We know that the weather can be changeable so we have asked our teams what their favourite local day trips are – for sunny, grey or rainy summer days! Here are some of their ideas for family days out in South Wales…
Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, Kilketty, Pembrokeshire
A large site – lovely to walk around in good weather and see all the animals – but also has indoor attractions such as the vintage funfair which is under cover if the weather is not so favourable.
You can take a picnic or buy food on site. Easy to get too with lots of car parking, and also has accommodation options if you fancy an overnight or longer stay.
Opening times over the 6 week holiday is 10am to 5pm everyday and tickets cost £23.95 for adults, £21.95 for children aged 3-15, £14.95 for toddlers (aged 2). There are also family tickets available.
There are several food options for the day at Folly Farm:
- The Hungry Farmer – varieties of burger, plus other hot and cold options such as scampi, tacos, curry, salad, baguettes, and sausage & chips, Bolognese, wraps for children. There are gluten free, veggie and vegan options. Food served until 3.30pm during high season.
- Carousel Woods Burger Bar – beef, chicken & veggie burgers, plus hotdogs and chicken nuggets.
- The Dairy Shed – ice-cream, lollies & drinks.
- Plus other places for drinks & snacks – Carousel Cafe, Funfair Food & Cwtch Coffee.
If you’d rather not eat at Folly Farm, there’s always the option of fish & chips – take away from Marina, Argosy, Beachside Barbeque etc. and eat on the beach in Saundersfoot. Prices for a large portion of fish and chips is around £10 but varies.
The Mining Experience at the Rhondda Heritage Park
A great one for wetter and cloudier days as you can stay undercover – even going underground if you book the Black Gold Experience Tour online in advance (adults £9.95, children £6.75)!
There are easy walking routes around, and you can eat in the Bracchi Café, or venture up the road to the Heritage Park Hotel which has a restaurant and spa facilities. There is lots going on at the Heritage Park and there are often art events for children – so check out their website and plan your visit.
Lido Ponty
Located in Pontypridd, this is becoming a firm favourite with families across South Wales!
There’s one large 25m pool sectioned in to 4 lanes plus a freestyle area, and a smaller pool suitable for toddlers during some sessions, and filled with inflatables for older children at other times of the day.
You do need to plan your trip in advance as you need to book slots online from 7.30am the week before you visit and sessions often sell out quickly.
The Lido is located in Ynysangharad Park and there are a number of car parks that you can use around Pontypridd town centre, allowing you to park up and walk the short distance to the park. There is a café at the Lido which is serving take away meals, and there are also many cafes in the town centre where you can get refreshments.
Family Fun at Aberdare Park
Aberdare Park is a good venue for a few hours and a perfect place for the children to let off steam.
The traditional Victorian park has a fountain, standing stones, bowls, tennis courts, a brand new splash park, playground and boating lake. Perfect for a picnic in nice weather but also the option of getting refreshments from the café by the boating lake. The boats are open 10am – 5pm daily, and costs £5 per 30mins.
There is street parking around the park and the post code is CF44 8BN, and you can also park in the Coliseum and Green Street car parks. You can also add to the adventure by travelling by train (to Aberdare) and then a short walk to the bus station where services regularly head to the park.
Bodyboarding and cricket in Aberavon
Aberavon beach is one of Wales’ longest with a promenade that overlooks Swansea Bay. It’s a great spot for a family day out as it’s easy to get to with good access to the beach.
The 3 mile stretch of beach has RNLI lifeguards there to help keep you safe during your summer visit.
It’s perfect for those who, with younger children, might not cope with the longer journeys to the beaches of the Gower and West Wales. Parking is available along the sea front and in the car parks on Ocean Way, Scarlet Avenue and at Bay View.
The splash park has recently been renovated and is now open, a lovely addition and great fun for the children.
Swimming at the Blue Lagoon in Abereiddy
If you’d like to go a bit further afield, we love heading over to the Pembrokeshire coast where there are so many options for walking, swimming, eating, playing and relaxing.
If it’s a warm day you can cool off in the Blue Lagoon. Ideal for slightly older children who are happy walking from the car park around to the site and climbing down on the beach area where you can get in to the pool.
Swimmer beware – the lagoon is very deep in parts and the temperature can remain very cool – even on hot days. Great for cooling off, but stay safe! The lagoon is a flooded slate quarry, and this gives it a stunning green colour and is a beautiful spot for a swim. If you’re feeling brave you can climb up the old quarry buildings and jump in to the pool from various heights.
There are changing facilities and toilets on the walk from the car park to the site of the lagoon. It’s from £5 to park and can get busy, and about a 10 minute gentle walk round to the site, with a moderate challenge to scramble / slide down into the lagoon!
Why not pop to St. David’s on the way back for some refreshments – we can recommend the delicious ice creams from The Bench on the High Street.
Techniquest
Officially a science museum – but so much fun that it’s one of our all time favourite rainy day activities whether you’re ‘into science’ or not! Based in Cardiff Bay with accessible parking at places like Mermaid Quay and lots of places to eat and relax nearby it’s a great day out for all the family. You can get discounted parking costs if you pre-book and park at Q-Park which is a 5-10 minute walk.
You need to book in advance online and standard ticket prices are from £11.81 for adults and from £10.00 for children with under 3s entering for free. Check out their website for special events such as Toddler sessions and shows.
Whatever you all get up to this summer holiday, we hope it’s full of laughter and new memories!
Contact us for more information about fostering in RCT.
If you live in Wales, visit the Foster Wales website where you can find all the information and contact your local authority service.
