The Queen's Platinum Jubilee and the May half-term means it can be a very busy time for families. There is lots going on across Wales for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee — read our extensive guide here — but you may be looking for some activities that will not break the bank.
Across Wales there are free activities this May half term, meaning you won't need to spend money to have a fun-filled day. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to our newsletter here. From character trails to splash pads there are plenty of free activities to keep the family entertained.
READ MORE: Events for all the family for May half term and the Queen's Jubilee Bank Holiday
HMS Severn
The impressive naval ship the HMS Severn is coming to Cardiff for the Jubilee. The ship will be at Britannia Quay from the start of the half term, Monday, May, 30. Named after the River Severn the ship measures a huge 79.5 metres long and although tickets have sold out to board the ship, you do not want to miss catching it in Cardiff from the shore.
Gnoll Country Park
Gnoll Country Park in Neath is holding a whole host of free activities this half term. On Monday, May, 30 there will be a Mr Tumble Tribute, on Tuesday, May, 31 Train the Dragon, on Thursday, June, 2 Dinosaurs in the Park and so much more. You can find out more information on the Gnoll Country Park website.
Victoria Park Splash Pad
The splash pad in Victoria Park, Cardiff, is opening just in time for the Jubilee and the May half term. The splash pad will open on Thursday, June, 2, and is free to enjoy. You can read more about the Victoria Park splash pad here and find the best playgrounds in Wales here, all worth a special journey.
National Museum Cardiff
Always free to enter, the National Museum Cardiff provides a great day out. From natural history to impressive art collections there is something for all the family. The museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am to 5pm.
A Dog's Trail
If you haven't yet been on an adventure to find all the Snoopy sculptures around Cardiff, Caerphilly and Porthcawl now is your chance. The trail will finish on Sunday, June, 5, and features 115 Snoopy figures. A Dog's Trail app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store and you can pick up physical copies of maps from various outlets across the trail route including from Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre in Cardiff and the A Dog’s Trail Shop in Mermaid Quay. Read more about the Snoopy trail here.
Beacon Lighting
To celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, beacons will be lit across Wales on Thursday, June, 2. From Cardiff to Llandudno many towns and cities in Wales are taking part. The beacon lightings are free to attend, and many have other activities such as music and fireworks also taking place. The beacons will be lit at 9.45pm on Thursday, June, 2.
Ebbw Vale Owl Sanctuary
Ebbw Vale Owl Sanctuary is free to visit and is open every day during half term 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.
National Waterfront Museum
Swansea's National Waterfront Museum is free to enter and tells the story of Wales’ industrial history over the last 300 years. The museum is open every day from 10am to 5pm and is currently running some great exhibitions including Trawsnewid and The Great Circus.
Wye Valley River Festival
Also running across the May half term is the Wye Valley River Festival. This innovative arts organisation is running different exhibitions, activities, and productions in Monmouthshire. The festival is running until Sunday, June, 5 and many of the events are free to attend.
Llanrumney Hall Summer Fete
For an action-packed day head to the Llanrumney Hall Summer Fete on Thursday, June, 2. There will be African drumming, an animal petting zoo, children's games, live music from local bands, a bouncy castle and so much more. The fete is free to enter and will be running at Llanrumney Hall from 11am to 4pm on Thursday, June, 2.
Margam Country Park
Margam Country Park in Port Talbot is holding a whole host of activities this half-term. You can your family can enjoy a show of Siani Sionc the Superhero and help decorate for the Jubilee over the half term, all for free.
St Fagan's National Museum of History
St Fagan's National Museum of History is free to enter and charts the history of Welsh life. The museum is open every day from 10am to 5pm and there are currently two fab exhibitions running alongside the rest of the museum.
Insole Court
Insole Court Mansion and stable yard (which includes The Potting Shed Cafe) is open to the public every day between 7.45am and 10pm and is free to visit.
Singleton Park
Hopefully, the half-term will have 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.
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.
Big Pit
Visit a real coal mine and find out about Wales’ mining heritage at Big Pit in Pontypool. 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.
