12 family-friendly events in and around Cardiff for Father’s Day 2015

It’s Father’s Day on Sunday. If you’re looking for family-friendly events, then you’re in the right place. Here are 12 going on in and around Cardiff for Father’s Day 2015. Let me know if you come across any more on the Cardiff Mummy Says Facebook page or by tweeting me on @cardiffmummy

* Techniquest Animal Weekend

Saturday 20^th and Sunday 21^st June, 10am-5pm

Owls, reptiles, bugs, guide dogs and cows being milked are among the special visitors at Techniquest this Saturday and Sunday as part of Animal Weekend. You can also book into one of the science shows, Yucky You, Night and Day, and Giants of the Solar System, as well as the usual hands-on science exhibits. You can read my review of Techniquest here.

Some of the animals are only there for one day, so check ahead to avoid disappointment. Usual entrance fees apply.

* Mountain View Ranch, Caerphilly

9.30am-5pm

A telling of the Gruffalo story on the Gruffalo trail, archery, and a campfire and marshmallows are among the events happening at Mountain View Ranch this weekend. Not to mention a huge outdoor playground, wigwams, a fairy wood and over 100 acres of outdoor, free-range fun. You can read my review of Mountain View Ranch here. Admission charges apply.

* Parc Play – Animal Encounters

Sunday 21^st June, 10.30am-2.30pm (Parc is open 10am-6pm)

Exotic animals from Animal Zone UK will be visiting Parc this Sunday for a chance to get up close to some reptiles and insects. Parc is a brilliant all-weather play centre, with sand pits, climbing frames and giant slides, and a toddler area. You can also take your own picnics. Usual entrance fees apply.

* Greenmeadow Farm, Cwmbran – free entry for dads

This brilliant farm park has cows, pigs, sheep, horses, ducks, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, tortoises and much more – plus tractor rides, milking demonstrations, animal petting, plus other daily activities. And on Father’s Day, dads will get in free. Usual entrances fees apply to everyone else though!

* St Fagans National History Museum – Father’s Day card workshop

Saturday 20^th June, 11am-3pm (museum open 10am-5pm)

A free workshop for children to make a card for their dad, or other father-figure. The workshop is free, as is entrance to the museum, although you will have to pay for parking.

*St Fagan’s National History Museum – Father’s Day Fun

Sunday 21^st June, 10am-5pm

Once Dad is done with tractor driving, falconry and archery, you can explore the historic buildings that tell the history of Wales’s people at this open air museum. Entry is free, although you will have to pay for parking and some events may cost extra. You can read my review of St Fagans here.

* Cardiff Castle – Joust

Saturday 20^th and Sunday 21^st June, 10am-5pm

Cardiff Castle plays host to a medieval joust complete with fanfares, galloping horses, stunts, falls and fights, as well as storytelling and parade. Entrance fees apply, although 10% discount for Castle Key holders from the ticket office.

* Barry at War Weekend

Saturday 20^th and Sunday 21^st June

A display from the Red Arrows (Saturday 12.00) and a Battle Of Britain Memorial fly-past (Sunday) are among the highlights of Barry Tourist Railway’s biggest event of the year.

* The Dog’s Trust Fun Day, Margam Park

Sunday 21^st June, 10am-4pm

A fun dog show and a doggy dash are among the attractions at this event organised by The Dog’s Trust UK. There will also be a funfair, a classic car display, face painting and free microchipping for all dogs.

Special entrance fees apply.

* Llancaiach Fawr – free entry for dads

10am-5pm

Weapons and Warcraft is the theme of the day at this beautiful manor house, which dates back to the 1550s. Dads get in free!

* Tredegar House – Nature and Servants Challenge

11am-4pm

A chance for visitors to this beautiful house ad gardens to discover if they have what it takes to be a Victorian servant or a nature explorer via a series of challenges that will put you to the test.

The event is free but normal admission applies.

* Extreme Sailing, Cardiff Bay

Saturday 20^th and Sunday 21^st June

Eight of the world’s top sailing teams will be battling it out in the Bay. The best place to watch the racecourse is from the waterfront and barrage, with the racing on between 2pm and 5pm. There will be entertainment around the Bay from 11.30am-6pm on both days, with food and drink stalls, live music, skateboard, rollerblade and BMX displays, plus have-a-go activities (some of which may incur a charge).

If you like this, you might also like my guide to 13 fab – and free – places to have a picnic in and around Cardiff. 

And if you’re planning a child’s birthday party in and around Cardiff, here are some great ideas, including some discounts for Cardiff Mummy Says readers.

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