Half term can be hectic - juggling work and childcare around busy softplays or town centres because everyone is in the same boat. Especially in the February and October half terms because the weather is likely to be awful so you need to be inside.
But there is somewhat of a solution! Activibees blogger Natalie recently mentioned on her Instagram how it's not half term in Wales next week. So if you're at all close to the border, you could hop over into Wales and enjoy some days out without the crowds that there could be in England. Being based in North Somerset near Bristol, it's only just over an hour for us to Cardiff, so we're definately keen to go and explore some new days out for February half term next week.
Days out in Cardiff for kids in half term
So what is there to do in Cardiff next week for kids? We've done some research and found our top 5 days out and attractions...
1) Simpson's Cafe at Primark
This is genuinely on my list for next week, and was even before I realised it wasn't half term in Wales. Cardiff's Primark have a Simpson's themed cafe until the of April, with Simpsons themed wall panels and decorations, and a menu Homer would love, full of waffles and milkshakes (including a milkshake served with a doughnut on top - I'm sure that's what my daughter will go for). If you can't get to Cardiff but love the yellow family, Primark are also theming their cafes with the Simpsons in Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester Market Street as well as Manchester Trafford Palazzo.
2) Cardiff International Pool and Gym: Leisure Pool
Cardiff International Pool and Gym, aware it's half term for their English neighbours, are putting on extra "Full Features Sessions" in their leisure pool. The leisure pool boasts a flume, spacebowl, lazy river and whirlpool, as well as a play area for smaller children with a tipping bucket. Check the timings on their website and be sure to book a slot in advance. (They also do a general session without some of the bigger "rides", ideal for smaller visitors, but they don't seem to have any of those running next week.)
3) Techniquest
I went to Techniquest on a school trip a very long time ago! And it's still a classic day out. This science museum has over 100 hands on exhibits for your little scientists, engineers and mathematicians to try. They're open from Wednesday next week (closed Monday and Tuesday). When you are looking at their website and reading about the things they're running in the school holidays, they're talking about the 19th February to the 2nd March.
4) Cardiff Castle
A classic - and an iconic building when you think of Cardiff - Cardiff Castle is a must visit if you're looking for a cultural or educational day out. I once went to a cheese festival in it's grounds. Founded by William the Conqueror and built on the site of a Roman Fort dating back to the 1st-century AD, Cardiff Castle lets you explore 2000 years of history. It's not all so old though - the main "house" at the castle dates back to 1400 but some very famous apartments were added relatively recently in Victorian times!
5) Rhondda Heritage Park - a Welsh coal mining experience
Admittedly this one is a little outside Cardiff (about 45 minutes actually) but no childhood trip to Wales is complete without experiencing the coal mining experience of Rhondda Heritage Park. You will be taken underground by a guide who used to be an actual coal miner, and there are lots of other reconstructions to explore such as the parlour of a rich mine owner, and a traditional shop.
There are so many more things to do in Wales, of course, such as all these things Lisa did in Crickhowell, but these are just a taster to help you through February half term!
The thoughts and views expressed in this blog post are the author’s own and not that of Activibees.com or it's operators.
