The summer holidays can sometimes feel a bit daunting as parents try to figure out how to fill the days and with the cost of living crisis affecting many people, this task can seem even harder. Across Wales, there are plenty of free events that will keep children entertained and the bank balance happy.
From sand castle building competitions to food festivals there is so much to enjoy in Wales this summer for free. For your free summer activities inspiration, read our handy guide below. You can read where children can eat for free this summer here and keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here.
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1. StoryTrails
Using archive footage and information and augmented reality you can go back in time in Swansea and Newport this summer. In Swansea the StoryTrails app and local performers will guide you through an immersive tour where you will travel through time and space.
StoryTrails will be at the Civic Centre in Swansea on Wednesday, August 10, and Thursday, August 11 and at the Central Library in Newport on Saturday, August 13, and Sunday, August 14. The event will run from 9am to 5pm on all days.
2. Late night at our museums
You can now get your fix of history well into the evening as two of Wales' national museums are opening for longer. National Museum Cardiff will open until 9pm on the first Thursday of each month for the next year. National Waterfront Museum, Swansea will open until 9pm each Thursday from Thursday, July, 21 until September. The museums are free to visit.
3. The Little Cheese Festival
Yes, you read that right! The Big Cheese Festival is a regular event at Caerphilly but this year it cannot take place in its usual format, due to development works taking place in Caerphilly Castle - but an alternative event is happening, namely Caerphilly Little Cheese Festival.
As well as an amazing cheese market there will be live music, with different music areas, food and drink stalls, craft sessions, and small funfair rides. The Little Cheese Festival is running on Saturday, September 3, and Sunday, September 4, and entry to the festival is free.
4. Splashpads
There is no better way to cool off on a hot summer's day than to visit a splashpad. Wales is home to many splashpads and most are free to enjoy, helping to save the pennies during the school holidays too. You can read more about splashpads in Wales here.
5. Margam Country Park
Margam Country Park in Port Talbot is holding a whole host of activities this summer. You and your family can enjoy a Superhero Summer Spectacular day on Sunday, July 24 where there will be superheroes, shows, singing, and dancing.
On Monday, July, 25 are 'It's A Bugs Life' craft activities to take part in and other events across the summer include A Mad Hatter's Bubble Party and dragon tales storytelling.
6. World Triathlon Para Series
The UK's first-ever standalone World Triathlon Para Series will take place in Swansea this summer. You can go along and show your support at this festival of high-quality insport and competitive para-sports events.
The World Triathlon Para Series will be held in Swansea on Saturday, August 6. There will also be live entertainment, food and drink, and an event village, with the event free to enter. You can read more here.
7. Big Welsh Bite
Taking place at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Rhondda Cynon Taf is another food festival not to be missed. The Big Welsh Bite has not announced its vendors yet and if previous years are anything to go by you will be excited for a feast. Think wood-fired pizzas, Welsh Beef burgers, spiced tikka wraps, churros, fudge, ice cream, candy floss, and more alongside a buzzing beer garden.
Live music and comedy are usually a staple of the weekend and the festival is running on Saturday, August 6, and Sunday, August 7.
8. Wales Coast Path
Get your little ones walking! Wales has 1,370 miles of coastline and you can pretty much walk all of it if you wish to (not all at once, of course).
The Wales Coast path covers so many beautiful walks and views, with different stop-offs for refreshments. Read all you need to know about the Wales Coast Path here.
9. The Big Beach Build
Taking place at Barry Island is the Big Beach Build where amazing sand castles, sand scenes, and sand structures will be created. The event is free and you can enjoy wandering Barry Island Beach (Whitmore Bay) and taking in the incredible art.
The Big Beach Build is running on Saturday, August 13 from 12pm to 4pm. The event is free and you can book your tickets here.
10. Ebbw Vale Owl Sanctuary
Ebbw Vale Owl Sanctuary is free to visit and is open every day during the summer holidays from 9.30am to 5pm. The centre looks after injured birds of any type and you will get to see an array of different birds during your visit.
11. Singleton Park
Hopefully, the summer will bring good weather meaning you can get out and enjoy Singleton Park in Swansea. There is a play area, duck pond, and Botanical and 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 £8 or a concession of £6.
12. Newport Wetlands
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.
13. Gnoll Country Park
Gnoll Country Park in Neath is holding a whole host of free activities this summer holiday. On Monday, July 25 there is Superhero day where children can meet their favourite superheroes, on Tuesday, July 26 is Under the Sea where children can meet sea creatures, and running every Wednesday through the summer holidays is the free Circus Workshops. You can read more about the activities on the Gnoll Country Park website.
14. Insole Court
Insole Court Mansion and stable yard (which includes The Potting Shed Cafe) are open to the public every day. The grounds are open to the public from 7.45am until 9.30pm every day, while the Mansion and café are open from 10am to 4pm.
15. 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.
16. 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 play park and a reconstructed medieval village, the lakes have plenty for little ones to explore. There is also a cafe for refreshments.
17. Senedd
Whether you’ve been before or it’s your first time, visit the Senedd in Cardiff Bay this summer for a fun-packed day where ther will be lots of activities for all ages, ranging from arts and crafts to animation activities. The Senedd summer exhibition, Affairs of the Art, celebrates the work of Joanna Quinn, a renowned figure in animation. If you love to draw and doodle, then come and add your own sketch to a long roll of paper and see your drawing come to life at the end of the summer when it becomes part of the Senedd Animation Reel.
You can also join a guided tour and learn more about Welsh politics, he building’s landmark architecture and the history of Cardiff Bay. The Senedd is open between 10.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Saturday.
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