What are you looking for?
Cardiff is a top destination for kids and adults alike.
Whether you are looking for something for the little ones, teens, or something for all the family – our capital is ready to deliver exciting half-term memories this February!
Scroll for free events, family-friendly ticketed activities, where to stay and how to travel.
Wales’ Half Term Dates: Monday 12th to Friday 16th February
FUN & FREE
ILLUMINATED REEDS SYMPHONY: FREE INTERACTIVE LIGHT EXPERIENCE
FREE / Canal Quarter, Churchill Way
ARTES MUNDI FAMILY DROP-IN SESSIONS
FREE / National Museum Cardiff / 14th and 15th February
The National Museum invites families to celebrate the work of Rushdi Anwar, Alia Farid and Mounira Al Solh by creating your own artworks. Designed for 5-10 year olds (but everyone is welcome) this workshop encourages children to explore sculpture, textiles and drawing techniques. Parents or guardians must accompany children under 16 at all times. Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy! No need to book – call into the museum.
THE CIRCUS IS IN TOWN
FREE / Mermaid Quay / 10th February and 17th February
Get ready for an acrobatastic takeover on the Cardiff Bay waterfront. Visitors will be able to enjoy spectacular costumes and jaw-dropping skills and take part in the activities themselves at family friendly workshops. Why not explore what else the Quay has to offer? It is the perfect place for dining out or relaxing over a drink in one of the 30+ restaurants, bars and cafés.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
Don’t forget to buy your ticket in advance
JUMP RIGHT IN
£12 pp / Buzz Trampoline Park, Llanishen / Age 6+
BUZZ Open Jump is the core session that gives you access to the entire park facilities for an hour of healthy, active, fun. The giant inflatable course is jam packed with fun activities and challenges.
From a 6m drop slide to a 50m obstacle course and much much more. The sheer size of this thing will take your breath away. Buzz are no longer just a trampoline park – they are much, much more!
DON’T DO THIS AT HOME
£2 pp / Techniquest, Cardiff Bay / Various days & times
Have you ever thought about making a bazooka from a vacuum cleaner or using your toaster as a hot air balloon? Hopefully not, but if you’d like to see how it could be done, go to Techniquest for their Don’t Do This at Home show. Find out why you shouldn’t put metal in a microwave and what you should never put in your toilet. This show is full of thrilling science demonstrations using simple household equipment that you should definitely not try at home.
ADVENTURE GOLF
Various prices / Treetop Golf, St David’s Dewi Sant / Open from 10am for half term
With two, indoor, 18-hole mini golf courses – there’s plenty to keep your little explorers entertained. Tackle the Tropical Trail together and explore our Mystic Wood or brave the ruins of the Ancient Explorer. Whichever route you choose, don’t forget to take on the Bonus 19th hole for a chance to win a free round. You can also grab a snap at the free photo booth to take home a treasured memory from your visit. Grab handmade pizza from Pizza Cabana, tropical drinks from The Thirsty Toucan and freshly brewed coffee from the Jungle Buzz Café.
CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL WHITE WATER
International Sports Village, £35 per person Age 6+
No need to worry about the winter weather when you book an Indoor Wave session! Using a bodyboard, and with the help of an instructor, ride the jets of water while laying down on the board, or if you are feeling more adventurous try balancing on your knees (not a standing/surfing activity). The 90 min session includes kitting up, a safety briefing and de-kitting at the end.
TOUR PRINCIPALITY STADIUM
City Centre / Use code – VISITCARDIFF – to get 20% discount when booked online
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, Central Square
Looking for something different to entertain the kids over the half term? 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.
JURASSIC WALES
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.
TASTY TREATS
BIG MOOSE COFFEE CO
Frederick Street, City Centre
If you’re looking for a great spot for a coffee or some lunch this half term then head to Big Moose Coffee Co, a not-for-profit coffee shop with the friendliest team of people to greet you. Pop in to see the team for some breakfast, brunch or lunch. They serve a wide range of delicious dishes, all of which can be made gluten free and/or vegan. Or if you just fancy popping in for a coffee then one of the fresh cakes or brownies might take your fancy (also vegan and gf options available).
CHANCE & COUNTERS
High Street, City Centre
Head to this premier Board Game Café, offering 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.
ST DAVID’S DEWI SANT FOOD COURT
The Hayes
Whether you want a burger loaded with toppings or a vegan salad, a quick bite or a meal to remember, it’s all at St David’s from morning to night. Grab and go or stay and enjoy, it’s up to you! Packed with restaurants to suit every palette, from TGI Fridays for a family feast, to Nando’s. The Hayes area is also packed with tasty venues, including Wahaca, The Ivy, Gaucho, Giggling Squid, Cosy Club and Ivy Asia.
STAY A WHILE
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, ice buckets, and our ice machine, which you can help yourself to. 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
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, and catch all the action of the Six Nations while you’re here!
CLAYTON HOTEL
St Mary St
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 are less restricted than when staying at hotels and 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
EXPLORE CARDIFF BY BOAT
Cardiff Boat Tours ‘Princess Katharine’ is a heated 90 seat water taxi. 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. Alternatively, enjoy an hour-long tour from either boarding point. 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.
TRANSPORT FOR WALES TRAINS
Kids go free on Transport for Wales trains when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
Important things to note before you travel;
- 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 this half term 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.
Getting away is now even better value for money! Selected routes. Terms apply.
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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.