From July 20, school holidays begin in Wales, and costs can quickly mount. However, numerous free activities are available across Cardiff and its surroundings. Here is a round-up of fantastic no-cost options, including walks, swims, castle activities, and museum exhibits.
Interactive Walk in Cardiff Bay
The Wales Coast Path app offers 7 Family Walks with a Difference, providing a unique digital experience. Once downloaded, point the device at information boards to unlock special features. This is particularly appealing for tech-savvy tweens.
Big Welsh Bite in Pontypridd
The Big Welsh Bite showcases Welsh food, drink, and entertainment with over 60 local and regional producers. Entry is free. Visitors can enjoy street food, artisan treats, farm-fresh produce, and culinary crafts. A large funfair and live entertainment are planned. On July 25, RCT Pride in the park also offers free entry with a parade, market, and food stalls. Additionally, the Rhondda Heritage Park hosts a Classic Car Show on June 27.
Cool Off at the Lido
The National Lido of Wales at Ynysangharad Park is open during summer holidays, featuring three heated pools (main, activity, splash) at 28°C from Easter to September. Kids under 16 swim free (plus 50p booking fee); adults pay. Sessions for 2026 are bookable now.
Museum of Cardiff Exhibits
Located in the city centre, the Museum of Cardiff offers free exhibits and activities this summer. Ely Memory Lane (July 11 – October 31) combines oral histories, photographs, toys, and a video game about childhood in Cardiff. A highlight is the interactive game Back in My Day: Ely Memory Lane. A “summer of play” programme includes Dinky Dragons sessions (until August 14) for imaginative play, storytelling, and crafts. Regular Crafty Wednesdays feature weekly themed creations. Later in summer, the Lotta & Lola Museum Trail offers a free interactive spotter trail. Families can also pick up Explorer Packs to become history detectives. The Bloomberg Connects app provides a digital guide. On the second Saturday of each month (10am-2pm), the museum offers reduced volume and extra resources for visitors with additional learning needs. Admission is free.
Nature Trail at Bute Park
Bute Park, Cardiff’s green sanctuary, is ideal for summer walks and nature-based play. Families can follow themed nature trails, explore tree-lined paths, and discover wildlife habitats. The park has a visitor centre and three cafés. Free to explore daily.
Helios at National Museum Cardiff
Helios is a seven-metre-wide artwork by Luke Jerram, using real solar imagery from NASA. It allows safe, spectacular viewing of the Sun’s surface, including sunspots and solar flares. The exhibit runs until August 31 and is free. Related paid events include yoga classes, after-dark sessions, and museum sleepovers.
Castle Events
Cadw hosts family-friendly events near Cardiff. A Victorian Excavation at Castell Coch on July 29-30 (11am-3pm) offers hands-on archaeology. Go Wild at Caerphilly Castle on August 29-31 (11am-3pm) includes a nature-themed quest and crafts.
Sculpture Spotting at Fforest Fawr
Fforest Fawr offers three circular walks with a wooden carving sculpture trail. The trail ends with panoramic valley views. Sculptures are carved from wood and stone, inspired by local wildlife and history.
Victoria Park Splashpad
Victoria Park's splashpad is free and opens daily from 10am. The park also has playgrounds, walking paths, a story trail, and a café.
Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs
Since reopening in July 2023, the reservoirs have become a popular attraction. They offer paid water activities like cold water swimming, paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking, but also free exploration and hiking.
