Things to do during Half Term 2025
There are so many free or inexpensive activities going on in and around the city that will keep children busy during the school holiday.
Stuck for ideas on what to do with your kids in Cardiff this Half Term? If so, check out this blog post of things to do in Cardiff. We at Future Inns have compiled a top 10 list of fun things to do that will keep your kids entertained over half term….and they won’t break the bank either for your family days out.
Cardiff School Holidays 2025
Find new and exciting family-friendly things to do at the end of the school term or during the Cardiff half term 2025.
1. The Wales Millennium Centre
Located in the heart of Cardiff Bay, the WMC is one of the free places to visit in Cardiff. It hosts lots of fun and inspiring activities, making it the perfect day out for young children and their families. The centre opens at 10 am. You can enjoy the regular performances and tours and even get messy or creative in their workshops.
Did you know Future Inns is the official hotel partner? If you have booked tickets for a show, please ask the team at The Centre for a promotional code allowing you to book discounted room rates. You get 20% off and can book online or by phone. Find out more about the Millennium Centre Partnership.
Entry Fees: FREE
MORE INFORMATION2. The Cardiff Story Museum
If you're looking for things to do with kids in Cardiff City Centre, travel back in time and experience The Cardiff Story Museum. Discover the history of Cardiff through film, photographs, stories and objects, and learn how Cardiff grew from a small market town to the capital city it is today. The museum is free, and features numerous interactive galleries, and is located in The Old Library building.
The Cardiff community is encouraging more visits to the museum, as it could face closure.
Entry Fees: FREE
MORE INFORMATION3. Cardiff Spy Mission Treasure Trail
This trail is a fantastic activity for the whole family. You will be walking around Cardiff Bay, visiting many of the historical sights on the way, to collect the clues' answers. The trail is 3 miles long and is a great opportunity to get your kids exercising in the open air.
Entry Fees: £9.99 for One Trail booklet recommended for a group of 4 to 5 people.
4. National Museum
There are many free things to do in Cardiff with kids. There’s always plenty to see and do at National Museum of Cardiff, whatever your interests. Personally, we recommend the Evolution of Wales exhibition, where you can travel through time and come face to face with the giant Woolly Mammoth and Dinosaurs. Don’t forget to visit the Clore Discovery Centre, where you can inspect historical weapons, dinosaur bones, insects, and much more.
Entry Fees: FREE
MORE INFORMATION5. Cardiff Castle
One of the unique things to do in Cardiff is visiting the 2000-year-old Cardiff Castle. It has hosted many people, including the Romans, Normans and Victorians. Don’t forget to pick up a child-friendly audio guide to talk you through the castle's history. There is also a fantastic animal trail to follow on which you will discover all of the little secrets that William Burges left behind.
Entry Fees: Adult £15.50, Child (Aged 5 to 16) £10.50, Seniors or Students £12.50, Adult Family Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Children) £42.50, Under 5s Free
Get a Key to the Castle
You can get a FREE castle key if you live or work in Cardiff. Admission gets you entry to a selection of lavishly decorated rooms in the Castle Apartments, The Norman Keep, Battlement Walk, Wartime Shelters, Firing Line: Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier, Interpretation Centre and audio guide (subject to availability) and Cardiff Castle Grounds.
MORE INFORMATION6. Parc
Let the kids run wild in the Parc! It is a great day out for children of many different ages! Under 4s can enjoy the toddler swings, sand and water play areas, slides, and playhouses. For the older kids, there is a huge slide, zip wire, climbing wall, and so much more.
Entry Fees: £2 per adult, Under 1's £2.50 (free with an older sibling), Age 1-3 £6.50, Age 4-12 £8.50
7. Cardiff International Pool
You can enjoy Cardiff International Pool no matter the weather. It is a water wonderland allowing for swimming, learning and extreme fun with the 3 slides, tipping buckets and the fantastic range of toys and floats available.
Entry Fees: Adults from £8.65, Children from £6.80 and Under 3s are free.
8. Buzz Trampoline Park
Are you ready for some serious cardio and giggles? With over 120 wall-to-wall trampolines, prepare to bounce! There are also numerous foam pits to jump into and a dedicated area for dodgeball and basketball. We are sure you will love this fantastic activity. Psst….It’s not just for the kids!
Entry Fees: Age 6 plus from £10
9. St Fagans
Another of the free days out in Cardiff is at Wales’ most popular heritage attraction, St Fagans. It is not to be missed. Explore the grounds of the outstanding Castle and experience Welsh history from the Celtic times to the present day. You can watch the craftsmen demonstrate their traditional skills in their many workshops and activities.
Entry Fees: Free (Small fee for parking)
10. Flat Holm Island
Flat Holm is a small island just 4 miles off the coast of Cardiff. Pre-organised boat trips are arranged by Bay Island Voyages for up to 3 hours, depending on the tide times, giving you a unique opportunity to see the conservation, wildlife and historic buildings.
Entry Fees: A landing fee of £5 per person is payable to the warden on arrival.
MORE INFORMATIONChildren's Afternoon Tea Party
Throughout the year, we host themed children's parties. Start your afternoon with a meet and greet with the characters as they throw a themed afternoon tea. Finish the event off with entertainment from the stars. With decorated party areas and party food, it's fun for all the family.
CHILDREN'S PARTIESMeet Santa this Christmas
It's never too early to start planning your Christmas events!
Enjoy a magical festive experience at Future Inns Cardiff with Sunday Lunch with Santa or Brunch and Lunch with Santa. Treat the family to delicious food, meet Santa in his Grotto, and create unforgettable Christmas memories!
Find out moreFamily Hotel in Cardiff
Future Inn Cardiff is a modern and comfortable hotel in the heart of Cardiff Bay, one of the city's most vibrant areas. It is close to the popular family-friendly attractions. The hotel's spacious and airy bedrooms, accommodating up to four guests, are perfect for families. Each room has free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a desk and workspace, providing entertainment and comfort for everyone. Added touches like a laptop safe, complimentary robe and slippers, and home-away-from-home services - such as a guest laundry room, ice buckets, and tea and coffee-making facilities to enhance the convenience of your stay. Families will particularly appreciate the free parking, a rare perk in such a central location, as well as the availability of electric car charging.
Book direct for the best rates guaranteed
Book on our website, or by contacting the Reservations Team at 02920 487111 or reservations.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk.
Book RoomFuture Club Rewards
For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program.
Alongside a member's discount rate, for every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point.
You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar when you dine. Plus, you get double points when you eat in the restaurant.
Points collected can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. It's also completely free to join!
Family Friendly Restaurant in Cardiff
Thomas Restaurant is a vibrant dining venue in the heart of Cardiff Bay that offers a memorable culinary experience.
Known for serving locally sourced produce, the menu showcases a delightful range of British and Welsh dishes, ensuring that diners can enjoy an authentic taste of the region.
From hearty breakfasts to leisurely lunches and indulgent dinners, it is ideal for both hotel guests and locals alike.
Additionally, the restaurant features an inviting bar area, perfect for enjoying a drink. In the summer months, take advantage of the outdoor terrace.
A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands Brains beers, Penderyn whiskey and vodka, Benjamin Hall gins, and Cariad wines.
Naturally, there's a good choice of soft drinks, including refreshing fruit juices, tea, coffee, and mocktails.
Kids Eat Free in Thomas Restaurant
Throughout the year, kids eat free in Thomas Restaurant with any meal purchased by an adult. The children’s menu has something for foodie kids or those who may be a bit fussier, and they always ensure that there is one of the ‘five a day’ on the plate. It also includes bottomless squash and an ice-cream.
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