If you’re planning a day out in North Wales with the kids then we’ve got you covered! Read our 10 things to do with kids in North Wales and get inspiration for family-friendly things to see and do in this gorgeous part of the world.
Growing up in Wirral meant lots of trips to North Wales at the weekends or during holidays. It is honestly full of beautiful places to visit. We can’t go without mentioning the dramatic mountains of Snowdonia and the sandy beaches of Anglesey.
We have put together a list of things to do with kids in North Wales that will give you a bit of inspiration on your next visit.
1. Visit Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle is one of our favourite things to do with kids in North Wales. A World Heritage Inscribed site that still towers over the town after 700 years! This is one of the most magnificent medieval fortresses in Europe and is sure to spark children’s imaginations.
Conwy Castle takes its place alongside Edward’s other great castles Beaumaris, Harlech and Caernarfon. This famous fortress is very well preserved. It contains the most intact set of medieval royal apartments in Wales. Reach the top for stunning views or appreciate its circuit of walls which are over 3 quarters of a mile long and guarded by 22 towers.
This is a great place to take kids as there’s loads of room for them to run around and explore after a learning adventure inside the castle. Maybe enjoy a picnic while taking in Conwys beautiful scenery, or explore the pretty coastal town and try some tasty fish and chips.
Check out the smallest house in Britain while you’re there!
This house was last lived in by Robert Jones who was 1.905m (6ft 3 inches) tall. Definitely worth a photo while you’re visiting!
2. Climb the Great Orme
There are lots of different walks up and around the Great Orme summit in Llandudno and the most rewarding way to explore here is on foot. This allows plenty of time to walk with children and appreciate the vast coastal scenery and wildlife.
Visit here for information on the footpaths and waymarked trails on the Great Orme. If walking isn’t for you, The Great Orme Victorian Tramway and Cable Car provide other fun ways of reaching the summit. There is also a local bus service to the Great Orme.
The Great Orme Copper Mines are over 4000 years old and are an entertaining way to learn more about this area. The Summit Complex boasts cafes, amusements, gift shops and play/picnic areas.
3. Try Zip World Fforest
A great way to encourage children to enjoy the outdoors and to keep them active is to try Zip World Fforest. Set in stunning woodland in the North Wales Conwy Valley. Zip World Fforest hosts adventures to keep the whole family busy all day, choose from the Fforest Coaster, the UK’s only alpine coaster of its kind, bouncing fun on Treetop Nets, zip line and adventure courses high in the trees on Tree Hoppers or Zip Safari – plus you could try Europe’s highest giant swing, Skyride!
Zip World Fforest has a whole load of exciting experiences for the entire family to enjoy! Children from 3+ are welcome to join you for a 710m journey over the woodlands on the Fforest Coaster. You won’t have to worry about the ride being too scary, as you control how fast you go. You certainly won’t forget a visit here!
4. Visit the Welsh Mountain Zoo
The Welsh Mountain Zoo, also known as the National Zoo of Wales is the oldest and most established Zoo in Wales. It is an education and conservation charity and occupies some 37 acres of lush green landscape and looks over Colwyn Bay and the Carneddau mountains in North Wales. Today the Welsh Mountain zoo is home to a wide range of rare and endangered animals, from brown bears to snow leopards.
Children will love visiting this zoo there’s the jungle adventure land suitable for all ages and the Tarzan trail is great fun. Animal encounters are available here if you have ever fancied feeding fish to a Penguin, making mischief with a Meerkat or having lunch with a big cat. Then make your day even more special and step inside an animal encounter. Get to know and understand your favourite Zoo animal in a very special way. If that’s not enough then you can become a keeper for the day. You’ll do and experience everything that their Keepers do on a daily basis.
5. Give the Llandudno Mystery Trail a go!
Llandudno offers plenty of things to do with kids in North Wales. Why not try the Llandudno Mystery Treasure Trail? Explore Llandudno on this self-guided Murder Mystery themed Treasure Trail. As you follow the Trail route, can you solve the sneaky clues set on existing buildings, permanent features and monuments to eliminate the suspects to discover who did it!
This Trail starts at York Road car park and takes you through the bustling streets of Llandudno. The route will also take you onto the famous Victorian pier taking in the sights of this popular north coast resort. The trail takes roughly 3 hours to complete so pack a picnic or pick up some tasty treats in the town as you hunt for clues. Don’t miss a stop off at the famous Victorian pier.
Trails are self-guided and can be downloaded from the Treasure Trail website.
6. Enjoy a day at the seaside at Rhyl Beach
If a day out at the seaside is what you want then head down to Rhyl beach in North Wales with a bucket and spade! Rhyl beach is a popular place to visit with kids in North Wales, it even has play parks in the sand like pictured above. The sandy beach extends for almost 2 miles from the Clwyd Estuary all the way to Splash Point. Bordered by a promenade, Rhyl is popular for your traditional seaside activities such as swimming, paddling and donkey rides but there is also the chance to go sea fishing, surfing and kite surfing. The town has a huge variety of attractions on offer and also has a lovely range of shops and cafes.
7. Travel by steam train in Llangollen
Llangollen Railway is located next to the historic Dee Bridge and takes you on a journey through the beautiful Dee Valley to the town of Corwen. The line follows the River Dee, which is classed a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the railway is located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We love to visit during different times of the year to see how the scenery changes. It’s such a fun way to learn! They hold events and themed days such as Thomas the Tank Engine Days and Santa Specials so check their website for events.
8. Have fun with Rapid Horizons in Llangollen
Rapid Horizons is an experienced outdoor adventure activity provider and professional paddlesports centre, offering activities and courses in the Peak District, Lake District and North Wales as well as overseas. Rapids range of adventure activities and paddlesport courses are developed to entertain, educate and inspire.
Rafting is a safe way to explore whitewater rivers, you will have fully qualified IRF and BCU Raft Guides taking you. It’s one for the older children but if you’re a thrill-seeking family this is one for you! Their river adventure in Llangollen provides a combination of great whitewater rapids, stunning scenery and a serious sense of adventure…The River Dee is arguably one of the best White Water Rafting locations in the UK. Their unique rafting adventure will give you the best experience on the river, this package also includes a hearty pub meal in the Sun Trevor and an HD GoPro video and photos of your adventure.
9. Try the Betws y Coed Spy Mission Treasure Trail
Are you looking for something to do with family and friends or seeking a fun day out with the kids in Betws y Coed? Then why not explore Betws y Coed on a self-guided Spy Mission themed Treasure Trail. As you follow the Trail route, can you solve the sneaky clues set on existing buildings, permanent features and monuments to crack the code and complete the mission just like a true secret agent!
This Trail starts at the Station Road car park. Follow the Trail through Wales most popular inland destination and along the way you’ll discover the wonderful delights that Betws y Coed has to offer. Betws y Coed’s pretty countryside and vast lakes make it perfect for an adventure, this trail takes roughly 2 hours to complete so maybe take a picnic or snacks with you to keep going.
10. Visit Rhyl Miniature Railway
Delighting visitors for over 100 years. Rhyl Miniature Railway offers a nostalgic experience suitable for children of all ages. Most visitors begin by enjoying a train ride on what is now Britain’s oldest miniature line. Their steam trains were built in Rhyl during the 1920s, and so have been hauling passengers around Marine Lake for the last eighty years! Even their first train from 1911 recently returned to them after over 90 years away!
Upon returning to ‘Central Station’, find out more about their story in our museum, where there are hands-on exhibits to amuse the younger ones. The ticket office sells tea and coffee, confectionery and a good range of children’s gifts. The railway is located at Marine Lake, only a short walk from the new iconic pedestrian bridge Pont y Ddraig.
Have you tried any of our 10 things to do with kids in North Wales? Let us know in the comments.
