100+ family-friendly events in and around Cardiff for February half term and March 2018

It’s half term next week here in Cardiff with most schools breaking up this Friday. As ever, there’s loads going on to entertain the little ones, from theatre productions to outdoor nature trails and everything in between. I’ve rounded up everything I can find for half term and also for March.
All events are subject to change and cancellation so do check ahead to avoid disappointment.
This guide takes you up to Thursday 29 March – the date most Cardiff schools break up for the Easter holidays. I’ll post a new events listings for the Easter holidays and beyond a few days before so do keep an eye out for it.
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Regular toddler/family events
Sherman Storytime
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff
Mondays 26 February; 5, 12, 19, 26 March; 10.30am-12pm
£3.50 per child
Traditional storytelling, engaging games and activities combine in the Sherman’s weekly activity for under 5s. The cost includes a healthy snack and drink for the youngsters.
Baby and Toddler Tuesdays
Greenmeadow Community Farm, Cwmbran
Every Tuesday from 6 February until 27 November; 10am-5pm
£6.50 adults; £5.40 children 2-16; under 2s free; family 2+3 £23.50
As well as all the usual farm attractions there’s a range of music, craft and outdoor sessions for pre-schoolers (see website for timetable) all included in the regular admission cost. Read our review of what else to expect at Greenmeadow here.
FREE Toddler Time at the Play Lab
Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon
Wednesday 28 February and Wednesday 28 March, 1.30pm-2.45pm
A new monthly session in the museum’s Play Lab will see plenty of themed activities and toys for little ones to enjoy as well as a story and rhyme time.
FREE Toddler Time
National Museum Cardiff
Every Friday during term-time, 1.30pm-4pm
The museum welcomes pre-schoolers every Friday afternoon, with special boxes of toys, games and books hidden in different galleries to help parents and children explore the museum through play. Read our review of a previous Toddler Time here.
Toddler events
Parc Play, Cardiff
Friday 2 March – St David’s Day pony parade
Friday 9 March – Wonderful Wardrobe and Mother’s Day craft workshop
Friday 16 March – Closer to Nature activities with RSPB plus face-painting
Friday 23 March – Magic Stu show
Read more about previous toddler events at Parc Play here.
Toddler Day – Springtime Sunshine
Techniquest, Cardiff Bay
Friday 2nd March, 9.30am-4.30pm
Springtime Sunshine is the theme this month as Cardiff Bay’s hands-on science centre opens its doors to the pre-schoolers of Cardiff and beyond. As well as more than 100 exhibits, you can expect spring-themed drawing, colouring and crafts, as well as story time and a disco. Under 4s are free, with accompanying adults paying £5.50 entry. Read our review of a previous toddler day here.
FREE Dinky Dragons
Cardiff Story Museum, The Hayes, Cardiff
Friday 9 March, 10am-3pm
The Cardiff Story is a fascinating hands-on exhibition exploring the history of Cardiff. You can read our review here. The monthly Dinky Dragons free family days are great fun, taking place usually on the second Friday of each month, between 10am and 3pm. As well as the usual exhibits and dressing up clothes, there will be toys to play with, detective trails, crafts, messy play and rhyme time and story time at 11am and 1pm.
FREE Toddler Time
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Friday 16 March, 11am-2.30pm
Singing dancing playing and creating for pre-schoolers with a special programme of activities for little ones and their parents.
FREE Clore Explorers
National Museum Cardiff
Saturdays and Sundays during term time, 2pm
Free workshops give families the chance to find out more about objects from the museum and take part in a crafty activity. Read our review of a previous session here.
FREE Family Saturdays
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Saturdays, 11am-4pm
Drop in to enjoy some family-friendly arts and crafts in Wales Millennium Centre’s foyer, with a different theme every week.
FREE Super Saturdays
National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon
Saturdays from, 11am-4pm
Every Saturday, visitors can discover what life was like for a soldier in the Roman army. Visit the reconstructed barrack room and learn more about the weapons and armour, as well as try on some replica armour. Families can also dress up and play games in the Capricorn Centre, a relaxed hands-on area of the museum. Both areas are closed on Sundays but are open during some school holidays. Read our review of the National Roman Legion Museum plus other Roman sites in Caerleon here.
Theatre performance and live music
The Sound of Music
New Theatre, Cardiff
Tuesday 13-Saturday 17 February, 7.30pm plus Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees 2.30pm
One of the world’s best-loved musicals returns to the stage in a lavish staging of the famous singing family who escape to freedom at the start of the second world war. The Voice 2015 runner-up Lucy O’Byrne returns to the iconic role of Maria (“Quite possibly the best Maria since Julie Andrews herself,” according to The Scotsman) while Neil McDermott (famous as EastEnders heartthrob Ryan Malloy) plays Captain Von Trapp. Read our review here.
Glamorgan Folk Tales
Betws Library, Bridgend
Monday 19 February 2pm
Y Llynfi Library Bridgend
Wednesday 21 February 2pm
How do you get rid of a bothersome giant? Have you got a secret like Effie? And what would you do with an invisibility seed? Storyteller Cath Little shares enchanting old local stories of magic and adventure from her new book Glamorgan Folk Tales for Children.
Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff
Monday 19 February
The X Factor digital host Becca Dudley will be on the road with contestants Grace Davies, Kevin Davy White, Rak-Su, Matt Linnen, Lloyd Macey and The Cutkelvins – with the audience becoming the judges and choosing their own winner every night.
Morgan and West: Time Travelling Magicians
Blackwood Miners’ Institute
Tuesday 20 February, 7pm
Adults £12.50; children £7.50; family (2+2) £34
Time-travelling 19th century magicians Morgan & West present a magical extravaganza of with baffling magic, unparalleled precognitive powers, and a totally genuine ability to travel through time!
Little Mix Experience
Memo Arts Centre, Barry
Wednesday 21 February, 6:30pm
A tribute to the X Factor girl band, expect breathtaking dance moves and replica costumes with a show packed full of hits including DNA, Wings, Salute, Black Magic, Love Me Like You, Secret Love Song and more.
Tom Thumb
Riverfront Arts Centre, Newport
Thursday 22 February, 11.30am and 2.30pm
£7; family of four £26
Age guidance 3+
Cbeebies Patrick Lynch, who has been performing this show for more than a decade, brings the classic story to Tom Thumb to life in a playful and fascinating show. Performed entirely on and under a kitchen table the tells of tiny Tom who one night overhears Mum and Dad talking – there’s nothing left to eat so they are going to leave him and his six brothers in the forest! Outwitting his parents and the ogre Tom shows everybody that even though he is small he is still mighty as he protects his brothers, finds the treasure and makes sure they’ll never be hungry again.
Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff
Thursday 22 February, 1.30pm and 4.30pm
Friday 23 February, 11.30am and 1.30pm
Is Tiddler telling the truth? Will Monkey find his Mummy? Will George The Giant make lots of friends? Can the old lady really squash and squeeze all those animals in? This delightful production brings together a host of colourful characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved titles: Tiddler, Monkey Puzzle, The Smartest Giant in Town and A Squash and a Squeeze.
What The Ladybird Heard
New Theatre, Cardiff
Thursday 22-Sunday 25 February
Thursday 2pm; Friday-Sunday 11am and 2pm
Age guidance 3+; running time 55 minutes
Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ much-loved farmyard tale about a ladybird who foils two robbers plotting to steal the prize cow is brought to the stage in this combination of live music puppetry and plenty of audience participation.
Tales From The Trees
Blackwood Miners’ Institute
Friday 23 February, 11am and 2pm
£5/£4; age guidance 5+; 50 minutes long
Squashbox Theatre’s Tales From The Trees is a terrific tangle of puppetry, storytelling, live music and comedy with a theme that embraces natural history folklore and ecology.
Milkshake! Live
St David’s Hall, Cardiff
Friday 23rd February, 12pm and 3.30pm
Milkshake! favourites Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Noddy, Fireman Sam, Shimmer & Shine, Pip from Pip Ahoy!, Winnie and Wilbur, Wissper, Milkshake’s very own Milkshake! Monkey and two Milkshake! presenters take to the stage for this all singing, all dancing, musical production which will take audiences on a journey through the world’s favourite fairy tales.
Youth Dance Night
Dance House, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Sunday 25 February, 4pm and 7pm
An evening of fresh and exciting work from youth dance groups from across Wales. Curated by National Dance Company Wales’ artistic director, Caroline Finn, the evening will showcase the talent, style and dedication of dance groups across Wales.
Thriller Live!
New Theatre, Cardiff
Monday 26-Saturday 3 March
Monday-Friday 7.30pm; Saturday 4pm and 8pm
Direct from the West End, Thriller Live is a spectacular tribute to Michael Jackson featuring more than two hours of non-stop hits paying homage to the king of pop. From Motown hits including I Want You Back and ABC to the Bad era and beyond the cast pay homage to Jackson’s legendary live performances.
The Greatest Liar in all the World
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff
Sunday 4 March, 2pm
£9/ concessions £7; age 8+
This darkly funny sequel to Pinocchio combines clowning, puppetry, music and shadow play in what the Edinburgh Guide describes as “pure brilliance”. Familia de la Noche’s acclaimed show tells a story of extraordinary encounters, curious characters and lost love as it takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride through the life of the man who used to be a little wooden boy.
The Sleeping Beauty
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Wednesday 14-Saturday 17 March; 7.30pm
Plus Thursday 2pm and Saturday 2.30pm
Age guidance 5+; no under 2s
Birmingham Royal Ballet present one of the grandest ballets ever created with a marvellous mixture of virtuoso dance, fairy tale characters and dazzling spectacle that has delighted audiences for over a hundred years. With live music from the acclaimed Royal Ballet Sinfonia, The Sleeping Beauty enchantingly brings to life the familiar fairy tale about the curse of a wicked fairy, one touch of a spindle, and a beautiful princess who falls into a deep, enchanted sleep which can only be broken by a kiss from a prince.
First Steps: A Child’s Sleeping Beauty
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Friday 16 March, 1pm
Age guidance 3-7; 60 minutes
An hour-long interactive show, specially adapted for children aged from three to seven, A Child’s Sleepung Beauty is a perfect introduction to ballet featuring excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty, performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s dancers and orchestra, interspersed with scenes in which a storyteller introduces the children to the music and the leading characters, and shares some technical magic.
Horrible Histories: More Best of Barmy Britain
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff
Friday 16 March, 13pm and 5pm
Saturday 17 March, 11am and 2.30pm; 75 minutes
Find out why the Romans were revolting. Could you survive the vicious Vikings? Would you party with the Puritans? Clap along with crazy King Charles. Vomit with the vile Victorians and prepare to do battle in the frightful First World War. Birmingham Stage Company present history with the nasty bits left in with a host of favourite characters from our barmy past.
You’ve Got Dragons
The Riverfront, Newport
Saturday 17 March, 11.30am and 2.30pm
£7; family of four £26
Based on the book by Kathryn Cave, this is a delightful tale of one child’s journey to come to terms with their ‘dragons’ – bad dreams, swirly tummy, feeling prickly, feeling alone. With original live music, this highly visual, sensitive production is a humorous and touching exploration of the dragons we all face.
Beauty And The Beast In Concert
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Sunday 18 March, 7.30pm
Age guidance: 5+; no under 2s
A must for Disney fans experience the magic of Beauty and the Beast live action film on a giant screen accompanied by a huge orchestra performing the score live.
Spamalot
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Tuesday 20-Saturday 24 March, 7.30pm; plus Saturday 2.30pm
Age guidance: 8+; no under 2s
Based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a riotous comedy full of misfit knights, killer rabbits, dancing nuns and ferocious Frenchmen. Join King Arthur as he travels with his hapless Knights of the Round Table on a divine mission to locate the illusive Holy Grail – with uproarious consequences. Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best New Musical the hilarious Spamalot was written by Python legend Eric Idle, with a fantastic score co-written by John DuPrez including Always Bright Side of Life.
Justin’s Band
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Thursday 29 March, 3pm
Friday 30 March, 11am and 3pm
CBeebies favourite Justin Fletcher’s new show will take audiences on a musical adventure with lots of singing and learning about musical instruments on the way.
Museums, castles and historical
FREE Wriggle – The Wonderful World of Worms
National Museum Cardiff
Until June 2018
A fascinating look into the weird and wonderful world of worms, this has plenty of interactive exhibits, perfect for children. Read our review here. Please note the museum is not open on Mondays.
FREE Generation Games
National Waterfront Museum, Swansea
Until 18th March 2018, 10am-5pm
One man’s collection of computer games consoles depicts the history of games consoles with machines from every one of the eight generations of consoles so far released in the UK included in the exhibition. Visitors to try out the games of yesteryear as Samuel Anstee from Caerphilly loans his collection to the museum.
Detective Trail
Aberddulais Tin Works and Waterfall, Neath Port Talbot
Saturday 17-Sunday 25th February
Adults £6.50; children £3.25; family £16.25 or free for National Trust members
Pick up a tin detective pack and get started on your expedition, taking on the sensory trail to discover hidden secrets.
FREE Soldier v Soldier
National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon
Saturday 17 and Monday 19-Saturday 24 February; 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm
In this last year of the First World War commemorations visitors can look at a soldier of the time, his equipment and clothing and compare him to a Roman soldier. Which soldier is better equipped? Which soldier’s armour and weaponry is more effective? The soldier of 100 Chat to the soldiers and make up your own mind.
Brother Thomas the Cellarer
Tintern Abbey
Saturday 17 February, 10.30am to 3.30pm with tours at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm
Adults £6.50, children £4.20, family of 5 £19.30 or free for Cadw members
Find out more about the life and duties of a Cistercian monk at Tintern Abbey during the 14th century as Brother Thomas reveals more about his daily duties, eating habits and hygiene.
Half-term events
The Royal Mint Experience, Llantrisant
Adults £13.50; children £11; under 5s free; family £40 (cheaper when booked online in advance)
All events included in general admission prices
Mr Phoebus Penny Farthing Experience
Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 February 10am-5pm
An interactive fun event for Children and Adults to learn, ride and enjoy everything about this magical machine that many would only have seen in books or hanging in a museum.
Science Made Simple – Cartoon Science, Exploring the laws of gravity
Saturday 23 February 11am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm
Discover the differences between cartoon science and real science with a look at friction, materials, gravity, the laws of motion and more.
FREE Protest!
National Museum Cardiff
Tuesday 20-Friday 23 February, 11am-1pm and 2pm-4 pm
Places limited; book at the information desk on arrival
Celebrating the United Nations’ World Day of Social Justice, Protest! workshops will encourage families to make protest placards, and think about their right to play and be heard. The workshop will be bilingual
See also Come and Play With Clay in the Arts and Crafts section below.
Half term offer
Llancaiach Fawr Manor
Tuesday 20-Friday 23 February
One child free per paying adult at the Tudor manor.
Sunday 11 March
Mums free for Mother’s Day
Warrior School
Cardiff Castle
Friday 23 to Sunday 25 February, various times
£10; booking required
Learn how to sword fight and become a fully-fledged knight. Held in the atmospheric 15th century Undercroft, trainee heroes will learn their fighting skills from the Warwick Warriors and those who make the grade will be knighted in a grand ceremony.
Magical Machines
Cardiff Story Museum
Wednesday 21 February 2018, 10am to 3pm
Ages 4-7; £1 per child
Be inspired by the artwork of local legend Charles Byrd and create your own magical machines.
FREE The Winding Engine
The Winding House, New Tredegar
Saturday 24 February, 12pm
The Winding House is a museum built on the site of the former Elliot Colliery. Its centre-piece is the original Victorian winding engine, which used to operate the cages which transported men and coal between the surface and the mine below. Visitors can see the huge engine in operation for 10-15 minutes at 12pm on the last Saturday of the month.
FREE Civilisations fun day
Cardiff Story Museum
Saturday 3 March 2018, 10am to 3pm
Find out more world culture and different civilizations and get hands-on by learning more about the museum’s collections.
Secret Sentiments
Castell Coch, Tongwynlais
Sunday 4 March, 11am-4pm
Adult £6.50; children £4.20; family (2+3) £19.30
Discover the hidden meanings in the castle’s decorated rooms. Make a beautiful Mother’s Day card, using the secret Victorian language of flowers to convey your sentiments. Small charge applies to card making activity.
FREE Making the Eisteddfod Chair
St Fagans National Museum of History Cardiff
Tuesday 20 February 10am-5pm
Fagans National Museum of History is sponsoring the chair for the 2018 National Eisteddfod in Cardiff. At this event you can meet its maker, Chris Williams, who will be at work making parts of the chair in St Fagans’ brand new building, Gweithdy. In this session Chris will be shaping the arms in the traditional way using a spoke shave.
Also March 1 Chris will be shaping the tapered legs using a jack and smoothing plane.
Arts and crafts
FREE Early Man model making workshops
St David’s Shopping Centre Cardiff
(near Frankie and Benny’s on Upper Level Eastside)
11am 1pm and 3pm (you will need to register 15 minutes beforehand)
Age 6+
Hour long workshops with an official Aardman master model maker! Make a Hog Nob character to take away
FREE Half term fun: Love is in the air…
Weston Centre for Learning, St Fagans National Museum of Welsh History
Saturday 17-Sunday 25 February, 12pm-4pm
St Fagans’ half term activities are inspired by Dwynwen and Valentine, the patron saints of love, and the lovespoons in the museum’s collections. But a broken heart is nothing new – so there will be some pretty good anti-Valentines from the archives too.
Entry to the museum is free; parking costs £5; coins only.
Love themed art activities are free; print a card costs £2 per person
The Makers’ Market will also run on the same dates – a chance to buy hand-made Welsh goods with some makers providing activities for children such as pottery and clay painting at an additional cost.
FREE Circus Fun Day
Newport Museum
Saturday 17 February, 11am-3pm
A day of family crafts song-writing and circus skills to celebrate 250 years of circus in the UK.
Songwriting workshop sessions celebrating all the fun of the circus take place at 11am-12pm and 1pm-2pm.
Drop-in crafts and circus skills take place 11.30am-1pm and 1.30pm-3pm.
You can also see Newport’s famous ‘The Grand Parade’ circus painting by Dame Laura Knight in the Gallery and discover circus characters behind the fairy doors throughout the museum.
FREE Build-a-Universe
Wales Millennium Centre, Glanfa Foyer
Monday 19-Saturday 24 February 11am-4pm
The Millennium Seagull has landed at Wales Millennium Centre and the crew need help to create a whole new universe in the foyer. Build your own satellite and space ship as part of this interactive space-themed art installation.
Film Activity Days: Early Man (U)
Chapter Arts Centre Canton Cardiff
Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 February; 10am-3.30pm
Monday suitable for 5-8 year olds; Tuesday suitable for 8-11 year olds.
£22; includes ticket to film
Join Beth Morris of Beth Morris Workshops for a day of caveman inspired creative crafting. The activity day includes all materials and as well as a screening of the film, in which courageous caveman hero Dug and his best friend Hognob unite his tribe against mighty enemy Lord Nooth and his Bronze Age City. Must be pre-booked.
FREE Acrux: Seasons – exhibition and workshops
Chapter Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff
Monday 19-Saturday 24 February; 1pm-5pm
Build your own instrument, use cutting edge technology to capture and remix your environment, smash together the worlds of digital and physical as part of Pyka’s cross collaborative Acrux Seasons project. Pyka are a group of multidisciplinary artists who use creativity to educate, engage and inspire. The daily drop-in workshops are free with no need to book. A performance of all the music created throughout the week will take place between 9.30am and 1.30pm on 24 February in Cinema 2. You can drop in at any time.
Come and Play with Clay
National Museum Cardiff
Tuesday 20-Saturday 24 February, 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm
£5 per person; age guidance 8+ (or ages 5-8 with adult help)
Must be pre-booked in advance
Inspired by the museum’s exhibition Who Decides? these workshops will give you the chance to make your own masterpiece in clay. Run by ceramic artist Jane Rees Parfitt all materials and firing are included. If artworks are fired they will need to be collected approximately one month after the workshops to allow time for drying and firing.
1.30pm sessions and all Saturday sessions are bilingual.
Half term events
Bedwellty House and Park Tredegar
Living Willow Weaving Event
Monday 19 February 10am-2pm
Help create a living willow fence as part of Bedwellty House & Park’s new sensory garden.
Monster Mash
Tuesday 20 February 11am-3pm
£4 per child; age 3+; must be pre-booked
A themed day of craft activities, soft play and storytelling sessions with Fiona ‘The Yarn Spinner’ who will be telling monster themed tales with the help of her wonderful puppets at 11.30am and 1pm.
Nerf Gun Wars
Thursday 22 February 10.30am-12.30pm ages 5-7; 1pm-3pm ages 8+
£15 per child; must be pre-booked
A battle zone featuring team bases, a medic base, flags, barricades and for younger players, crawl tunnels. The two-hour session includes a variety of games that involve firing foam darts at opponents and targets with an exciting selection of Nerf blasters. Players are equipped with safety glasses, team vests and are given a full safety briefing and gun instruction.
Tasty Chocolate Treats Workshop
Friday 23 February; 11am-12pm and 2pm-3pm
£7.50 per child; ages 8+
Circus clown masks
Newport Museum
Wednesday 21 February, 11am, 12pm, and 1pm
Spaces limited; book on arrival
Age guidance 4-12
Celebrate 250 years of circus in the UK by making your very own clown mask. You can also view The Grand Parade painting by Dame Laura Knight which depicts the colourful characters in a traditional circus ring. It’s at the gallery until Monday 12 March.
Craft Club
The Winding House Museum, New Tredegar
Thursday 22 and Friday 23 February, 11am-12pm
£2.50 per child; book in advance.
Themed crafts for children aged 5+.
FREE Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal 2018
The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay
Thursday 22 February 12pm-4pm
The centre will be transformed into a floral fiesta with flower workshops, face painting and the chance for children to meet character tributes of Upsy Daisy from In The Night Garden and Fifi from Flower Tot Garden at intervals. There’s free drop-in workshops between 12pm and 4pm where children can create their own daffodil windmills. Activates are free, but donations will go towards Marie Curie.
Plus the usual fun at the state-of-the-art Odeon cinema, Hollywood Bowl bowling alley, restaurants, and cafes.
Nature-themed and the great outdoors
FREE The Great Brick Safari
Mermaid Quay Cardiff Bay
Twelve amazing wild animal models, all made from Lego bricks from the mighty 2.5 metre high African elephant to the 3+ metre long crocodile. Read our review here.
Half term activities
Mountain View Ranch, Caerphilly Mountain
Saturday 17-Sunday 25 February, 9.30am-4.30pm
Daily events during half term include a walk with the funny goats; The Gruffalo’s Child story; plus campfire and marshmallows. You can also explore over 1,000 acres of free-range fun with attractions including a Gruffalo trail; a fairy village; Hobbit houses and a nest of dragon eggs. Read our review here.
Spotter Trail
Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan
Saturday 10 February-Sunday 25 February
Event included in normal entry prices: adults £11; children £5.50; family £28
Discover some of the fascinating plants and animals at Dyffryn Gardens with this half term spotter trail. Put your detective skills to the test as you follow the clues to each location and write down the letters you find to spell an important Dyffryn name.
Make it Mondays
Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan
Monday 19 February, 12pm-3pm
Included in normal entry prices; adults £11; children £5.50; family £28
A chance to get crafty and creative in the Morning Room of Dyffryn House.
Half term events
Tredegar House Newport
Saturday 10-Sunday 25 February
Included in normal entry prices; adults £10.40; children £5.20; family £26
All About Birds
Find out how the birds in your back garden make their homes, see how many species you can identify and find out how birds like to fill their tummies.
Family Trail
Follow in the footsteps of Sybil Phillips, a scullery maid of the 1920s, and collect stickers as you complete the challenges she has left for you around the house.
Paper Crafts
Wednesday 21 to Sunday 25 February, 12pm to 3pm
Head to the servant’s hall to make a paper origami bird
Make your own bird box
Wednesday 21 to Friday 23 February, 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm
£4 per box, plus normal admission prices
Make a bird box to take home and encourage birds to nest in your garden. One of the National Trust’s 50 Things to do Before You’re 11¾.
Half term events
Greenmeadow Community Farm, Cwmbran
Saturday 17-Sunday 25 February 10am-5pm
Daily activities this half term include cuddle corner with some of the farm’s smaller animals; milking demonstrations; tractor and trailer tide; goat play; and greet and groom – all inclusive in general entry.
Sunday 11 March
Mums and grandmother can visit for free. Plus try the special Mothering Sunday Trail and meet some of the mums on the farm.
Betty’s Bird Trail
Amelia Trust Farm, Barry
Saturday 17-Sunday 25 February 10am-4pm
£2.50 per child including prize; general entry is free
Help Betty find her feathered friends hiding on the farm while learning about British bird life.
Farm Fundays
Amelia Trust Farm, Barry
Tuesday 20 and Friday 23 February
Half day sessions with different options and activities for age 2+ (£6 – indoor bouncy castle; soft play; ball pit; Betty’s Bird Trail; under 2s (£1.50 – bouncy castle; ball pit; soft play) and over 4s (£8 – indoor bouncy castle; soft play; ball pit; Betty’s Bird Trail and pottery sessions). Accompanying adults need a pass for £1.50.
The Big Bird Box Build
Newport Wetlands
Monday 19 February to Friday 23 February; 10.30am-12 and 2pm-3.30pm
RSPB member £6.40 / non-member £8
It’s National Nestbox Week so come and make your own nestbox for your garden. Discover what birds might use it and how to look after it.
Read more about Newport Wetlands in our review here. Entry is free but you will have to pay for parking.
Half term events
Cwmcarn Forest
Feathery February Fun
Monday 19 February, 11am and 12pm
£2.50 per child
Make a bird feeder out of a plastic pop bottle; decorate and fill with bird seed ready to take home.
Toddlers Crafty Workshop
Thursday 22 February 10:30am and 11.30am
£2 per child
Messy sticky craft fun with a bird theme.
Nest Bedding Workshop
Friday 23 February, 11am and 12pm
Help the birds as they get ready to build their nests by making a bedding station full of cosy materials to line their nests.
Half term nature craft events
Wyevale Garden Centre, St Mellons
Monday 19 February to Friday 23 February; various timed sessions available
£2.50 per child per session with the option to add on breakfast and tea at an additional cost
Various craft and gardening events from making birdboxes to growing your own mini garden.
Monday – Make a Bird Home
Tuesday – Terrific terrarium
Wednesday – Grow Your Own Mini Garden
Thursday – Flower Power Pot
Friday – Feed The Birds
FREE Nature activities
Bute Park, Cardiff
Tremendous Trees – Tuesday 20 February; 10.30am and 1.30pm; age 3+
Sparrow Stories – Thursday 22 February; 10.30am and 1.30pm; age 3+
Storytelling, arts and crafts, outdoor activities. Don’t forget to bring your wellies!
Must be pre-booked.
Little Green Fingers Grow Your 5 a Day workshop
Pughs Garden Centre, Radyr
Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 February
£6 per child; age 3+
Children can learn all about sowing seeds by planting their own vegetables to grow at home and eat as part of their five a day. Plus participants will also make a green heart seed bomb.
Meet the Meerkats
Cardiff Castle
Thursday 22 February, 10.15am, 11.30am, 12:45pm and 2:30pm
£5.50; booking required
An interactive encounter where you can touch and hold meerkats and other exotic creatures.
Birds of Prey Flying Demonstration
St Donats Arts Centre, Llantwit Major
Friday 23 February 2pm
£8.50
A conservation and falconry afternoon where you can watch eagles in action, silent flight of owls and high speeds of falcons.
Half term events
Bryngarw Country Park, Bridgend
Monday 19 February; 11am, 12pm, 1pm
Willow weaving for children; £3 per child; book in advance
Wednesday 21 to Friday 23 February
Build Your Own Nest box £6; book in advance
Half term events
Margam Park, Port Talbot
Entry to the park is free although you will need to pay for parking
Monday 19 February
Storytelling in the castle with Fi and her puppets
Water Tales – 11.30am and 1.45pm
Welsh folktales and legends – 12.30pm and 2.45pm
Tuesday 20 February
Make a funky foam key ring
£3 per child; 11am; 12.15pm; 1.45pm; and 3pm
Have a go at archery
£1 per head; 11am-3pm
Wednesday 21 February
Zoolab – Animals in Winter
£3 per child; 11am; 12.15pm; 1.45pm; 3pm
Thursday 22 February
Make a Dinosaur mask
£3 per child; 11am; 12.15pm; 1.45pm and 3pm
FREE Lambing at Llwyn yr Eos Farm
St Fagans National Museum of History
Thursday 1 March-Sunday 25 March, 10am-5pm
Celebrate the start of spring with St Fagans’ annual baby boom in the lambing shed. Welcome the new arrivals and follow the progress of the mums and babies on the museum’s website with #lambcam
https://museum.wales/stfagans/whatson/
Fun and games
Miniature Railways and Tramways
Heath Model Railway, Heath Park, Cardiff
Sunday 18 March, 1pm-5pm
A chance for the whole family to ride on miniature steam, diesel and electric trains, plus a tram, as Cardiff Model Engineering Society open their doors. Entry is £1.80 per person and each ride is £1.80 per person. Under 3s are free.
Treetop Adventure Golf
St David’s Shopping Centre, Cardiff
Free face painting for customers
Monday 19-Friday 23 February 11am-3pm
Simi the monkey mascot appearance
Wednesday 21-Saturday 24 February 11am-12pm
Extra half term activities at the adventure gold centre. There’s also a colouring station and pop up library plus Pizza Pronto serving handmade pizza from 12pm-8pm daily. Treetop is open from 10am daily.
Witches and Wizards Magical Day
Bierkeller, Cardiff
Wednesday 21 February, 2pm-5pm
Adults £20; children £15; discounts for group bookings of 4+
A Harry Potter themed family fun quiz and magical fun afternoon party. Includes a costume contents; magical entertainment; face painting; wizardry family fun quiz; pizza and chips; chocolate frogs; and more.
Family Fun Fest
Hollywood Bowl, The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay
Saturday 24-Sunday 25 February, 12pm-4pm
As well as regular bowling fun get set for a weekend of extra-special family treats! Activities on offer for customers include face painting; glow bowling; balloons and treasure hunts:
Science-based
Flight-Fantastic / Star Tours / Space Hunters
Techniquest, Mermaid Quay
Saturday 17-Sunday 25 February
Adults £8; children £6.50; under 4s free; after 3pm visit for £3 per person
Planetarium shows are £1.50 extra per person.
Live science show Flight-Fantastic explores how humans are harnessing the forces of the natural world to overcome the many problems of flight. Space Hunters is the Planetarium show for under 7s where Nan’s shed is a space ship in disguise and takes children on a treasure hunt in space; Star Tours for ages 7+ takes you on a close-up look at distant galaxies and exploded stars.
For more of what to expect at Techniquest read our review here.
FREE Cardiff University Brain Games
National Museum Cardiff
Sunday 18 March, 11am-4pm
From sensory illusions and inflatable Brain Domes to ghost hands and ‘DIY brain surgery’, Brain Games 2018 showcases the power and mystery of our most vital organ. The free activities and workshops are particularly suitable for children aged 7-11 but open to all the family. Take on fun challenges while learning about the wonders of your brain.
CINEMA
I’m focusing on special film events and cheap family screenings at holidays and weekends here, rather than regular cinema screenings.
Odeon Kids
Odeon Cinema, The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay
The 10am weekend and school holiday showings are £2.50 per person. Films to be announced; films are usually a few months old rather than new releases.
Movies for Juniors
Cineworld, Mary Ann Street, Cardiff
The 10am weekend and school holiday Movies for Juniors showings are just £2 per person. Check online for schedule; films are usually a few months old rather than new releases.
Mini Mornings
Vue Cinema, Millennium Plaza, Cardiff
The 10am weekend and school holiday Movies for Juniors showings are just £2.49 per person. Check online for schedule; films are usually a few months old rather than new releases.
Chapter Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff
A different family film every week
£4/£3 booked in advance; see website for full listings.
Memo Arts Centre Barry
A selection of family-friendly films at weekends and during school holidays.
Adults £6; concessions £4; under 16s £3 when booked in advance. £6.50/£4.50/£3.50 on the door.
Film Activity Days: Early Man (U)
Chapter Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff
Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 February; 10am-3.30pm
Monday suitable for 5-8 year olds; Tuesday suitable for 8-11 year olds.
£22; includes ticket to film
Join Beth Morris of Beth Morris Workshops for a day of caveman inspired creative crafting. The activity day includes all materials and as well as a screening of the film, in which courageous caveman hero Dug and his best friend Hognob unite his tribe against mighty enemy Lord Nooth and his Bronze Age City. Must be pre-booked.
https://www.chapter.org/season/fun-all-family-half-term
Paddington: A Teddy Bears’ Picnic
St Donats Arts Centre, Vale of Glamorgan
Thursday 22 February, 11am
A morning screening of Paddington followed by an indoor teddy bear’s picnic – including marmalade sandwiches in the Glassroom with panoramic windows overlooking the sea.
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