Unbelievably half term is on its way and we wanted to find ways to entertain the kids, as we always do. This time however, we set ourselves a challenge to find as much FREE stuff as we can. If it’s not free, then we have ensured the kids can do it for under a fiver.

Also, we have a fantastic page listing and linking all the school term dates for every council in South Wales for 2025/26. It’s really easy to follow and a useful one to bookmark. You can find it here……

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.

BARRY

A LITTLE TRAIL – Y MIS BACH BINGO

This is an interactive spotter trail designed to help children learn all about nature in winter and have lots of fun outside even during the chillier months through to 2nd March..

There’s no extra cost (normal admission applies), simply pick-up your bingo sheet from our Welcome Centre when you arrive and learn all about what lovely little things happen in the gardens during winter.

They’ve also thrown in a few fun games in there for good measure so you can learn about nature in the winter and have a lovely family day out too.

The LITTLE TRAIL – Y MIS BACH BINGO at Dyffryn House & Gardens runs between 10am and 4pm. The event is FREE but normal admission charges will apply. Who knows, the kids could end up doing your garden when you get home. For more details, go here – TRAIL

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. CASTLE

  • Enjoy free entry to Cardiff Castle for 3 years.
  • A number of other special discounts.
  • One off admin charge of £7.50 per adult card issued.
  • No charge for Keys issued to children (under 16s).

STEP INTO WELSH

Take your first steps into the Welsh language with Early Years Wales as we explore movement, play, story telling and much more at St Fagans National Museum of History.

These one hour sessions are geared towards children of all ages, with dedicated sessions for children 6 weeks to 12 months, and 12 months and up and will make use of St Fagans National Museum of History to celebrate Wales’ unique language, heritage and culture.

Session 1: 6 weeks to 12 months (10.30am – 11.30am)  
Session 2: 12 months+ (12pm – 1pm)

Language: The sessions will be delivered in English but with a strong focus on introducing Welsh vocabulary and phrases you can use at home with your child through play and movement.

Snack: A healthy snack and drink will be available for children and tea and coffee will be available for parents during the session.

For more information go HERE.

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

LEGO CLUB – CWMBRAN LIBRARY

They bring the bricks, you bring the ideas! Free event for children aged 7-11.

It’s at Cwmbran Library on Tuesday 13th February. Just turn up and have fun. Details HERE.

NEWPORT

DISCOVER THE PARKLAND AT TREDEGAR

The parkland at Tredegar House is the perfect place for you to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Sweeping lawns, a serpentine lake and woodland are all waiting for you to explore and enjoy everything from a picnic, a run or a spot of hide and seek with the family.

Things to see in the parkland

Oak avenue

Once there were seven oak avenues, splaying out from the mansion like the spokes of a wheel. The last remaining one stretches out from the 17th-century gates and over the crest of a hill towards Ruperra Castle – once a summer home of the Morgan family.

Wildlife

Bring your bird books and binoculars; our parkland is teeming with wildlife. The lake is a favourite spot for grebes, swans, moorhens and a whole community of ducks.

Keep an eye out for swans, coots and herons as well as a whole host of slippery underwater creatures in the lake. Swan watching is a popular pastime with locals who track the progress of the cygnets every year.

The parkland is ever changing as the seasons come and go throughout the year. Follow the lakeside path and immerse yourself in nature with our seasonal sensory trail.

Sequoia redwoods

Towering over the parkland, the redwoods are a regal reminder of a bygone majestic age. Don’t forget to touch the bark; its spongy feel is a favourite with little ones and adults alike.

The parkland is ever changing as the seasons come and go throughout the year. Follow the lakeside path and immerse yourself in nature with our seasonal sensory trail.

Booking isn’t needed apart from the Veg Printing Workshop. For details of what’s going on at Tredegar, which is worth a visit anytime, go here. TREDEGAR

FOURTEEN LOCKS CANAL CENTRE

The Fourteen Locks Canal Centre on the Crumlin Arm of the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal is a fantastic place to visit.

The Fourteen Locks Canal Centre and Cafe is a popular family attraction that is positioned on top of the Cefn lock flight, an engineering wonder of the industrial revolution that is located in the picturesque area of Newport. As a result of the support of the Heritage Lottery Funding two pairs of locks have been restored.

Find out more on the Fourteen Locks Canal Centre page HERE.

The Canal Centre craft shop offers unique hand made gifts, created by local and talented artisans. They also hire out gallery display boards for artists to sell their work.

The cafe offers a delicious range of mouthwatering food. Produce is sourced locally and prepared fresh to order. Meals are perfectly accompanied by speciality coffees and fair-trade teas. The friendly staff can cater for any dietary requirement including gluten free, vegan and vegetarian.

The family and dog friendly centre holds events throughout the year including activity trails, forest school, fayres, family fun days, music festivals, BBQ’s, history talks and walks. The canal towpath is part of national cycle route 47 and the beautiful Sirhowy valley walk.

BECOME A ROMAN CRAFTMASTER

Use the ARTIFEX app to explore the National Roman Legion Museum & complete craft challenges. Have you got what it takes to become a Roman Craftmaster?

Can you:

  • 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! 

For details on that and everything else happening at the National Roman Legion Museum go HERE.

PONTYPOOL

PONTYPOOL PARK

It may be the 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

CAFFI MINE – BIG PIT’S DEMENTIA SUPPORTIVE GROUP

Caffi MINE, is a safe place to enjoy a cuppa and chat about the heritage of South Wales and its industrial past at Big Pit. 

Sessions include visits to heritage sites, reminiscence sessions inspired by our museum collections and activities that anyone can get involved in or just come along to sit and relax.

Sessions run from 10.30am -12.30pm. 

Refreshments start from 10.30am with the activities beginning at 11am until 12.30pm.

Booking is essential for this session. Please contact them here – [email protected] for more details and booking.

Sessions:

17 February – Watch a classic film at Blaenavon Workmen’s Hall cinema;

31 March – Make your own ‘sensory garden’;

12 May – Photography and captured memories;

23 June – Miners’ Fortnight and holidays at the seaside.

Caffi MINE is a FREE group and is funded by generous support from National Grid.

For more details go HERE.

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.

  • HALF TERM CRAFTY FUN
  • MASK DAY
  • INTERCATIVE STORYTELLING
  • BIRD FEEDER DAY
  • ROBOT DAY IN THE CASTLE

You can check their event calendar right HERE.

SWANSEA

BUNKERS

This half term, BUNKERS is the hole-in-one choice for family fun! With Crazy Golf, pool, ping pong and more, it’s a great way to ‘putt’ a smile on the whole family’s face. 

BUNKERS Swansea offers the perfect place to beat the boredom. It centers around ​​two 12-hole, pop-culture themed crazy golf courses, with holes themed around Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, The Simpsons, Back to the Future, Only Fools and Horses and more.

Split into zones, the venue has a full bar, with bespoke cocktail stations and offers a range of sharing plates to fuel all the fun.

On both Sundays in the half-term (16th and 23rd February), BUNKERS Swansea is offering a round of crazy golf for the whole family for just £25 (valid for up to 4 people; 1 or 2 adults with 2 or 3 under 16).

On Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th February, families can take advantage of a 50% offer on BUNKERS’s tee-rrific pizzas, to recharge after an un-fore-gettable round of golf.

To book a session go HERE. 

BUNKERS Swansea

DYLAN THOMAS CENTRE – DROP-IN FAMILY WORKSHOPS

The Dylan Thomas Centre and WWT Llanelli are teaming up again this half term! Make your own mini clay decoration inspired by the animals and birds featured in Dylan Thomas’ work.

This workshop is part of Mudfest 😀

This session takes place at WWT Llanelli. Included in admission, free for WWT members.

They have lots more workshops running throughout the month, for details on them all, 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 ticket at ODEON. 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

NINJA WARRIOR UK

Get ready to kick boredom to the curb and leap into action with Ninja Warrior UK Swansea’s exciting, obstacle-filled courses. It’s the perfect place for a ninja-tastic family day out, so dodge the usual half-term plans and jump into adventure

Ninja Warrior UK Swansea tests your Ninja skills while climbing, balancing and swinging across obstacles or bouncing across their inflatable – plus find out if you have what it takes to beat the Warped Wall!

You can also kick back and enjoy their cafe menu, with snacks to mains

This half term, families can make the most of the Feb Feast deal, which includes 2 x 1-hour ninja sessions and a sharing pizza for just £22. Feb Feast is available on weekdays from 4pm.

To book go HERE. 

Ninja Warrior UK

FOOD & DRINK

KIDS EAT FREE OR FOR £1

ASDA CAFE

It’s not only during the half term holiday but all year round that kids eat for £1. The nice thing about the Asda deal is that you don’t even need to buy an adult meal or have a minimum spend.

BEEFEATER

You can get two free breakfasts for your children with every adult breakfast purchased – so you buy one, two kids get one for free.. The deal is for under 16s. It’s from the buffet menu too and that is unlimited.

BELLA ITALIA

This one is between Monday and Thursday and as long as your child is aged between 2-11 they can enjoy three courses and a drink for just £1, when an adult buys a main meal. Incidentally, the offer is only available between 4 and 6pm.

DUNELM

If you head along to their Pausa Cafe in store if you spend £4 your child will get a free hot meal, two snacks and a drink. The offer is available every day and all day long.

IKEA

You may already know the deal at Ikea. Kids eat from 95p. You can have either pasta and tomato sauce or mac and cheese. They also come with a drink and piece of fruit.

MORRISONS

If you buy an adult main meal kids eat for free and this is all day, every day. They get a side, veg and a drink.

PIZZA EXPRESS

This deal runs through to the 2nd March. When you order a main adult meal (dine in), kids will get a free Piccolo meal including dough balls to start, a pizza, pasta or salad for main, a dessert and a Bambinoccino.

PIZZA HUT

The deal here is at selected restaurants an on the buffet. You spend a tenner on food and they can help themselves to unlimited pizza, pasta and salad. The buffet runs until 3pm every day though to February 28th. Incidentally, you need to use code KEF.

SAINSBURY’S

Most of our supermarkets offer a deal. With this one kids eat for £1 in the cafe when you buy a hot adult’s meal. The offer is from 11:30am and available year round.

TRAVELODGE

You don’t have to stay to enjoy this one. Get up to two kids’ breakfasts for free with every full paying adult. As long as they are under 15 you’re fine. The unlimited breakfast includes cooked items, pastries, yogurts, cereals and more.

MARSTON’S IS GOING MARMALADE MAD

Marston’s has gone marmalade mad, creating 7 new dishes for a special, Paddington-inspired children’s menu. The new menu will be served in over 250 pubs across the UK until 30th March. 

In the biggest celebration of Paddington’s favourite snack, the new menu features 5 brand-new marmalade dishes including a build-your-own version of the iconic marmalade sandwich. 

Also on the menu is Sticky marmalade chicken wings, Crispy chicken dippers with marmalade dipping sauce and a Picnic Platter featuring a marmalade, cheese, chicken or ham sandwich, cucumber and carrot sticks, cheese cubes and a fresh fruit salad.

 To have their very own Peruvian adventures, little explorers could also enjoy the new Peru-fect chicken strips with piri piri mayonnaise. 

The menu also features new and exciting sweet treats including a Chocolate orange jelly sundae and Build Your Own Blue Bear-y pancakes, perfect for celebrating Pancake Day Paddington-style. 

At the start of their adventure, children will be given a Paddington in Peru sticker book, giving them the chance to win official merchandise bundles and vouchers for free kid’s meals, to use on a future visit. 

Children can order a dish from the Paddington inspired menu, complete the activity sheet on the back of their menu, or attend a kid’s event to receive an exclusive Paddington in Peru sticker from the team at a participating pub. Little explorers will need to collect six stickers to be entered in to the prize draw for the merchandise bundle, but everyone that completes a book will also receive a voucher for a free kid’s meal. 

The new children’s menu has been created to celebrate the home release of Paddington in Peru, which is available to pre-order now and out to buy & keep from February 14: HERE  

Paddington in Peru brings Paddington’s story to Peru as he returns to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown Family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru.

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 at an an end and the kids version bringing in great audiences, 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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