Here at Mini Travellers, we find it difficult to stay away from Wales. The beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, extensive history, varied wildlife and welcoming culture makes it one of our favourite staycation destinations. Wales ticks all the boxes when it comes to family travel, avoiding the stresses of everything that comes with travelling abroad, including long journeys, unfamiliar currencies and language barriers.
There is also a wealth of family-friendly activities, accommodating for children of all ages. We’ve put together an ultimate bucket list for you to tick off as many as you can on your next holiday to Wales.
Go Live Young also has a list of Amazing things to do in Wales with kids.
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Castles
Wales has the most castles per square mile than any other country in the world, so why not make the most of it? Whether it’s the magnificent towers of Caerphilly or the historically rich turrets of Chepstow, there’s always something to learn, explore and discover with a trip to a Welsh castle.
What about a trip to the medieval Conwy Castle in Wales which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dolphin-spotting
No matter what age you are, seeing a dolphin is always exciting. In Wales during the summer, it’s somewhat of a daily occurrence! Either take a guided tour on a boat or simply set up camp on a safe, cliffside spot and keep a keen eye on the water. Hot spots include Cardigan Bay, Aberystwyth and Mwnt, but if you can see the sea, have a chance of spotting them.
Zipworld
Head to North Wales, the adventure capital of Europe, and soar through the skies on any of the thrilling zip line routes, including the fastest zip line in the world and the longest in Europe. Kids will love Bounce Below, a load of trampolines set amidst a cave and the whole family will enjoy a ride on the Forest Coaster.
Oakwood Theme Park
A classic family theme park that will always be a great day out for children of all ages. From traditional rides such as a Snake River Falls to the more unique Bobsleigh Run, there’s something to keep everyone happy and entertained for the day. Check out the website for more information about events occurring throughout the year.
Beaches
Wales has a host of beautiful beaches, from the golden sands of Barafundle Bay to the dramatic rocks on the northern most beaches in Anglesey, each one brings something different to the table. Pack a picnic, some beach games, a bucket and spade and some swimmies for those feeling brave, and spend the whole day at the beach.
Folly Farm
If your little ones, or you, love animals, then there’s no better place to visit than Folly Farm. Say hello to all the animals in the barn, before checking out their award-winning zoo, which is home to lions, rhinos, penguins and giraffes. The park also includes a fairground and a large children’s play area, giving you plenty to see and do throughout the day.
Barry Island
Fun for both adults and children alike, the setting to BBC’s popular sitcom Gavin and Stacey proves a fun day out for all. Whether your slotting 2ps at the arcade, playing on the beach or bumping around on the dodgems, the harbour has more than enough to keep everyone busy. Why not finish the day with some delicious fish and chips from the sea front chippy – don’t forget curry sauce!
Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary
Take your own little monkeys to meet the real deal at the Ape and Monkey Sanctuary in the Brecon Beacons. The park has a wealth of animals including chimpanzees, baboons and spider monkeys. If there are any special occasions coming up, why not treat the birthday girl or boy to a ‘Keeper for the day’ experience, where they will be able to get close and personal with the monkeys.
Walk the Coast Path
There are plenty of opportunities to walk various stretches of the coast path all over Wales, each offering fantastic views, beautiful beaches and unrivalled landscapes. If you’re staying in Anglesey holiday cottages, the coast path circumnavigates the Isle and most of the trail falls within an Area of Outstanding Beauty. Make the walk more enjoyable for children by having them look out for dolphins off the coast or stopping at beaches along the way for a play in the sand.
Climb Snowdonia
Perhaps better suited to those with slightly older children, but it could be fun to set yourselves a family challenge of climbing the biggest mountain in Wales. The Llanberis path is fairly unchallenging, and the views from the top are quite simply spectacular; the great backdrop to a family photo! If you do have younger children, you could always opt for taking the train up the mountain, so you don’t miss out on those sensational views.
If you think we’ve missed any, let us know via our social media channels!
NB: This post is in collaboration with Quality Cottages
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Karen Beddow founded Mini Travellers in 2014 while doing what she loves most...going on holiday!
Mini Travellers is for parents looking for holiday ideas, destination reviews, days out and things to do with the kids. We also have family travel tips, activity ideas and all other things family holiday related. Take a look at some of our latest reviews for holidays and day trips in the UK.
Great post on Wales. We live in Wales although have spent the last eight months travelling the world with our three boys aged 13, 11 and 9. Look forward to more on our beautiful country.