Forget the usual attractions: Wales is the ideal destination for any family after an epic adventure. Whether it’s go-kart-racing, canal boat-cruising, or underground-trampolining in a Welsh slate mine (yes, you can!), there’s a whole host of family-friendly activities for everyone here.
We’ve scoured the country from Bridgend to Bala and found seven family adventures for a day out that your kids will remember forever.
1. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wrexham – North Wales
Take on the most epic canal-boat trip ever! Known as the ‘stream in the sky’ this navigable aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee in northeast Wales. It is 307 metres long and 38 metres high above the river, boasts 18 piers and 19 arches, holds a whopping 1.5 million litres of water, took ten years to design, and was completed in 1805.
This is the perfect adventure for any family who loves making a splash – dare you cross it?
2. Bounce Below, Blaenau Ffestiniog – North Wales
Feel the spring in your step – literally!
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to bounce on a giant trampoline in a cavern that’s twice the size of St Paul’s Cathedral (who hasn’t?), this is your chance! Bounce Below is the world’s only underground trampoline and it’s buried deep under the Welsh slate mines, accessible only by train. Did we mention that it’s also magically lit by an LED light show?
3. Doctor Who Experience, Cardiff – South Wales
Scaredy cats, beware! This Cardiff attraction is home to many monsters from the popular TV series, which – in case you didn’t know – is filmed in Wales. Whovians can step inside the TARDIS and go on an adventure with the Doctor, but that’s not all: you’ll also have the opportunity to come face-to-face with costumes that date back to 1963, hear all about the backstage stories, and interact with some of the props – including the actual TARDIS used for filming!
4. Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, Kilgetty – South Wales
Fancy being a zookeeper for the day? Of course you do!
Though a farm by name, there’s actually an onsite zoo housing over 250 creatures from more than 50 species – so come and treat yourself to a giraffe- or penguin-feeding experience! Few places in Wales can rival Folly Farm for a fun and educational family adventure, and you’ll leave here understanding why it’s been rated the 10th best zoo in the world by TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.
5. Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes, Bridgend – South Wales
This is an area of Special Scientific Interest and was used for some of the desert scenes in the 1962 Hollywood blockbuster, Lawrence of Arabia (incidentally, T.E. Lawrence was Welsh). The warren you see now is all that’s left of what was once the largest sand dune complex in the country. These days, many families come to climb the enormous dunes, or better still, you can sled down them at great speed – an adventure you definitely don’t want to miss!
6. Supakart, Newport – South Wales
The race is on: channel your inner Lewis Hamilton at a go-kart track.
Speed is the aim of the game. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, come and strap yourself into a 200cc, 45mph kart, and race along the multi-level indoor track, whizzing pass banked bends, hairpins, a tunnel, and a 450-foot bridge. This is the ideal activity for any family who have kids keen to get behind the wheel.
7. Oakwood Theme Park, Pembrokeshire – South Wales
Oakwood is Wales’ biggest theme park, boasting over 40 family-friendly rides and attractions that are jam-packed with excitement for children and adults alike.
On top of the classic Treetops, Megafobia, and Drenched, we also have a Neverland-themed area that brings the magical world of JM Barrie’s Peter Pan to life. You can let your kids fly away with Peter, the Lost Boys, Tinkerbell, and the Darling children… all the way from Kensington Gardens to the faraway islands that are home to fairies and pirates!
Well, what are you waiting for? This way to Neverland – book your tickets now!
