11 Free Days Out and Things to Do With Kids in Cardiff / Caerdydd (Updated 2025)
Ahoy there money-savvy adventurers.
If you're looking to for a fun and free day out, then check out these things to do with the kids in Cardiff / Caerdydd. Whether it's walking through history at St Fagan's National Museum of History, or letting off steam at Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve, there's options here to suit all ages, whatever the weather.
I've tried to make sure that all the details on here are up to date, but please do double check on the websites I've linked to before you travel in case anything has changed. Especially important: double check parking costs to avoid any nasty surprises on a day out that was supposed to be cheap, and obviously, be careful if you're visiting places with kids, especially where the terrain is dangerous (ruins, cliffs, beaches, slippy paths etc).
Happy adventuring!
Lucy
One of Europe's best open air museums, with buildings from Celtic to modern times. There are over 40 historical buildings to explore in the 100 acre parkland. You can also see traditional crafts, watch demonstrations of farming tasks, and lots more.
Stroll through the arboretum with over 3,000 trees, hunt for sculptures, explore the woodland play trail, make music on the percussion trail, follow the nature activity trail, the witch's spell story trail.
Learn about the evolution of Wales from prehistoric times to the present, including dinosaur and woolly mammoth displays. It also houses Wales' national art, geology and natural history collections.
A victorian park with a man-made lake and a small lighthouse in the middle. There's also a wild garden, playground, trim trail, an ancient pond, and a botanic garden (which has another playground). Download the Wildlife Explorer Trail before you go.
An award winning civil engineering project, it was constructed in order to create an inland lake, and provide defence against flooding. It makes for a great walk or bike ride, with great views. There's also a kids play area, outdoor gym, and a skate plaza, as well as an enormous crocodile bench to sit on.
Learn the city's history through engaging, interactive displays, with lots to keep kids engaged. Check out their resources that can be download or print.
Visit the home of devolution in Wales. There's a play area for kids, complete with toys, a large map of wales, and sensory play. They also have extra activities during school holidays, and an explorer trail.
8 hectares, easily accessible via a gravel walkway and boardwalk. Download and print the Wildlife Explorer Trail before you go.
A beautiful park with a large collection of exotic and native trees. There are tumbling streams and winding paths, a woodland garden, formal parkland. Checkout the Wildlife Explorer Trail.
A brilliant park for kids, including a playground, massive splash pad, and a multi use games area.
Beautiful woodland, with 3 trails to choose from including a sculpture trail for the kids.
Feeling a Little Frazzled?
Here's a few things I've made that'll hopefully make your life a little bit easier, a little bit more fulfilled, or simply a little bit more fun. Check out these bits along with loads of other parenting aids on the link below.
Make your little mermaid's party perfect with these personalised printables including invites, signs, bunting, crafts and games.
You know what the kids need? An epic activity pack! And it should be filled with easy activity ideas, and stickers, and personalised!
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