The city centre is wonderfully compact meaning even the littlest of legs can easily walk between the main attractions and, as many of Cardiff’s best landmarks are free to visit, it’s great if you’re on a budget.
Venture into the city’s outskirts and you’ll find even more fantastic places for families to explore, such as Roath Park and Lake, St Fagans National Museum of History, fairytale castle Castell Coch, and the neighbouring Fforest Fawr with its magical sculpture trail in the woodlands.
As family city breaks go, Cardiff has it all – culture (theatres, galleries, museums and public art), history (we have a castle right in the centre of the city), outdoor spaces to explore (climb a tree in Bute Park or spot the Enormous Crocodile on Cardiff Bay Barrage) as well as plenty of opportunity for adventure (everything from tropical-themed mini golf and bowling to white water rafting and even zip wiring across the roof of the Principality Stadium).
A city centre where everything is in walking distance
Cardiffians are super proud of having a castle right in the city centre, not least one with more than 2,000 years of history. Explore the grounds of Cardiff Castle for free, or pay for entry to discover the remains of a Roman wall, the Norman keep, the ornate gothic Victorian apartments, the Second World War bomb shelters inside the castle walls, plus learn about Wales’ military history at the Firing Line Museum.
In the summer, the castle hosts a range of live music concerts and at Christmas it’s home to Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland ice rink.
Read more: Cardiff Castle: an all-action attraction!
It wouldn’t be a trip to Cardiff without seeing the dinosaurs at National Museum Cardiff. Here, you’ll learn about the evolution of Wales, discover creatures of the land, sea and air, and see works from some of Wales’ most prominent artists including Gwen and Augustus John, as well as world greats such as Monet, Rodun, Turner and Van Goch. Best of all, the museum is free to visit.
You can explore the history of Cardiff as it developed from small market town in the 1300s to one of world’s biggest exporting docks at The Museum of Cardiff, also free to visit. It’s a brilliant hands-on experience with historical dress up and a play area for youngsters.
Read more: Cardiff museums: where to go and what to see
Perfect for rugby fans is a tour of the Principality Stadium where you can stand in the players’ changing rooms and walk through the players’ tunnel onto the famous pitch. Or book a tour of the BBC Wales studios to see behind the scenes at one of the largest BBC newsrooms. Don’t forget to say hello to the statue of Betty Campbell, Wales’ first black headteacher and the first statue of a ‘real’ woman anywhere in Wales.
Teens and tweens will love shopping at St David’s Dewi Sant with more than 180 stores, including everything from high street fashion chains and sports shops to designer brands and high end cosmetic stores – as well as Treetop Adventure Golf, a perfect wet weather activity for all ages.
We love exploring the boutiques and independent businesses of Cardiff’s beautiful Victorian and Edwardian arcades, also home to some of our favourite places to refuel including Barker Tea House and Mrs Potts Chocolate House.
Read more: A guide to the best shopping centres, arcades and markets in Cardiff
Cardiff Bay
Hop on the bus or train from the city centre to Cardiff Bay – or take the scenic route and board the aqua bus from Bute Park and travel down the River Taff. You can take a boat tour of the Bay, discover the home of Welsh politics with a free tour of the Senedd, or walk along Cardiff Bay Barrage where you’ll find a playground, skate park and sculpture of Roald Dahl’s Enormous Crocodile – the children’s author was born in the city.
Head to Techniquest for more than 100 hands-on science exhibits and live science shows; or go 10 pin bowling or watch the latest blockbuster at The Red Dragon Centre.
You’re spoiled for choice for places to eat in Cardiff Bay with both The Red Dragon Centre and Mermaid Quay home to lots of family-friendly restaurants including Five Guys, Wagamama, Pizza Express and more, plus there are plenty of coffee shops and cafes for a light bite.
Read more: Top things to see and do in Cardiff Bay
Get outdoors
Bute Park, behind Cardiff Castle, is a real-must visit, with trees to climb, open fields to run around, the remains of a 13th century friary, and story and nature trails.
It’s easy to catch the bus or walk to Victoria Park in Canton, where you’ll find playgrounds for older and younger children and a vibrant splash pad in the summer months. Likewise Roath Park and Lake are within easy distance of the city centre – the giant slide is famous among local children who love to whizz down it. In the summer, hire a paddle boat and row around the swan-filled lake and its lighthouse, in memory of Captain Scott, who began his ill-fated Antarctic expedition from Cardiff.
On the edge of the city, but worth a visit, are Fforest Fawr and its wooden sculpture trail, Cefn Onn Country Park which is especially lovely in autumn when its full of red, orange and yellow hues, and Y Wenallt, the ancient woodland which in bluebell season is carpeted with the beautiful blue-purple flowers.
Read more: Wonderful walks in and around Cardiff
Pop, theatre and performance
Wales is famous for being the land of song and, if you time your visit right, you could witness live performances from the likes of Pink, Taylor Swift, Stereophonics or Oasis, all of whom have played or are playing the Principality Stadium. The nearby Utilita Arena also hosts top names from the world of pop and rock as well as family shows such as Disney on Ice.
If you like theatre, catch an independent production at Chapter Arts Centre or the Sherman Theatre – their family Christmas shows are especially good. You’ll also find lots of family shows at the New Theatre, and touring West End musicals at Wales Millennium Centre.
For adventurous families
There’s no shortage of adrenaline-fuelled adventure in Cardiff. You can white water raft in Cardiff Bay; take to the ice at Vindico Arena; sail or kayak at Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs; get your harness on and scale the walls at Boulders Indoor Climbing Centre; swing and climb your way through the obstacles at Ninja Warrior, try free running at Fluidity Freerun Academy, skateboarding at Ramp World, or bounce away at Buzz or Infinity, the city’s trampoline parks. If you’re feeling especially brave, you can zip wire 170m across the roof of the Principality Stadium.
Younger children will love Jump or Mambo soft plays, or Parc Play, an indoor-outdoor all weather play centre with a huge wooden fortress to climb, giant slides to whizz down and sand pits to explore.
Read more: Activity adventures in South Wales
Just outside Cardiff
Cardiff is the perfect location to explore more of South East Wales. Some of our favourite places within easy reach include The Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant where you can see how our coins are made and even strike your own; Dyffryn Gardens in the Vale of Glamorgan and Tredegar House in Newport, both National Trust properties with large grounds; Caerphilly Castle, Wales’ largest castle, a 20 minute train ride away; Cosmeston Lakes Country Park in Penarth or Porthkerry Country Park in Barry; or catch the train to the sandy beach, funfair and arcades of Barry Island.
Follow @CardiffMummuSays on Instagram for more inspiration for family-friendly things to do in and around Cardiff, South Wales.
