February half term is fast approaching and many parents and families will be wondering how to keep the children entertained for the coming weeks. But fear not, as there are loads of family-friendly activities happening in and around the south Wales valleys this half term to keep your little ones busy. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here.
From scenic views of the valleys, and meeting fluffy animals at Wiggley's Fun Farm, to learning horrid history facts at Llancaiach Fawr Manor, there is plenty is going on this half term. In Wales, the February 2023 half term will begin on Monday, February 20 and end on Friday, February 24.
Read more: February half term 2023: 16 free things to do in Wales with all the family
Blaenau Gwent
Visit the Big Pit National Coal Museum
The perfect day out for all ages, as it shares the history of the valleys based on day-to-day life in the former pit. The historical venue is near the county borough of Blaenau Gwent and is open daily 9.30am-4.30pm.
Visit Wales' highest village in Wales
Trefil in Blaenau Gwent often doubles as an alien planet or far away desert in major film and TV productions.
Free art sessions
Aneurin Leisure has set up free art sessions for children aged five to 10 years old in local libraries over half term. In the hour-long sessions, children will be able to create some Tom Fletcher 'In My Book' inspired art pieces. The sessions will take place on:
- Saturday, February 18, between 10.30am-11.30am at Ebbw Vale Library. Call the library to book your FREE place on 01495 355055.
- Monday, February 20, between 11am-12pm at Brynmawr Library. Call the library to book your FREE place on 01495 357743.
- Monday, February 20, between 2pm-3pm at Blaina Library. Call the library to book your FREE place on 01495 290312.
- Thursday, February 23, between 2.30pm-3.30pm at Cwm Library. Call the library to book your FREE place on 01495 35560.
- Saturday, February 25, between 10.30am- 11.30am at Tredegar Library. Call the library to book your FREE place on 01495 357869.
A visit to Parc Bryn Bach
You can go for a long walk around an incredible 340 acres of grass and woodland, which also has a 36-acre lake. You can enjoy a short or long stay amongst nature, by staying at the caravan park with bunkhouses and grab a bite to eat at its cafe to.
Children aged eight to 14 years old can also enjoy a day of fun adventure activities on land and on water at Parc Bryn Bach this half term. Depending on the weather, activities could include caving, climbing wall, bush craft and orienteering or Tiki SUP. The activity wil take place on Friday, February 24, between 9am until 3pm and costs £15 per child. Call 01495 355920 to make a booking.
Visit Six Bells Park
With a gorgeous backdrop of the Welsh mountains, this park offers sporting and recreational facilities as well as a children's play area. According to Fields in Trust, it's likely your thirst won't go unquenched during your visit, as it states: "An active Friends group run a refreshment kiosk with seating". It is also home to Six Bells Bowls and Tennis Clubs. For more information, see here
Bridgend
Take a strole at Bryngarw Country Park
Bryngarw Country Park is the perfect place for a dog walk as it hosts over 100 acres of woodlands, meadows and gardens to explore.
Take a dip at Ogmore By Sea Beach
Dust the cobwebs away and vist one of the most popular beaches for visitors along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast due to its golden sands and rock pools. If you're brave enough, you could also take a winter's dip in the sea.
Visit fury friends at Wiggley's Fun Farm
Enjoy a day out at Wiggley's Fun Farm which hasd a variety of attracktions, from indoor and outdoor adventure play areas to a babies barnyard full or tiny, fluffy animals. You can also enjoy a family picnic in areas throughout their woodland and pond. Wiggley's Fun Farm is open 10am to 5pm on school holidays. Find out more here.
Merthyr Tydfil
Family fun at Garwnant Visitor Centre
There's plenty to entertain the family with a fantastic play area, low ropes course and the Animal Puzzle Trail. You can try the Wern Walk or the Willow Walk for a light bit of exercise or simply relax and enjoy the view with a cup of coffee and a selection of local foods in the restaurant.
Music lovers will enjoy Redhouse Rock School
Redhouse has launched a free two-day rock school for children who are interested in singing, playing electric guitars, bass guitars or drums. On February 20 to February 21, children aged 10 to 13 have the opportunity to learn with a team of professional musicians and there's a seperate session available for those aged 14+ on February 22 to February 23.
Cyfarthfa Park's Playzone
Cyfarthfa Park provides a great day out for the whole family. Set in 160 acres of parkland, choose from relaxing sensory gardens and woodland walks, to an exciting state-of-the-art Splash Pad and Playground - it has something for everyone. The park is also a fantastic event destination and frequently plays host to events, such as horse shows, craft demonstrations, concerts, charity events and fun runs.
Take a step back in time in Llancaiach Fawr Manor
This half term enjoy a horrid history day out at Llancaiach Fawr Manor. Between February 21 to February 24, meet a 17th century doctor, barber surgeon and a wise man. Children can discover some curious cures and preposterous potions. Normal admission price applies. Find out more here.
Rhondda Cynon Taff
Tower Climber at Zip World
For the duration of the English and Welsh half terms Zip World Tower will be open seven days a week. Situated in the Cynon Valley, the Tower Climber which sees you tackling obstacles in the air, as part of a gigantic high ropes course that has 69 elements to it. Read our review of it here . If you're a bit braver you can ride the zip lines or maybe even scoot around on the Tower coaster. This half term, if you book Phoenix you’ll be able to do Tower Climber or Tower Flyer for only £5 - the perfect treat for the whole family.
The Mab Trail
The newly launched Mab Trail is the perfect interactive literary art trail to complete with the whole family this half term. The trail sees a series of interactive story stones and boards placed across Pontypridd, sharing local myths and legends of the town. The Mab Trail starts and finishes at Pontypridd Museum. From there, you can follow the trail to Ynysangharad Park, where four-story stones can be found. On Berw Road Field, story hunters will find three stones and four-story stones at Pontypridd Common.
Rhondda Heritage Park
The Heritage Park is based in the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery in Trehafod. Enjoy a family day out on the Black Gold Tour, which features a fully guided tour with ex-miners and a trip to the pit head buildings. You will also venture underground to experience the life of a coal miner. Admission to this area is free except on special event days. Find out more here.
Kids' Tennis Camp
Children age five to 16 can enjoy a half-day tennis camp in Llantrisant throughout half term for £12 a day. The sessions will include tennis-themed activities such as ice-breakers, tennis drills, games and competitions. The activities will be run by LTA-qualified and accredited coaches with all equipment provided. Sessions run 9.30-12pm for ages five to nine and 12.30pm-3pm for ages 10 to 16. Find out more here.
Dare Valley Country Park
Blow away the cobwebs with a family day out at Dare Valley Country Park, with over 500 acres of woodland to cover and amazing views, wildlife to spot, a laser combat site and even a camping and caravan site. Your little ones can have hours of free fun at their large adventure area with swings, slides, a wooden fort and mini trampoline sets in the ground. Or if you're after a bit more adventure, enjoy Gravity Family Bike Park which allows you to bring your own bikes or hire one on-site. You can make your way up Penrhiwllech Mountain and zoom down the trails. Find out more here.
Rhymney Valley & Caerphilly Borough
Caerphilly Castle
One of the iconic sites in Wales and a place where you should take all your friends and family to enjoy a slice of Welsh history.
Caerphilly mountain
The Caerphilly Mountain walk is an easy hike for those who fancy stretching their legs. There are numerous mapped walks and trails where you can walk with family and friends or take the dog out for a big walk. If you get a bit peckish, you can also enjoy a burger at Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar.
Visit the Sultan Pit Pony
At 200 metres from hoof to muzzle, a galloping pony frozen in time is an imposing monument to the industry which drove Britain through the industrial revolution and put Wales at the centre of world shipping and trade. Sultan the Pit Pony sits on the site of the Penallta Colliery, a few miles north of Caerphilly, which is a popular park for dog walkers and families.
The Eden Centre
Enjoy hours of fun at the Eden Centre with a variety of games to choose from. Children aged five to 12 years old will be entertained with an a 4m high Astra slide, a climbing wall, a cool ball blaster cannon arena, ‘Sky glide' zip wire, a 4m high tube slide and many bridges, rollers, tunnels, and other obstacles to complete. The Eden Centre has three sessions a day available between Mondays and Saturdays, adults and under one's get in for free and children aged one to four costs £4.95 and children aged 5+ costs £5.95. Find out more here.
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