Unbelievably the school holidays have rolled around again and from Monday, February 21 is the half term week here in Wales.
With household bills going up in price you might be keen on finding something free to do in your area, or at least nearby.
We have a mix of indoor and outdoor options and we do hope the weather improves as half term goes on.
Read more : 13 perfect places for a day out with the kids in Rhondda Cynon Taf
For the time being, here are some ideas of places you can go in Wales, to keep you and the kids entertained, without spending a whole lot. We've included a few free activities we've found, but if you have one planned, please email stephanie.colderick@walesonline.co.uk and we can add them in.
1. National Museum Cardiff
The city centre museum is back open, and there’s plenty of exhibitions for children to explore.
From dinosaurs and wooly mammoths to some of Europe’s best collections of art, there’s something on offer for everyone.
Admission is free but booking a ticket through their website is recommended.
Where: Cardiff CF10 3NP
2. National Waterfront Museum
Swansea’s National Waterfront Museum tells the story of Wales’ industrial history over the last 300 years.
Open every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the museum is free to enter, however, you should book a free ticket beforehand so as not to be turned away.
Tickets will be released on a weekly basis every Wednesday for visits on the following Wednesday,Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
You can book ahead here .
Where: National Waterfront Museum, Oystermouth Rd, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3RD
3. St Fagan’s National Museum of History
This free museum on the outskirts of Cardiff, set in 100-acres of parkland, is one of Wales’ most popular heritage sites.
Craftsmen demonstrate their traditional skills, and their produce is usually on sale.
Having recently re-opened after restrictions were lifted, visitors are recommended to book free tickets before attending the site.
Where: Cardiff CF5 6XB
4. Insole Court
Insole Court Mansion and stable yard (which includes The Potting Shed Cafe) is open to the public every day between 10am and 4pm and is free to visit. The only paid element of the mansion is our exhibition 'This House is a Stage'.
Where: Insole Court, Cardiff, CF5 2YN
5. Fforest Fawr Sculpture Trail
While Castell Coch is not free to enter, it is surrounded by ancient woodland, full of different walking and mountain biking trails.
One of these trails is the Fforest Fawr sculpture trail , with wood carvings of the animals that used to roam the woods for children to spot.
Just around the corner is the Forest Stoves and Fires Cafe where you can stop for a cup of tea.
Where: Fforest Fawr Car Park, CF83 1NG
6. Bute Park
With 130 acres of gardens and parkland set just behind Cardiff Castle, there’s plenty to explore in Bute Park.
For children, there is a story trail that families can follow, starting on Castle Street. There are five steps along the way with a story about a witch’s spell to follow.
Where: Castle West Lodge, Castle St, Cardiff CF10 1BJ
7. Singleton Park
The play area located at the bottom of Singleton Park has now re-opened. Set just behind the duck pond, children can play in the park for free, or feed the ducks.
The wide expanse of Singleton Park also offers the Botanical Gardens - with a green house and koi fish pond - and the Ornamental Gardens to explore.
Or, if you’re willing to pay, take a trip on a swan or dragon boat around Singleton Boating Lake. The boats are open to use between 11am and 5pm with a standard price of £3.15 or a concession of £2.65.
The site is operating in line with Welsh Government Guidelines and have appropriate measures in place.
Where: Mumbles Rd, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8PY
8. Cosmeston Lakes, Penarth
The lakes, located just outside of Penarth, have plenty of spaces for picnicking and wooden walkways so you can walk around the lakes.
With a recently refurbished play park and a re-constructed medieval village, the lakes have plenty for little ones to explore. Car parking is free and there’s a cafe for refreshments.
Find out more here .
Where: Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Lavernock Rd, Penarth, CF64 5UY
9. Newport Wetlands, Newport
The Newport nature reserve is open daily for people to spot the numerous species of birds in this haven for wildlife.
With an outdoor children’s play area, the centre welcomes children and families.
Where: W Nash Rd, Newport, NP18 2BZ
10. National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon
The National Roman Legion Museum allows you to step back in time and see what life was like for Romans that built the Caerleon fort in Wales over 200 years ago.
You can see ruins of the fort, Roman artifacts, and even download a Caerleon app with games and audio tours for children.
The museum is open between Thursday and Saturday, as well as on Bank Holiday Monday.
You will need to book free tickets in advance of your visit to the museum.
Where: High St, Caerleon, Newport, NP18 1AE
11. Park Lives
ParkLives is offering a range of sporting events for children throughout half term across Swansea’s parks.
From multi-sports to specific classes on squash, tennis, and dodgeball, children from as young as 2 can participate in age bracketed activities.
You need to book a place in advance and children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Find out more via their website here .
Where: Across various Swansea parks.
12. Big Pit
Visit a real coal mine and find out about Wales’ mining heritage at Big Pit. While the underground tour remains closed, you can still wander through a multi-media tour in the Mining Galleries.
The museum is free to enter, but you will need to book in advance here .
Where: Pontypool, NP4 9XP
13. Margam Park
With 1,000 acres of park and woodland, there’s plenty to keep the whole family busy.
Spot deer in the surrounding parkland, explore the gardens of Margam Orangery or visit the fairytale village and outdoor playground. While the park is free to enter, you have to pay for parking and can book in advance, Find out more here .
Where : Margam Country Park , Margam, Neath Port Talbot SA13 2TJ
14. Free events & activities
There are various free activities, groups, play sessions across south Wales that might interest your young ones, from writing and performing workshops in Swansea, put on by the Urdd ( click here ), or the Vale Play Development Team have various play rangers workshops around the borough, click here to find out more.
And in RCT, specifically the Tonteg and Llantwit Fadre area, there's a free family cooking workshop, find out about that, here.
For more in your area check out local council websites for latest events.
15. Barry Sidings Country Park
You'll never regret an afternoon at Barry Sidings just outside Pontypridd. There's walking trails, bike trails and a play park for little ones and if you're minded, a great cafe to get a hot chocolate at.
Where : Pontypridd CF37 2PE
16. 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.
Where: Glamorgan St, Aberdare CF44 7RG
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