As the summer holidays stretch out, many parents may be wondering how to fill the hopefully sunny days. With so many great activities running across Wales, you can read our bumper guide here, there is so much to do.
There are also plenty of great events locally and lots going on in and around Cardiff to keep children entertained. From aqua parks to lolly-making, the 2022 summer holidays will fly by. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here.
Here is our guide to some of the best summer holiday activities and events in Cardiff.
READ MORE: 17 free things to do with the family in Wales during the summer holidays
Cardiff Bay Aqua Park
One for adrenaline junkies is the Cardiff Bay aqua park. From slides to monkey bars, to trampolines all on the water this activity will definitely burn some energy. You can read our review of the Aqua Park here.
The Aqua Park is open until Wednesday, August 21. You can book your tickets here.
Lolly-making
Cardiff's main shopping centre St David's will be hosting a free lolly-dipping event for one weekend during the summer. The Lolly-Pop-Up will open at St David’s exclusively for one weekend only where guests can create and fully customise their own bespoke lolly, using ice cream from award-winning Welsh brand Red Boat.
The event is free but you will need to book tickets, which you can book here. The Lolly-Pop-Up will be in St David's shopping centre on Saturday, August 20, and Sunday, August 21.
Outdoor Cinema
Luna Cinema is bringing a range of old and new films to the beautiful Cardiff Castle grounds this summer. Set in the heart of the Welsh capital, you'll be able to catch West Side Story on Friday, September 2 at 8pm, followed by Grease on Saturday, September 3 and Rocketman on Sunday, September 4, also both showing at 8pm.
Doors open at 6.30pm for visitors, and you're welcome to bring a picnic from home - however, you won't be able to bring your own alcohol. Instead, the Luna Bar will be open for business to purchase alcohol on the premises. Popcorn, sweets, and hot sweet and savoury food will also be on offer. Tickets start from £17 and you can find out more information and book here.
Family Fun Park
Cardiff Bay is always a go-to destination when the sun is shining as there's so much to do and this summer is no exception. Currently running until Sunday, September 4 is a family fun park.
Found in the Roald Dahl Plass there are dodgems, a pirate party fun house, family game stalls, and sweet and savoury treats to enjoy. You can buy your tickets at the fun park.
FIM Speedway Grand Prix
If you and your family are fans of fast vehicles and a big show then FIM Speedway Grand Prix is for you. Taking place at the Principality Stadium on Friday, August 12, and Saturday, August 13, it is Britain’s biggest indoor motorsport event.
SpeedwayGP machines will race around the Principality Stadium and they are promising a bigger and better show for 2022. You can book your tickets here.
Feels Like Summer Festival
A family-friendly festival is coming to Cardiff this summer. Acts include Sophie Ellis-Baxter, House Gospel Choir, and veteran fitness guru Mr Motivator.
There will also be a kid's fun zone, funfair rides, and many different street food and drink vendors. The festival will take place on Saturday, August 6 at Bute Park.
Cricket
While cricket may seem like a sport that is a little too long to keep children interested for long, there are some different variations of cricket coming to Wales that children will love. The IT20 and The Hundred, where games are much quicker and faster-paced, are taking place in Wales this summer.
Sophia Gardens in Cardiff will be hosting England VS South Africa on Thursday, July 28, and Welsh Fire is also playing games over the summer at Sophia Gardens. You can book your Welsh Fire tickets here.
Lion King
Fancy catching a West End show without heading all the way to London? Head to the gorgeous Wales Millennium Centre at Cardiff Bay to watch Lion King perform.
The iconic Disney classic has been transformed into an amazing stage show. Lion King is currently showing at the Wales Millennium Centre until Saturday, August, 27.
Victoria Park Splashpad Cardiff
This popular splash pad is located in the Cardiff suburb and is great for children of all ages. It's set up with 33 fun features including water sprays and jets, a tipping water bucket, and a tunnel - perfect for little adventures.
This historic park also has a children’s playground, games area, and loads of space for little ones to run around at this Grade II-listed location.
Strawberry picking
Strawberries are a summer ingredient staple and there are plenty of places in Wales you can pick your own. From there you can enjoy them on their own, dip them in chocolate or make jam. The pick your own website will help you find your nearest farm.
Golf with a twist
Don’t want to do all 18 holes? No worries as Treetop Adventure Golf in Cardiff offers a different golfing experience perfect for all ages. This jungle-themed crazy golf course is great for all ages and abilities so you don’t need to be Tiger Woods to enjoy.
Clearwell Sunflower Maze
The amazing sunflower maze on the outskirts of Cardiff is back for 2022. Last year the maze measured 13,000 square metres and there were other activities to enjoy at the farm.
Clearwell is hoping to open their sunflower maze at the end of July/beginning of August with no exact date yet. You can read the farm's story here.
Cardiff Castle Open Air Theatre
It is not just films you can enjoy at Cardiff Castle this summer but also an open-air theatre. Cardiff Castle is hosting Shakespeare's As You Like It on Wednesday, August 10 and you can book your tickets here.
WWE Clash at the Castle
Putting on a great show at Cardiff Castle is the American professional wrestling promotion WWE. It is the largest wrestling promotion in the world and it is coming to Cardiff.
You can see great wrestlers like Roman Reigns and Bianca Belair perform at Cardiff Castle on Saturday, September 3. For more details and ticket info, see our article here.
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.
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 there 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, the building’s landmark architecture, and the history of Cardiff Bay. The Senedd is open between 10.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Saturday.
Cardiff Spy Mission Treasure Trail
On this treasure trail your children will search for clues hidden around Cardiff Bay while learning about the city's rich history. You can download the PDF booklet that will guide you along the trail or order a physical booklet straight to your front door.
Prices start at £9.99, with the trail including the Wales Millennium Centre and BBC buildings, and you can order your booklet here.
Football Fiesta
If you have a football-loving child be sure to take them along to Football Fiesta. Here they can practice and try out their football skills with a range of activities including crazy football golf, crossbar crazy, power shot, and much more.
Football Fiesta is open from 10am until 8pm every day during the school holidays and you can book your tickets here.
Summer of Fun Festival
Taking place on the lawns of Cardiff's City Hall there will be workshops, theatre, performances, and art installations running from Saturday, July 23 to August, Sunday 7. Tickets cost £2 to enjoy the event and you can book your tickets here.
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