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Keeping the kids entertained during weekends and school holidays can quickly become expensive – especially when you add parking, food and activities for the whole family.
Luckily, South Wales has plenty of brilliant free family days out including museums, splash parks, playgrounds and scenic walks.
Here are some of the best free family activities in South Wales to help you make memories without spending a fortune.
Last updated: 14th May 2026
Disclaimer: We do our best to keep all information on Little Adventures Wales as accurate and up to date as possible, however opening times, prices, facilities and events can change regularly. We always recommend checking the official website or social media pages before travelling.
Free Museums & Attractions
South Wales has some brilliant museums and attractions that offer free entry for families while still providing a full day out experience.
St Fagans National Museum of History
What?
One of the best free family days out in South Wales. Explore historic Welsh buildings, traditional shops, farm animals and interactive exhibits in this huge open-air museum.
Where?
Cardiff, CF5 6XB
When?
Open daily 10am–5pm
How Much?
Free entry. Parking £7 paid by cash or card.
What Else Should I Know?
There’s loads of outdoor space so it’s great for kids to run around. Cafés and picnic areas available – you are allowed to bring a picnic. Dogs are welcome in outside areas on a short lead.
Visit the website | Visit Facebook
Big Pit National Coal Museum
What?
Big Pit National Coal Museum is an industrial heritage museum in Blaenavon, Torfaen, Wales. A working coal mine from 1880 to 1980, it was opened to the public in 1983 as a charitable trust called the Big Pit Trust.
Where?
Blaenavon, Torfaen, NP4 9XP. For Sat Nav use NP4 9RL
When?
Open daily 9.30am–5pm
Underground tours 10am-3pm
How Much?
Entry is free. Parking is £5.
Underground tour tickets can be purchased for £5 on the day of your visit.
What Else Should I Know?
Coffee shop on site and picnic areas available – you are allowed to bring a picnic.
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National Museum Cardiff
What?
World-class art and natural history. With a busy programme of exhibitions and events, National Museum Cardiff has something to amaze everyone, whatever your interest.
Where?
Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NP
When?
Open daily 10am–5pm
How Much?
Entry is free. Parking is £6.50.
Exhibitions may be chargeable, sometimes on a ‘pay what you can’ (min.£1) basis.
What Else Should I Know?
Book tickets online in advance. Pushchairs are allowed but can also be left in a buggy park in the main hall.
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Owl Sanctuary
What?
The owl sanctuary at Festival Park, was established in 1998 for the rehabilitation and care for injured, abandoned uncared for wild owls, hawks and falcons.
Where?
Festival Park, Victoria, Ebbw Vale NP23 8FP
When?
Open daily
Winter: 10am–1pm term time, 10am-2pm school holidays.
Summer: 10am-2pm weekdays, 10am-4pm school holidays and weekends.
How Much?
Free but donations are appreciated.
What Else Should I Know?
Run by volunteers so check social media for most up to date information.
Visit the website | Visit Facebook
You might also enjoy…Animal Sanctuaries to Visit with the Family in South Wales
Free Outdoor Activities
When the weather is nicer, get outside! Getting outside is one of the best free activities there is – great for physical and mental fitness for you and the kids.
Splash Pads
When the weather is good, splash pads are a great, fun way for the kids to cool off.
Pack swimwear, towels, sun cream and a change of clothes, plus a picnic/snacks – and you’ve got a fun filled, FREE Summer day out.
I’ve put together a list of local ones for you to explore here… Splash Pads to Visit in South Wales this Summer
Sculpture Trails
Although some of the larger, more popular trails are chargeable there are a lot of lovely sculpture trails around that you can explore for free.
I’ve put together a list for you to explore here…Sculpture Trails to Visit in South Wales with Kids
Walks
In South Wales we are blessed to be surrounded by beautiful countryside meaning no matter where you live, you’re only ever a short drive at most from a scenic walk. Whether it’s a stroll along the seafront, a mountain hike or exploring the forest, make the most of what’s on your doorstep and be a tourist in your own hometown.
Free Parks & Playgrounds
We are fortunate to have lots of wonderful parks in South Wales – with beautiful scenery, epic playgrounds and lots of additional activities on offer.
Roath Park
What?
A huge Victorian park surrounding a boating lake with ducks, swans, playgrounds and beautiful gardens.
Where?
Lake Road, Cardiff, CF23 5PA
What Else Should I Know?
Perfect for picnics, feeding ducks and scooter rides. There’s a large playground, café and public toilets nearby.
Bryn Bach Park
What?
Bryn Bach Park is home to a huge recreational lake, adventure park, a driving range, golf course, a campsite and many additional activities on offer.
Where?
Merthyr Rd, Tredegar NP22 3AY
What Else Should I Know?
The large lake is a popular spot for walkers, runners and kids on bikes and scooters! A weekly 5km parkrun is hosted around the lake as well as a weekly 2km junior parkrun . There are plenty of picnic benches and space for families to enjoy as well as a cafe and toilet facilities on site.
Entertaining the Kids
In a lot of cases, the fun is provided but if you’re visiting a nature spot like the beach or going for a picnic then it helps to have stuff to keep the kids entertained.
Here are a few ideas we like to use.
Ball Games
Keep a ball in the boot of the car, it’s so simple but can provide hours of fun and keeps everyone active too.
Nature Hunts
Give the kids a list of things they need to find – you can draw one up yourself or have a search on Pinterest – it’s a goldmine for free printables and activity ideas.
Photo Hunt
Similarly, you can give the kids a list of photos to take – and let them use your phone to snap them (or take their own camera/disposable). It doesn’t have to be just be pictures of things. It can be silly poses or instructions like ‘take a picture on a tree stump’.
Tips for a Low-Cost/Free Family Day Out
Be Prepared
Keep a bag or box in the car with essentials – things like wellies and waterproofs, sun hats and sun-cream, a picnic blanket, toys like a ball, frisbee or buckets and spades. Then if you ever discover a new place or take a spontaneous trip somewhere you’re not panic buying it when you’re there.
Take a Packed Lunch
A little bit of prep at home can save you a fortune on a day out. Pack an insulated bag with lunch boxes (don’t forget food for the parents too!), drinks bottles, plenty of snacks and an ice pack on warmer days. The little concentrated bottles of juice are great so you can refill bottles at free water points (even if the kids don’t like water!)
Check the Parking Situation in Advance
There are many places you can visit for free, but often the car parks come with a charge. Hop on your community Facebook page or do a quick google search and see if anyone has recommended alternative free places to park. Also make sure that if you do park in a chargeable car park that you cover the full amount of time you intend to stay – you don’t want a free day out ending in a parking charge notice!
FAQs
What are the best free family activities in South Wales?
In South Wales we are blessed with scenic surroundings in abundance. The best family activities are getting out and exploring what is on our doorstep.
Are there free museums in South Wales?
Yes, lots of the museums are free entry though you may need to pay for parking and/or certain tours/exhibits.
Are splash parks free in South Wales?
Yes! Most splash pads are free to use although some form part of larger paid attractions (like Cheeky Monkeys or Ponty Lido) where you have to pay an entrance free.
What free things can you do with kids in Cardiff?
Cardiff has lots of beautiful parks to explore with free playgrounds and sculpture trails – perfect for a free day out with the kids.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend a fortune to make memories with your kids in South Wales.
Sometimes the best family days out are the simplest ones — a picnic, a playground, a walk through the forest or an afternoon spent exploring somewhere new together.
Hopefully this guide has given you some inspiration for your next free family adventure.