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What's On in Cardiff during the Summer Holidays?
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 16 exciting activities for you to enjoy as a family. 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.
1. BLACK TOWER TALES
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. Book at the Cardiff Castle office.
2. RED DRAGON CENTRE
Summer staycations have never looked so good at The Red Dragon Centre in Cardiff Bay. From cheeky lunches and big screen movies to bowling bonanzas and great amusements, theyâve got you covered this summer with great entertainment and dining all under one roof. Customers can also enjoy hassle-free parking and stay up 6 hours FREE with ANPR validation.
Whatever the weather, memories are always guaranteed at this home of fun! Sound good? Check out the latest, including the most up to date Visitor Guidance and Covid-19 safety measures here.
3. FAMILY FUN PARK CARDIFF BAY
The Family Fun Park at Cardiff Bay is now open! Rides include Dodgems, Twister, The Runaway Train, Bungee Trampolines, Water Boats and much more.
There’s also funfair food to keep energy levels up with The Grill and sweet treats including donuts, crepes, ice cream and more. View the event here.
4. AMGUEDDFA CYMRU â NATIONAL MUSEUM WALESâ SLEEPOVERS FROM HOME
Ready to blast off? Amgueddfa Cymru â National Museum Walesâ Sleepovers from Home are going into Space! Join the museum to go where nobody has gone before and learn everything about the universe in a night at the Museum from home!
Build a Space Station den, make moon rocky road and rocket fuel to keep you energised and settle down for a film before bed. The whole family can join in the weekend for the price of one ticket at ÂŁ5 (plus an Eventbrite booking fee). Find out more and book your ticket.
5. 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.
6. TECHNIQUEST
Experience a day out like no other this summer, right in the heart of Cardiff Bay! Techniquest now has over 50 brand-new exhibits just waiting to be discovered and will be open every day throughout the summer holidays for you to come and explore.
Whatever age you are, thereâs plenty for everyone to get stuck in to â including a virtual operating table, a hurricane wall and even an earthquake simulator. And if that wasnât enough, thereâs also a brand-new Dinosaur science theatre show available to see, too. Book your tickets here.
7. AQUA PARK
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
8. TEACH REX AT DEPOT
Join Teach Rex at DEPOT for an educational, dinosaur family show. Delivered by two primary school teachers, the team will delve into the jaws of one of the most magnificent dinosaurs to ever roam planet earthâŠ. the TREX!
Children will be greeted by baby dinosaurs and given a âDino Bookletâ, which includes a variety of educational activities designed by teachers. You will also be provided with coloured crayons. All of this is included in the price of a ticket for this educational experience delivered by teachers. Book online here.
9. CARDIFF BOAT TOURS
This summer Cardiff Boat Tours are offering our popular water taxi service on board Princess Katharine – ideal for travelling to and from Cardiff Bay or Bute Park or a relaxing hour long cruise from either boarding point. We are also excited to have available our 7 seat vintage open boat Singfly – the perfect family treat.
Princess Katharine departs Cardiff Bay on the hour every day from 10am to 4pm and Singfly can be booked by phone to 07445440874 or e mail to cardiff.boat.tours@gmail.com. The booth on the lower boardwalk is manned daily from 9.30am to 4pm for information on both boats.
10. FOOTBALL FIESTA
Football Fiesta are open and looking forward to welcoming all ages and abilities to our indoor Football Fan Park. It doesnât matter what your skill level is there is something for everyone and they are open every day of the holidays for family fun, team challenges and more.
There are also Bambino Ballers sessions for pre-school age on Thursday Mornings; âHere Come the Girlsâ female-only sessions on Thursday Afternoons and Quiet Sessions on Thursday Evenings. Everyone is welcome to come down, blow off some steam and have loads of fun! Book here now or call 0330 055 3263.
11. SUMMER OF SMILES
Itâs time to put smiles back on the faces of Cardiffâs children, young people and families. Cardiff Councilâs Child Friendly team have organised a #summerofsmiles festival packed full of family-focused, child-friendly activities to give them something to smile about, celebrate their resilience and achievements during the past year as well as focus on their wellbeing.
Activities across a range of themes include science & tech, creative arts, sport & adventure, play & family fun mean thereâs something for all ages and abilities. Discover more here.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. CARDIFF CASTLE PUBLIC SQUARE
If youâre planning a trip in to Cardiff and would like a lovely spot to relax after hitting the shops, or you want to catch up with friends in a socially distanced setting, then come and use the public square in the beautiful setting of the Castleâs outer lawn.
Free access includes the Public Square, The Keep Terrace, Gift Shop, Visitor Information Point and Public toilets. A selection of meals, light bites and hot and cold drinks will be available at The Keep Terrace kitchen and bar. More information here.
15. ST FAGANS NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY
One of the world’s 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.
This museum holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Wales because it is a peopleâs museum, where you can explore history together through peopleâs everyday lives. Discover more here.
16. PRINCIPALITY STADIUM TOURS
Come view the greatest stadium in the world and feel what itâs like to be a champion with a unique Champions Lap of Honour pitch side tour. Led by one of knowledgeable guides who will tell you everything you need to know about from the semi-artificial pitch surface, to how the stadium is transformed to host some of the biggest events in the world!
From 28th July to 5th September the Guinness Six Nations Trophy and Triple Crown will be on display so you can bag the ultimate supporter selfie!   Tickets from only £6.95. Book your tickets here.
FAMILY ACCOMMODATION
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS CARDIFF BAY
Why not treat the family to a Summer Staycation package? (2 adults, 2 children sharing). Includes breakfast daily and a main course each night per person with a bottle of wine to share for the grown ups and unlimited soft drinks for the kids.
Situated on the waterfront area of the old East Dock of Cardiff Bay and only 15 minutesâ walk from Cardiff city centre, it’s the ideal base to explore the local area! Discover more & book here.
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
Cardiff Bus are running special summer services so you can enjoy your staycation including reduced family tickets during the school holidays. Find out more here.
TRAINS
Remember to check the train Capacity Checker on the Transport for Wales website before you purchase your tickets, this helps indicate the often full trains and the ones with plenty of seats available.
For further information on getting around, parking, mobility buggies & maps, check out our Visitor Information page.