10 Things to do with the Kids in Cardiff over Half Term

Jan172024
10 Things to do with the Kids in Cardiff over Half Term

10 Things to do with the Kids in Cardiff over Half Term. There are so many free or inexpensive activities going on in and around the city that will keep children busy during the school holiday.

Things to do during Half Term 2024

Stuck for ideas on what to do with your kids in Cardiff this Half Term, If so, check out this blog post. We at Future Inn Cardiff have compiled a top 10 list of fun things to do that will keep your kids entertained over half term….and they won’t break the bank either.

Cardiff School Holidays 2024

Find new and exciting family friendly things to do at the end of the school term or during the Cardiff half term 2024.

1. The Wales Millennium Centre 

Located in the heart of Cardiff Bay, the WMC hosts lots of fun and inspiring activities, making it the perfect day out for young children and their families. The centre opens at 10am and is free to visit. You can enjoy the regular performances, tours and even get messy or creative in their workshops.

Entry Fees: FREE

This summer, you can immerse yourself in the Invisible Ocean at the Wales Millennium Centre. This innovative installation explores the unseen wonders of the ocean. Through a blend of stunning visuals, soundscapes, and interactive elements, visitors are taken on a journey beneath the waves to discover the hidden beauty and fragility of marine life.

The experience is designed to raise awareness of environmental issues affecting our oceans while captivating audiences with its artistic presentation. Best of all, Invisible Ocean is a "pay what you can" event - £0, £2, £5 or £8 - making it accessible to everyone, regardless of budget. Dive in and experience the magic for yourself!

Did you know Future Inns is the official hotel partner? If you have booked tickets for a show, please ask the team at The Centre for a promotional code allowing you to book discounted room rates. You get 20% off and can book online or by phone. Find out more about the Millennium Centre Partnership.

2. The Cardiff Story Museum

Let your kids travel back in history and experience The Cardiff Story Museum. They will discover the history of Cardiff through film, photographs, stories and objects, and learn how Cardiff grew from a small market town to the capital city it is today. The museum is free and features numerous interactive galleries, and is located in the Old Library building.

The Cardiff community is encouraging more visits to the museum in 2024, as it could face closure. 

Entry Fees: FREE

More information

3. Cardiff Spy Mission Treasure Trail

This trail is a fantastic activity for the whole family. You will be walking around Cardiff Bay, visiting many of the historical sights on the way, to collect the clues' answers. The trail is 3 miles long and is a great opportunity to get your kids exercising in the open air.  

Entry Fees: £9.99 for One Trail booklet recommended for a group of 4 to 5 people.

More information

4. National Museum

You will not be short of things to do at the National Museum of Cardiff. There’s always plenty to see and do, whatever your interests. Personally, we recommend the Evolution of Wales exhibition, where you can travel through time and come face to face with the giant Woolly Mammoth and Dinosaurs. Don’t forget to visit the Clore Discovery Centre, where you can inspect historical weapons, dinosaur bones, insects, and much more.

Entry Fees: FREE

More information

5. Cardiff Castle

Being 2000 years old, Cardiff Castle has hosted many people, including the Romans, Normans and Victorians. Don’t forget to pick up a child-friendly audio guide to talk you through the castle's history. There is also a fantastic animal trail to follow on which you will discover all of the little secrets that William Burges left behind.

Entry Fees: Adult £14.50, Child (Aged 5 to 16) £10, Seniors or Students £12, Adult Family Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Children) £39, Under 5s Free

Get a Key to the Castle

You can get a FREE castle key if you live or work in Cardiff. Admission gets you entry to a selection of lavishly decorated rooms in the Castle Apartments, The Norman Keep, Battlement Walk, Wartime Shelters, Firing Line: Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier, Interpretation Centre and audio guide (subject to availability) and Cardiff Castle Grounds.

More information

6. Parc

Let the kids run wild in the Parc! It is a great day out for children of many different ages! Under 4s can enjoy the toddler swings, sand and water play areas, as well as, the slides and playhouses. For the older kids, there is a huge slide, zip wire, climbing wall and so much more.  

Entry Fees: £1.50 per adult, Under 1's £2 (free with an older sibling), Age 1-3 £5.50, Age 4-12 £7

More information

7. Cardiff International Pool

You can enjoy Cardiff International Pool no matter the weather. It is a water wonderland allowing for swimming, learning and extreme fun with the 3 slides, tipping buckets and the fantastic range of toys and floats available. 

Entry Fees: Adult from £8.25, Child from £6.80 and Under 3s are free.

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8. Buzz Trampoline Park

Are you ready for some serious cardio and giggles?  With over 120 wall-to-wall trampolines, prepare to bounce! There are also numerous foam pits to jump into and a dedicated area for dodgeball and basketball. We are sure you will love this fantastic activity. Psst….It’s not just for the kids! 

Entry Fees: Age 6 plus from £11.50 and ged under 6 £2.50

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9. St Fagans

As Wales’ most popular heritage attraction, St Fagans is not to be missed. Explore the grounds of the outstanding Castle and experience Welsh history from the Celtic times to the present day. You can watch the craftsmen demonstrate their traditional skills in their many workshops and activities. 

Entry Fees: Free (Small fee for parking)

More information

10. Flat Holm Island

Flat Holm is a small island just 4 miles off the coast of Cardiff. Pre-organised boat trips are arranged by Bay Island Voyages for up to 3 hours, depending on the tide times, giving you a unique opportunity to see the conservation, wildlife and historic buildings.

Entry Fees: A landing fee of £5 per person is payable to the warden on arrival.  

More information


Children's Afternoon Tea Party

Throughout the year, we host themed children's parties. Start your afternoon with a meet and greet with the characters as they throw a themed afternoon tea. Finish the event off with entertainment from the stars. With decorated party areas and party food, it's fun for all the family.

Children's Parties


Family Hotel in Cardiff

Future Inn Cardiff is an ideal base for the night, offering various-sized rooms, including ones that can sleep up to four adults or a family. Plus, under 12's stay for free with a paying adult. Perks include free car parking, free wifi and a complimentary robe and slippers.

Book direct for the best rates guaranteed

Book direct for the best available rates on our website or by contacting the Reservations Team on 02920 487111 or reservations.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk.

Future Inn Rewards

For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program. Alongside a member's discount rate, for every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point. You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar when you dine. Plus, you get double points when you eat in the restaurant. Points collected can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. It's also completely free to join! 


Dishes on the menu in Thomas Restaurant

Family Restaurant in Cardiff

Thomas Restaurant is ideal for fueling up before exploring. The team serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, evening a-la-carte or traditional roasts on Sunday. A homemade Taste of Wales Afternoon Tea is served daily between 1pm-5pm or our set menu offers 3 courses for £25 daily from 5pm. A large selection of alcoholic and soft drinks is also available, including Welsh beer and spirits, wine by the glass or the bottle, plus 2 for £16 cocktails

Kids Eat Free in Thomas Restaurant

Throughout the year, kids eat free in Thomas Restaurant with any meal purchased by an adult. The children’s menu has something for foodie kids or those who may be a bit fussier, and they always ensure that there is one of the ‘five a day’ on the plate. It also includes bottomless squash and an ice-cream. 

Reservations can be made on 02920 487111 or thomas@futureinns.co.uk, or online: 


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