Unsure about what are the best things to do with your kids in Cardiff? Not to worry, I have found plenty of child friendly activities in Cardiff including soft play and great outdoor attractions.
Being the largest city in Wales, Cardiff is a great city to discover with family at your own pace. This cosmopolitan capital has unique sporting traditions, ancient history and cultural heritage.
The compact city’s distinct districts are easy to explore on foot. Afterwards, head to Cardiff bay for entertainment and eating or bohemian Roath for art galleries.
And let’s not forget picturesque Whitchurch for independent shops and plenty of parkland.
Are you ready to discover our favourite things to do with kids in Cardiff? Let’s go!
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1. Cardiff Castle
First, what child doesn’t love exploring a castle? Cardiff’s spectacular one is real treat for the senses too. There are opulent interiors, panoramic views from the top of the Norman Keep and atmospheric Wartime Shelters to explore. You can also explore the castle and grounds at your leisure. Or simply book a specialist tour. Don’t miss the “animal wall” surrounding the castle too – one of the city’s best spots for a family snapshot.
Address: Castle St, Cardiff CF10 3RB
Opening Hours: Open daily 10am to 4pm
2. Infinity Trampoline Park
Your children might need to release some energy during your visit in Cardiff. The Infinity Trampoline Park Cardiff is the perfect place for them. The venue has lots of trampolines to jump on and also arcades games, pool tables and more.
Look out at their website to spot toddler sessions where your little ones will be able to enjoy playing with his peers. Usually they are held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 11am.
Parents don’t have to jump with the kids. They can watch them in the surroundings of the trampoline mats. Also, there is a café where you can order your favourite hot drinks with cakes and pizzas too.
Address: Unit J, St. Catherine’s Park, Pengam Rd, Cardiff CF24 2RZ
3. Flashpoint Cardiff
Formerly known as Roc-Bloc, Flashpoint Cardiff is a great climbing wall with different access levels. If your kids have never experienced bouldering, now is the time to book a beginner session.
Flashpoint Cardiff has even a toddler area. Older children can learn to climb with an instructor or try climbing an easy wall with your supervision.
Recent reviews have praised how big and family friendly this place is. So if you are looking for a fun and sporty attraction to do in Cardiff on a rainy day, Flashpoint Cardiff should definitely be on your list.
Address: Freemans Parc, 236 Penarth Rd, Cardiff CF11 8EQ
4. Zone Play Cardiff
Located in the same area as Flashpoint, Zone Play Cardiff is a fun place to keep the kids entertained on a rainy day in Cardiff. The venue offers different play zones for children under 11.
Only children pay at the venue and sessions start at £4.50 for kids under 4 and £5.50 for children between 4 and 11 years old.
In this play centre, your kids will enjoy different equipment such as football pitch, climbing frames, punch bags and so much more.
And if you crave for a little snack, there are plenty to choose from the Kitchen with a wide variety of hot and cold food. The seating area has been designed for you to be able to watch your kids having fun at the play areas.
Address: Unit 5, Stadium Cl, Cardiff CF11 8TS
5. Techniquest Cardiff
A must visit for any keen scientists, Techniquest Cardiff is indeed an interactive science discovery centre in the heart of Cardiff Bay. It offers fantastic hands-on exhibits, a Science Theatre and a Planetarium.
Overall, a great day out for all the family, with loads of activities and shows at weekends and during school holidays.
Address: Stuart St, Cardiff CF10 5BW
Opening Hours: Open 9:30am – 4:30pm Monday to Friday, and 10am – 5:00 pm Saturday & Sunday.
6. Carry on Screaming
Sometimes there’s nothing better on a rainy day than heading to the cinema for some downtime with your family. But what if you have a baby, who may cry, need feeding, changing or disturb other customers?
Carry on Screaming has the answer – a film screening every Friday at Chapter Arts Centre, which is specifically for parents with young babies. You will therefore be able to relax in the knowledge everyone is in the same situation as you.
Finally, all films are family friendly, so older siblings can come along too. No wonder why this cinema is featured among our things to do with kids in Cardiff.
Address: Market Rd, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1QE
Bookings: Tickets for these screenings are not available online – please call the Box Office on 029 2030 4400 to book.
7. Parc Play Cardiff
Firstly, Parc Play offers hours of fun whatever the weather, with indoor, outdoor and undercover play areas for children up to age 12. Secondly, toddlers can explore the artificial grass meadow with tunnels, hills and slides, swings and a big sand & water play area complete with pirate ship and raft.
In addition, older children will love the zip wire, huge double slide, timber castle and table tennis, whilst adults can relax in the cafe with a coffee & free wifi.
Address: 4 Curran Embankment, Cardiff CF10 5DX
Opening Hours: Open daily 10am – 5:30pm
8. National Museum Cardiff
Last but not least, discover world class art, natural history and plenty of family focused events at this iconic museum. A favourite with kids, the ‘Evolution of Wales’ galleries take you on a 4,600 million-year journey from the Big Bang to the present day, bringing you face to face with dinosaurs and woolly mammoths along the way.
Finally, upcoming family events include Toddler Time (every Friday) and The Big Museum Easter Trail.
Address: Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP
Opening Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm. Closed on Mondays.
More things to do with kids in Cardiff ? Read on…
9. Bute Park
Known as the green heart of the city, Bute Park covers 56 hectares, making it one of the largest urban parks in Wales. Flanked by the River Taff and Cardiff Castle, its has a tranquil and historic atmosphere.
There is woodland, sports pitches and walking trails to explore, and numerous events are held here throughout the year.
Address: North Rd, Cardiff CF10 3ER
Opening Hours: Open daily 7:30am – dusk
10. Mambo Play Centre
Travelling with young children mean sometimes you have to please the younger crowd by spending some time in these indoor soft play areas. Mambo Play Centre is arguably one of the best soft play centres in Cardiff with thousands of positive family reviews.
Located in the East Moors district not too far from the Cardiff docks, you can find the great Mambo Play Centre. The place has so much to offer to families such as bumper cars, go-karts, play frames and slides.
Moreover, the venue even has a toddler area for children under 4 with an electronic safe locked area. Nearby, you can seat and sip your hot drink whilst watching your children having fun. And to complete it all, Mambo Play Centre has added a baby area with plenty sensory activities for your little ones.
Address: Ocean Way, Cardiff CF24 5PJ
11. Jump Cardiff
Situated in the North of Cardiff, you can find the Jump Cardiff indoor play activity where young children enjoy playing. You might already be familiar with Jump with other venues in Plymouth and Bristol.
The soft play area has different play frames on different levels and also boasts with a bouncy castle. Play sessions need to be booked in advance. So make sure to head over the website and see availability before you head to the venue with the kids.
As expected, you’ll be able to eat a proper meal and snacks at the café or simply drink your hot drink whilst your kids are having a blast at the different play zones.
Address: Parc Ty Glas, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5DU
12. Ants Inya Pants
If you are venture around the North East side of Cardiff, don’t forget to stop by Ants Inya Pants which is a top indoor play centre with a large open plan seating area for parents and their kids.
The soft play has been positively reviewed by families and praised how clean the place is. In there, your children will find plenty of fun things to do such as zip lines, numerous slides, ball pits and more.
Make sure to pre book your session on the website especially on weekends and school holidays. Each session seems to be limited to 40 children and I have seen sold out sessions on Saturdays days before.
Address: Rhymney River Bridge Rd, Off Newport Rd, Cardiff CF23 9AF
13. Roath Park
Known to locals as Roath Rec, this park is popular with families. Thanks to its excellent playground and large lake which can be used for watersports. Opened in 1894, it has retained its classic Victorian layout, with a distinctive memorial lighthouse that has become an icon of the city. Explore the Wild Garden and Botanic Garden, before heading to the Pleasure Gardens for bowls and basketball, or the playgrounds swings and slides. Overall, this is a lovely outdoor idea among our things to do in Cardiff with your kids.
Address: Lake Rd W, Cardiff CF23 5PA
Opening Hours: 7:30 am – dusk
14. Cefn Mably Farm Park
This park and farm offers a great day out for all the family, from toddlers to teenagers. There are animals to feed and pet, mini diggers to ride and go-karts to race. If the weather turns wet, there’s a soft play barn too, and a cosy cafe serving coffee and home made cake. Don’t miss the farm shop on your way out, where you can pick up some bacon smoked on site or locally made cheeses, jams and chutneys.
Address: Began Rd, Cardiff CF3 6XL
Opening Hours: Open daily, 10am – 5pm
15. St Fagan’s National Museum of History
Pay a visit to this open–air museum to take a step back in time and learn about the historic lifestyle, culture, and architecture of the Welsh people. Set within the grounds of St Fagan’s Castle, visitors can explore over 40 buildings which give you a glimpse into people’s everyday lives at various periods throughout Welsh history. These include houses, a farm, a school, and a workman’s institute, all meticulously recreated to be historically accurate. Live demonstrations from traditional craftsmen and bring the experience alive.
After you’ve had your culture fix, take the kids to the High Ropes adventure course or explore the acres of pretty woodland.
Address: St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff CF5 6XB
Opening Hours: Open daily 10am – 5pm
16. Cycle the Taff Trail
Admire the city’s green spaces and beyond on two wheels, as you cycle the famous Taff Trail with your family. In Cardiff the Taff Trail extends 8 miles, from Cardiff Bay’s Waterfront, via the City Centre, through parks and green spaces, to Tongwynlais. The route is suitable for all ages and abilities, as you can cycle as little or as much as you want in one go.
If you fancy walking instead, there are six circular walks you can do within the Taff Corridor. For details and maps, email parks@cardiff.gov.uk or phone 029 2068 4000.
17. Castell Coch
We love discovering odd things when we are on holiday. Castell Coch is probably featured on this list. The place is a revival of an old castle that was completely destroyed in the 14th century.
Whatever remains of the caste were acquired in the 18th century by the 3rd Earl of Bute. Fast forward, the family decided to recruit an architect with the big ambition to rebuild the castle and make it a retreat house.
Today, the ‘Red Castle’ and its surrounding can be visited by the public and is worth the trip. For as little as £28.20, your family of 5 can have unlimited access to the castle with different activities organised during the year. For instance, during Easter, your children can enjoy a castle trail with face painting and storytelling.
Address: Castell Coch, Cardiff CF157JS, UK
18. Play at Pins
You are unlucky with the weather and need a fun activity to do with the whole family in Cardiff. Play at Pins might be your golden ticket for a few hours of competition between parents and children.
Just a stone’s throw away from the Principality Stadium, Play at Pins is a great bowling venue that welcomes children every day until 7pm. Evening are for adults only.
Not only that, the place is also home of 4 unique escape rooms where you can challenge yourself for 1 hour and try to solve clues and puzzles with the kids.
You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours at Play at Pins if you decide to combine a game of bowling with an escape game. As always, it is wisely recommended to book your game in advance during peak holiday times.
Address: 9-11 The Hayes, St Davids Centre, Cardiff CF10 1AH
19. Ninja Warrior UK Cardiff
If you live in the UK, you might be already familiar with Ninja Warrior UK who offers over 17 venues around the country. Cardiff is no stranger to Ninja Warrior and has its own centre located in the outskirts of the city.
This indoor activity is guaranteed to wear your kids out. Different courses are available to adults and children depending how much you want to be challenged.
I would say teenagers and parents would probably enjoy the venue more than young children, as the different courses could be quite tricky. But for little ones, there is an inflatable course that they might like too.
Address: Hadfield Rd, Cardiff CF11 8AQ
20. Treetop Adventure Golf
Who doesn’t like a game of mini golf with the kids? Cardiff is lucky to have Treetop Adventure Golf, which boasts with two 18-holes courses.
The indoor attraction is beautifully decorated and has a nice vibe once you are inside with special sounds effects.
Located inside the St Davids shopping centre, your family will certainly enjoy this activity with a fun surprise at the end: the 19th hole. This will be your opportunity to potentially win a free round of golf. Plenty of fund and laughter guaranteed at Treetop Adventure Golf.
Address: Level P3 St David’s Dewi Sant, Cardiff CF10 2EL
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Map of Things to Do in Cardiff with Kids
CONCLUSION
You have reached the end of my article. I hope you have found enough things to do in Cardiff with the kids. Cardiff is a great weekend destination easily reachable by train or by car.
If you are planning to spend holiday in Brecon Beacons National Park, maybe plan 2 nights in Cardiff before or after before heading back home.
Enjoy your holiday in Cardiff with the kids!
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