A child in wellies jumps in a muddy puddle. — Outdoor family fun at The Vyne | © National Trust Images / Chris Lacey

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 kneeling woman photographs two boys sat among a swathe of snowdrops in a woodland setting

Place

Chirk Castle and Garden

Start your adventure at Adam Tower to dress up in armour, explore the dungeons, and uncover medieval secrets. Then, head to the outdoor play area at Home Farm, perfect for kids to burn off energy while you enjoy a snack from the nearby kiosk.

Place

Erddig Hall and Garden

Explore the gardens and race down the pleached limes at Erddig, or head to the 17th-century stately home to uncover its fascinating stories. Visit the Wolf’s Den natural play area or join in February half-term crafts and marshmallow toasting for family-friendly fun.

Children on climbing frames in Rook Wood playground, Penrhyn Castle

Place

Penrhyn Castle and Garden

step into the enchanting world of Penrhyn Castle and Garden, where breathtaking views of North Wales meet endless family adventures. From 15 February to 2 March, wander through the magical Rook Wood in your wellies, whip up creations in the mud kitchen, and let your imagination soar with indoor crafts in the ‘Stablau,’ while the Victorian Kitchens bring history to life.

Children having an adventure in the tree house at the natural playground in the Dairy Wood at Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey

Place

Plas Newydd House and Garden

Have fun in the natural play area, make a pie in the mud kitchen and climb up to the treehouse. Look out for red squirrels collecting acorns as you go.

Children playing in the autumn leaves at Bodnant Garden, Conwy, Wales, in October

Place

Bodnant Garden

Bodnant Garden is marking its 150th birthday this autumn. To celebrate, from 19 October – 3 November there will be outdoor party games, activities and a trail of special birthday boxes to find and open along the way.

Volunteer crouched down speaking with children

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.

Family enjoying the snow in the garden at Powis Castle, Powys, Wales

Place

Powis Castle and Garden

Follow the Halloween-inspired step-free pumpkin trail and count how many scared pumpkins you can find hiding in the garden. Find the two friendly dragons that have landed in the informal woodland behind the main garden. Hop on to the saddles on their backs and let your imagination take you on a magical adventure. These magical Wyverns are here for everyone to play upon and enjoy.

Place

Llanerchaeron

Visit the traditional farmyard at Llanerchaeron to meet the animals and to discover the autumnal harvest. You can also get into the Halloween spirit and head on the scarecrow spotter trail. On a rainy day, you can find the Stables play-room open for family fun.

Panning for gold at Dolaucothi Gold Mines

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 the woodland teeming with wildlife. Limited opening, please check the webpage to plan your visit.

Visitors in the gardens at Christmas, Tredegar House, Newport, Wales

Place

Tredegar House

Pick up an Explorer Pack from the visitor centre and use the binoculars, magnifying glass and compass to enhance your autumn adventures. Inside, dress up in period costume and make believe using the interactive puppet station in the house.

Child and parent playing in the Log Stack play area at Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan during the winter

Place

Dyffryn Gardens

Do you dare to take part in the Halloween-inspired Autumn half-term nature trail at Dyffryn Gardens? Afterwards, enjoy the two Log Stack play areas at Dyffryn as you balance along enormous trees, jump from log to log along the stepping stones and have a picnic on hand carved picnic stumps.

Children enjoying a natural play area at Fell Foot, Cumbria

Place

Dinefwr

Dress up and create your own stories in our Woodland Theatre in the Dining Room and make some spooky shadows in the Laundry maze. Afterwards, the Oak Yard play area is a fantastic space for creative play.

A young boy is smiling and swinging on a tree rope swing at Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire as two other children watch him.

Place

Colby Woodland Garden

This special hidden wooded garden in a valley, is a fantastic place to get closer to autumn’s wonders. Why not go on a walk with all the family and tick off ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’? Go foraging for wild food, play conkers, watch a bird, or build a den in the undergrowth.