![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/0_AW050725WalesAir25027JPG.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWe’ve done the leg work by looking for free events this school summer holidays so you don’t have to.<\/p>\n
Wales International Air Show(Image: Adrian White Photography)<\/p>\n
Summer school holidays are go! You don’t want to be spending cash like it’s going out of fashion, so what’s to be done?<\/p>\n
Getting together a good list of free places to visit and things to do. We’ve done the hard job for you and put together a selection of free events, activities and ideas. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What\u2019s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n The free list takes in Cardiff, Swansea, valleys and more. If you have a free event that would fit, please email kathryn.williams@walesonline.co.uk\/<\/p>\n For some brilliant reductions on other, paid-for attractions and restaurants like Nando’s, Yo! Sushi and more in Wales you can click here for information.<\/a> If you’re up for going to the coast to escape the city here are some brilliant beaches and waterfront walks a stone’s throw from the capital.<\/a><\/p>\n And we’ve also got a bumper list of activities happening in Wales, this summer – click here for those ideas.<\/a><\/p>\n For more on Wales’ best beaches here’s a 40-strong list<\/a> to add to your bucket list for 2026 and beyond. There’s 29 more of Wales’ world-class beautiful beaches, here.<\/a> and if you have a bit more time for your walk over a weekend, or time off, here are some brilliant<\/a><\/p>\n 1. Wales Air Show, Swansea<\/p>\n It’s an ideal way for families to kick off the school<\/a> summer holidays and it’s free. During the daytime at the Swansea beach there’ll be things to do and see such as RAF Tutor, Strikemaster Pair and the Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota historic crafts.<\/p>\n There’ll also be the Wales Airshow: Afterburn, the nighttime show will feature pyrotechnic displays from the Otto Helicopter, Firebirds aerobatics and a grand finale featuring 200 drones and fireworks.<\/p>\n The weekend takes place on July 25 and 26<\/p>\n 2. Get interactive with an app walk in Cardiff Bay<\/p>\n For tech-savvy tweens in particular, the Wales Coast Path app is certainly worth downloading and includes 7 Family Walks with a Difference<\/a> offering a unique digital experience. Once the app is downloaded and open on a device, simply point it at the information board to unlock the special features in the app.<\/p>\n 3. More free things to do in Cardiff Bay (Image: John Myers)<\/p>\n At Mermaid Quay’s Tacoma Square there will be six weeks of free, nature-inspired family activities designed to entertain, inspire and spark children’s curiosity about the world around them.<\/p>\n Running every Thursday from July 23 to August 27, Tacoma Square will be transformed into an interactive outdoor adventure, where families can enjoy storytelling, creative crafts and hands-on activities inspired by wildlife, biodiversity and the environment. Each week brings a brand-new theme, giving families a reason to return throughout the summer holidays. Think bug hotels, finger puppets and more.<\/p>\n 4. Munch on the Big Welsh Bite, Pontypridd<\/p>\n The Big Welsh Bite (August 1 &2) shows off the best in Welsh food, drink, and entertainment with more than 60 local and regional food producers. It’s free to attend.<\/p>\n Visitors can explore a vibrant array of street food, artisan treats, farm-fresh produce, and culinary crafts \u2014 perfect for foodies, families, and curious tasters alike.<\/p>\n As well as feasting, the large funfair and live entertainment is planned. The full line-up of traders and demonstrations has yet to be announced but if previous years are anything to go by there’s going to be a healthy mix of different cuisines on offer.<\/p>\n On July 25, there’s also RCT Pride in the park, entry to the festival is free and the entertainment line-up will sit side-by-side with an on-site market, food stalls and there will be a Pride parade.<\/p>\n And at the Rhondda<\/a> Heritage Park there’s the Classic Car Show on June 27.<\/p>\n 5. Cool off in the lido<\/p>\n Don’t forget the National Lido of Wales at Ynysangharad Park will also be open during the summer holidays, too. Lido Ponty houses three pools; a main pool, an activity pool and a splash pool, all providing excellent swimming opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.<\/p>\n During the season (Easter to September), the pools are heated to 28C. Adults will have to pay to swim\/spectate, kids under 16 are free – other than a 50p booking fee.<\/p>\n Sessions for 2026 bookable now, here.<\/a><\/p>\n 6. Take a trip down Cardiff’s memory lane<\/p>\n Museum of Cardiff, found smack dab in Cardiff city centre will have several free exhibits and activities this summer.<\/p>\n There’s Ely Memory Lane (11 July \u2013 31 October), which combines oral histories, photographs, toys and a specially created video game to tell the story of how generations of children have played and grown up in Cardiff.<\/p>\n The exhibition is the result of a unique co-production project bringing together older residents from Ely, local school<\/a> pupils and Cardiff University<\/a> researchers, blending lived experience with creative interpretation. One highlight of the exhibition is Back in My Day: Ely Memory Lane, an interactive game inspired by real memories of play, which invites visitors to take part and reflect on their own childhood experiences.<\/p>\n The museum has also created a \u201csummer of play\u201d programme to encourage today\u2019s children to make memories of their own.<\/p>\n From now until August 14 you can attend the Dinky Dragons sessions that offer a full day of imaginative play, storytelling, rhyme time and crafts for younger children. Regular Crafty Wednesdays throughout the school holidays will give children the chance to design and make their own creations, with a new theme every week.<\/p>\n For younger visitors, the museum will also host the Lotta & Lola Museum Trail later in the summer \u2013 a free, interactive spotter trail where children explore the galleries through play-based challenges inspired by the characters from the book series by award-winning author and illustrator, Lauren Child.<\/p>\n Alongside these activities, families can also pick up Explorer Packs and become \u201chistory detectives\u201d, searching for clues and solving puzzles as they explore the museum. Visitors can also choose to take their experience further using the free arts and culture app, Bloomberg Connects which offers a digital museum guide, interactive maps, multilingual content and accessible tours.<\/p>\n On the second Saturday of every month, from 10am – 2pm, the museum turns down the volume in its galleries and offers extra resources for visitors with additional learning needs.<\/p>\n Admission to the museum is free. Plan your visit at: https:\/\/cardiffmuseum.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n 7. Hop on a nature trail at Bute Park Dry weather may continue in Wales this week (Image: WalesOnline\/Rob Browne)<\/p>\n Set in the heart of the capital, Bute Park is Cardiff<\/a>\u2019s sprawling green sanctuary making it the perfect place to visit for summer walks and nature-based play.<\/p>\n Families can follow themed nature trails, explore the tree-lined paths, or discover hidden wildlife habitats. The park includes a visitor centre and three caf\u00e9s, making it a great destination for relaxed family outings. It\u2019s also home to an impressive tree collection and historic gardens, all set beside the River Taff.<\/p>\n Free to explore and open daily, it\u2019s a brilliant way to combine fresh air, learning, and fun in the heart of the city. Discover more here.<\/a><\/p>\n 8. Bask in the sun (Image: PA)<\/p>\n Not the one you think, this sun you won’t need any sun lotion for as it’s Helios inside National Museum Cardiff. Helios is a seven\u2011metre\u2011wide artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram that brings the Sun closer than ever before, in a way that\u2019s safe and spectacular.<\/p>\n Using real solar imagery from NASA and scientists, this glowing sculpture lets you look closely at the Sun\u2019s surface and spot fascinating details like sunspots and solar flares – including the part of the Sun that caused the Northern Lights to be seen from the UK in 2024.<\/p>\n It’s at the museum until August 31 and is free to see, as are loads of the museum’s exhibitions. There are loads of related events around Helios like yoga classes, after dark sessions and museum sleepovers. They are paid-for-ticketed, though. More here.<\/a><\/p>\n 9. Get out to a castle Cadw said the analysis had been “painstaking”(Image: WalesOnline\/Rob Browne)<\/p>\n Cadw has a number of family-friendly events this summer all across Wales.<\/p>\n A Victorian Excavation<\/a> at Castell Coch -Wednesday 29th July & Thurs 30th July, 11:00-3pm.<\/p>\n Explore the history beneath Castell Coch<\/a> in this hands-on archaeological experience. Inspired by Victorian-era excavations, visitors can uncover medieval artefacts, learn how to record their findings, and explore the techniques still used by archaeologists today.<\/p>\n Go Wild<\/a> <\/strong>at Caerphilly<\/a> Castle – Saturday August 29 to Monday, August 31, 11am-3pm<\/p>\n There’s also the Medieval Festival<\/a> at Beaumaris Castle, featuring knights, combat demonstrations, musicians and family activities. Go Wild<\/a> at Caerphilly Castle, featuring nature-themed quests and hands-on craft activities inspired by the natural world.<\/p>\n and Hysterical History<\/a> at Kidwelly Castle, a hands-on experience exploring the skills, traditions and training of medieval knights.<\/p>\n Visit Wales\u2019 largest castle, Caerphilly Castle<\/a>, for a weekend of nature-themed adventure. Take part in a quest through the grounds and enjoy hands-on craft activities inspired by the natural world.<\/p>\n Find out more and book tickets at https:\/\/cadw.gov.wales<\/a><\/p>\n 10. Sculpture spotting<\/p>\n If you’re seeking an excuse to leave the house and embark on an adventure, the sculpture walk here is a must-do.<\/p>\n Fforest Fawr, near Cardiff boasts three circular walks, complete with maps, and children will be particularly fond of the wooden carving sculpture trail.<\/p>\n The trail’s end rewards you with a stunning panoramic view across the valley.<\/p>\n The sculptures along the trail are carved from wood and stone and are inspired by the area\u2019s wildlife and history. It\u2019s a stimulating environment that encourages creative thinking and is perfect for art or design students seeking inspiration.<\/p>\n 11. Cool down at splashpads<\/p>\n There are so many great splashpads in Wales to enjoy including Victoria Park in Cardiff , Blackpill Lido in Swansea and Aberavon Aqua Splash in Port Talbot<\/a>.<\/p>\n Get the full details here.<\/a><\/p>\n 12. Milford Waterfront’s summer events<\/p>\n There’s a packed programme at Milford Waterfront in Pembrokeshire<\/a> with many being free or low-cost, running throughout the school<\/a><\/strong> holidays.<\/p>\n The highlight of the summer calendar is the Milford Waterfront Weekender, taking place from August 14 to 16, when Mackerel Quay will host three days of street food from Pembrokeshire<\/a><\/strong> and South West Wales alongside live music from midday into the evening.<\/p>\n Teenagers have their own dedicated programme with free Under the Bridge sessions for 11 to 17-year-olds. Running every Tuesday and Friday from 6pm to 8pm between July 21 and August 28, the free sessions include arts, music, sports activities and inflatable games.<\/p>\n Film fans can also enjoy ticketed outdoor cinema screenings on the waterfront in partnership with the Torch Theatre. Finding Nemo and Back to the Future will be shown on July 17, with arrivals at 1.30pm and 6pm, followed by The Greatest Showman on 21 August at 6pm. Tickets cost from \u00a312 per person or \u00a344 for groups of four.<\/p>\n For more information and the full programme of summer events, visit www.milfordwaterfront.co.uk<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n 13. Family-friendly Ramble and Scramble walks<\/p>\n If you want child-friendly, self-led walks for the school<\/a> holidays, try Ramble and Scramble<\/a> walks for a low-cost day out.<\/p>\n The walks, available in Welsh and English, start and finish at the railway stations in Burry Port, Llanelli<\/a>, Pontarddulais, Fishguard, and Goodwick.<\/p>\n There’s a map to download, along with fun activities for each.<\/p>\n Accompanied children can now travel free<\/a> on all Transport for Wales trains, plus there’s 2-for-1 entry at Cadw sites<\/a> when you travel there by train.<\/p>\n 14. Visit Big Pit Big Pit National Coal Museum has lots on for all the family this summer(Image: Amgueddfa Cymru)<\/p>\n Cinema, music, wrestling explore how the valleys are more than working in the pit. Explore the hobbies, pastimes and sports of mining communities in our summer series of fun family activities.<\/p>\n \u2018Hiya Butt! Bay\u2019 comes to Big Pit for a revisit of Miners\u2019 Fortnight. Enjoy seaside crafts, messy play and learn about the \u2018Miners\u2019 Fortnight\u2019.<\/p>\n Create your very own \u2018pin the tail on the colliery horse\u2019 game, inspired by the two weeks that a Welsh Colliery Horse would spend on the surface each year during the Miners\u2019 Fortnight. Explore the full programme of free events, here.<\/a><\/p>\n 15. Swansea Sea Festival<\/p>\n Taking place in Swansea<\/a>\u2019s Museum Park and adjacent Marina including the National Waterfront Museum, the festival has live music in Swansea Amphitheatre, activities and workshops from National Waterfront Museum, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea Museum, Dylan Thomas Centre, Mission Gallery and The Environment Centre, and a live music stroller programme in The Pumphouse, The Queens, The Swigg and The Copper Jack \u2013 and it\u2019s all free!<\/p>\n Even more on the bill includes, sea themed workshops and hands-on activities including traditional sailmaker, sea-themed facepainting, sea themed craft activities, shiphead carver, Chinese sea themed crafts. It take place August 8-9.<\/p>\n 16. Visit Tenby RNLI lifeboat station Tenby was even more spectacular when a rare double rainbow was spotted Please credit RNLI\/Steve Lowe rove<\/p>\n In one of the most popular seaside town in Wales is the impressive RNLI lifeboat station on Castle Hill.<\/p>\n A visitor area and viewing platform let you get up close to the state-of-the-art Hayden Miller lifeboat and every other Tuesday, weather<\/a> permitting, the RNLI launches this beast of a boat into the Tenby waters, usually to a crowd of hundreds of onlookers.<\/p>\n For open days and events check out the Tenby RNLI website<\/a>.<\/p>\n 17. Take advantage of Hetherton World of Activities’ free entry<\/p>\n It’s free entry year round at the fun park five minutes from Tenby and there are a number of free play activities like Merlin’s Adventure Play, climbing wall, giant floor games and sand diggers. All other activities are accessible by purchasing a credit pass. For full details on free activities and the credit options, click here.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"We’ve done the leg work by looking for free events this school summer holidays so you don’t have…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1097969,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[5010],"tags":[748,21390,24537,4884,47940,37828,16,15,1764],"class_list":["post-1097968","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-wales","tag-britain","tag-essential-wales","tag-family-kids","tag-great-britain","tag-school-holidays","tag-things-to-do-wales","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-wales"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/116944398672380949","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1097968","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1097968"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1097968\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1097969"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1097968"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1097968"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1097968"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1784429775_868_0_.jpg\")
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