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 2022/24. It’s really easy to follow and a useful one to bookmark. You can find it here……

• SCHOOL HOLIDAY DATES

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
• CARDIFF
• CWMBRAN
• NEWPORT
• PONTYPOOL
• PORT TALBOT
• SWANSEA
• MOVIES
• THINGS TO DO AT HOME

BARRY

A LITTLE TRAIL

A little trail for a little month! Keep your eyes peeled for wooden tiles across the garden – they will help you find all the small things as you explore Dyffryn.

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

The LITTLE TRAIL at Dyffryn House & Gardens runs to the 26th February 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 £6.75 per adult card issued.
• No charge for Keys issued to children (under 16s).

TRADITIONAL FAIRGROUND

Long before the days when we started walking round with our smartphones surgically attached to our hands – yes boys and girls, there was a time before You Tube, Instagram, Snapchat and the like. What people used to do for fun was either, talk (I know, how crazy), or get very excited when the fairground came to town.

This half-term holidays, St Fagans are bringing back their very successful TRADITIONAL FAIRGROUND with a chance to experience the magic of a bygone era – and maybe for your little ones to leave the digital age behind.

It runs at St Fagans National Museum of History till 26th February and the cost starts at only £1. They say it’s suitable for kids aged 2 – 11 but we reckon a few big kids will get a kick out of the seeing the old Penny Pusher too. For more details, go here. TRADITIONAL 

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.

FREE MOVIES AT CHAPTER

Encanto Sing Along (U)

The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift, every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger.

The screenings at Chapter are on Saturday 18th at 11:30am, Monday 20th and Thursday 23rd, again both at 11:30am. They are completely FREE but filling up fast. More details HERE.

The Lego Movie (U)

Emmet, an ordinary LEGO figure, is mistakenly identified as the Special – an extraordinary being and the key to saving the world. He finds himself recruited onto a quest to stop an evil tyrant’s plans to conquer the world. Unfortunately for Emmet, he is hopelessly unprepared for such a task, but he’ll give it his all nonetheless.

Charter is the venue on Tuesday 21st and Saturday 25th at 11:30am. Again they are FREE. Details HERE.

Sing (U)

Dapper Koala Buster Moon presides over a once-grand theatre that has fallen on hard times. Facing the crumbling of his life’s ambition, he takes one final chance to restore his fading jewel to its former glory by producing the world’s greatest singing competition. Five contestants emerge: a mouse, a timid elephant, a pig, a gorilla and a punk-rock porcupine.

The dates for these are Wednesday 22nd and Friday 24th at 11:30am. Full details HERE.

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 28th February. Just turn up and have fun.

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.

ROMAN ARMY WEEK

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 to find out more about the life of a soldier.

Meet the Centurion, take a look at some armour, weapons and military equipment from the Roman army and find out what life was like for a Roman soldier on the edge of the empire. 

Have you got what it takes to be a Roman legionary?

There’ll also be an opportunity to try on Roman armour and learn to march with the Centurion using Latin commands. 

Finish your visit by buying a certificate saying you joined the Roman army and earned your first coin of pay. 

ROMAN ARMY WEEK is at the National Roman Legion Museum from the 20th to 24th February, with a variety of sessions. For more details 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

BIG PIT NATIONAL COAL MUSEUM

Pop over this half term and meet Butty Bear – Big Pit’s best friend and our special guide. 

Say hello and have a selfie with the coolest bear in town! Full details HERE.

In the Playlab, as they prepare for St David’s Day! Head along and make a leek or daffodil badge and join in with some Welsh songs and other activities through the medium of Welsh. 

A warm welcome to all – fluent speakers, learners or just curious! Badge Making is on 21st February from 10am to 4pm. Details 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.

• Established Country Park, Winner of Green Flag Award and voted the Nations Favourite Park in the ‘National Peoples Choice’ Awards
• 800 acres of rolling Parkland with Deer Herd
• Stunning gothic style castle, 17th Century Orangery and monastic ruins
• Landscaped gardens with Arboretum
• Dogs welcome on leads in Orangery Gardens and under close control in park
• Rare breeds farm trail
• Castle and garden tours available
• Visitor Centre Courtyard with Gift Shop and Charlottes Pantry Café.  Please check on arrival for opening times for the Cafe and shop.
• Children’s Adventure Playground and Fairy Tale Village
• Narrow Gauge Railway (runs seasonally)
• Margam Discovery Centre offers high quality environmental education to all age groups, both residentially and for day visits.
• Ivy Cottage unique luxury holiday Cottage.
• Park Map
• Electric Trampers and Wheelchairs available 

• Monday 20th – MASKS DAY, 11am to 3pm and it is FREE
• Tuesday 21st – MINDFULNESS ART & SOFT PLAY YOGA (Various Session Times)
• Wednesday 22nd – WILDLIFE & ANIMALS POTTERY CRAFTS 11am to 3pm
• Thursday 23rd – GOLDILOCKS & THE MAGIC PORRIDGE POT. Three sessions 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm
• Friday 24th – ST DAVID’S DAY CRAFTS between 11am and 3pm this is also FREE
• Saturday 25th – CRAFTY FUN DAY with a whole range of activities from 11am

You can check their event calendar right HERE.

SWANSEA

WATERFRONT MUSEUM

UP – FREE MOVIE SCREENING

Enjoy a free, family film.

78-year-old Carl Fredricksen travels to Paradise Falls in his house equipped with balloons, inadvertently taking a young stowaway.

UP is screening on the 19th February from 2:30pm. For more details on how to get your FREE tickets, go HERE.

3 COOL THINGS TO MAKE WITH A BALLOON

Stretch it, inflate it, pop it! –celebrate the humble balloon by making 3 cool crafts including a balloon rocket and a pom pom popper!

It’s at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea from 20th to 23rd February between 12:30 and 3:30pm. It is FREE and you can get details HERE.

ST DAVID’S DAY MAKE AND TAKE: DRAGON DRESS UP

Drop in to make an impressive Dragon Headdress to celebrate St David’s Day. 

Again, this is FREE and is between 24th and 26th February from 12:30 to 3:30pm. More details HERE.

DYLAN THOMAS CENTRE – SELF LED ACTIVITIES

Get in the mystery-solving mindset and explore the range of self-led activities inspired by the ‘Dylan Thomas – Live at the YMCA Swansea’ exhibition, and the Montgomery BonBon Exhibition trail.

Activities will include codebreakers, make a mini theatre, and create your own fun felt characters! They are held on the 17th, 19th, 22nd, 25th and 26th February between 10am and 4pm. For more 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

a major celebration.

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.

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.