Enjoy a summer of fun in Wales with fun for all the family
As summer approaches, thoughts turn to enjoying a season of fun and relaxation.
With a wealth of activities that cater to all ages and interests, Wales has it all. Whether it's seeking out thrilling adventures or indulging in laid-back leisure, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the joy of exploring new experiences together.
With endless possibilities for fun, this summer is set to create lasting memories. Dive into our selection of activities and make the most of the sunny season in Wales...
Dyffryn Garden Games
(Image: Dyffryn Gardens)
Visit Dyffryn Gardens this summer holiday to hop, skip and jump your way to being the Dyffryn champion.
From July 19 to August 31, there'll be lots of games and sports dotted around the gardens to help families get outdoors and play together this summer. Who will win the hurdles? Who will be the family table tennis champion? And who will take the prize in archery?
Dogs are welcome on leads so your four-legged family members can join in too.
There's no need to book and no extra charge to play the Dyffryn Garden Games (normal admission applies - admission is free to National Trust members).
Where to go: Dyffryn Gardens, Duffryn Lane, St Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan, CF5 6FZ
Find out more: visit nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/dyffryn-gardens
Summer of Play at Tredegar House
(Image: Tredegar House)
From July 19, visit the seaside in the heart of Newport with a day out to the National Trust's Edwardian-themed Summer of Play at Tredegar House, sponsored by Starling Bank..
Find a giant sandpit, perfect for building sandcastles together, or dress up and let your imagination run wild in the make-believe play area. Capture the memories - pose in a traditional seaside cut-out or take a family photo on the giant deckchair.
If you need a moment of calm, sensory tents offer a gentle, under-the-sea experience for all to explore and enjoy.
No pre-booking is required. Normal admission applies, and National Trust members get free entry.
Find out more: visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/tredegar-house
Dragonfly Festival at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre
(Image: WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre)
Launched on the summer solstice, the festival kicks off 93 days of summer activities that celebrate the wonderful world of dragonflies.
Festival goers are invited to let their imagination run wild, enjoying an immersive experience in wetland nature until September 22, alongside a dazzling line-up of dragonfly-themed events and activities all summer long.
Attendees will be welcomed at the festival hub where colourful flags fly high and mark the start of a great adventure. From there, they can enjoy expert-guided walks or create a dragonfly masterpiece in a creative workshop. Go pond dipping and discover the minibeasts living below the surface or take part in challenges and giant outdoor dragonfly-themed games.
Activities that will captivate festival goers in high summer at WWT Llanelli include giant bubble artists, puppet theatres, dragonfly safaris, live musicians and much more.
Find out more: visit wwt.org.uk/Llanelli
All the fun of the farm
(Image: Drew Buckley)
There's so much to see and do this summer at Folly Farm. Start your day at the zoo, home to hundreds of animals including lions, giraffes, rhinos and penguins. Then head to the barn, where you can see friendly farm animals like goats, pigs and donkeys.
Step back in time at the vintage fairground, full of classic rides, games and family fun. Finally, explore the exciting play areas, with indoor soft play and outdoor adventures like 'Pirate Island' and 'Tractor Country'.
With four unique zones to enjoy - zoo, barn, fairground, play - Folly Farm offers the perfect mix of animals and adventure for all ages. Pick your own adventure.
Where to go: Folly Farm, Begelly, Pembrokeshire, SA68 0XA
Find out more: visit folly-farm.co.uk or call 01834 812731
Kids' climbing at Flashpoint Swansea
(Image: Flashpoint Swansea)
Flashpoint Swansea just got even better for families! A whole new floor dedicated to younger climbers opens this summer, featuring low walls, tiny top-outs, a light-up tunnel, and a slide.
With no age restrictions (supervision required), it's perfect for little ones taking their first steps on the wall. The rest of the centre is open to kids too, but the new Den is the best place to start.
Try a Little Monkey club taster this summer - a fun, instructor-led way to get your child moving, learning, and loving climbing from the very beginning.
Find out more: visit flashpointswansea.com/session/toddler-climbing-taster
Indoor trampolining fun at AirHop Wrexham
(Image: AirHop Wrexham)
This venue deserves a spot on your summer activity list. When summer arrives, outdoor fun often steals the spotlight - but what about when it gets too hot, or the kids need something fresh and active?
That's where AirHop Wrexham comes in: the latest indoor trampoline park to the AirHop Group, that's more than just a rainy-day backup. It's a high-energy, inclusive destination perfect for all ages.
With everything from adrenaline-pumping dodgeball and interconnected trampolines to interactive AR challenges and reaction walls, the park offers non-stop excitement in a cool, safe space. Whether you're looking to burn off steam, host a party, or enjoy family time, there's something for everyone.
AirHop is also committed to accessibility, with Toddler Time, SEN sessions, and group options for schools and clubs.
Grab a Summer Pass giving you five jumps from just £25, valid until September 5 (T&Cs may apply).
So, skip the sunburn - make AirHop Wrexham your go-to summer hotspot for fun, fitness, and unforgettable memories.
Find out more: visit airhop.co.uk/wrexham-adventure-trampoline-park
Disco Bowl gets a striking makeover
(Image: Disco Bowl)
Disco Bowl Cardiff is turning up the fun with an exciting transformation that's set to bowl you over.
From upgraded lanes and fresh arcade games to a new-look bar, food menu, and an epic Laser Quest arena, this local favourite is getting a major glow-up — and it's all about creating the ultimate experience for families, friends, and partygoers.
Whether you're a strike king, a Laser Quest champ, or just in it for the pizza and pints, Disco Bowl Cardiff has something for everyone. Expect vibrant lighting, bigger prizes, and even more reasons to celebrate — from kids' parties and student nights to unforgettable nights out.
Get 25% off online bookings until July 20, 2025 (terms and conditions may apply).
Find our more: visit discobowl.co.uk
Summer of fun at Bryngarw Country Park
(Image: Bryngarw Park)
The award-winning Bryngarw Country Park near Bridgend offers a fantastic day out with fun for the whole family. Whether you're looking for a place to picnic, a nature trail to follow, or a place for the children to play for hours outdoors, Bryngarw has it all!
Over the summer months, head along for outdoor theatre performances including Robin Hood and The Wind in the Willows as well as ranger-led events and activities.
After exploring the park, head to the dog-friendly café for a bite to eat or a delicious ice cream.
Find out more: visit bryngarwcountrypark.co.uk
Enjoy an action-packed summer in Newport
(Image: Kirsten McTernan)
Join family-fun shows like Horrible Histories, Fireman Sam, Welsh Wrestling, and The Ultimate Bubble Show.
Get active with swimming lessons, free swims, tennis, cycling, welly walks, and Sport in the Park - a full day of family sports fun. Ages 11–16 can grab a six-week gym membership for just £31.50.
Don't miss Big Splash - Wales' largest free outdoor festival on July 19 and 20, packed with live music, street theatre, workshops and family activities for all ages.
Or get creative at The Riverfront with film club, nerf battles, hip hop dance, and free themed crafts. Plus, £3.50 cinema tickets for Lilo & Stitch, How To Train Your Dragon and many more.
Find out more: visit newportlive.co.uk
Things to do at Better Leisure Centres
(Image: Better Leisure Centres)
Discover more ways to play across Cardiff with Better. From soft play fun at Penylan Library and Community Centre (including a sensory area for under 2s) to exciting fun swims with floats and toys, there's something for everyone.
Tackle giant inflatable obstacle courses, explore off-road cycle tracks, or stay active with adult and junior gym sessions for ages 11–17. Whether with family or friends, there's no shortage of ways to stay active and make memories.
Find out more: visit better.org.uk/cardiff
Indoor fun at The Red Dragon Centre
(Image: The Red Dragon Centre)
Rain or shine, The Red Dragon Centre in Cardiff Bay is your ultimate indoor destination for summer fun.
Catch the latest blockbusters on the big screen at South Wales' only IMAX, go bowling or hit the arcades, refuel at tasty restaurants, or smash your summer fitness goals. With six hours' free customer parking, it's easy to make a day of it.
Plus, don't miss the sizzling line-up of family events - from dino encounters at Jurassic Bay (July 5 and 6) to buzzing markets and iconic movie moments.
Find out more: visit thereddragoncentre.co.uk
Classic film weekend with Outdoor Cinema
(Image: Outdoor Cinema)
Enjoy a weekend of classic films on July 26 and 27 with Outdoor Cinema in Singleton Park, Swansea.
Step into the swinging 60s and experience the electrifying romance and unforgettable dance moves of Dirty Dancing, or prepare yourself for heart-pounding suspense as you venture to Amity Island and witness the spine-chilling terror of a great white shark in the 50th-anniversary screening of Jaws.
Whether you're in the mood for love or looking for a scare, these iconic films promise an exhilarating ride. Even better, come and watch both for a fin-tastic time.
Find out more: visit visitswanseabay.com
Explore Glynn Vivian Art Gallery
(Image: Glynn Vivian Art Gallery)
Head to Glynn Vivian Art Gallery in Swansea this summer. Visit the new exhibition, Tigers & Dragons: India and Wales in Britain and discover the deep-rooted connections between the Indian subcontinent and Wales.
With family activities available, join the 'I Can… summer workshops' and learn how to experiment with paint, print and collage. Try out the new drawing class or take a free family tour of the exhibition. Booking is essential.
Check out the self-led activities, pick up a free gallery trail or sensory backpack during your visit.
Go online to see the full programme of what's on this summer. Free entry, everyone welcome.
Find out more: visit glynnvivian.co.uk or call 01792 516900
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
Seemingly simple brainteaser leaving Brits baffled but can you solve it?
Keep your mind sharp by tackling this animal-themed puzzle. Brainteasers are a great way to keep your mind sharp. If you take on these puzzles on a regular basis you can improve your cognitive function and problem solving ability. Research has suggested that this can lead to improved attention span and concentration levels. And they can be a fun activity for the whole family as you try and complete them before each other. They come in many different forms, from trying to work out the odd one out to locate a missing item in a landscape. Some of the trickier brainteasers involve finding something that's subtly disguised within a picture. While these may seem simple, they can prove the hardest challenges to crack. And one such puzzle is baffling Brits, with many unable to work out the goat-themed teaser shared by our sister title The Mirror. In the image below, you can see a goat eating some foliage in a countryside scene. However, this isn't just some lone animal, he has an owner. But the woman who owns the goat isn't quite as easy to find within the black-and-white drawing. And in order to solve the brainteaser, you've got to spot her within just five seconds to prove you have the "most attentive" eyes. So if you're ready to take on the challenge and prove you've got 20/20 vision, then go ahead and get started. If you've missed the five-second limit and are just keen to try and find the woman, then keep going. We can't give you too much help because most helpful hints would effectively hand you the answer. Zooming in on the image might help though. If you think you've cracked it and want to confirm - or you've decided to give up and are desperate to find out - we will be revealing the answer below. The head of the owner can be seen behind the goat, made up of the space between the animal and a nearby tree, which is actually her hair. Don't worry if you didn't quite manage it this time, or if it took you longer than five seconds. Trying brainteasers like this more regularly is the key to honing your skills. With that in mind, we've got a few more that you can challenge yourself to complete. Keeping with the animal theme, this real-life puzzle asks you to find the toy duck this mum's daughter dropped during a family trip to the seaside - but there's a twist. Meanwhile, this image challenges you to work out which woman is the boy's real mum. For more time-sensitive puzzles, can you solve this Irish-themed puzzle in 60 seconds? If you do manage it, you're in the top 20 per cent. Only the quickest readers can find the odd football out in this image in under 20 seconds. And another football-inspired puzzle tasks you with finding the five hidden tickets in the crowd in under a minute. We also found someone on TikTok who has shared three different brainteasers - surely that's enough to satisfy your puzzling needs for today! Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Metro
a day ago
- Metro
'Hidden gem' crowned the UK's top budget-friendly beach to visit this summer
When the weather plays ball – as it has in recent weeks – a UK-based summer break seems like a far more attractive prospect than usual. And if you're thinking about booking a holiday close to home, you may want to consider Gorleston-on-Sea. In a recent study looking at Europe's top budget-friendly beaches, it won out as the best in the UK, beating popular destinations like Weymouth, Bournemouth and Woolacoombe. Data analysts from Omio looked at a range of factors to create the ranking, from visitor reviews and average summer temperatures to the current prices of essentials from sun lounger hire to a pint of beer. At £2.50 a scoop, Gorleston-on-Sea has the cheapest ice cream of all the seaside resorts listed, alongside the most affordable hotel rooms at £104 a night on average. When it comes to beer, the Norfolk spot was outdone on price by Ayr's purse-friendly £3.90 pints — but at £5, it's still cheaper than the national average here, and a lot less eye-watering than the £6.40 you'd pay in St Andrew's. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Plus, with 18°C seas and 17°C, it'll almost feel like you're in the Med, just without the faff of flying. Good value aside, here's what else you can expect from a trip to Gorleston-on-Sea. As you've probably gathered by now, the main draw of Gorleston is its proximity to the sea. Its unspoiled beach is comprised a golden sandy bay stretching two miles along the coast up towards Great Yarmouth. You can happily spend the day soaking up the sun in front of its quaint beach huts – and on Sundays, you might catch live music in the bandstand. However, if you like a more action-packed itinerary, there's also the option for windsurfing, surfing, kite flying or body-boarding. Just behind the promenade, you'll find all the seaside trappings you'd expect, from shops, amusements, restaurants and pubs to a classic pitch and putt golf course and an Edwardian theatre hosting shows and dances throughout the year. There's plenty more to keep the family busy too: head to the model yacht pond or splashpad to cool down, take in the views along the cliffside trim-trail, or go seal-spotting on one of the regular boat trips leaving from nearby Lowestoft. Also nearby in Great Yarmouth is the Sea Life centre, with over 1,500 sea creatures, including Humboldt penguins, and interactive activities like a rockpool experience, quizzes and animal feeding. Depending on where you are in the country, driving might be your best bet, allowing you to explore the local area while you're there. From London, the drive takes less than three hours, while it's around four hours from Sheffield or five-and-a-half hours from Newcastle. Alternatively, you can take a train to Norwich, then on to Great Yarmouth, reaching Gorleston via taxi or local bus. This journey, from London Liverpool Street, typically takes under three hours, and single tickets are available for just £13 when booked in advance. On Tripadvisor, Gorleston-on-Sea beach boasts an impressive 4.7 average rating, with thousands of 'excellent' or 'very good' reviews. Niki H is among those who gave it five stars, hailing it 'absolutely beautiful' and commenting: 'The views were amazing. So clean. Totally recommend… We loved it and will definitely return.' Another user, jin_dru, felt similarly, writing: 'Hidden gem, I don't want to share it. So quiet. Large beach and hardly a soul to be seen. Just me and my dogs. About a mile and a half of wide sandy beach. One end has the Pier Hotel, Pavilion Theatre, amusement arcade, fish and chips and ices. The other end is a world away. Perfect peace and friendly dog walkers who stop to chat.' Ross McCafferty, deputy opinion editor here at Metro, is a fan too — despite the fact he normally hates the beach. More Trending 'On my visit last July, in the early evening of a blisteringly hot day, the sand dunes of Britain's best beach were almost empty, and even a short walk over a ridge makes it feel like you've almost got it entirely to yourself,' he says. 'That privacy and the fine white sand are obviously the key selling points, with the beach clearly sneaking under the radar of better known Norfolk seaside resorts like Great Yarmouth, Hemsby, or Caister. 'Gorleston itself, which looked to me slightly bleak and industrial, wasn't exactly reminiscent of a riviera, so perhaps that's another reason the beach is such a hidden gem. But if it keeps the crowds away, that's not a bad thing!' Gorleston-on-Sea Beach, Great Yarmouth Hotel: £104Ice cream: £2.50Iced coffee: £3.80Local beer: £5.00Sea: 18°CAir: 17°C Google rating: 4.7 Weymouth Beach, Weymouth Hotel: £121Ice cream: £3.20Iced coffee: £4.00Local beer: £4.80Sea: 17°CAir: 16°C Google rating: 4.7 Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth Hotel: £112Ice cream: £3.90Iced coffee: £4.20Local beer: £5.90Sea: 17°CAir: 16°C Google rating: 4.7 Woolacombe Beach, Woolacombe Hotel: £112Ice cream: £3.00Iced coffee: £4.50Local beer: £5.00Sea: 17°CAir: 16°C Google rating: 4.4 Fistral Beach, Newquay Hotel: £105Ice cream: £3.60Iced coffee: £3.50Local beer: £4.80Sea: 17°CAir: 16°C Google rating: 4.7 Barmouth Beach, Snowdonia Hotel: £127Ice cream: £3.30Iced coffee: £3.10Local beer: £4.80Sea: 16°CAir: 15°C Google rating: 4.8 Ayr Beach, Ayr Hotel: £141Ice cream: £2.50Iced coffee: £3.70Local beer: £3.90Sea: 15°CAir: 13°C Google rating: 4.5 West Sands Beach, St. Andrews Hotel: £143Ice cream: £2.70Iced coffee: £4.20Local beer: £6.40Sea: 14°CAir: 13°C Google rating: 4.7 Ranking compiled by Omio. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: 'Irresistible' Amazon Prime drama shares stark warning as season 3 launches today MORE: I dreamed of Thailand's paradise island, but I left it too late to visit MORE: Is it safe to travel to Iceland right now? Latest advice after volcano erupts
Fashion United
a day ago
- Fashion United
Polly Pocket teams up with GCDS
Italian fashion line GCDS is tapping into the collectable toy trend with a special collaboration with Mattel's Polly Pocket to reconsider the miniature toy line through a luxury fashion lens. The collaboration is part of Mattel Creations, Mattel's design-driven platform celebrating the intersection of pop culture, fandom, and play, and aims to introduce a new chapter in Polly Pocket's legacy by "combining imaginative storytelling with elevated design, all inspired by the heart of Milan". Designed by GCDS' creative director Giuliano Calza, the curated capsule collection and collectable compact draws deeply from his cultural roots, infusing the Polly Pocket universe with a distinctly modern Italian perspective. At the heart of the collaboration is a compact inspired by classic Polly Pocket playsets and brought to life with details inspired by Italian lifestyle and urban charm, such as Milanese street scenes and gelato. Commenting on the collaboration, Calza said in a statement: 'Redesigning Polly Pocket marks a personal milestone. Ever since I was a kid, the moment I thought of something beautiful, those pastel cases would appear in my mind like a reflex. 'These tiny toys were magical representations of a bigger world - small enough to hold in your palm, but powerful enough to unlock entire scenarios and fantasies. That feeling shaped me. I've built my creative universe on the idea that 'cute' isn't superficial - it's a bold, emotional language of contemporary culture.' The pocket-sized version of Milan will be available in limited quantities from July 16, exclusively on and then on Mattel Creations from July 18. The collaboration will also be celebrated with a fully immersive experience inspired by Polly's miniature universe, complete with interactive installations in Milan on July 16. Visitors to the Giardino delle Arti pop-up will be able to purchase the Polly Pocket X GCDS Compact, merchandising, and selected items from the capsule collection, as well as taste Polly Pocket-themed food. Calza added: 'With this launch, I didn't just redesign a toy - I encapsulated my world into a new pocketworld. And I hope it resonates with the GCDS community and Polly lovers around the globe with the same emotional intensity it holds for me. Because when nostalgia meets design, it becomes desire.' This isn't the first time GCDS has teamed up with Polly Pocket. In 2018, they debuted a collection on the Milan catwalk for spring/summer 2019 and then expanded the partnership with a special edition of the Heart Bag during GCDS' autumn/winter 2024 show. The bag's transparent shell opened just like the beloved Polly Pocket compacts of the past, with a charming lineup of miniature Polly Pocket figures inside. Chris Down, chief design officer at Mattel, said: 'Polly Pocket has always used its tiny worlds to inspire big imagination. With GCDS, that sense of wonder takes on a bold new form—where fashion, nostalgia, and creative freedom converge. Giuliano's vision transforms a beloved icon into something unexpected and delightfully expressive.'
