We are currently in the midst of the summer holidays 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 summer to keep your little ones, and maybe bigger ones, busy. With so many great activities running across Wales, you can read our bumper guide here , there is so much to do.
From outdoor cinemas to dinosaurs in the park, the 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. And if you have an event happening this summer, let us know by emailing angharad.thomas@walesonline.co.uk.
Here is our guide for summer events in the Valleys.
READ MORE: 17 free things to do with the family in Wales during the summer holidays
Rhondda Cynon Taff
Tower Climber at Zip World
Perfect for all the adrenaline junkies are the Zip World sites across Wales and the Tower site in Cynon Valley has just welcomed a new attraction. 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.
You can read more about the attractions at Zip World here and book your tickets for Tower Climber here.
Splash pads
There is no better way to cool off on a hot summer's day than to visit a splash pad. It's a free-to-use facility in Aberdare that the kids will just love to splash about in. The pad adds to the existing attractions that Aberdare Park already has, including a play area, boating lake and café. It has a number of aquatic play features, including tall sprays - Trilly Lilly, Wavy Wand, Spin Splasher, Sneaky Soakers, ground sprays - Misty Mountain, Solo Spurt and Soft Tulip.
The Pad will be open from 10.00a.m to 6.00pm in 2022 and there's also a unisex toilet available on site.
Visit Aberdare Splash Pad
Big Welsh Bite
Taking place at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park is food festival not to be missed. The Big Welsh Bite will have pizzas from Little Lion Pizza Co, sweet treats from The Little Jar Co and Marie Cresci’s Cheesecake, artisan delicatessen from Deli 61, gins from Cardiff Distillery and so much more.
Live music and comedy are usually a staple of the weekend and the festival is running on Saturday, August 6, to Sunday, August 7
Dinosaur Spectacular
Enjoy a family day in Aberdare as Ranger Chris, as seen on Britain's Got Talent, brings his Apollo show Let’s Talk Dinosaurs to the Coliseum Theatre. Watch with wonder as he brings these incredible creatures to life before your eyes.
The shows will take place on Thursday, August 18 at 3pm and 6pm. Find out more here.
Treorchy Music Festival
Enjoy Treorchy’s music festival, which will include free entry to venues all over the village hosting DJ events, beer gardens and BBQs.
The festival will be on Saturday, July 30. Find out more about the line-up, here.
Treorchy Food & Drink festival
Treorchy’s food and drink festival will take place in and around the Parc and Dare. There will be a variety of food vendors serving wood-fired pizzas, Welsh beef burgers, churros, fudge, ice cream, candy floss, and more alongside some refreshing beverages.
The family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, August 27. Find out more information here .
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.
Lido Ponty
Though you have to be quick to book a slot at the famous lido in Ynysangharad Park, it's worth it for the swim, play or relaxation you can have in the restored lido.
For more info and tickets, click here.
Caricature workshops
As part of the free Welsh language activities, Sion Tomos Owen is hosting sessions on sketching skills, how to do a classic portrait and create funny caricatures.
This will take place in Pontypridd library, August 25 at 9.30am-12pm.
Summer reading challenge
Pontypridd library is hosting science workshops throughout August in collaboration with the University of South Wales. Sessions include learning about apes, monkeys and lemurs, building a model bridge competition, making paper aeroplanes and experimenting with fruity DNA.
All sessions will be between 11am - 11.45am and suitable for children aged 8+. Find out more information here.
Rhymney Valley & Caerphilly Borough
Bargoed Festival
Bargoed is having a festival which will feature a firework display, parades, food and drink from local stores, rides and live music.
The family-friendly event will take place between July 31 - August 1.
Blackwood Beach Party
Blackwood Beach Party will transform the High Street into an urban beach party with plentiful sand, deckchairs and buckets and spades to keep the whole family entertained. A large number of funfair rides will be at one end of the high street with stalls, attractions and a giant beach taking over the other end.
There will also be a feature stage with a full entertainment programme all day incorporating local singers, bands and dance acts. The beach party is coming to town on September 10. Find out more here.
Merthyr Tydfil
Crownload Festival
Crownload festival takes over August bank holiday in Merthyr Tydfil. The family-accessible celebration of live music will host local talent, as well as big names like Chesney Hawkes and one of the stars of American Pie, Thomas Nicholas.
The event is at Gillar Street Car Park, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8DW between August 26 and August 28. Get your tickets here.
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.
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.
Blaenau Gwent
Steelhouse Festival
The Welsh international classic rock restival returns to the Valleys. Expect performances from Inglorious, Saxon, Michael Schenker, Black Spiders and many more. The festival also offers a glamping and camping experience. Or if nature is not for you, there are also cottages, B&Bs and hotels nearby.
The festival takes place from July 29 - July 30. Buy your tickets here.
Children’s Adventure Activities
Children aged 8 - 14 years old can enjoy four hours of land and water-based activities, which will include caving, using a climbing wall, orienteering and lake activities at Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar.
The event takes place on August 1 and costs £15 per child. Find out more here .
Open Air Cinema
Enjoy a night under the stars with some popcorn while watching Back to the Future in Abertillery’s first open-air cinema. The event takes place on August 5, in the dramatic amphitheatre of Abertillery Park. Buy your tickets here .
READ NEXT:
- The juice bar and coffee shop carrying on a century of tradition in Pontypridd
The valleys pubs with the best beer gardens to chill out in on a sunny day
Where to eat and drink during the popular Big Welsh Bite food festival weekend
The Welsh market stall where you'll find some of the best Chinese and Korean food in Wales
28 fish and chip shops in Wales you need to get stuck right into straight away
