Unbelievably half term is here, and it’s the final one before Christmas. We want to find ways to entertain the kids, but always with an eye on our finances. The Autumn Half Term falls over Halloween and Fireworks night so let’s also direct you to our other pages too, which are packed with things to do.

Also, we have a page listing and linking all the school term dates for every council in South Wales for 2020/21. It’s really easy to follow and a useful one to bookmark. You can find it here……

We’re particularly keen to find as many events which are FREE or at least under a fiver. Christmas is coming and we all need to save a few pennies. Enjoy the list and come back soon as the guide expands over the next few days. Just click on the areas below to get to the place that interests you.

KIDS EAT FOR FREE (OR £1)

FRANKIE & BENNYS

The Kids Eat Free Deal is running through to Friday 1st November.

FUTURE INNS

Buy an adult meal and Under 5s eat free.

BELLA ITALIA

This offer is valid Mon to Thurs between 4-6pm. Children eat for just £1 with any adult main meal.

SAINSBURYS

Purchase an adult hot meal and kids eat for just £1. The offer is from 11:30am every day.

PIZZA HUT

Through to Tuesday 5th November, every day, Kids buffet is free up until 3pm. The code you need is SPOOKY.

IKEA

From 11am kids get a main meal from 95p daily.

TGI FRIDAYS

If you’re a Stripes reward member, kids eat free with every adult meal – you must use the app.

ASDA

This requires NO adult spend. Kids eat for just £1 all day, every day in the Asda cafe.

TRAVELODGE & PREMIER INN

If you buy yourself 1 adult breakfast then up to two kids eat brekkie for free.

MORRISONS

If you spend a fiver from the hot menu you’ll get one kids meal free (every day).

BILLS

Through to Friday 1st November 2 kids eat free (Monday to Friday).

BEEFEATER & BREWERS FAYRE

If there is one paying adult two children under 16 can get a free breakfast (every day).

YO! SUSHI

Through to Friday 1st November kids eat free with every £10 adult spend.

BARRY

DARE YOU DARE

This October half term and Halloween come and learn all about the creepy crawlies that live in the gardens with seven minibeast-themed activities including throw the spots on the ladybird, spin the snail shell for a dare, see like an insect (using insect goggles) and many more!

This free (normal admission applies), fun-filled, nature-based event will be running from Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November. There’s no need to book.

DARE YOU DARE is at Dyffryn House & Gardens runs from 26th October to 3rd November between 10am and 5pm. The event is FREE but normal admission charges will apply. For more details, go HERE

BLAENAVON

MYTHS AND MINE MONSTERS

Join the Supernatural Storyteller in his cosy cottage for ancient Tales of Welsh Folklore’s mysterious ‘Mine Monsters’. 

Learn all about the mystical Tylwyth Teg with stories of the curious Coblynau and the greedy Coal Giant. 

Following your mystical storytelling session, create your own ‘Fantasy Folklore Map of Wales’, learning about mischievous mermaids, ancient toads, cursed boars and of course, dragons!  

Additional Information:

Storytelling sessions are pre-booked timed sessions, 45 minutes long. However, you can complete your Fantasy Folklore Map any time between 11am & 4pm.  

Due to the limitations of space they are only able to allocate space for a maximum of one non-participating person to accompany each participating child aged 3+. 

MYTHS AND MINE MONSTERS is at the Big Pit Museum from the 28th to 30th October, with a variety of time slots available. For more details, go HERE

CARDIFF

CARDIFF CASTLE

This is more of a reminder than anything else. If you are a Cardiff residents (or work in Cardiff) you get to have unlimited free days out at Cardiff Castle. The Castle Key, as they call it, gives you free entry to the castle grounds, Norman Keep, the Firing Line exhibition, the wartime tunnels and the Interpretation Centre as many times as you like.

Apply at the Castle Ticket Office, make sure to take proof that you live or work in Cardiff (a council tax bill or a letter from the boss is fine). The key used to be free but does have an admin charge, worth every penny though. Trust us, the kids love a castle and they will have a brilliant time this half term. For details, go HERE.

  • Enjoy free entry to Cardiff Castle for 3 years.
  • A number of other special discounts.
  • One off admin charge of £6.75 per adult card issued.
  • No charge for Keys issued to children (under 16s).

The South Wales Life office is in Cardiff and we use our Castle Key, a lot. It’s a fantastic thing to have for very little money

CARDIFF BAY BARRAGE

Sometimes it’s the things which are there everyday and we kind of take for granted that turn out to be the most fun for the kids. A day out at the barrage is one of those. It’s exciting, a brilliant way of getting some exercise (for all of us kids) and most of all, it’s cheap as chips.

Just seeing the pictures reminds us that maybe it’s something we’ve not seen in action for a while, or maybe even never. The kids can watch as the barrage’s lock system allows boats and yachts to go in and out of Cardiff Bay. Then walk along to the fantastic pirate playground or if you feel really energetic walk all the way round to Mermaid Quay. Parking at the Penarth end costs 50 pence an hour, but it is free to walk along the barrage and to play at the playground. Take some sandwiches and a drink and you’ve got a great day out for next to nothing

CWMBRAN

BOATING LAKE

There are those of us who enjoy a bit of shopping in Cwmbran and the SOUTH WALES LIFE team count ourselves among them. We love a cuppa in town, a trip to the Congress or even a wander around the Retail Park. As a visitor though it’s easy to forget that a minute or two away from the shops, there is a whole new world and on a nice day it really is the perfect place to visit.

The Boating Lake is only a few minutes walk from Cwmbran Town Centre. You can enjoy a stroll around the lake and feed the geese and ducks; have an ice cream in the café, picnic in the park or have fun in the children’s play area. It really does have something for everyone. Best of all, of course, it’s FREE to go into the grounds.

The reviews of the lake are excellent from locals and visitors alike…..

‘We come here regularly with the kids. It’s a great place to run, ride bikes, scooters etc. The cafe is great and well priced. The ice cream selection is excellent.‘

‘Visited with my four year old grandson. The place is well maintained with plenty to entertain a young child on a boiing hot day. We joined the long line for an ice cream, £2.30 for a cone. Well it was nearly as big as his face.’

The lake is easy to find, it’s on Llanfrechfa Way in Cwmbran. The postcode (if you’re driving) is NP44 3EU. Just head long there, enjoy the walks and the lake and obviously one of those massive ice creams.

The fishing is really good there too by all accounts, for more details, go HERE

NEWPORT

HALF TERM AT TREDEGAR HOUSE

See what nature has to offer this October half term at Tredegar House. Tap into your senses as you rustle through the leaves and explore everything autumn has to offer with a trail through the gardens and parkland, cook up a storm on the campfire or get crafty with vegetable printing.

In the gardens, explorer backpacks and ’50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4′ activity sheets will be available to borrow from visitor reception to encourage young explorers to get to know nature. Meanwhile, sensory backpacks are available to borrow for use in the house and formal gardens for families with additional support needs. 

Wander through the autumnal colours and follow the clues that Rhubi has left behind. Complete each challenge and get closer to Rhubi’s cherished hat. Trail sheet included. This runs through to 3rd November between 10:30 and 4pm. Details HERE.

Autumnal Creative Clay Workshop. Spark your creativity by crafting your own clay trinket bowl. Take inspiration from the falling Autumn leaves – what leaf will you use? The choice is yours! We’ll provide everything you need, so just turn up on the day with your artistic thinking hat on, ready to get creative.

£4 per person. Normal admission fees apply. >Monday 28 October, 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm >Tuesday 29 October, 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm >Wednesday 30 October, 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm >Thursday 31 October, 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm

This activity is run on a first come, first served basis. Buy your tickets at Visitor Reception on arrival. Details HERE.

For more details on the events at Tredegar, go HERE.

NATIONAL ROMAN LEGION MUSEUM

We’re pretty certain the kids will love this one and it ticks lots of boxes. Fun for the kids and some great photos to send to Granny. Head along to the National Roman Legion Museum and chat to a Roman soldier in the Barrack Room to find out more about the life of a soldier in Isca!

ARTIFEX Become a Roman Craftmaster!

  • Decorate a Roman shield
  • Fix a mosaic
  • Make Roman pottery

Explore the museum to find symbols & complete craft challenges. Email your creations to yourself to look at after your visit.

Suitable for families and big kids! 

Free but donations welcome.

More details HERE.

NEWPORT SHIP

The Newport Medieval Ship is a fifteenth century merchant vessel unearthed in the heart of Newport in 2002. Work on the Riverfront arts centre was paused while excavations could take place, and the timbers have since been undergoing a lengthy conservation process so the ship can be displayed to the public.

The ship was a formidable three-masted craft measuring over 30 metres in length and capable of carrying around 200 tons of cargo. Examination of the artefacts and remains found on board suggests that the ship probably sailed the Lisbon-Bristol trade route.

Take a look at their video HERE.

The Ship Centre is open from till Saturday 5th November.

Opening Hours Friday & Saturday 10.30 am – 4 pm

The Ship Centre is closed to the public for the winter from 2nd November.

The NEWPORT SHIP PROJECT is on Estuary Road on the Queensway Meadows Industrial Estate. Admission is free but they gladly accept donations to help support their work. For more details, go here. SHIP

PONTYPOOL

PONTYPOOL PARK

It may be the Autumn half term but there’s never a better time to get out and enjoy what the countryside has to off and the park here is fantastic.

Pontypool Park is locally known as the People’s Park, covering some 64 hectares with several historical features – including Italian Gardens, Ice Houses and Shell Grotto – which have been restored with a Heritage Lottery Fund grant and funding from Torfaen County Borough Council. There is also a link from the Park, through adjacent farm land to the Folly Tower, via a public footpath.

Facilities include a children’s play area, rugby pitch (home to Pontypool RFC), tennis courts, pitch and putt, bowls and a dry ski slope. There are footpath links into the Brecon Beacons National Park on the most northern boundary.

There are a few things to bear in mind when you visit………

  • Feel free to have a picnic, play games or even hug a tree!
  • Dogs should be kept under control and responsible owners are welcome, but please clear up after your dog and dispose of the waste in the bins provided.
  • Use the litter bins – it helps to keep the Park looking good.
  • No cycling allowed.
  • No horses allowed.
  • No motorised vehicles allowed.
  • No fishing unless you have purchased the appropriate licence.

The park is just to the East of Pontypool Town Centre. To find out more, go here. PARK

PORT TALBOT

MARGAM COUNTRY PARK

Margam country Park is incredible and while a lot of what you can do will cost money, the best thing of all, a walk in the park, will cost you no more than the cost of travelling and parking. They have four walks ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 miles. The 800 acres of the Park provides a perfect backdrop for a walk in the countryside, whether half term stroll with the kids, or an adventure hike along the Coed Morgannwg Way to Afan Forest Park Country Park, our sister country park in the Afan Valley.

If you prefer to follow a self guided trail we have four way marked routes for you to follow. ‘Walk packs’ giving full details of the routes and what to look out for along them are available to purchase from entrance cabin and Gift Shop.

Each walk is colour coded, they all begin just up the track from the Castle Visitor Centre. Entrance to the park is free and car parking is £6, but will all of you packed in that’s really good value. Below is a list of everything they offer with appropriate links to find out more.

They also have FRIGHT NIGHTS running right now, more details HERE.

SWANSEA

SWANSEA SCIENCE FESTIVAL

The Swansea Science Festival returns with the main event on the weekend of  26th and 27th October 10am – 4pm, at the National Waterfront Museum.

The Festival kicks off with a pre-weekend highlight at the Taliesin on Friday, 25th October, featuring ‘The Magical Mr West’ and his enchanting performance, Crafty Fools. The grand finale on Monday, 28th October, will showcase the much-loved TV presenter Andy Day with his exciting show, Andy’s Dino Rap. See Science Extras for more details of these and other exciting shows.

For the full Swansea Science Festival programme please visit: Swansea Science Festival

Throughout the weekend, enjoy FREE exhibitions showcasing groundbreaking research at Swansea University. No booking is required—just drop in to explore hydrogen energy, meet robotic dogs and cats, uncover the secrets of ancient Egyptian mummification, and even learn how to love a maggot!

There are lots of bookable events. Join us for hands-on workshops and inspiring talks that delve into the mysteries of oceans, the wonders of electricity, and the incredible stories of people shaping our world. Weekend highlights include a science rap workshop with presenter Jon Chase, insightful talks with TikTok star Big Manny, renowned explorer Ray Mears, and wildlife TV presenter Megan McCubbin.

For all the details, go HERE.

MOVIES

A lot of our cinema offer deals over the holiday periods and certainly at weekends kids get to see recent films for just a couple of pounds. For example…..

  • ODEON – Grown ups pay kids prices with their Family Saver of 4 ticket at ODEON. Whether you are 2 Adults 2 Children, or 1 Adult 3 Children, simply select the family ticket option when you book online.
  • CINEWORLD – Offer family tickets deals and reductions on food & drinks.
  • VUE – Have a range of deals and run Mini-Morning screenings too

TO DO AT HOME

If you want to stay home during the holiday and want to keep the kids off the tablets, phones or TV then here’s a few (old-school) ideas which we guarantee will entertain them and make more memories than watching them stare at a screen all day long.

GET BAKING

With the Bake Off series coming to an end and the kids version about to start, there really isn’t a better time to get into the kitchen with the children. Baking is a great way to keep them happy and entertained on a rainy half term. As far as killing time goes, it’s brilliant for that too.

Involve them in the whole process. Choosing the recipe. Shopping for ingredients. Preparing the kitchen and then the actual baking itself. It’s a fantastic way to kill time too. Choose recipes that include lots of time for decorating, as kids find this to be the most fun part. Don’t be afraid of getting messy, kids love to help but might be a bit messy in the process.

ROCKY ROAD

INGREDIENTS

  • 100g butter, roughly chopped
  • 300g dark chocolate, broken into squares
  • 3 tbsp golden syrup
  • 140g rich tea biscuits, roughly crushed
  • 12 pink marshmallows, quartered using scissors
  • 2 x 55g of Maltesers (my favourite), Milky Way or Crunchie

METHOD

  • Gently melt the butter, chocolate and syrup in a large pan over a low heat, stirring frequently until smooth, then cool for about 15mins.
  • Stir the crushed biscuits and sweets into the pan until well mixed, pour into a 17cm/6 ½ inch square tin lined with non-stick baking paper and spread the mixture to roughly level it.
  • Chill until hard and then take out of tin and remove paper. Cut into squares. Store in an air-tight container.

CUP CAKES

INGREDIENTS

  • 125g plain flour
  • 250g Carnation Condensed Milk
  • 1 egg
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 85g buttery spread
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • For the icing
  • 200g icing sugar
  • 55g buttery spread
  • Few drops vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tbsp Carnation Condensed Milk
  • Sugar sprinkles or cake decorations

METHOD

  • Preheat oven to 180°C, (160°C for fan ovens), Gas Mark 4.
  • Beat flour, condensed milk, egg, vanilla, buttery spread and baking powder until pale and fluffy.
  • Spoon mixture into 12 muffin cases. Bake for 15-18 minutes until springy and golden. Allow to cool.
  • Beat icing sugar, buttery spread and vanilla with enough condensed milk to make a smooth creamy icing. Spread onto cakes and top with sprinkles and decorations.

LIGHTER COOKIES

INGREDIENTS

  • 80g rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
  • 160g wholemeal flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 135g light-brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons agave nectar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 115g milk chocolate, chopped

METHOD

  • Preheat the oven to 175°C. Combine the oats, flour, baking soda and salt in a food processor and pulse until the oats are finely ground. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter, sugar and agave nectar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until smooth and glossy. Reduce mixer speed to the lowest setting and gradually add the flour mixture until just incorporated; stir in the chocolate.
  • Drop level tablespoons of the dough onto silicone mat lined baking sheets, 2 inches apart (12 cookies per sheet). Transfer the sheets to the refrigerator and chill the cookies until solid, about 30 minutes. Bake until lightly golden around edges, about 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let cool on the sheets for 1 minute; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Be aware, these cookies like to spread. If you are bothered by them touching, bake on 3 trays.

OPEN UP THE OLD-SCHOOL BOARD GAMES

There really isn’t anything better than watching the kids learn a new, or get re-aquainted with an old favourite board game. I don’t know what it is but the effect is far better than watching some character drive aimlessly around a track on some console game. Now don’t get us wrong, we play the kart games as much as the next person, but once the board game is out, the real fun begins.

READ TOGETHER

The simplest of things can often be the best. I used to love settling down with a good book, having the kids squash up on the sofa and read away with my terrible voices and corny impressions. You know what? They hung on my every word and they will with you.

Encourage your children to read along if they’re old enough. Make a hot chocolate and snuggle together on the sofa and get stuck into a classic.

Young man with two kids reading a story book

BUILD A DEN

It’s amazing what you can do with a few bed sheets, towels, cushions, chairs and a great imagination. This is the perfect way for the kids to get creative. Then when you’ve got it all put together you can get inside, eat what you’ve baked. Play one of the board games. Read your book to together. Or if they really insist, grab the tablet and watch a bit of TV.

A small girl and grandmother reading book at home.

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