Things to Do with Kids in North Wales
From high-octane adventures to blissful beach BBQ days, North Wales is teeming with family-friendly activities and things to do that little ones are guaranteed to love. Think gloriously golden beaches with paddle-friendly shallows, award-winning attractions with everything you need easily onsite, and unmatched Welsh hospitality in every corner. If you’re in need of some inspiration for your next trip, we’re taking a look at some of the best things to do with kids in North Wales.
Keep reading to discover the best places to visit, where to stay and how we can help make your trip memorable.
The Best Things to do With Kids in North Wales
- North Wales Attractions for Families
- The Best Forests & Woodlands to Explore in North Wales
- North Wales Castles & Country Houses
- Animal Parks & Petting Zoos in North Wales
- Watersports & Boat Trips in North Wales
- Child-Friendly Railway Experiences in North Wales
- Free Things to do with kids in North Wales
- Rainy Day Family Activities in North Wales
- Things to do with Teenagers in North Wales
- Things to do with Toddlers in North Wales
The best things to do with kids in North Wales
It would be impossible to compile a list of all the things you can do with children in North Wales – this area of the UK is crammed with exciting adventures! Below, though, we’ve put together some of our firm favourites, with recommendations on where to go.
North Wales attractions for families
Nothing says ‘family holiday’ quite like a trip to the fairground. In North Wales, the ‘fairground’ varies from the classic amusement park to the world’s fastest zipline – you’re guaranteed both adventure and adrenaline here! If you want to treat your little ones to the ultimate high-octane day out, here’s where we suggest heading:
Zip World, Snowdonia (various locations)
Since its inception at the heart of Snowdonia in 2013, Zipworld has evolved into a multi-sited visitor attraction across both Wales and England. Three of its eight locations are dotted across North Wales in Penrhyn Quarry, Llechwedd and Betws-y-Coed, with a choice of 20 different activities in total! These include the world-renowned ziplines, underground golf, the ‘bounce below’ cavern experience and the forest coaster.
GreenWood Family Park, Y Felinhelli
An outdoor and adventure amusement park, GreenWood has a specific focus on being eco-friendly, which is why an impressive 80% of the energy used to run the park is generated by their own solar farm. Fully open at weekends, the park comprises rollercoasters, soft play, tubing, outdoor play areas and much more.
Glasfryn Parc Activity Centre, Pwllheli
An iconic local attraction, Glasfryn Parc is just 5 miles from the town centre of Pwllheli and is home to a wakeboarding park, go-karts, inflatable obstacle course, soft play, crazy golf and more.
Knightly’s Fun Park, Towyn
Knightly’s is both a funfair and an arcade attraction situated right on the shoreline at Towyn, Abergele. Think classic rides such as The Sizzler and The Waltzer, to more extreme options for the braver and bigger! There are also catering options available onsite and glowing arcades for a dash of nostalgic fun.
Llandudno, Conwy
Llandudno is home to a choice of fun, exciting and adrenaline-fuelled things to do. Head to the beachfront for the pier with its arcades and sweet shops, or to The Great Orme for scenic rides in the cable car or on the historic tram. There is also a dry ski slope and a toboggan run, while those in search of a leisurely experience can enjoy the award-winning Happy Valley Park.
Pwllheli Amusements, Pwllheli
Located just off Y Maes marketplace, Pwllheli Amusements is a large indoor and outdoor amusement park with mini fairground rides, a games arcade and more. There is an indoor soft play area nearby, Y Den, which is great for smaller tots with lots of energy to expend! Hungry grown-ups simply must head to AllPorts for some of the best fish & chips in North Wales.
The best forests & woodlands to explore in North Wales
Woodland covers around 15% of Wales overall, and plenty of that is situated within Eryri itself! There’s nothing quite like packing up the essentials and heading out in search of adventure in the woods (picnic compulsory, of course!) Here are some of our favourites to visit:
- Coed y Brenin Forest Park – Dolgellau LL40 2HZ – is an amazing place to visit, with a purpose-built mountain biking centre and a choice of waymarked walking trails complete with hidden waterfalls to seek out along your way.
- Clocaenog Forest – Denbighshire LL15 2NN – A colossal conifer forest, Clocaenog is stunning in any season, with six different carparks offering departure points for beautiful woodland trails – it’s also very close to the Llyn Brenig activity centre. Our favourite walk here at Oyster HQ is the Bod Petryal loop – but don’t tell too many people!
- Gwydir Forest – Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AA – Almost entirely surrounding the scenic riverside village of Betws-y-Coed, Gwydir is another renowned mountain biking centre with lots of beautiful walking trails. Reward your efforts in one of Betws’ inviting eateries afterwards!
Visit one of North Wales’ castles or country houses
North Wales is teeming with intriguing historical sites. We’ve already put together a guide on the best castles to visit, which you can take a look at here.
The National Trust
Heroic knights aside, there are lots of National Trust sites to explore, which often boast things to do for little ones such as outdoor discovery trails, themed days and onsite play areas. Take a look at the complete choice of National Trust sites in North Wales below.
Cadw
Cadw operates over 130 state-owned sites throughout Wales, maintaining and protecting them so that they are available for generations to come. Many of their sites play host to seasonal events aimed at both children and grown-ups, making them a fantastic day out with kids in North Wales.
Animal parks and zoos for kids in North Wales
Perfect for animal lovers, North Wales is home to numerous petting and wildlife zoos, where children can enjoy a closer look at both local (and more exotic) species. Some of the best farms, petting zoos and animal attractions to visit in North Wales include:
Manorafon Farm Park, Abergele
Manorafon Farm Park in Abergele is a lively family day out with hands-on animal encounters, indoor play, and outdoor activities for all ages. Families can expect plenty to keep children busy, including feeding sessions, seasonal events, play areas, and weather-proof fun.
Anglesey Sea Zoo, Brynsciencyn
Based in Brynsciencyn, near Llanfairpwll, Anglesey Sea Zoo is a marine attraction focused on local sea life, with aquarium displays and a strong educational element. Families can expect tanks full of coastal creatures, engaging exhibits, and a good rainy-day option for children.
Dwyfor Ranch, Criccieth
A hands-on animal attraction where children can meet and hold small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. Larger animals such as alpacas, donkeys and goats can also be fed during your visit. Expect a relaxed countryside setting, outdoor space, and a particularly friendly experience for younger children.
Snowdonia Donkeys, Bangor
A hard-working charity based near Bangor, Snowdonia Donkeys offers donkey-focused experiences in a peaceful setting, with the emphasis on spending time with and learning about the animals.
Pili Palas Nature World, Menai Bridge
Pili Palas Nature World in Menai Bridge is a family attraction built around animals, insects, and indoor-outdoor discovery, making it especially appealing to younger visitors. Little ones will enjoy the play-style learning, mix of native and tropical creatures, and parents can enjoy the ease of having on-site facilities.
Welsh Mountain Zoo, Colwyn Bay
Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay is a traditional zoo with a wide range of animals and views over the coast. Plan a full day out with animal encounters, walking paths, and plenty of interest for children of different ages.
Puffin Island Boat Trips, Beaumaris
Available from Seacoast Safaris, Puffin Island boat trips from Beaumaris offer a wildlife-focused boat outing, usually centred on coastal scenery and seabird spotting. Choose this for an adventurous trip at sea, fresh air, and the chance to see puffins and other marine wildlife in season!
Watersports and boat trips for families in North Wales
North Wales is famed for its beautiful coastline, lakes and rivers, meaning watersports are definitely on the agenda for the more adventurous day out with children. For surfing, windsurfing, sailing and sea-based activities, the villages of Abersoch on the Llyn Peninsula and Rhosneigr on Anglesey tend to have the most accessible conditions and a choice of activity providers and surf shops. Take a look at our guide to some of the area’s best beaches here.
Elsewhere, enjoy whitewater rafting, paddleboarding and much more in various destinations throughout Snowdonia. Bala and Betws-y-Coed are great options with lots of places for launching your own craft or hiring from a shop. Alternatively, Llangollen, which is situated on the River Dee, also offers exciting river-based activities such as canoeing, tubing, rafting and more.
If you prefer to be on the water as opposed to in it, the Menai Bridge-based RibRide offers adventure boat tours all around the Isle of Anglesey and beyond – be sure to end your experience with a meal at Dylan’s, conveniently situated next to the RibRide office.
Child-friendly railway experiences in North Wales
You can’t possibly admire all of the stunning scenery that North Wales has to offer in one go, but you can certainly try with one of the heritage train journeys available in the area. These include:
- Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway for scenic journeys through Eryri that run from either Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog or Porthmadog Harbour Station to Caernarfon.
- Llangollen Railway is a heritage line that runs from Llangollen Station through the Dee Valley to Corwen, with intermediate stops including Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy and Carrog.
- Snowdon Mountain Railway for the iconic journey from Llanberis up Yr Wyddfa to the Summit station, with stops along the climb including Hebron, Halfway and Clogwyn.
- Bala Lake Railway, which offers scenic journeys alongside Llyn Tegid toward the Bala / Pen-y-Bont end of the line.
- Fairbourne Railway, running between Fairbourne village and Barmouth Ferry, gives a short coastal journey with views across the estuary.
- Corris Railway for heritage journeys from Corris to Maespoeth, with services centred on the historic narrow-gauge line in the Dyfi Valley.
- Llanberis Lake Railway for more lakeside vistas along Llyn Padarn from Llanberis to Penllyn, starting from Llanberis station.
- Talyllyn Railway, with stunning views on its journey from Tywyn Wharf to Nant Gwernol, climbing inland through the Fathew Valley.
Where is the best place in North Wales to stay with kids?
If you want the ease of local attractions, bustling town centres and beautiful beaches all within a short distance, we believe some of the best bases for a family-friendly North Wales holiday are:
- Pwllheli, Llyn Peninsula – A bustling market town with a marina, promenade and sandy south-facing beach.
- Beaumaris, Anglesey – A popular sailing and sightseeing destination right on the waters of the Menai Strait within easy reach of all Anglesey’s beautiful beaches and attractions – it’s also just across the water from Snowdonia!
- Criccieth, Llyn Peninsula – A charming seaside town with easy access to the wider area and lots to see and do.
- Rhosneigr, Anglesey – A laid-back watersports mecca on the west coast of Anglesey, known for its golden beaches, cafe culture and family-friendly vibe.
Free things to do in North Wales with kids
Family holidays are expensive, and ultimately, the best things in life are free. Here are some ideas for free things to do with the kids in North Wales:
- Go red squirrel spotting in the woods! Some of the best places to find them are on Anglesey, as they were reintroduced to Newborough Forest in 2004.
- Pretend to be fierce dragon-fighting knights at Fflint Castle, Castell y Bere or Castell Dolbadarn – all of these ruins are free to visit, just be sure to plan ahead, as some of them require a bit of walking to reach. Take a look at our guide to the area’s must-visit castles here.
- Walk over Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, near Llangollen. An impressive feat of engineering, this 38m-high structure was completed in 1805 and offers seriously stunning views.
- Embark on a waterfall spotting adventure through the woods – some of the best include Aber Falls, Swallow Falls, Pistyll Cain and Pistyll Rhaeadr, although the latter is found in Mid Wales.
- Watch the aircraft take off and land from either RAF Valley or Caernarfon Airport – perfect for little fans of aviation, this completely free and exhilarating activity to do with kids is most safely done from the RAF Valley Viewing Area on Rhosneigr’s Station Road (near Anglesey Golf Club) or from Dinas Dinlle beach for Caernarfon Airport. You can also enjoy amazing views from the Caernarfon Airport Cafe for the price of a coffee and a sweet treat!
Rainy day activities for kids in North Wales
- Pwllheli’s leisure centre has an indoor pool with a water slide – perfect for water babies.
- Discover a bygone era at Beaumaris Gaol and Court. Offering a fascinating glimpse into 1800s prison life, the tour itself is full of interesting facts designed to engage a younger audience.
- The Anglesey Transport Museum has both outdoor and indoor areas, where you can admire over 120 classic vehicles, including a dedicated Land Rover collection. There is also a children’s play area and a cafe.
- Go underground in Llandudno with an adventure through the Bronze Age Copper Mines.
- Catch a show at Venue Cymru, a huge beachfront theatre in Llandudno with a cinema and events venue – everything from live bands to blockbusters can be enjoyed here.
Things to do with teenagers in North Wales
Want a quick-fire guide of ideas that are guaranteed to separate the teens from their screens? Here are some things to do with teenagers in North Wales:
- Zipworld is teeming with exciting activities aimed at the bigger kids. Think self-guided zipline tours of caverns deep underground, gravity-fed go-karts snaking down ancient quarry paths, and a ‘skyride’ group swing experience!
- North Wales is an exceptional area for watersports – that means coasteering, surf lessons, wakeboarding and boat tours are all on the agenda.
- Does it still count as screentime if it’s a family trip to the cinema? Take your teenager to one of North Wales’ independent cinemas – The Magic Lantern in Tywyn is particularly special, but other options throughout North Wales include Pwllheli’s Neuadd Dwyfor, Galeri Caernarfon and Pontio Bangor.
- Rhyl’s SC2 could also be a safe bet for teenagers in North Wales – it’s a giant activity centre complete with a waterpark and a multi-level indoor Ninja TAG Assault course.
Things to do with toddlers in North Wales
From sensory play to teddy bear picnics, here are some of the best things to do with toddlers in North Wales:
- Walk along the recently refurbished promenade at Rhos-on-Sea and enjoy the interactive walkway for children, where puzzles and musical instruments await.
- Vist Gypsy Wood Family Theme Park near Caernarfon, where little ones can meet adorable animals, discover a range of different play areas, hunt for fairies and ride on a miniature railway.
- Enjoy a scenic steam train journey through the unrivalled countryside of North Wales – there are lines in a variety of places such as Bala, Snowdonia, Porthmadog and Llangollen.
- Pack your finest collection of buckets, spades and beach games and head to your nearest sandy beach – a tried and tested classic for little ones of all ages.
- Enjoy one of the many soft play experiences on offer. The Cubs Play Centre in Llangefni offers a fully accessible and calming experience for SEN children, Rhyl’s Babyccino Play Cafe invites parents to enjoy a drink and a sweet treat while their little ones play, and the Bonkerz Fun Centre in Llandudno has something for everyone.
In Conclusion: Epic days out for everyone…
However you choose to spend your time, North Wales delivers the kind of family holiday that’s packed with variety, fresh air and unrivalled adventure. From coast to countryside, castles to coasters, there’s something here to spark every child’s imagination (and give grown-ups a well-earned break too!)
When you’re ready to turn plans into reality, explore our collection of family-friendly holiday cottages and make a start on your action-packed itinerary.
