Pure entertainment
Madam Butterfly, Strictly Come Dancing, risqué comedy and contemporary theatre, the Pavilion Theatre Rhyl is all about spectacular performances. This incarnation opened in 1991, 90 years after the first one burnt down.
Venue Cymru, Llandudno is built where a theatre opened on the promenade spot over a century ago, but since 2007 Venue Cymru has stood in its place. Catch famous singers, best-selling theatre shows and exhibitions.
The independent Magic Lantern Cinema, Tywyn, is housed in the original Assembly Rooms built in the 1800s. It boasts a well stocked bar, hosts live music, comedy and poetry performances as well as a packed itinerary of movies (including 3D) with a state-of-the-art cinema system.
Adventures and activities
Why go over a mountain when you can go through it? Abseil, zip line, scramble, traverse, boat and climb around the abandoned mines of Eryri (Snowdonia) with Go Below. You’ll encounter deep blue lakes, lofty caverns and forgotten mining machinery as you go.
The Fun Centre in Caernarfon is North Wales' biggest indoor adventure playcentre - think 25ft giant drop slides, ball pools, rope bridges, tube slides, maze, climbing walls, nets, poles and ropes, laser games and mini electric go-carts.
The story of life inside this Spartan gaol during the 1800s doesn’t pull any punches. One visitor described her visit to Beaumaris Gaol, Anglesey, as both ‘grim’ and a ‘great morning out’. It features one of the few working treadmills in the UK and once featured on the television show Most Haunted.
Passionately run in a modest museum, Stone Science, Anglesey, is a treasure trove of geology. It has stacks of rocks, minerals, fossils and incredible dinosaur artefacts. Dig through the discoveries on show and find out more from the people who put together this quirky collection.
The National Slate Museum, Llanberis is based in a former slate quarry built in 1870. The dramatic industrial setting is perfect for this acclaimed museum, with displays that faithfully recreate the lives of workers at the Dinorwic site. Take part in workshops and demonstrations or simply explore this pocket of culture.
Discover the thrill of adventure at Zip World Conwy, nestled in the heart of the scenic Conwy Valley. This all-weather indoor haven is perfect for families and suitable for all weather conditions and ages. Scale new heights on the Altitude Climber, featuring 10 distinctive climbing walls designed for both children and adults. For those seeking an aerial adventure, Elevation Indoors presents a high-flying indoor ropes course. The Soft Play section offers the mini version of the Adrenaline Indoors adventure, perfect for kids. It features slides, light obstacles, and a ball pit. Come rain or shine, Zip World Conwy promises an unforgettable day out.
King Arthur's Labyrinth is a great underground attraction located south of Eryri (Snowdonia) which the whole family can enjoy. Here, travel deep underground, guided by a boatman from the Dark Ages to hear magical stories of Wales as you pass through winding tunnels and caverns. There is also the Welsh Legends Maze - the outdoor discovery trail which is great fun and suitable for all ages. Be sure not to miss the slate caverns tour where you can experience some of the Welsh heritage at the site of Corris Mine Explorers, but advance booking is highly recommended.
Zip World Llechwedd in Blaenau Ffestiniog, has to be one of the most unusual rainy day activities North Wales has to offer! The bouncy nets of Bounce Below are located in the incredible surroundings of a disused slate mine. The trampolines are suspended one above the other, in an underground cavern the size of a cathedral. It’s all connected by slides and ladders, and lit by psychedelic multi-coloured lights, so you can jump, slide and climb your way through the deep dark course.
Love adventure golf? Don't like rain? Head to the 18 hole Underground Adventure Golf course, based in a cavern 500 feet below ground, to tackle four levels of increasingly fiendish challenges.
Other options include the Zip World Caverns - five huge underground slate caverns turned into a unique adventure zone. They house zip lines, rope bridges, balance beams and tunnels, with plenty of breath-taking stretches and one-of-a-kind views. A three hour adventure for children aged 10 years upwards.
Curiosity and culture
The Great Orme Tramway has been delighting visitors for over 100 years. An engineering marvel of its age, it's the only cable-hauled tramway operating on British public roads. At the Halfway Station exhibition, discover the fascinating funicular tramway then enjoy the spectacular ride to the top.
Oriel MOSTYN Gallery hosts consistently excellent contemporary art shows within an elegant building. You can expect to see major established artists and the best up-and-coming practitioners at the venue. Discover something new or have a go at drawing what you see.
Enjoy time at Anglesey Sea Zoo, which features British sea life, including sea horses!
Try something new
Put your family's creative talent to work and create a unique souvenir of your holiday by decorating a pottery mug, plate or trinket at the friendly Tan y Ddraig studio in Conwy. There are several different classes on offer, including pot throwing, bookable online. Books, food and drink are available for inspiration.
The Piggery Pottery in Caernarfon offers two hour family-friendly pottery painting sessions. You can also buy 'paint your own kits' to save for another rainy day!
Ruthin Craft Centre holds regular workshops and exhibitions, or don your wellies and follow the Ruthin Art Trail around the town.