50+ family-friendly events in and around Cardiff for May half term and bank holiday weekend 2025

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Here we go again with another bank holiday and May half term – only four weeks after the kids went back to school after the Easter holidays!

The good news is that there’s plenty of family-friendly events happening in and around Cardiff to keep you entertained over the Whitsun bank holiday weekend and May half term.

Whether you’re looking for food festivals or family fun days, museums or castles, theatre or farm animals, and whether you’ve got toddlers or teens. there’s something for everything.

All events are subject to change and cancellation so do check ahead with organisers to avoid disappointment.

Let me know anything I’ve missed in the comments.

If you’re looking for general days out such as coastal walks, woodlands, parks and so on, then check out my reels on the Cardiff Mummy Says Instagram Facebook or TikTok pages for hundreds of ideas and make sure to follow to be kept up to date with what’s going on locally.

Thanks as always for all your support. Any likes, comments or shares on my posts help ensure my posts keep on showing up in people’s social media feeds so other families can see what’s going on locally.

What’s going on for families in and around Cardiff for May half term and bank holiday weekend

Friday 23 May 4pm; Saturday 24 May, 10am, 1pm, 4pm

£11-£21

Celebration Bing’s Birthday in this new live stage show packed with fun, laughter and surprises. Join Bing and his friends Sula, Pando, Coco, Amma, and Flop as they prepare for Bing’s very special day. Full of new heartwarming moments and catchy new songs, all brought to life by first-class puppeteers, this 1 hour 10 mins show is perfect for families and little Bingsters who want to experience the delightful CBeebies series in a whole new way, live on stage.

Friday 23 and Saturday 24 May

£10 for one adult and one baby (contact box office to boo additional baby or adult)

Age restriction babies 6-18 months and their grown ups

A theatre show especially for babies aged 6-18 months. Together you will discover the sights and sounds of the garden, as your little one delights in the wonders around them. At the end of the show, you and your baby can stay and play with some specially chosen objects. Baby, Bird & Bee is performed in English and Babi, Aderyn a’r Wenynen is performed in Welsh.

Tuesday 27-Saturday 31 May

Age guidance 15+

£24-£49

A new production of the sell-out stage phenomenon, based on Paula Hawkins’ best-selling novel. Rachel Watson’s only escape in life the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day, happy and in love. Or so it appears. When Rachel learns that the woman she’s been secretly watching has suddenly disappeared, she finds herself as a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations than she could ever have anticipated. Stars EastEnders’ Louisa Lytton.  

Wednesday 28-Saturday 31 May

From £18

Age guidance 15+, no admission to under 2s

The West End and Broadway hit musical is based on the iconic film and packed with 90s pop classics from the likes of Britney Spears, Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, TLC, *NSYNC and more. Step siblings Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil engage in a cruel bet, weaving a web of secrets and temptation, their crusade wreaks havoc on the students at their exclusive Manhattan high school. Contains strong language, and mature themes.

Wednesday 28-Friday 30 May, 7.30pm

£12

Dive under the sea with the talented youngsters of Barry’s Billboard Ensemble Juniors as they present the classic Disney adventure of Ariel, Sebastian and friends. Embark on a magical journey filled with music, adventure, and favourite songs from the film.

Wednesday 28 May, 12.30pm and 3.30pm

Adults £18.50, children £17.50, family of 4 £62

Age guidance 2+; 1 hour 15 (no interval)

When two famous animal explorers arrive in Pontypandy, Norman decides to follow them into the mountains. But when Norman discovers a rare red squirrel, one of the explorers decides to take the glory for themselves, leaving Norman stranded in a cave. Now it’s up to Fireman Sam to save the day and ensure everyone is safe on their camping adventure in this new live performance for families.

Friday 30 May, 7pm

£22 or £26 for Meet and Greet (6pm)

Sing along to some of Taylor Swift’s greatest hits including Love Story, Blank Space, Shake It Off and Fortnight as tribute act Xenna presents an unforgettable Eras Tour experience for fans of all ages.

Saturday 31 May, 12.30pm and 3.30pm

Adults £18,50, children £17.50, £62 family of four

Age guidance 3+, 1 hour (no interval)

Based on the bestselling books by Liz Pichon, and brand new for 2025, Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show brings alive the illustrations and music that makes Tom Gates hugely popular around the world. With catchy tunes and hilarious performances, this fantastic new stage show brings the best of the Brilliant World of Tom Gates into one live show.

Bank Holiday Monday 26-Friday 30 May, 11am-3pm

£3 per child, age guidance 3+

Take part in a range of craft activities inspired by the buildings and collections at St Fagans. Friendly facilitators will be on hand to help you with your creations which you can then take away with you.

This activity takes place in studio 3 in the main building.

Saturday 24-Friday 30 May, 10am-5pm

South Wales Makers’ Market showcases exceptional local Welsh crafting talent. Stalls are varied and can change each day, featuring crafts such as pottery, handmade body products, jewellery and textiles.

Tuesday 27-Friday 30 May, 11am-12pm and 1pm-2pm

Age guidance 7+, must be pre-booked

National Museum Cardiff and Build the Change present a hands-on workshop on the diversity of marine life in Wales and beyond, as well as the threats facing it, using museum specimens and the research of museum scientists. Participants can then unleash their imagination, using Lego bricks to design, build and share solutions to some of the biggest issues impacting marine habitats, including pollution and climate change. Workshops are bilingual, last approximately 60 minutes and must be pre-booked.

Wednesday 28 May-Sunday 1 June, 11am-12.30pm, and 1.30pm-3pm

£15 per person, age guidance 3+

Meet adorable baby dinosaurs, come face-to-face with a huge walking Spinosaurus, see real fossils up close and learn some incredible dinosaur facts as Dinomania stomp into National Museum Cardiff this half term. Must be pre-booked.

Saturday 24 May-Sunday 9 November

Picture Post was the 1930s groundbreaking photo-magazine which captured every day life, major events, and shifting social attitudes, reaching 1.7 million readers at its peak. This exhibition brings Picture Post to life through striking photography, revealing Britain’s transformation from the 1930s to the 1950s. From war and politics to cultural change, discover the moments that defined a nation.

Saturday 24 May-Sunday 7 September

Be among the first to experience Listening All Night To The Rain at National Museum Cardiff exclusively as the first stop on a UK tour following its debut at the 2024 Venice Biennale prestigious art competition. The immersive audio-visual piece is a journey of sights and sounds that draw out specific moments in time, events in our collective histories that have shaped individuals and societies.

Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 May, 11am-3pm

An interactive workshop where the whole family can dress up as colliers, tip girls, modern miners and more and have their portrait taken. All portraits will be sent digitally. PLUS Butty Bear mascot will be making appearances and posing for photos between 11.30am and 2pm.

Monday 26-Saturday 21 May, 10.30am, 11.30am. 2pm and 3pm

£3 per child

The world of Roman and Greek myth was full of heroes and heroines who fought terrifying monsters and travelled on exciting quests. Take part in an activity trail where you will answer questions, complete an obstacle course and test out your fighting skills to see if you have what it takes to become a hero. Story at 11am, 12pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

Wednesday 28 May, 11am-3pm

A free drop-in activity where families can get creative and crafty.  

Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-4pm

Adults £10, adult plus one child 3-14 £10, additional child £2.50

Explore Wales’ largest independent and undercover aircraft museum, with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. Experience the thrill of flying in a flight simulator, sit in the pilot seat of some exhibits, or take a guided tour.

Monday 26, Wednesday 28 and Friday 30 May

£15 per child, age guidance 5-8 (minimum age 3)

Explore characters from the much-loved children’s book Dilwyn the Welsh Dragon through sound, movement, and imagination. Let your imagination take flight with a magical session of storytelling and performance, perfect for ages 5-8 (minimum age 3). Plus receive 50% off this event when booking a tour of the Royal Mint Experience at the same time.

Saturday 24 May-Sunday 1 June, 9.30am-4.30pm

Adults £10, children 5-17 £7, family (2+3) £32, under 5s free, or free for Cadw members

Search the castle and be the first one in your family to shout ‘Bingo!’ in this fun family trail.

Saturday 24-Sunday 25 May, 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm

Adults £10, children 5-17 £7, family (2+3) £32, under 5s free, or free for Cadw members

Meet a 14th century knight as he prepares to head off on campaign with Edward III to France. Learn about his armour and weapons, about the wars in France, and their impact on life in the castle and town of Chepstow.

Saturday 31 May-Sunday 1 June, 10am-4pm

From juggling and diablo, to plate spinning and tightrope walking, resident jester Juggling Jim will be on-hand to teach you the skills needed to entertain a medieval lord and lady, plus their distinguished guess. Drop-in session with no need to book.

Saturday 24-Monday 26 May, 10.30am-4pm

Adults £9, children 5-17, family £28.20, under 5s free, free for Cadw members

An interactive introduction to medieval life, for all ages. From soldiers and knights to monks and cooks, the Household will demonstrate the typical itinerant household under William Marshal, patron and benefactor of Tintern Abbey.

Sunday 25 and Monday 26 May, 11am-3.30pm

Adults £10, children 5-17 £7, family £32, under 5s free, free for Cadw members

The year is 1487 and Henry VII (Henry Tudor) has been king for almost two years – but there are many who wish him and his followers ill. Head to Raglan Castle to discover who has committed the dastardly deeds and why. Become a detective and help solve the crime and bring the culprit(s) to justice. A full living history camp, arms and armour and other displays throughout each day.

Wednesday 28 May, 11am-4pm

Adults £10, children 5-17 £7, family £32, under 5s free, free for Cadw members

Raptor Wales visit the castle with their birds of prey. Meet the birds and enjoy their flying displays.

Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June, 10.30am-4.30pm

Adults £10, children 5-17 £7, family £32, under 5s free, free for Cadw members

Journey back in time at Tretower with The Freemen of Gwent. See them re-create life in the medieval age with their living history and craft displays – lots to see throughout the day. 

Monday 26-Friday 30 May, 10.30am-2.30pm

Age guidance 4+

Discover the underwater life at Newport Wetlands with the centre’s pond dipping kits. The knowledgeable team will be on hand to help with identification and you’ll have exclusive access to the pond dipping area and your own equipment and spotting sheets to help you identify the creatures you catch.

Helios

Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan

Friday 23-Monday 26 May, and Thursday 28 May-Sunday 1 June, 10am-6pm and 7pm-10pm except 1 June (check social media for openings as this may be affected by wind and weather conditions)

Usual admission applies, adults £14.30, children 5-17 £7.20, family £35.80 under 5s free, free for National Trust members

Helios, a sun sculpture by Luke Jerram, visits Dyffryn Gardens as part of its tour of National Trust properties. Experience the sun’s hidden beauty and power up close through this seven-metre artwork. With rippling lights, solar imagery and sounds of the sun recorded by NASA, this is a wonderful opportunity to see this audio-visual wonder on display outdoors.

Saturday 24 May-Sunday 1 June

One hundred acres of free-range family fun, stepping into nature and making exciting discoveries at every turn. Explore all the Ranch favourites including The Gruffalo Trail, the enchanting Fairy Forest, Roly Poly Hill, tree swings and jumping pillows. Plus discover the new bug trail, meet the Ranch’s very own butterfly and caterpillar and learn fun facts about these amazing minibeasts. Bank Holiday Monday 26 May will see the Ranch welcoming Animals Interactive with an array of furry friends to meet.

Saturday 24-Monday 26 May

Adults £12, children £10, under 3s free

Get ready for a web-slinging adventure at Fonmon Castle as Spider-Man swings into action. Capture the moment with photos and chat with the friendly neighborhood hero. Don’t forget your costumes for an even more immersive experience! Plus tickets also include all the usual Fonmon Castle adventures – Jurassic Wales dinosaur trail, story trail, medieval farm, woodland walks and play areas, and lots more. Fonmon Castle is open for the rest of half term too.

Share the love with the small animals

Saturday 24 May, 2pm-2.30pm

£5.50 entrance plus £5 for the event

Meet and greet the farm’s small animals.

Fun on the Farm for Friendship Week

Tuesday 27-Friday 30 May, 10am-4.30pm

£8.50 per person

Tractor rides, meet the small animals, friendship trail, nature touch trail, hands of friendship tree, kindness pebble painting, face painting

Be A Farmer

Saturdays 31 May, 7 and 21 June, 10am-2pm

Help the animal care team to complete essential tasks around the farm. Age guidance 8-12 year olds.

Plus the usual farm activities – animals to meet, woodlands to explore and playground adventures.

Saturday 26 May-Sunday 2 June

An Easter trail in addition to the usual farm activities. Plus Saturday 12 April, 10am, sees a Dog Fayre with pet stalls and doggy snacks and food available. Also, see the website for details of hands-on animal encounters with creatures including armadillos and capybara.

Saturday 24 May-Sunday 2 June

Adults and children over 93cm £17.94, child under 93cm £8.97, baby free (online advance prices; costs more on the door)

All the usual farm animals, indoor and outdoor play, plus meet the velociraptor, meet the unicorn, candy canon and pig racing, hands-on pet handling sessions, tractor and trailer rides, and more.

Saturday 26 May-Sunday 2 June

£10.50 per person, under 18 months free, family of 4 £40

Farm animals, ride-on train, huge soft play and lots more. Advanced booking essential for school holidays as it gets busy.

Friday 23-Monday 26 May

Adults from £8, children under 16 free

Delicious street food dishes from around the world, served on long table communal banquet dining, in a fun festival atmosphere within the walls of the epic Caldicot Castle. Plus there’s a free circus school for the kids, aerial performance, bubble disco and a big Saturday and Sunday evening fire show. Friday evening will see performances from Old Time Sailors, a 20 strong sea shanty band.

Saturday 24 May, 11am-5pm

A day filled with activities for all ages – tribute acts to Taylor Swift, Take That, Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter; performances from local performing arts and street dance groups; a bilingual puppet show; radio duo Jagger and Woody, plus interactive dinosaurs from Raptors World, train rides, food stalls and lots more.

Sunday 25 and Monday 26 May

£5 per day, £8 weekend on the door, or £4.50/£7.50 online; under 11s free

Stalls from local food and drink producers as well as talks and activities for all ages

Monday 26-Saturday 31 May

Children, young people, schools and families from all over Wales and beyond will come together to compete in the 378 competitions held at the festival. Plus, there’s exhibitions and activities, arts and crafts, performance stages with dancers, live bands and groups entertaining all day, every day.

Free for children under 16, adults £3, activity passes £2.50 per person

The National Lido of Wales features three pools – a main pool, an activity pool and a splash pool. For £2.50 per person, visitors can also enjoy everything from fun inflatables to  Aqua Peddlerz and Water Walker. For smaller visitors, the splash pool is complete with an umbrella water fountain. They can bring their buckets and watering cans and play in the warm water in this safe and happy environment. Sessions do sell out in advance, so there will ow be limited availability.

Saturday 25 May-Sunday 2 June 2023, 10.15am, 11.30am, 12.45pm, 3pm, 4.15pm, £15 per person

Tackle CoedLan’s 18 obstacles, including a balance beam, zig zag bridge, cargo net and a zip wire. Participants must be 110cm tall and aged 6. Children between 110cm and 130cm must be accompanied by an individual over 130cm and aged 12 years old or over. The maximum weight is 18 stone.

A wide range of adventurous activities for families. Must be booked online in advance. Age and height restrictions apply.

Forest Nets – £20.00 per person (age 3+)

Low Ropes – £20 per person (minimum height 1.2m)

High ropes – £30 per person (minimum height 1.4m)

Laser Combat – £20 per person (age 6+)

All Bounced Out – £20 per person (6-15 years)

Archery – £20.00 per person (6+years)

Axe throwing – £20 per person (10+years)

Daily 11am-10pm

Adults and children over 5 from £11.50, children (5 and under) £5.25, Family of 4 £36.70

Treetop Adventure Golf is home to two 18-hole mini golf courses where the whole family can test out their putting skills. Plus, free face painting on Bank Holiday Monday 27, Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 May from 12-4pm, new Jungle Shakes and freshly-made pizza. Plus for half term, free face painting for customers 12pm-3pm from Monday 26 May-Sunday 1 June.

Saturday 24 May-Sunday 1 June

£2.50 per person per show, plus usual admission (adults £12.72. children £10.90, under 3s free, family £43)

More than 100 hands-on science exhibits for all ages, plus live science and Planetarium shows over the holidays.

We Are Aliens – 25-minute Planetarium show, ages 5+

Narrated by Harry Potter star Rupert Grint, this thrilling film delves into the question of whether humanity could one day join a galactic community.

Superheroes – 30-minute live science show, ages 5+

Techniquest’s scientists explore how they can use science to gain real superpowers of invisibility, fire-starting and lightning control.

Star Tours – 25-minute Planetarium show, ages 7+

Find out more about some familiar constellations, the planets, how stars are born and how they die as Techiqest’s digital planetarium takes you through space for a close-up look at some of nature’s most beautiful sights such as distant galaxies and exploded stars.

Rocket Science – 45-minute lab workshop, ages 7+

Discover how vacuum voids affect our bodies, whether sound and light can travel through space, study samples of rocks you might find out in the wilds of the solar system.

Sunday 25 and Bank Holiday Monday 26 May, 1pm-5pm

Entry £2.80 per person, rides £2.80 (under 3s free)

Cardiff Model Engineering Society opens its doors to the public with miniature train rides – steam, diesel and electric – plus tram rides. 

Saturday 24 May-Sunday 2 June

Adults £2, under 1s £3.95 or free with an older sibling, ages 1-3 £7.95, ages 4-12 £9.95

All the usual indoor and outdoor play. Book in advance for a two-hour session.

Friday 23 May – Glow In The Dark Disco Party, 5.30pm-7.30pm, £6 ages 4-12, £4.5- ages 1-3

Wednesday 28 May

A joyful community day to celebrate the local area in the lead up to Eid Al Adha. Includes a makers market (11am-6pm) with handmade jewellery, wellness products, henna stencils, candles, greeting cards and more; plus free activities for families )12pm-4pm including drop-in lantern making, and face painting. Plus and the chance to say aloha to cheeky blue alien Stitch, with appearances from a mascot who’ll be popping up at intervals throughout the afternoon to celebrate his new film and pose for photos.

Saturday 24 May-Sunday 1 June

A week of activities focusing on water safety and the importance on keeping our local environment clean.
Tuesday 27 May – Iced Gem Events will be on site helping children create their very own plastic bottle bird feeders.
Thursday 29 May – South Wales Police will be promoting their Operation Seabird Campaign, which educates people on the sensitivities of the coastline and how simple changes could reduce pressure on our wildlife.
Friday 30 May – The RNLI will be with us for their May Day Event.
Sunday 1 June – Free facepainting 12pm-4pm on Tacoma Square.

A Donut Decorating Extravaganza

Wednesday 28 May, 11.30am-12.30pm

£3 per child

A sweet and creative event celebrating the new book Donut Squad: Take Over the World by Neill Cameron. Children will get the chance to design their own donut character on paper, then bring it to life by decorating mini donuts with a variety of toppings.

FREE Teddy Bear’s Picnic storytime

Thursday 29 May, 11.30am

Bring your favourite cuddly friend, a packed lunch or snack, and settle in as we share enchanting stories, nibble on tasty treats, and enjoy a cozy adventure together. Book in advance as spaces are limited.

Open daily 12pm, last 30 minute hires at 6.15pm

£10.30 for half an hour, £18.50 for one hour

Hire a pedalo and paddle your way around Roath Lake, a unique way to see the iconic lighthouse, plus explore the rest of the grade one listed park – playground, ice cream van, cafe, flower gardens, and more. May close in case of bad weather.

You can also head to the conservatory to see the huge goldfish, turtles, ducks and plants living in the tropical heat. Adults £2.50, children £1.25, under 5s free (season tickets available). Summer opening 10.30am-4pm.

The focus here is on independent cinemas, film-related events, and cheaper family screenings rather than the current big releases at the multiplexes.

The 10am weekend and school holiday Movies for Juniors showings are £3.99 per person. Check online for schedule; films are usually a few months old rather than new releases.

The 10am weekend and school holiday Mighty Mornings showings are just £2.49 per person when booked online or £3.49 on the door. Check online for schedule; films are usually a few months old rather than new releases.

Wednesday 28-Friday 30 May

£3 per person

Chapter presents the 1995 timeless family classic Babe in celebration of its 30th anniversary.

Tuesday 27 and Thursday 29 May, 1.30pm

Adults £6, children £5

The Oscar and Bafta winning Flow, celebrated for its unique storytelling and artistic vision, is a wondrous journey through natural and mystical realms following a courageous cat after his home is devastated by a great flood. Teaming up with a capybara, a lemur, a bird, and a dog to navigate a boat in search of dry land, they must rely on trust, courage, and wits to survive the perils of a newly aquatic planet.

Friday 30 May-Sunday 1 June, 10.15am

Adults £6, children £5

Join Peppa Pig and her family at the cinema as they get ready for their biggest adventure yet: welcoming a new baby. ith 10 new episodes, 6 new songs and music videos, your little ones can dance and sing along with Peppa and her family and friends.

Friday 23-Wednesday 28 May

£3.50 per person

Disney’s Snow White is a live-action musical reimagining of the classic 1937. Starring Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) in the title role and Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) as her stepmother, the Evil Queen, the magical music adventure journeys back to the timeless story with beloved characters Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy.

Saturday 24-Friday 30 May

£3.50 per person

Four misfits – Garrett ‘The Garbage Man’ Garrison (Jason Momoa), Henry (Sebastian Eugene Hansen), Natalie (Emma Myers) and Dawn (Danielle Brooks) – are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into the Overworld: a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination.

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