The list of family things to do in Cardiff is one of the most remarkable in the UK – after all, you and the kids can come face-to-face with eerie aliens and rampaging robots in one of the country's top sci-fi attractions. Tranquil green spaces and interactive museums add to the allure for visitors of all ages. You and the kids will all thrill to the flamboyant live performances that are put on in Cardiff all year round. The Wales Millennium Centre is a great venue for family-friendly offerings.

While Cardiff has a lavish art gallery right at its heart, there are also museums and exhibitions here which will exhilarate younger visitors. Expect to discover distractions that'll expand their minds and make the hairs stand up on the backs of their necks. The capital city of Wales isn’t just about indoor fun – there are swathes of green for you to wander and for kids to play on. A short bus ride from the city centre will take you to an urban oasis with a wide blue lake. Food-wise, many restaurants are strewn around the city centre, but if you're here with the family you might prefer to head out to Cardiff Bay. It has a vibrant atmosphere, views of the coast, and loads of eateries aimed squarely at people with kids in tow. Follow us through a selection of Cardiff’s great attractions for kids.

  • 1

    Treetop Adventure Golf

    A couple of crazy golf courses plus a number of dining options

    Treetop Adventure Golf
    • Families

    Situated inside the St David’s Dewi Sant shopping centre, Treetop Adventure Golf is an action-packed indoor crazy golf venue with two 18-hole courses that are suitable for players of all ages. One course takes on the theme of Ancient Explorer, while the other is tropical jungle themed. Here, you’ll also find a number of fantastic dining options.

    Order treats from the Amazonian Village market, or tuck into a margarita at Pizza Cabana’s. Thirsty Toucan’s serves tropical cocktails and a range of local craft beers. At the Buzz Café, you can order pick-me-up snacks plus sweet treats and coffee.

    Location: Level P3 St David’s Dewi Sant, Cardiff CF10 2EL, UK

    Open: Monday from 11 am to 7 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday–Friday from 11 am to 11 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 11 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)29 2022 6590

    Map
  • 2

    Cosmeston Medieval Village

    A living history open-air museum that showcases medieval life

    Cosmeston Medieval Village
    • History

    At Cosmeston Medieval Village, you can get a glimpse into peasant life during the 14th century while exploring one of Wales’s leading heritage attractions and open-air museums. You’ll find out how people lived, ate, worked and more. You’ll also get an insight into the tensions that existed between the Welsh and English at the time.

    The best way to discover the Cosmeston Medieval Village is to take a guided tour with a costumed guide, who will demonstrate things like cooking methods and livestock rearing. Alternatively, you can explore the park by yourself with an audio guide.

    Location: Penarth CF64 5UY, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm

    Phone: +44 (0) 29 2070 9141

    Map

    photo by Ben Salter (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 3

    Wales Millennium Centre

    Wales Millennium Centre
    • Families
    • Nightlife

    Its sweeping copper dome inscribed with vast words of poetry which glow in the night, the Wales Millennium Centre is a true icon of the city. It's not just a pretty face, though – inside you'll find a major performance venue which puts on wild and colourful plays and musicals perfect for little ones, teenagers and parents alike.

    Location: Bute Place, Cardiff CF10 5AL, UK

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)29 2063 6464

    Map
  • 4

    Techniquest

    Techniquest
    • Families

    Techniquest is a huge space crammed with interactive science exhibits. From firing rockets to discovering how gravity works, children of all ages will be able to push buttons, pull levers and toggle switches to make things pop, jump, fizz and erupt. Even grown-ups won't be able to resist getting stuck in.

    Location: Stuart Street, Cardiff CF10 5BW, UK

    Open: Tuesday–Friday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +44 (0)29 2047 5475

    Map

    photo by Tiia Monto (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 5

    BUZZ Parks Cardiff

    One of Wales’s largest indoor trampoline parks

    BUZZ Parks Cardiff
    • Families

    Occupying a space that measures 23,000 square feet, BUZZ Parks Cardiff is one of the largest trampoline super parks in Wales. There’s also an inflatable course that’s packed with fun challenges and activities. While bouncing around the venue on over 100 interconnected trampolines, you can jump into foam pits, practice your freestyle skills, and play sports like dodgeball and basketball.

    When you need to refuel after a session of trampolining, you can order cold snacks and refreshments from the onsite café.

    Location: Ty-Glas Ave, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5DX, UK

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 4 pm to 7 pm, Friday from 3 pm to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9.45 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)29 2009 9899

    Map
  • 6

    Cardiff International White Water

    Get wet and wild without leaving the city

    Cardiff International White Water
    • Adventure
    • Families

    Cardiff International White Water is an Olympic-standard set of artificial rapids. Under the guidance of experienced coaches, you can try your hand at white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and even surfing on the indoor wave machine. The centre is on the outskirts of the city, about 4 miles south of Cardiff Central train station, but the No. 13 bus will drop you right at the door. You’ll find other activity facilities nearby, including an ice rink, swimming pool and yacht club.

    Location: Watkiss Way, Cardiff CF11 0SY, UK

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm (Wednesdays and Fridays until 8.30 pm)

    Phone: +44 (0)29 2082 9970

    Map

    photo by Gareth James (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 7

    Boulders Climbing & Pebbles Soft Play

    An indoor rock-climbing centre for adults and children

    Boulders Climbing & Pebbles Soft Play
    • Adventure
    • Families

    At Boulders Climbing & Pebbles Soft Play, otherwise known simply as Boulders, you can practice your rock-climbing skills on a variety of climbing walls that cater to climbers of all ability levels. There’s also a play area for kids aged 7 to 13 years, a soft play area for children under 7 years, and activities such as yoga and fitness classes.

    When you need a break from climbing, you can order soft drinks and light snacks from the onsite café, which overlooks the walls and children’s play area. The park is open 7 days a week.

    Location: St Catherines Pk, Pengam Rd, Cardiff CF24 2RZ, UK

    Open: Monday–Tuesday and Thursday from 12.30 pm to 10.30 pm, Wednesday from 7 am to 10.30 pm, Friday from 12.30 pm to 8.30 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 9 am to 6.30 pm

    Map
  • 8

    Cardiff Ski and Snowboard Centre

    One of the UK’s first dry ski slopes

    Cardiff Ski and Snowboard Centre
    • Adventure
    • Families

    At the Cardiff Ski and Snowboard Centre, you can practice skiing, snowboarding or tubing down a 100-metre-long dry ski slope that’s been a hit with the locals since 1969. You can also book lessons, private parties and special events, though provided you’ve had at least one skiing lesson elsewhere and can use the ski lift comfortably, you’re free to glide down the slope without assistance.

    The Cardiff Ski and Snowboard Centre is located in Fairwater Park, which is just 10 minutes from Cardiff’s city centre. On weekdays from October until April, the slope remains open until 9.30 pm, and you’ll find plenty of dining options located around the park.

    Location: 198 Fairwater Rd, Cardiff CF5 3JR, UK

    Open: October–March: Monday–Friday from noon to 9.30 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5.30 pm. April–September: Tuesday–Thursday from 12.30 pm to 9.30 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5.30 pm (closed on Monday and Friday).

    Phone: +44 (0)7882 969248

    Map
  • 9

    Roath Park

    Roath Park
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Photo

    Garlanded with trees and flowers, Roath Park is a hit with the locals and any visitors who happen to be in the know. It's dotted with multi-coloured flowerbeds and winding paths, along with a huge adventure playground younger kids will love. You can also take the family out on a rowing boat across the tranquil lake.

    Location: Lake Road East, Cardiff CF23 5PG, UK

    Open: Recreation grounds always open. Park and pleasure gardens open from 7.30 am to 30 minutes before sunset

    Phone: +44 (0)29 2087 2087

    Map