Welcome to Cardiff, a city brimming with exciting activities and attractions perfect for the whole family. Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, immersing yourself in culture, or seeking thrilling adventures, Cardiff has something to offer every member of your family.
In this guide, we'll take you on a journey through some of the best family-friendly activities in Cardiff, ensuring your visit is filled with fun, laughter, and unforgettable experiences.
Cardiff Castle
Begin your family adventure in Cardiff with a visit to Cardiff Castle, a majestic medieval fortress steeped in history and surrounded by enchanting gardens. Explore the castle's grand interiors, climb the Norman Keep for panoramic views, and discover the secrets of its wartime tunnels. With guided tours, interactive exhibits, and special events tailored for families, Cardiff Castle offers a captivating glimpse into Wales' rich heritage.
Location: Castle St, Cardiff CF10 3RB
Open: Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturday - Sunday 9am - 5pm
Techniquest
Fuel your curiosity and ignite your imagination at Techniquest, Cardiff's leading science discovery center. With over 120 interactive exhibits, live shows, and workshops, there's plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Experiment with light and sound, journey through the stars in the Planetarium, or challenge your problem-solving skills in the Build It zone. Techniquest offers a hands-on learning experience that's both educational and fun for visitors of all ages.
Location: Stuart St, Cardiff CF10 5BW
Opens: Monday - Tuesday Closed, Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm
Cardiff Bay
Head to Cardiff Bay for a day of waterfront fun and entertainment. Take a boat tour around the bay, visit the Cardiff Bay Barrage, or explore the vibrant Mermaid Quay with its shops, restaurants, and attractions. Don't miss the chance to visit the Wales Millennium Centre for a family-friendly performance or exhibition. With boat trips, water sports, and outdoor events throughout the year, Cardiff Bay offers endless opportunities for family fun and relaxation.
Wales Millennium Centre
The Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay offers a range of family-friendly activities, including shows, workshops, backstage tours, dining options, outdoor exploration, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly facilities. Families can enjoy theatrical performances, engage in hands-on workshops, explore backstage areas, dine together, explore the waterfront, discover interactive exhibits, and make use of family-friendly facilities. It's a versatile destination for families to have fun and learn together.
Location: Bute Pl, Cardiff CF10 5AL
Opens: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm
Bute Park and Cardiff Castle Grounds
Just a short walk from Cardiff Castle and the city's main streets, Bute Park is the ideal family-friendly destination. Explore its lush greenery, diverse tree collection, and natural play features, making it perfect for kids to run around and enjoy. With a visitor center, three family-friendly cafes, and plenty of opportunities to discover horticulture and wildlife, Bute Park offers an enriching experience for families. Recognized as a Green Flag site and listed as a CADW Grade 1 park, it's a must-visit for families seeking outdoor fun in Cardiff.
Location: North Rd, Cardiff CF10 3ER
BUZZ Parks Cardiff
BUZZ Parks Cardiff is a sprawling trampoline super park, spanning 23,000 square feet, perfect for families seeking thrilling adventures. With over 100 interconnected trampolines and an inflatable course loaded with fun challenges, there's excitement for all. Kids can bounce into foam pits, showcase freestyle skills, and join in games like dodgeball and basketball.
After all the excitement, families can refuel at the onsite café, offering cold snacks and refreshments to recharge for more fun.
Location: Ty-Glas Ave, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5DX
Opens: Wednesday 11am - 6pm, Thursday 12-6pm, Friday - Saturday 9:45am - 6pm, Sunday 9:45am - 4pm
Cardiff International White Water
Cardiff International White Water offers Olympic-standard artificial rapids for a thrilling experience. With expert coaches, you can enjoy white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and indoor wave machine surfing. Located just 4 miles south of Cardiff Central train station, you can easily reach the center by taking the No. 13 bus, which stops right at the door. Nearby, you'll also find additional activity facilities, such as an ice rink, swimming pool, and yacht club.
Location: Watkiss Way, Cardiff CF11 0SY
Opens: Monday - Sunday 9am - 4pm
Boulders Climbing & Pebbles Soft Play
Boulders Climbing & Pebbles Soft Play, or simply Boulders, offers diverse rock-climbing walls suitable for all skill levels. Kids aged 7 to 13 can enjoy the dedicated play area, while younger children have a soft play zone. Additionally, the center hosts yoga and fitness classes. Relax at the onsite café with soft drinks and snacks while overlooking the climbing walls and play areas. Open every day for family fun!
Location: St Catherines Pk, Pengam Rd, Cardiff CF24 2RZ, UK
Open: Monday–Tuesday & Thursday 12:30pm - 10:30pm, Wednesday 7am - 10:30pm, Friday 12:30pm - 8:30pm, Saturday–Sunday 9am - 6:30pm
St Fagans National Museum of History
Step back in time and explore Wales' cultural heritage at St Fagans National Museum of History, an open-air museum showcasing historic buildings, farmhouses, and workshops from across Wales. Wander through the centuries-old structures, meet costumed characters, and participate in traditional crafts and activities. From Celtic settlements to Victorian streets, St Fagans offers a fascinating journey through Welsh history that's both educational and entertaining for the whole family.
Location: Cardiff CF5 6XB
Open: Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm
Treetop Adventure Golf
For a dose of adventure and friendly competition, head to Treetop Adventure Golf, located in St David's shopping center. Explore two 18-hole indoor mini-golf courses set amidst lush tropical foliage and cascading waterfalls. Putt your way through jungle ruins, encounter wild animals, and navigate tricky obstacles for a fun-filled family outing that's sure to delight golfers of all ages. After your game, enjoy delicious dining options like Amazonian Village treats, Pizza Cabana's margaritas, Thirsty Toucan's tropical cocktails, and Buzz Café's pick-me-up snacks and sweet treats.
Location: Level P3 St David’s Dewi Sant, Cardiff
Open: Monday 11am - 7 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday–Friday 11am - 11 pm, Saturday
10am - 11 pm, Sunday 10am - 10pm
Cosmeston Medieval Village
Step back in time at Cosmeston Medieval Village, a premier heritage site and open-air museum in Wales, offering insights into 14th-century peasant life. Learn about daily activities, tensions between Welsh and English, and more through guided tours with costumed guides or self-guided exploration with audio guides. Experience cooking methods, livestock rearing, and more firsthand on a guided tour, or venture through the park independently with an audio guide.
Location: Penarth CF64 5UY, UK
Open: Daily from 10am - 4pm
Cardiff Ski and Snowboard Centre
Located in the heart of Cardiff, the Cardiff Ski and Snowboard Centre offers the perfect escape for winter sports enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. From skiing and snowboarding lessons to exhilarating tubing lanes and a warm lodge for relaxation, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking to improve your skills or just have some snowy fun, the centre provides an unforgettable experience for families and individuals alike.
Location: 198 Fairwater Rd, Cardiff CF5 3JR, UK
Open: October–March: Monday–Friday noon - 9:30pm, Saturday - Sunday 10am - 5:30 pm April–September: Tuesday–Thursday 12:30pm - 9:30pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5:30pm (closed on Monday and Friday)
Another family fun in Cardiff: Taff Valley Quad Bike & Activity Centre
Located just 7 miles from Cardiff, it is a family-owned adventure business that operates on a working Welsh hill farm. Amidst the breathtaking Taff Valley scenery, they offer a diverse range of outdoor activities suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Experience the adrenaline rush of Quad Biking as you traverse the cross-country nature trail on either a 250cc or 90cc Honda ATV, soaking in panoramic views of the Taff Valley. The location also features an exhilarating Assault Course, Archery, Axe Throwing, and Clay Pigeon Shooting. For those seeking a more immersive adventure, they organize Gorge Walking excursions in the stunning waterfall-laden landscapes of the Brecon Beacons.
With its rich history, vibrant culture, and abundance of family-friendly attractions, Cardiff offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Whether you're discovering ancient castles, delving into science, or enjoying outdoor recreation, Cardiff promises a memorable family getaway filled with laughter, discovery, and cherished memories. Plan your visit to Cardiff today and embark on a thrilling family adventure that everyone will love!