Half term can be a blessing and a curse for busy parents. Sure, it’s wonderful to spend time with the kids, but thinking of ways to keep them entertained can be tricky.
And, in a year when children have been at home more than ever, this October holiday could prove more challenging than usual. Add to that the new rules and regulations on travel, and even the most creative mums, dads, grandparents and care givers will be hard-pressed to keep their little ones happy this half term.
To help out, we’ve put together this half-term survival guide, showcasing some of the best things to see and do in South Wales this October. Fun, safe and affordable, these brilliant day-out ideas can help keep you and your little ones sane this half term.
Visit Oakwood
Oakwood is ready and waiting to welcome you this half term, with all the precautions in place to make sure you and your family can enjoy a memorable day out. There’s something for the whole family to enjoy across the park, from dizzying thrill rides to toddler-friendly attractions, so you can relax and let us take care of the entertainment for a day.
What’s more, from 24 October, Spooktacular returns to Oakwood, giving you the chance to visit the park for an evening of thrills and frights. Whether you want to ride by twilight or experience the ghoulish goings-on of Witch Hunt as it returns for 2020 or one of our new attractions; Alone, Dismantled or Teddy Bear’s Picnic, the Oakwood Spooktacular promises a Halloween like no other.
Hit the Trail
Here in Pembrokeshire, we’re blessed with some of the UK’s best hiking and rambling trails – from the fabled Pembrokeshire Coast Path to the winding country lanes of Stackpole Estate. And, as autumn well and truly sets in, there’s no better time to strap on your walking boots and stride out into nature.
A day’s hike is an easy half-term activity for parents scratching their heads about how to keep the kids entertained. Sure, dragging them away from the PlayStation may take some doing, but once they’re out in the wild, nature offers a reliable distraction. The Visit Pembrokeshire website offers loads of half-term walking inspiration in South Wales, so choose a trail and get out there.
Take in Our Beautiful Castles
Visiting a castle might not sound like your child’s cup of tea – with too much focus on learning, and not enough on fun. But we think our beautiful castles and ruins make for a great day-out opportunity, giving you and the kids the chance to take in some heritage while being out in the great outdoors.
Pembrokeshire is littered with no shortage of imposing castles and fortresses, many of which have fascinating and, at times, dark stories to tell. And it’s here where you can convince your kids it’s worth their time – with the promise of bloody tales and haunted battlements perfect for some pre-Halloween fun. Pembroke, Picton, Carew, Llawhaden and Manorbier are just a handful of the incredible Welsh castles you can visit on your doorstep.
Enjoy a Pedal
Every kid loves a pedal on their trusty bike, so if we’re blessed with nice weather over the half term, a family bike ride should go down a real treat. And what’s stopping you venturing further afield than your local park? With so many cycle-friendly roads and trails throughout South Wales, you can plan a proper two-wheel adventure with your little ones this half term.
When you think of it, cycling is the perfect family day out. It’s free, fun and keeps you fit, and is ideal for getting away from it all if you’re looking to keep a distance from others. From the Celtic Trail to the Lon Teifi Trail, there are several dedicated cycling trails throughout Pembrokeshire, as well as a whole host of other quiet routes that are great for a pedal. Click here to start planning your next family cycling trip.
Get Out on the Water
If you live in or close to Pembrokeshire, you’ll be familiar with the region’s impressive coastline, which is often voted one of the best places in the UK for a waterborne adventure. From surfing to kayaking, coasteering to fishing, there are loads of different ways to enjoy the water in this beautiful region of Wales – all of which offer an excellent day out for you and the family this half term.
October may not sound like the best time to hit the surf, but if you take the right precautions, there’s nothing stopping you making use of the water. Opt to join an organised surf school, coasteering group or kayak trip, for example, and you’ll normally be able to hire cold water gear like wetsuits, so you and your little swimmers can look forward to an exhilarating day out along Pembrokeshire’s beloved beaches.
Pick a Pumpkin
Halloween wouldn’t be complete without carving a classic Jack-o’-lantern, and it’s one of the only All Hallows’ Eve traditions that’s guaranteed this year. But forget buying a pumpkin from the shops, because it’s much more fun to go and pick your own and support local farmers.
In recent years, several pick-your-own-pumpkin farms have emerged across Pembrokeshire, giving your youngsters the opportunity to go out and choose their own Jack-o’-lantern. Pulling on the wellies and trooping through a colourful crop of pumpkins is so much more fun than buying one from the shops, and it gives you the chance to enjoy some fresh air while showing your kids where their favourite Halloween veg comes from.
Have a Go at Horseback Riding
If you’ve never ridden a horse across Pembrokeshire’s beautiful moorland or along its celebrated shores, now’s the time to give it a go. Horseback riding is one of the most popular outdoor pursuits in this part of South Wales, and there are loads of different stable yards where you and the kids can rock up and give it a go.
Whether you’re an absolute novice or know a thing or two about riding, a gentle mounted ride through the Welsh countryside promises an unforgettable day out this half term. If you often struggle to get the kids walking or showing an interest in the great outdoors, introducing horse riding into the mix could be just the way to pique their interest and draw them away from their smartphone.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to some of the best things to see and do in Pembrokeshire, and that it inspires you to get out there this half term. Despite restrictions, we believe it’s still possible to spend quality time with your family – whether that means picking a pumpkin, hitting the surf or enjoying a fun-filled day out at Oakwood.
For more information about Oakwood, including our Spooktacular Halloween event, or to book your tickets online, visit the homepage or visit our Facebook page.