February half term does not need to break the bank as the cost of living crisis continues. There are plenty of great free activities and events across Wales, meaning your children will be entertained without you spending a penny.
From science events at the Cardiff Metropolitan University and learning about Welsh culture in Swansea there's lots to enjoy for all the family. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here.
READ MORE: The best places you can still book to stay in Wales for February 2023 half term
In Wales, the February 2023 half term will begin on Monday, February 20 and end on Friday, February 24. Here are some of the best free activities to enjoy in Wales during that time.
1. Cardiff Science Festival 2023
Taking place at Cardiff Metropolitan University, at their Llandaff Campus, is a full day of free science and tech workshops as part of Cardiff Science Festival 2023. The workshops will be taking place at the start of half term on Saturday, February 18, from 10am to 4pm.
Workshops will include examining red blood cells under a microscope; building robots; learning about genes, antibodies and viruses; cyber security and game mechanics; how to code; blood pressure measurement and viewing blood vessel health digitally. Attendees can also try out Cardiff Met’s games lab activities and racing simulators.
You can register for the event here or just show up on the day.
2. Croeso Festival - Swansea
A free two-day festival is coming to Swansea featuring big-name chefs and live music. Celebrating all things Welsh, the event will take place on Friday, February 24, and Saturday, February 25.
Taking place each day from 11am until 4pm the event, organised by Swansea Council in association with First Cymru and with support from Welsh Government’s Food & Drink Wales, will feature food and drink at its heart with a dedicated marquee in Portland Street for a packed programme of cooking demonstrations. You can read more here.
3. His Dark Materials: World Building in Wales - Swansea
You can enjoy a free exhibit and behind-the-scenes look at the hit BBC One drama His Dark Materials, adapted from the Philip Pullman novels, at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery in Swansea. For the first time in this major exhibition, visitors will be able to see costumes, concept art, Visual Effects footage, props and more from across all three seasons.
The exhibition is at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery until Sunday, April 23 and the art gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm with last entry at 4.30pm.
4. Pop-up stalls at Elan Valley Visitor Centre - Rhayder
Taking place at the Elan Valley visitors centre is a mini arts market, as pop-up stalls fill the centre. You can browse the stalls and help support local artists on Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19. The stalls will be at the centre from 10am to 4pm.
5. Up, balloon workshops and St David's Day celebrations at National Waterfront Museum - Swansea
There is plenty going on at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea this half term. You can enjoy a free showing of the film Up on Sunday, February 19 at 2.30pm, and balloon arts and crafts every day from Monday, February 20 to Wednesday, February 22 from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
There are also lots of St David's day events taking place including making a dragon headdress every day from Friday, February 24 to Sunday, February 26 from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, learning the national anthem on Saturday, February 25 at 11am and the St David's day party from 12pm to 4pm on Sunday, February 26.
6. Pancake day
Pancake day falls during the February half-term! Taking place on Tuesday, February 21 you don't need to go out and spend money on pancakes when you can have lots of fun making them at home. Read some of our tips for making the perfect pancakes here.
7. Wildlife arts and crafts, mindfulness art and soft play yoga at Margam Park
Margam Park also has lots going on in the February half term. On Monday, February 20 you can make a mask of your favourite animal, on Tuesday, February 21 you can learn about mindfulness art and enjoy soft play yoga and on Thursday, February 23 you can enjoy the interactive storytelling of Goldilocks and the Magic Porridge Pot.
8. Face painting at Miniso - Cardiff
The fun store Miniso, in St David's Centre in Cardiff, is offering free face painting. Children can have their face painted with their favourite animals and characters right there in store.
The free face painting will take place in store from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, February 18.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. National Museum Cardiff
The city centre museum is great for families, and there are plenty of exhibitions for children to explore. From dinosaurs and woolly mammoths to some of Europe’s best collections of art, there’s something on offer for everyone.
12. 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 refurbished playpark and a reconstructed medieval village, the lakes have plenty for little ones to explore. There is also a cafe for refreshments. Find out more here.
13. Insole Court, Cardiff
Insole Court Mansion and stable yard (which includes The Potting Shed Cafe) is open to the public at Llandaff in Cardiff every day between 10am and 4pm and is free to visit. The only paid element of the mansion is the exhibition 'This House is a Stage'.
14. Barry Sidings Country Park
You'll never regret an afternoon at Barry Sidings just outside Pontypridd. There are 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.
15. Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare
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
16. Singleton Park, Swansea
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 greenhouse and koi fish pond - and the Ornamental Gardens to explore.
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