Children running in the garden at Penrhyn Castle, Wales, in summer — Children run in the garden at Penrhyn Castle | © National Trust / Faye Maher

Family days out in Wales

With fun-filled activities and exciting events, there are plenty of great family days out to be had in Wales. Explore vast Welsh castles, tick off some ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities, or let off steam in natural play areas.

A family visit the meadow at Chirk Castle

Place

Chirk Castle

Polish your armour and grab your shield to take on the summer quest at a Medieval knights' training camp. Climb, balance, and weave your way through obstacles to find the knight’s challenges hidden throughout the mini-maze and field of play.

Place

Erddig

Get set for a summer of play at Erddig. From sporty self-led activities the whole family can enjoy, to storytelling and crafts, there’s plenty to choose. If there’s still energy to burn off, don’t miss Wolf's Den, the natural play area.

A little girl in the garden with buttercups and a Summer of Celebration flag at Penrhyn Castle, Gwynedd, Wales

Place

Penrhyn Castle and Garden

Discover summer activities to entertain the whole family, from racing around the meadow, to dressing up and putting on a performance. Explore the natural play area and find the perfect picnic spot to kick back a summer’s day.

Plas Newydd, Anglesey, Wales. Visitors playing Frisbee Golf.

Place

Plas Newydd House and Garden

Let your creativity shine this summer. Write a poem with pebbles, chalk up a masterpiece in the garden, and see a magic light production in the house. Enjoy family sports day activities, play Frisbee Golf, and run wild in Dairy Wood.

Family looking at the Lily Pond at Bodnant Garden, Conwy, Wales

Place

Bodnant Garden

Fire young imaginations and see the world through the eyes of an insect with Lloyd of the Flies, an animated comedy series from Aardman. Enjoy the interactive activities, alongside family fun throughout the garden all summer long.

Children running in the garden at Plas yn Rhiw in Gwynedd, Wales

Place

Plas yn Rhiw

Pick up a nature pack complete with binoculars and spotter sheet to explore this picture-perfect cottage garden with glorious sea views. Little ones can run wild in the meadow or reconnect with nature as they take on the pollinator trail.

An adult running on the lawn with two small children playing on the grass

Place

Powis Castle and Garden

Get active with family and friends as you enjoy traditional sports and games on the Great Lawn. From crazy woodland golf and croquet to badminton and giant basketball, there’s hours of fun to be had.

Family playing outside Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion Wales

Place

Llanerchaeron

Get messy in the sand and water play area, explore the gardens on balance bikes and visit the farm with its Llanwenog sheep and Welsh cobs. Inside, get competitive with family and friends over a game of Ping Pong.

Visitors walking through a passage of the UK's only known Roman Gold Mine.

Place

Dolaucothi

Pull on your walking boots and explore the UK’s only known Roman Gold Mine (booking essential) or follow the estate’s trails to explore rich meadows and woodland teeming with wildlife.

Family visitors relaxing on the lawn outside Tredegar House, Newport, South Wales, on a sunny day in July.

Place

Tredegar House

The Morgan family’s animals have escaped their Menagerie. Can you spot where they’re all hiding? Find summer games in the garden, dressing up in the house, or for a quieter space to play there are animal-inspired games in the library.

A family playing summer games on the South Lawn at Dyffryn Gardens

Place

Dyffryn Gardens

From badminton on the formal lawns to table tennis in the Cloisters, there's a whole host of sporty challenges to complete for your Dyffryn games medal. Don’t miss the newly improved Log Stack play area too!

Children balance on a low wall around a fountain in the garden at Dinefwr in summer

Place

Dinefwr

Outside, find croquet, hula hoops and a giant chess set, as well as a dedicated space for water play. Head inside for dressing up and creative activities. In the parkland, spot the White Park Cattle, and fallow deer.