The Seven Fun Things You Can Do with the Whole Family in Cardiff
Cardiff gets a lot of rain and cloudy weather. However, it’s one of the most fun cities in the United Kingdom, having something for everyone in the family.
Cardiff is the capital of Wales and sits on the shores of the Bristol Channel. Yes, it’s far smaller than London, but the number of fun activities you can do here more than makes up for its size.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for adventure, or an activity that will challenge and excite the entire family – you’ll find it in this city. And because of its ties to the Roman Empire, you know you’re also in for a historic visit. Literally and figuratively.
Don’t know where to start? Here’s a list of things to do with the family in Cardiff.
The Things to Do
1. Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle traces its history back to the Roman Empire. The Romans are said to have built the first fortification back in 55 AD and used it in the war against the local tribes.
After almost two thousand years, Cardiff Castle is now a large, complex castle with a great number of attractions. Visiting the castle on a sunny day is one of the best things to do with the family in Cardiff.
At the Interpretation Centre, your kids can learn various medieval arts and crafts. They can also try on child-sized costumes and watch puppet shows.
Victorian Apartments will intrigue both young and old. They have splendid murals, marble floors, and astonishing wood carvings.
To keep your kids entertained, you can also get them Animal Trail booklets. These booklets contain plenty of exciting quizzes and questions. But if you want a piece of fun as well, buy the Family Trail booklet.
2. Treetop Adventure Golf Cardiff
Rain or shine, you’ll never run out of things to do in Cardiff. And you might want to visit Treetop Adventure Golf Cardiff for some quality family time.
The place has two 18-hole golf courses for your children to pick and choose – the Tropical Trail and the Ancient Explorer Trail.
If they pick the Tropical Trail, your kids will get a chance to sing with barbershop frogs and show their skills during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, the Ancient Explorer Trail is a bit more challenging. Little golfers will meet ancient spirits and will have to deal with the Mystic River.
And if they manage to conquer the bonus 19th hole, they get a free round.
3. Cardiff Bay Spy Mission Treasure Trail
Mystery and excitement await at Cardiff Bay. That’s where you’ll find the Cardiff Bay Spy Mission Treasure Trail.
You and the young sleuths have all the time in the world to complete your adventure. And you only need a booklet for it. That makes this adventure a perfect choice for families with kids of mixed ages.
The booklet can be bought on the spot, or you can order it by mail. You can even request a personalized booklet to make the experience even more memorable.
When you solve the mystery, you can try another one. You won’t run out because there are so many around the city. Without a doubt, this is one of the best things to do in Wales with kids in tow.
4. Boulders Climbing Centre
Kids have what seems like an endless supply of energy. It’s a fact that they can run and jump around for hours on end before getting tired. And if you want to treat them to an exciting and healthy activity, try the Boulders Climbing Centre in Cardiff.
This is an indoor climbing facility with activities for climbers of all ages – yes, that includes kids. They can engage in a huge range of activities while you relax. Smaller children can try the Pebbles, which offers soft play and a specially designed climbing adventure for kids.
You can try some of the climbing walls, too. While there, you can take their classes on climbing and try your hand at real climbing.
5. Cardiff Story Museum
Kids may not love museums but they sure do love stories. And if you love stories, you’re in for a treat as well when you visit and explore the Cardiff Story Museum. It’s one of the best things to do with the family in the city.
In the museum, your kids will learn how the city has changed in the last 700 years. They will watch it transform from a market town to a huge port city through interesting stories.
The museum has plenty of interactive galleries and hands-on activities that’s perfect for curious little explorers. There are three main areas focusing on the period from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages.
And once a month, the staff turns the galleries into a toddler-friendly zone where they will learn rhymes, play detective, and learn various arts and crafts.
6. Techniquest
Some kids have a knack for science and technology. If your child fits the description, you must take them to Techniquest – the best place in Cardiff for future scientists and explorers. It’s the oldest and most reputable institution of its kind in the United Kingdom.
Expect your kids to learn about science in a fun and interactive way. They will get a chance to test scientific concepts and laws by themselves. For example, they will learn how electricity functions and try operating a real robot arm.
The best thing about Techniquest is that it changes exhibits throughout the year. So if you visit in summer and winter, you might get two different displays.
7. Escape Reality Cardiff
If you’re going on a vacation with your teens, you’d normally have a hard time entertaining them. But not in Cardiff. If you’re out of ideas, you can always go to Escape Reality Cardiff.
Escape Reality is not your regular escape room. You get transported into another reality where you have to solve a series of tough puzzles and problems.
The venue currently has six adventures. You can opt to become a thief in the gallery heist scenario. If you’re up for a mind game, try to escape the serial killer. The prison break adventure is also a crowd favorite.
Keep in mind that you might have to book several days to weeks in advance.
It’s Always Better with Family
Don’t let the famous British weather stop you and your family from making a trip to Cardiff. It’s one of the best places in the U.K. if you’re traveling with your family.
Adventure awaits everyone at the Cardiff Bay Spy Mission, Boulders Climbing Centre, and Escape Reality Cardiff. And if you’re after child-friendly attractions, there’s the Treetop Adventure Golf Cardiff and Techniquest.
Of course, don’t forget to bring a piece of local history with you. Drop by the Cardiff Castle and the Cardiff Story Museum and know more about this wonderful city beyond what the travel guides tell you.
