It’s every parent’s greatest challenge: how do you keep the kids entertained whilst school’s out? Buzz has got your back.
SUMMER HOLIDAY SHENANIGANS
Cantref Park, Brecon, until Mon 2 Sept
This summer holidays, Cantref Park has a jam-packed line-up of activities, live shows, and special events to keep kids entertained no matter the weather. Own A Pony Day, Dinosaur Day, Unicorn Design, and the Maize Maze are just some of what’s on offer. Their usual lineup of pet handling and feeding shows will also continue to run.
Tickets: £2.50-£10.50. Info: cantref.com
AQUAPARK CARDIFF
Cardiff Bay Barrage, daily until Mon 9 Sept
Brand new to Cardiff this summer, the biggest Aqua Park in Wales’ first super-soaking season measures more than 8000 square feet, the floating inflatable obstacle course resembles Total Wipeout, with climbing walls, trampolines, rockers, rollers, and the UK’s largest inflatable slides. Pre-booking for this event is essential as there will be no on-the-day ticketing or admission.
Tickets: £15-£20. Info: aquaparkgroup.co.uk/Cardiff
GO APE TREETOP ADVENTURE CHALLENGE
Margam County Park, Port Talbot, Until Sun 1 Dec
For the thrill seekers out there, Go Ape’s Treetop Adventure Challenge will be open all summer offering free-falling from six metres on the UK’s biggest Tarzan swing, alongside a multitude of obstacle courses and zip wires. Surely vertigo-inducing, but there are few other places to feel as wild as this in Wales.
Tickets: from £20. Info: goape.co.uk/adventures/tree-top-challenge
FAIRIES AND FOLKLORE
Newport Wetlands, Mon 5-Thurs 8 Aug
Held in Newport’s wildlife reserve, this three-day event is perfect for kids that love to exploring the outdoors. Taking inspiration from Welsh folklore, the event is bound to add some magic to their adventures with activities like potion mixing and wand making. The kids can immerse themselves in a magical tale all the while being entertained by the outdoor challenges made for them. As well as this, you can enjoy a relaxing picnic onsite with some light refreshments available. Perfect for a family day out or for a group outing.
Tickets: £5.50. Info: www.rspb.org.uk
HISSY HANDLING SESSIONS
National Museum Cardiff, Wed 14 Aug
In support of the summer exhibition Snakes!, Cardiff museum offers the opportunity to get cosy with a few of the titular reptiles this summer. Open to all ages, the shows are run by professional snake handlers and are certain to provide a unique kind of entertainment that kids especially will love. None of the snakes are venomous, but remember to treat them kindly all the same!
Admission: £5, Info: www.museumwales.ac.uk
TOURNAMENT OF THE KNIGHTS
Cardiff Castle, Wed 17 + Thurs 18 Aug
Realistic medieval fighting tournaments that’ll have you feeling transported back in time, as Cardiff Castle is filled with knights in shining armour and their trusty squires. With the opportunity to test your archery skills, practice your circus tricks or join in on some medieval games, this event brings back the more palatable parts of the olden times. Live music will be included, with performances by the Minstrels De Clare.
Tickets: £3-£7. Info: www.cardiffcastle.com
CHEPSTOW RACECOURSE – BIG FAMILY RACEDAY
Chepstow Racecourse, Mon 26 Aug
Chepstow Racecourse has plenty of events planned for the holidays to keep kids entertained and parents happy with free entry for under 18s. The August Bank Holiday sees the racecourse going Jurassic, with a whole host of dinosaur-themed activities and a bunch of model dinosaurs. For those less predator-inclined, other entertainment including fun fair rides, bouncy castles and face painting are sure to please and all come free with your ticket. Book yourselves a Family Viewing Box to make a special day of it, and to get the best view. Earlier in the month, there’s also the Green Gathering Festival (Thu 1 – Sun 4 Aug), a 100% renewable energy-powered festival full of music and magic.
Tickets: £15 (adult) / U18s free (Family Raceday) / £120 weekend ticket (Green Gathering) Info: 01291 622260 / www.chepstow-racecourse.co.uk
PRINCE AND PRINCESSES DAY
Oystermouth Castle, Mon 26 Aug
Little ones can dress up as their favourite character and feel like a real prince or princess at Swansea’s Oystermouth Castle on this family fun day. With live-read fairytales, upbeat music, face painting, and crafty activities – including the opportunity to make a medieval crown or princess tiara – there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Admission: free. Info: enjoyswanseabay.com
MUSEUM SLEEPOVER: DINO NIGHTS
National Museum Cardiff, Sat 21 + Sun 22 Sept
Post summer holidays. this magical sleepover in Cardiff’s natural history museum is the ideal treat for any dinosaur-obsessed child. Starting off with a torchlit tour of the museum to take you back in time 200 million years, the night also includes arts and craft workshops, while before camping out under the dome, you’ll be offered snacks and a hot chocolate to snuggle up with while watching a film.
Tickets: £48. Info: museumwales.ac.uk/cardiff
words Mair Llewellyn, Georgia Roberts and Amy Watts