.
EXPLORE ST FAGANS NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY
Entry Is Free / St Fagans
Round up the family for a day of discovery and fun at St Fagans National Museum of History. Kids and adults alike will be captivated as you stroll through time among over forty buildings that have been transported and lovingly restored, from quaint farmhouses to bustling workshops. Watch history come alive with craftsmen demonstrating age-old skills, and don’t miss the chance to treat your taste buds to delicious, traditional Welsh food.
VISIT THE DINOSAURS
Special Offer – all tickets only £7 / Fonmon Castle, The Vale of Glamorgan
Embark on a captivating adventure at Fonmon Castle! Immerse yourself in then new story trail that awaits, promising a delightful journey for visitors of all ages. For those seeking an extra element of fun, engage in the Stamp Trail as you navigate through the castle grounds. Collecting stamps at various points of interest and make sure not to miss the exciting Dinosaur Trail.
TAKE TO THE HIGH ROPES
Various Prices / Go Ape
With obstacle cross overs and zips up to 180m, you really will get a stomach in your mouth feeling. This course has been likened to a roller coaster in the trees. So, zip on down to Margam Country Park and find your next adventure!
It’s the only Go Ape which boasts sea views, and with over 1,000-acres of parkland, the largest deer herd in Wales, you’ve got yourself a serious aerial adventure.
STAY A WHILE, CHECK OUT THE FAMILY ROOMS BELOW
Don’t limit the fun to a day visit, find somewhere cosy to rest up for the night, and make the most of the fun.
WALES COTTAGE HOLIDAYS
Wales Cottage Holidays offers a fabulous selection of quality holiday cottages in Cardiff and Wales. Browse a variety of family-friendly holiday cottages and find your perfect February half term escape in Wales.
FUTURE INN
Cardiff Bay
Feel completely relaxed and at home. The Twin Rooms are large and spacious, with two Queen sized beds, ideal for families of up to four guests.
Perks include free parking and electric car charging, free Wi-Fi, and home-away-from-home services like our guest laundry room. Book direct for the best rates guaranteed, with rooms from £67 per room per night. Plus, under 12s stay for free!
PONTCANNA INN
Cathedral Road, Pontcanna
With 11 boutique rooms located on the outskirts of the city, you and the family can enjoy all that Cardiff has to offer while having somewhere to rest your head away from the centre. A short stroll to the City Centre and the nearby Cardiff Castle, with plenty of parks to enjoy, or take a boat down to the bay for the day! During your stay, enjoy the bar and restaurant with outside area.
MARRIOTT
Explore the wonders of Cardiff with your family then after a day of sightseeing, unwind in our spacious rooms and take advantage of our thoughtful amenities designed to keep the children entertained. Start the day with breakfast in Browns Restaurant and to keep the little ones entertained there is a Children’s pack and choice of soft drink, & cookie/chocolate from the grab and go on arrival.
CLAYTON HOTEL
Saint Mary Street
This hotel’s spacious family rooms include one double bed and a single bed, with extra beds or infant cots available if required. Adjoining rooms are also available, ideal for families with older children, offering extra peace and privacy. Allowing everyone to enjoy the holiday and have enough space for the entire family.
THE SPIRES SERVICED APARTMENTS
Cathedral Road, Pontcanna
Stay in a self-contained environment, well-suited to families and travellers staying in the city for a longer duration. Each apartment is fully fitted with a kitchen, lounge, bedroom and bathroom, with the 2 bedroom apartments providing 2 bathrooms. Families with young children in particular can benefit from a larger space than a hotel bedroom, option to cook or perhaps enjoy a takeaway delivered direct to their door.
GETTING AROUND
Let the car have a break too while you travel in style, with great deals from our transport partners.
TRANSPORT FOR WALES RAIL
Kids go free on Transport for Wales trains when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
- Free child travel is only available in Standard class
- Up to two children can travel for free, per paying adult. Adults must obtain a ticket for all children travelling. Free child travel tickets are only available from a ticket office or on-board from a conductor
- Under 5’s travel for free on all National Rail services
- Children aged 5-16 travel for free on Transport for Wales trains only
HOP ON THE BUS
There are plenty of things to do in and around Cardiff and there’s no better way of getting to them than with Cardiff Bus!
By purchasing one of their family day tickets, you and your family can travel quickly and cost-effectively across Cardiff Bus’ comprehensive network. Families of up to 5 can travel around Cardiff and Penarth all day for £9, or across their entire network for £19. Terms and conditions apply.
TRAVEL BY GWR
With a GWR Family Ticket, up to two adults and four children can travel together and save on journeys Cardiff. The Family Ticket can be used by any adults, from grandparents and godparents to parents and friends – in fact, anyone travelling with up to four children. Take the kids to Cardiff Castle for an unforgettable day uncovering 2,000 years of history, go for a sightseeing spin on the 33-metre Giant Wheel, or head to Cardiff Bay for a hands-on science experience at Techniquest, or an action-packed afternoon of exhilarating water sports.
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For information on travelling to Cardiff, and how to get around the City once you’re here, check out our Visitor Information section.
All organisations featured in this blog are part of the Visit Cardiff Network. For more of what to See & Do, Eat & Drink, and where to Stay, please visit our other webpages.