When it comes to days out in the Valleys we are quite spoilt for choice.
From cheap and cheerful visits to parks and beauty spots, to zip wires to play areas - there is lots of choice when it comes to finding something interesting to do with the little ones.
With half-term fast approaching you may be trying to think of some ways to keep the kids occupied during the school break. Luckily, we've got you covered.
Read more: 50 of the best family days out in south Wales
Here are some places that are perfect to take the kids for a day out in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Sometimes it's surprising just how much choice we have right on our doorsteps.
1. Ynysangharad Park
Ynysangharad War Memorial Park is the perfect place to go when the weather is on your side.
There's plenty to do from taking a stroll around the park, to visiting the children's play area and there's also a little coffee shop.
Not to mention you also have the Lido during the summer season.
You really don't need to spend a lot to have a great day at the park - you could even take a picnic.
2. Zip World
If you fancy a day packed full of adventure and excitement you could book tickets to visit Zip World.
The site at the former Tower Colliery is home to the world's fastest seated zipline, which can get up to speeds of 70mph over the Llyn reservoir, nestled at the foot of the Rhigos mountain.
Riders can also whip across the forestry at the Tower site at a second, smaller four-person zipline which lands you back at the base of the park near the welcome centre and Cegin Glo, the 176-seater restaurant that also has an outdoor area for 100 people.
Prices vary, and you can find out more about the attraction and what's on offer here.
3. Spot Climbing
Spot is a dedicated centre for some of the best bouldering in South Wales, and you can find it on Treforest Industrial Estate.
The team cater for all abilities from experienced climbers to children and group parties.
You can also book a beginner's session if you feel more comfortable having some guidance.
The facility is closed on Mondays, but you can find out more about how to book a session here.
Prices for general admission start from £7.50 per adult, and £5.50 for under-14s.
4. Maerdy Reservoir
Many of the locals would recommend the Maerdy reservoirs as a top place of local beauty.
They're situated at the top of the Valley beyond the old mining town of Maerdy and - if the weather is on your side - you're promised to see some lovely views.
The picture pretty much does the talking on this one, but you can see the area looks pretty stunning.
A lush little spot go for a stroll if you fancy trying somewhere different.
5. Barry Sidings Country Park
This lovely little spot is the perfect place to go on a sunny afternoon.
There are paths that lead to the surrounding mountains as well as bike hire, and there's also a play area for the little ones.
You can walk around the pond and feed the ducks, take a picnic and relax or just catch up with a friend and let the little ones play.
There's also a lovely little cafe - aptly named Barry Sidings Cafe - that serves up some pretty tasty-looking burgers and loaded fries.
6. Rhondda Heritage Park
If you're looking for somewhere that will teach the kids all about our local history, a visit to the Rhondda Heritage Park should be able to do just that.
You can book to take part in the Black Gold Experience Underground Tour, which is led by guides who all worked the coal mines of the Rhondda Valleys.
The team will tell tales of life underground, and the history of the Black Gold that was shipped from the Rhondda around the globe. It even ends with a ride on a dram.
You can also see some of the exhibitions when you visit the site.
Prices start from £7.45 for adults and £5.50 for a child. You can find out more about prices and how to book here.
7. The Royal Mint Experience
If you pop down to Llantrisant you can have another fascinating day out.
The Royal Mint Experience is the only place in the world where you can watch the United Kingdom’s coins being made.
Visitors are able to go behind the scenes, and follow the journey of a coin from a blank to a bank in the Guided Factory Experience.
Ticket prices vary, but you can find out more about what the experience entails and what's on offer at the site here.
8. Stay & Play Soft Play
If you're looking for a soft play area to visit, Stay & Play in Pontypridd town centre is a good spot, especially if it's a rainy day.
It opened its doors last year, and has a large area for the kids to play when you can catch up with family or friends and have a cuppa and a cake at the cafe.
Stay & Play is the perfect spot for a relaxed day out, and you could even do a bit of shopping or have a stroll around the park afterwards.
9. Dare Valley Country Park
Dare Valley Country Park contains over 200 acres of open space, and the area is packed with things to do.
It’s home to the Gravity Family Bike Park, where riders can take on mountain-side trails, and the country park is also a Dark Sky Wales site, which means it offers perfect night sky conditions for gazing at the stars and taking in the world's natural beauty.
If you plan to take the little ones here, they'll love the huge adventure playground, which has enough slides, swings and climbing frames for all to enjoy.
Not to mention there is also a smaller toddler play area for the littler ones near the visitor centre and reception.
10. CwmClydach Countryside Park
This is yet another gorgeous spot you could visit that makes for a scenic and peaceful day out.
The area can only be described as an oasis of calm, wildlife and gorgeous views that have been created from the blackened scar of a coal mine.
Families are sure to have a lovely day at CwmClydach Countryside Park, as it offers a range of walks, as well as the chance to spot kingfishers, herons and butterflies.
There are two lakes, which are known locally as the “top lake” and “bottom lake”, as well as waterfalls.
The area is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful walk, feed the ducks and have a cuppa in the cafe.
11. Make the most of the Taff Trail
This is another great example of how you can make the most of the local area.
The trail runs for 55 miles from Brecon to Cardiff, and you can join it at many points across the trail.
It makes for a beautiful bike ride or walk out, and you can make the stroll as short or as lengthy as you wish.
12. Legends, Ghosts and Castles and Warriors in Llantrisant
You can go back in time in ancient Llantrisant, and take a deeper look at the castle ruins and the area's past.
Discover more at Llantrisant Guildhall, where you can find out more about what's on offer at the moment.
There are sessions where families can learn about everything from fearless warriors to dragons, ghosts and medieval legends. Both history walks and ghost walks are usually on offer.
13. Llanwonno Forestry
Llanwonno Forestry is surrounded by stories of myths and legends.
Not to mention it's also the former training ground of Guto Nyth Bran, who was once the fastest man in the world, and the inspiration for the Nos Galan Road Races.
It’s a great place to take the kids as there's plenty to do and see. There's a reservoir, forestry and also the Pistell Golau waterfall.
You could even pop into he Brynfynnon Hotel for a cold drink after your walk. For more information, look at the route.
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