The summer school holidays have arrived, and families in Wales can enjoy a wide range of free events and activities without breaking the bank. From air shows to museum exhibitions, splashpads to castle adventures, here are 17 free things to do across Wales during the 2026 summer break.
1. Wales Air Show, Swansea
Kick off the school holidays at the Wales Air Show on Swansea beach, July 25-26. During the day, visitors can see RAF Tutor, Strikemaster Pair, and historic aircraft like the Spitfire, Hurricane, and Dakota. The nighttime show, Afterburn, features pyrotechnic displays from the Otto Helicopter, Firebirds aerobatics, and a grand finale with 200 drones and fireworks. All free.
2. Interactive App Walk in Cardiff Bay
Download the Wales Coast Path app for 7 Family Walks with a Difference. Point your device at information boards to unlock digital features, including augmented reality experiences. Ideal for tech-savvy tweens.
3. Free Nature Activities at Mermaid Quay
Every Thursday from July 23 to August 27, Tacoma Square at Mermaid Quay transforms into an interactive outdoor adventure. Families can enjoy storytelling, crafts, and hands-on activities inspired by wildlife and biodiversity. Themes change weekly, with activities like bug hotels and finger puppets.
4. The Big Welsh Bite, Pontypridd
On August 1-2, the Big Welsh Bite showcases over 60 local food and drink producers, with street food, artisan treats, and live entertainment. Free entry. Also on July 25, RCT Pride in the Park offers free entry with a parade, market, and entertainment.
5. Cool Off at the Lido
The National Lido of Wales at Ynysangharad Park is open Easter to September, with three heated pools at 28°C. Children under 16 swim free (plus 50p booking fee). Sessions bookable online.
6. Museum of Cardiff: Summer of Play
The Museum of Cardiff offers free exhibits and activities, including Ely Memory Lane (July 11-October 31) with oral histories, photos, and a video game. The summer programme includes Dinky Dragons sessions (until August 14), Crafty Wednesdays, and the Lotta & Lola Museum Trail. Explorer Packs let children become history detectives. Free admission.
7. Nature Trails at Bute Park
Bute Park in central Cardiff offers themed nature trails, tree-lined paths, and wildlife habitats. Free to explore daily, with a visitor centre and three cafés. Perfect for fresh air and family fun.
8. Helios at National Museum Cardiff
Until August 31, view Luke Jerram's seven-metre-wide Helios sculpture, using real NASA solar imagery to show sunspots and solar flares. Free entry. Related paid events include yoga classes and sleepovers.
9. Cadw Castle Events
Cadw hosts family-friendly events across Wales: Victorian Excavation at Castell Coch (July 29-30), Go Wild at Caerphilly Castle (August 29-31), Medieval Festival at Beaumaris Castle, and Hysterical History at Kidwelly Castle. Free with castle admission (some sites free for members).
10. Sculpture Spotting at Fforest Fawr
Near Cardiff, Fforest Fawr offers three circular walks with a wooden carving sculpture trail. The trail ends with panoramic valley views. Sculptures are inspired by local wildlife and history, perfect for creative inspiration.
11. Splashpads Across Wales
Free splashpads include Victoria Park in Cardiff, Blackpill Lido in Swansea, and Aberavon Aqua Splash in Port Talbot. Great for cooling down on hot days.
12. Milford Waterfront Summer Events
Milford Waterfront in Pembrokeshire offers free and low-cost events. The Milford Waterfront Weekender (August 14-16) features street food and live music. Free Under the Bridge sessions for ages 11-17 run Tuesdays and Fridays (July 21-August 28) with arts, music, and sports. Ticketed outdoor cinema screenings include Finding Nemo and Back to the Future (from £12).
13. Ramble and Scramble Walks
Self-led family walks start and finish at railway stations in Burry Port, Llanelli, Pontarddulais, Fishguard, and Goodwick. Download maps with fun activities. Accompanied children travel free on Transport for Wales trains, with 2-for-1 entry at Cadw sites.
14. Big Pit National Coal Museum
Explore mining community hobbies and pastimes with free family activities like 'Hiya Butt! Bay' Miners' Fortnight revisit, seaside crafts, and a 'pin the tail on the colliery horse' game. Full programme online.
15. Swansea Sea Festival
August 8-9 at Museum Park and Marina, featuring live music, workshops from National Waterfront Museum, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, and more. Activities include sea-themed crafts, facepainting, and a traditional sailmaker demonstration. All free.
16. Tenby RNLI Lifeboat Station
Visit the lifeboat station on Castle Hill for a free viewing platform overlooking the Hayden Miller lifeboat. Weather permitting, the RNLI launches the boat every other Tuesday, drawing crowds. Check website for open days.
17. Hetherton World of Activities
Five minutes from Tenby, this fun park offers free entry year-round with free play activities like Merlin's Adventure Play, climbing wall, giant floor games, and sand diggers. Other activities require a credit pass.
