Family days out with the kids in North Wales

There are tons of great spots to visit on days out with the kids in North Wales, from magical-feeling medieval castles to sandy beaches perfect for sunset walks. There are unique children’s zoos and farm parks, and you’ll find wild play spaces that range from treetop adventures to underground caverns, all perfect for making memories. Learn about some of the fun things to do with kids around North Wales for great family adventures.

Caernarfon Castle in North Wales on the banks of the river Selont

1. Follow a quest through medieval castles

There is nothing like exploring historic castles on family days out in North Wales, and it’s an especially magical thing for kids. Caernarfon Castle is full of children’s quests and games, interactive spaces and ancient Welsh legends. Beaumaris Castle is surrounded by a water-filled moat and has kids’ activities from dress-up and games to a soft-play mini-castle. Conwy Castle has twisting spiral staircases and battlements to explore, along with interactive displays on royalty and history.

People enjoying holiday on seaside beach near Harlech Castle in Gwynedd, North Wales in foreground, castle on hill in the background

2. Stand on one of the steepest streets in the world in Harlech

You can explore the cosy seaside town of Harlech, known for its beautiful beaches and the historic Harlech Castle tucked in the countryside. Walk the zigzag beach path for sweeping views of the landscape or explore the mountain plateau that houses the Cairn Circle, a remnant of prehistoric Wales. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, you can trek on the Ffordd Pen Llech, one of the steepest streets in the Northern Hemisphere, or head to the underground caverns for a bit of exploration.

Father and child on trail with beautiful landscape of Miners Tack in Snowdonia National Park overlooking water on foggy day

3. Hike in Snowdonia National Park

There are loads of family-friendly outdoor adventures in and around Snowdonia, from challenging rock-wall climbs at Beacon Climbing Centre to zip lines and hiking in Snowdonia National Park. If you’re in the mood to relax, you can head to peaceful seaside villages for fresh fish and chips overlooking the sea. Historic sites abound in the area for you to explore, including former copper mines, castles and heritage churches.

4. Meet mellow farm animals at Manorafon Farm Park

For fun family days out in North Wales, head to Manorafon Farm Park for animals and playtime. You’ll find indoor and outdoor spaces for kids to run around and wear themselves out, plus farm animals like rabbits, llamas, pigs and lambs. You can even watch a sheep race or take a ride on the off-road pedal go-karts.

Stone wall and gardens of Bodnant Garden reflection in the pond

5. Wander the terraces at Bodnant Garden

Bodnant Garden is a great spot to visit on days out with the kids in North Wales, offering beautifully lush gardens and plenty of space for play. You can stroll winding paths that take you through blooming terraces and the Laburnum Arch and past water features and ponds. The garden hosts events throughout the year for families and kids, and it offers a tea room for cakes and tea.

Close-up of wheels of a miniature train with red spokes

6. Ride aboard the Rhyl Miniature Railway

Hop on board Britain’s oldest miniature railway line, Rhyl Miniature Railway, in operation for over 100 years. Children of all ages are drawn to this nostalgic ride, enjoying the sounds and scenery as the miniature steam train chugs around Marine Lake. You can explore the railway’s history at the onsite museum, and kids will enjoy the hands-on exhibits and touch screens. The railway operates seasonally from May through September.

Young girl on a climbing net in the trees

7. Zip through the trees at Zip World Fforest

If you’re looking for adventurous things to do with kids in North Wales, you can check out Zip World Fforest for rides and thrills. The forest-themed adventure park offers a giant swing sky-ride, an alpine coaster that zooms through the trees and climbing nets and zip lines stretching across the treetops. Though some rides are suitable for kids 3 and up, most require riders to be age 5 or older.

Sea and beach to the left of Criccieth Beach village in North Wales

8. Eat ice cream on the beach in Criccieth

Criccieth is a charming seaside resort town on Cardigan Bay that’s perfect for exploring with kids. You’ll find a beautiful beach to stroll on the coast, plus there’s an old-world style village with boutique shops, local fish and chips spots and even an ice-cream parlour. Make sure you check out Criccieth Castle, the remains of an imposing 13th-century castle overlooking the village below.

Canal boat floats in an arched stone and cast iron structure in the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

9. Cross the aqueduct stream in the sky in Llangollen

Llangollen is part of a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a small town with loads of charm and interesting spots to visit. You can ride a canal boat across the ‘stream in the sky’ atop the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, or you can head to the Llangollen Steam Railway for a ride on the rails. Take a stroll down the river at Victoria Promenade and play in the Children’s Park, visit the medieval castle or explore the local boutique shops, museums and eateries.

Child of colour smiling and wearing a yellow hard hat

10. Adventure in an underground playspace at Bounce Below

Bounce Below is a huge underground net adventure inside the Slate Caverns. You’ll jump, slide, climb and bounce your way through the former mine in a cavernous underground playground lit up with multicoloured lights. It’s a super unique play experience for older kids and adults, and it’s an all-weather adventure since it’s underground. Kids must be 7 and up to play, and everyone must wear long sleeves, trousers and trainers.

Sheep in pasture with the lighthouse on Bardsey Island in background

11. Explore a coastal island on Bardsey Island

Bardsey Island is located 2 miles off the Llŷn Peninsula and is accessible by a short boat ride. The small island is known for its dramatic coastline and old-world charm, along with sweeping ocean views, interesting wildlife and one of the rarest apple varieties in the world – the Bardsey Island Apple. On the island, you can look for grey seals and puffins, check out the Bardsey Lighthouse and explore the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey and graveyard. The island is open seasonally for visitors from March through October.

12. Play the day away at Greenwood Family Park

Greenwood Family Park is an eco-friendly activity centre that makes for a great place for days out with kids in North Wales. You can slide, climb, crawl through tunnels, explore mazes and enjoy family-friendly rides. There are trails for kids and families to explore, plus magic shows, entertainment and crafting. On rainy days, there is still plenty to do in the lively indoor play space in the enchanted barn.

Person with black wellies surrounded by penguins at zoo

13. Say hello to rare animals at Welsh Mountain Zoo

If you’re looking for things to do with kids in North Wales, Welsh Mountain Zoo is a good family-friendly option. This conservation zoo is tucked into the mountains, overlooking sweeping views of the bay below, and is home to many rare and endangered animals. You can visit the Children’s Farm for a quiet and relaxed area to meet some furry friends, including rabbits, ducks and guinea pigs.

Bowl-shaped hollow valley with water surrounded by mountains and rock formations

14. Learn about rare plant life at Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve

Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve is a beautiful bowl-shaped, hollow valley that was sculpted by ice and now is filled with the clear waters of Llŷn Idwal. The site offers sweeping mountain views alongside the unique rock formations and rare plant life the area is known for. At the Cwm Idwal Visitor Centre, you’ll find kid-friendly interactive exhibits and a short film about the nature reserve. For incredible views of the park, you can take a moderate-difficulty 3-mile hike through the basin, suitable for older kids and adults.

Tram climbing up the hill with the sea and village in the background

15. Ride the historic funicular Great Orme Tramway

You can take a ride on the Great Orme Tramway, a historic funicular tramway, on family days out North Wales. The Tramway has been in operation since 1902, climbing a mile up the side of Great Orme to reach the spectacular summit views. You’ll ride in restored antique tramcars beginning at Victoria Station, just off of Llandudno’s seaside and pier. Once you reach the top of the Great Orme, you’ll be met with sweeping views of the natural splendour below.

Lush green foliage with the falls and rocky ridge at top of Aber Falls in North Wales

16. Hike to a waterfall at Aber Falls

Aber Falls offers a family-friendly hike through a brilliant nature preserve, leading to a spectacular waterfall surrounded by rocky cliffs. Two hiking routes are available through the preserve, with the well-named ‘Easy Route’ as the best option for families with small children or pushchairs. If you’re up for an adventure trek with boots or trainers, the ‘Harder Path’ travels a tougher, longer route, but it also provides views of a second, smaller waterfall.

17. Explore a tropical butterfly house at Pili Palas Nature World

Pili Palas Nature World is a small hands-on zoo specifically for children, so it’s great to visit if you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in North Wales. Indoor animal habitats include meerkats, butterflies, tropical creatures and a snake house, as well as a large indoor/outdoor farmyard and barn. Outside, there are play areas, nature trails, mini-tractors and tons of space to run around.

18. Stop for tea in the Plas Brondanw Gardens

Plas Brondanw Gardens is a lovely 20th-century garden where you can wander ornamented terraces and romantic garden paths past sculpted topiaries and avenues of trees. Be sure to stop for tea and cakes at the garden cafe, then you can climb to the top of The Tower and explore the intriguing medieval ruins.