Swansea is offering a wide range of free activities this summer, from free weekend bus travel to festivals, splashpads, and cultural venues. Families can enjoy the Wales Airshow, the Swansea Sea Festival, and the Amplitude music festival without spending a penny.
Free Weekend Bus Travel
Swansea Council's free weekend bus scheme will operate on weekends throughout the school summer holidays, starting Saturday, July 25. The service runs within the Swansea Council area, allowing families to travel to popular spots for free on the following dates: July 25-26, August 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 29-31.
Wales Airshow Returns
On Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26, the annual Wales Airshow returns to the seafront. Daytime attractions include RAF Tutor, Strikemaster Pair, and historic aircraft like the Spitfire, Hurricane, and Dakota. The nighttime show, Wales Airshow: Afterburn, features pyrotechnic displays from the Otto Helicopter, Firebirds aerobatics, and a grand finale with 200 drones and fireworks.
Sports and Dancing with COAST
COAST (Creating Opportunities Across Swansea Together) hosts a variety of free activities from July 20 to August 31, including dancing, science, climbing, canoeing, and judo.
Cool Off at Splashpads
Blackpill Lido is back open daily from 9am to 5pm until September 27. It features a paddling pool, children's play area, climbing rock, picnic facilities, and public toilets. Deck chairs can be hired for £3. The lido is free to use with no booking required.
Free Museums and Galleries
Swansea's museums and galleries offer free entry, including National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Museum, The Egypt Centre, The Dylan Thomas Centre, Glyn Vivian Art Gallery, Elysium Gallery, Oriel Science, Attic Gallery, and Mission Gallery.
Swansea Food and Drink Festival
Returning for two weekends, the festival runs from Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 9 on Oxford Street, Princess Way, and Portland Street. Entry is free, with food, drinks, and independent Welsh traders.
Family-Friendly Walks
Ramble and Scramble walks offer child-friendly, self-led walks starting and ending at railway stations in Burry Port, Llanelli, Pontarddulais, Fishguard, and Goodwick. Maps and activities are downloadable. Accompanied children travel free on Transport for Wales trains, with 2-for-1 entry at Cadw sites.
Swansea Sea Festival
Taking place on August 8 and 9 in Museum Park and the Marina, the festival features live music at Swansea Amphitheatre, workshops, and activities from National Waterfront Museum, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, and others. Highlights include sea-themed face painting, craft activities, and a shiphead carver.
Amplitude Festival
A free two-day festival on August 22 and 23 at the amphitheatre outside the LC, featuring local artists performing rock, pop, jazz, and folk.
