As children enjoy their time off school for summer it can be tricky for parents to find activities to fill the days. But there is lots going on in Wales in the coming weeks and you can read our bumper guide here.
Swansea also has a fun-filled summer in store with plenty of activities to keep children busy. From sunflower fields to augmented reality trails, you and your family will be spoilt for choice.
Even better some of the activities are free, you can read our guide to free summer activities in Wales here. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here. Read below for our guide to the best summer activities in and around Swansea.
READ MORE: Places where children can eat for free - or for £1 - over the summer holiday
Lavender and sunflower fields
Summer is the time that flowers and plants spring into bloom and there is plenty of nature to enjoy on Gower. Gower Fresh Christmas Trees, famous for the picture-perfect sunflowers at Rhossili, has also opened a lavender field this year.
You can read more about the lavender field here and the sunflowers are open to the public in July and throughout August.
Gower Show
Running for over 100 years and back for 2022, after a two-year gap due to the pandemic, is the Gower Show taking place at Penrice Castle which is normally closed to the public. Attractions and events at the show include a novelty dog show, duck herding demonstrations, a shire horse display, and much more.
The Gower Show is taking place on Sunday, July 31 and you can book your tickets here.
StoryTrails
Using archive footage and information and augmented reality you can go back in time in Swansea 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 the event will run from 9am to 5pm on all days.
Late night at National Waterfront Museum
You can now get your fix of history well into the evening as the National Waterfront Museum is opening for longer. The National Waterfront Museum, Swansea will open until 9pm each Thursday from Thursday, July, 21 until September. The museum is free to visit.
Ninja Warrior UK
With a site already in Cardiff, Ninja Warrior UK has also just opened in Swansea at Parc Tawe when football pundit Chris Kamara performed the official duties.
He said during the opening on Thursday, July 22: "It's unbelievable! It's as good as it gets. The warped wall is, well, if it's not identical it nearly is. It's so good. The obstacles are identical to the real thing to what you see on TV." Read more about it here.
Swansea promenade train
The Swansea Bay Rider Land Train is back for 2022. Adults and children alike can enjoy amazing views of Swansea Bay from the 72-seater land train that trundles along the Swansea prom.
The land train will run every weekend until Sunday, September 4. You can read more about the Swansea promenade train here.
Blackpill Lido
Swansea’s outdoor waterpark, Blackpill Lido, is owned by the council and free of charge for public use. It has a paddling pool, children’s play area, climbing rock, and picnic facilities. There are tall fountains for children to enjoy dodging as the water spills from a height.
The lido has its own picnic areas but is also surrounded by cafes for refreshments. It is situated next to the Swansea promenade so you can even have a dip in the sea after going on the splash pad.
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.
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 Swansea Footgolf offers a different golfing experience perfect for all ages. Here you use your feet to play golf, kicking the ball as close to the flag as you can and suits those who also enjoy football.
You will find it at Ashleigh Road, Sketty, Swansea SA3 5AU or click here for details.
Open-air theatre
Fancy catching a theatre show in the open air this summer? You can at Oystermouth Castle. Oystermouth Castle in Mumbles is holding a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream on Thursday, August 25. You can buy your tickets here.
Hire a Santander bike (or bring your own) and cycle Swansea Bay
Swansea Bay offers not only beautiful views of Mumbles and Swansea but also stunning sea sights and what better way to enjoy it than by bike? Don’t own/didn’t bring your own bike? No worries as you can simply hire a Santander Bike and why not reward yourself with delicious ice cream from Verdi’s at the end of the bay?
For all the information you need to hire the bikes click here
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.
Organic Adventures
Step out into the wild as your children can enjoy forest school bushcraft sessions at The Gower Inn this summer. Running on selected dates through the summer holidays the sessions take place from 10am to 2pm and are suitable for children aged seven to 14.
The Crafty Club
Coming to different venues across Swansea is The Crafty Club. Here children can get crafty making a wiggly caterpillar, butterfly wing, Frog-Warts potion, and much more.
The venues include Mayhill Community Centre and Morriston Community Hall and you can book on to the sessions here.
Summer of fun at Ravenhill Park
Running from Thursday, July 28 to Thursday, September 8 is the summer of fun at Ravenhill Park. There will be circus skills, dancing, arts and crafts, music making and sport.
This event is appropriate for all children and children aged 11 or under must be accompanied by an adult. You can book on to sessions here.
The Egypt Centre
The Egypt Centre at Swansea University is running family fun days every Saturday in August. There will be craft sessions and meeting animals. You can book on to the sessions here and the events are suitable for children of all ages.
Go Karting
New to Perriswood Archery and Falconry Centre on the Gower for 2022 is their indoor and outdoor go-karting track. Children aged four to 12 years will be able to get behind the wheel and race around this summer. You can read more about the go-kart tracks here.
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