It’s officially half term in Cardiff with the schools shut for the next week. If you’re looking for things to do to keep your children entertained then look no further. Here are more than 100 family-friendly activities taking place in and around Cardiff for half term and the rest of March.

Please remember all events are subject to cancellation or change so do check the websites to avoid disappointment,

Let me know anything I’ve missed in the comments below, on the Cardiff Mummy Says Facebook page or you can tweet me on @cardiffmummy. Plus follow Cardiff Mummy Says on Instagram for highlights from our adventures and regular life.

Charity

Teddy bears’ picnic for Ty Hafan

Insole Court, Cardiff

Sunday 31 March, 1pm-4pm

A day of fun for all the family including a teddy bear treasure hunt, games such as guess the name of the teddy, and teddy bear card making. Sweet stalls and food stalls, a face painter and refreshments will be available.

Live and Unplugged

Parc Play, Cardiff

Friday 29 March, 10,30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm

Adults £1, children 4-12 £7, 1-3 £5.50, under 1s £1; members £1

Celebtate the 10th anniversary of Parc Play and 20 years of Ty Hafan with Parc’s first live and unplugged event. Take part in a series of workshops aimed at toddlers and parents from Soulfun Sunrise, Turn The Lights On and Office Om, including Playing… with food, Be your own best friend; Looking after your back with toddler in tow, learn to be in the moment by the masters (Your Child), adults story time and more. Advance booking necessary. All ticket sales donated to Ty Hafan.

Regular days and events for toddlers and pre-schoolers

FREE Toddler Time

National Museum Cardiff

Every Monday during term time

Themed toys and activities with museum staff 1.30pm-2.55pm, story at 3pm.

FREE Toddler Time in the Playlab

Big Pit National Coal Museum

Wednesdays 13 March, 3 April, 15 May, 12 June and 17 July, 1.30pm-2.45pm

A monthly play session with themed activities and toys for little ones to enjoy plus story and rhyme time.

FREE Dinky Dragons

Cardiff Story Museum

Friday 8 March, 10am-3pm

A monthly event for babies, toddlers and their grown ups including rhyme and story time at 11am and 1pm.

Toddler Day

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay

Friday 8 March – Springtime Sunshine

Friday 3 May – Creepy Crawlies

Friday 7 June – Fairytale Frolics

Friday 5 July – At the Seaside

9.30am-4.30pm

Adults £5.50 online/£5.70 on the door; under 4s free

As well as all the usual hands-on science exhibits, Techniquest toddler days see story time, a mini disco or session from a pre-school music class, arts and crafts to take away, a Play-Doh table, face painting and more, with a different theme each month. Usually held on the first Friday of the month during term time. Upcoming dates, all 9.30am-4.30pm.

FREE Toddler Time

National Museum Cardiff

Every Friday during term time, 11am-4pm

A chance for pre-schoolers and their grown ups to explore the museum through play with special boxes of toys, games and books in different galleries between 11am-4pm. Plus themed toys and activities with museum staff 1.30pm-2.55pm, story at 3pm.

FREE Toddler Time

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Friday 15 March; Friday 12 April; Friday 17 May; Friday 14 June; Friday 19 July; 11am-2.30pm

Toddler Time sees music, singing and crafts filling Wales Millennium Centre’s foyer once a month during term time. There’s a range of sessions throughout the day, introducing children to music in fun and engaging ways.

Upcoming dates, all 11am-2.30pm

Baby and Toddler Day

Greenmeadow Community Farm, Cwmbran

Adults £6.50; children 2-16 £5.40; under 2s free; family

Greenmeadow’s Baby and Toddler Tuesdays run every Tuesday from the start of February until the end of November, including the school holidays. Each week sees different taster sessions from local baby and toddler groups, such as music and singing, baby yoga, gymnastics, baby sensory, baby bushcraft, first aid for children and so on. There’s also plenty of animals to see and activities across the farm, including tractor rides. Read our review of a previous Baby and Toddler Tuesday at Greenmeadow Community Farm

Theatre and performance

Glee Family Comedy Show

The Glee Club, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay

Sunday 24 February; doors open 1pm, show starts 2pm

Laughs galore in a fun lunchtime show for all the family. The show is around two hours including two intervals with ticket only or ticket and food options. Age guidance 7+.

The Iron Giant

Blackwood Miners’ Institute

Monday 25 February, 2.30pm

£5 per ticket

An enchanting new adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s celebrated shirt story. Step into a theatrical world where giants are your neighbours and a once-beautiful garden is stuck in everlasting winter. Explore an extraordinary friendship and how even the grumpiest giant’s heart can melt when spring finally comes. This heartwarming re-imagining combines captivating storytelling with puppetry, original music and a sprinkling of magic.

Pen-blwydd Poenus Pete

Chapter Arts, Cardiff

Monday 25-Wednesday 27 February, 11am-3pm

Age guidance 6+

Dad says he doesn’t want any fuss at all for his birthday so Mum and their two children take him at his word and they do nothing. But, when Dad’s disappointment and fury combine with Cadi the cat’s mischievous power, hilarious chaos ensues. This show from Theatr Iolo is suitable for Welsh speaking families and Welsh learner families of all levels. Come along before the show and enjoy some pre-performance family activities designed to help Welsh learners of all ages. Free packs are available to help Welsh learners enjoy the show.

Billionaire Boy The Musical

New Theatre, Cardiff

Tuesday 26 February-Saturday 2 March

When factory worker Len Spud invents a new loo roll “Bum Fresh – wet on one side, dry on the other” it’s an instant hit. Len, and his son Joe, become overnight billionaires, turning their lives upside down. However while Mr Spud spends on fast cars, 100-inch TVs, and lavish gifts for his glamorous new girlfriend, Joe is left to fend for himself and has to navigate an assault course of school bullies and dangerously inedible canteen food. Based on the bestselling novel by David Walliams.

The Giant Jam Sandwich

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

Friday 1 March, 12pm and 3pm

Age guidance 3-7

Based on the much-loved picture book, this stage production from New Perspectives joins the residents of the quiet village of Itching Down on a hot summer’s day as four million wasps invade. The picnickers panic and the farmer stops haymaking. The wasps are noisy, nasty and worst of all, they don’t mind who they sting. That is until the baker has an ingenious idea… Join the villagers in their giant sandwich-making plan to defeat the wasps and help save the day.

St David’s Day Concert

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Friday 1 March, 7.30pm

Tickets from £15; discounted family tickets available

BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales celebrate St David’s Day with special guests including harpist Catrin Finch and tenor Gwyn Hughes Jones, conducted by Grant Llewellyn. The concert will feature the world premiere of Gareth Glyn’s Vita Davidis (A Life of St. David) written for Catrin Finch and supported by Tŷ Cerdd; plus traditional songs, choral works and the chance to sing-along with Wales’ finest. The programme includes music by Arwel Hughes, Hoddinott, Mathias and Mansel Thomas.

Please note that all BBC NOW concerts are recorded live for BBC Radio broadcast so please be aware that any noise can be picked up on the broadcast. No content is unsuitable for children, but there may be extended periods of loud music. BBC NOW concerts are generally suitable for ages 7+, but parents will be the best judge of whether their children are able to sit quietly for a long time.

Professor Brian Cox: Universal

Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

Friday 1 March and Wednesday 18 September, 8pm (limited availability)

Taking audiences to the edge of our current understanding about the origin and evolution of our solar system and the universe, Professor Cox makes challenging ideas accessible to all, exploring the vast, possibly infinite universe and our place within it from earth to the edges of the cosmos. Using state of the art graphics and imagery from ground-based telescopes and space probes, presented using ultra-high-resolution LED screen technology, Brian will explore the latest missions to the planets, the nature of space and time from the Big Bang to black holes and the origin and fate of life and intelligence in the Universe. He will also address questions about the value of science, how we acquire scientific knowledge and why we should trust it.

Nick Sharratt’s Right Royal Drawalong

Riverfront Arts Centre, Newport

Saturday 2 March, 2pm

£8, family ticket £28

Age 4+

A family-friendly, fun filled draw-along for all ages. Join acclaimed children’s writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt and draw along with him! Nick will show you how to sketch favourite characters including Tracy Beaker and Timothy Pope, sharing ways of creating fantastic creatures like dragons and unicorns, and giving loads of top tips. And to celebrate his latest book Nice Work for the Cat and the King everything will have a special ‘royal’ twist. The show is around 75 minutes followed by a meet and greet with Nick.

Discover Dance

Riverfront Theatre, Newport

Saturday 2 March 1pm; £7, or family of four £26

National Dance Company Wales presents Discover Dance, a fun, relaxed and creative experience where young people can learn all about dance, and watch the professionals in action. Perfect for children aged 7-12 and their families the 90 minute session gives young people the opportunity to have a go at dancing with the company dancers on stage, as well as learn some moves and see a performance. The audience will learn more about what a dancer’s day is like as well as the opportunity to ask the dancers questions and learn excerpts of the Company’s show, Revellers’ Mass. They will then have the chance to watch the company perform the new dance piece by Caroline Finn which delves into a sumptuous world of ritual, where the guests don’t always behave as they should and nothing is quite as it seems.

Bing Live

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Wednesday 6 March, 1pm and 4pm; Thursday 6 March, 10am and 1pm

Perfect for pre-schoolers as a first theatre experience join Bing, Sula, Coco and Pando as they find out how to tell stories by pretending, dressing-up and singing songs. Flop and Amma are there to help, but in this magical world of make-believe things don’t always go according to plan…

Cardiff Film and Comic Con

Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

Saturday 9 March, 9am-6pm; Sunday 10 March, 9am-5pm

A weekend featuring favourite stars from TV, film and comics as well as a host of fun activities including photo shoots with the stars, panels, autograph sessions, retro video gaming, cosplay masquerade and hundreds of stalls full of TV and film memorabilia. Stars confirmed include Robert Englund who plays the iconic bad guy “Freddy Kruger; Colin Baker who played the role of “The Doctor” in Doctor Who and Mark Williams of Harry Potter fame.

Milkshake Life: Milkshake Monkey’s Musical

Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl

Sunday 9 March, 12pm and 3.30pm

Milkshake Monkey can’t wait to put on a spectacular new musical – but when stage fright hits, his favourite Milkshake friends come to help. Suitable for ages 8 and under be part of the production as you learn songs and dances with favourite Milkshake friends, and watch as the music, lights, costumes and stage come together. The show features Fireman Sam, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine, Digby Dragon, Wissper, Nella the Princess Knight and the Floogals, alongside two Milkshake Presenters

(Also at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay on Sunday 12 May. See here.)

Horrible Histories

New Theatre, Cardiff

Terrible Tudors – Tuesday 12-Saturday 16 March (Tuesday 7pm; Wednesday 10.30am; Thursday 1.30pm; Friday 10.30am; Saturday 7pm

Awful Egyptians – Wednesday 13 March-Saturday 16 March (Wednesday 1.30pm; Thursday 10.30am; Friday 7pm; Saturday 2.30pm)

Age guidance 5+

Two amazing shows with Horrible Histories live on stage bringing to life historical figures and events with a focus on the gruesome bits with a combination of actors and 3D effects. Terrible Tudors focuses on the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and survive the Spanish Armada as it sets sail into the audience.

Awful Egyptians charts foul facts of death and decay from the meanest mummies in Egypt from the fascinating Pharaohs to the power of the pyramids.

Blue Planet II Live In Concert

Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

Thursday 14 March

Following the incredible success of the BAFTA award-winning BBC One television series Blue Planet II, presented by Sir David Attenborough, BBC Studios, and FKP Scorpio bring the wonders and mysteries of the planet’s oceans and wildlife to Cardiff. Blue Planet II – Live In Concert – will present a selection of stunning visuals from the television series, highlighting the incredible natural wonders of our blue planet in breath-taking detail, projected on a state of the art 200 square metre 4K Ultra HD LED screen.  Accompanied by the original immersive music score by Bleeding Fingers Music, composed by Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea and David Fleming, the concert will be performed live by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, and conducted by Matthew Freeman. A fantastical journey from icy polar seas to pulsating coral reefs, from the luminous deep sea to enormous kelp forests: immerse yourself with Blue Planet II – Live In Concert, a simply breath-taking and epic show that you will never forget.

Family Concert with BBC National Orchestra of Wales

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Sunday 24 March 3pm

Take a journey into classical music with BBC National Orchestra of Wales’ ever-popular family concert. Audiences can discover the incredible sounds of the orchestra through music from the big screen alongside popular classics.

Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival

Various city centre locations

Saturday 30 March-Sunday 7 April

The seventh annual Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival includes 40 ticketed events, free craft sessions and an extensive programme of school events running across iconic venues across the city centre including Cardiff Castle, City Hall, National Museum Wales and The Old Library. Aimed predominantly at children ages 3-11, festival events include writing workshops, book readings, craft activities, quizzes and games and the occasional appearance of a character or two. See the website for a full list of sessions.

Mother’s Day Café Concert

St Donats Arts Centre, Llantwit Major

Sunday 31 March; doors open 2pm, concert 3pm-4.30pm

£10; children under 12 £7

A Mother’s Day Café Concert performed by the talented students of UWC Atlantic College. Guests will be welcomed with tea or coffee on arrival with a delicious slice of homemade cake. Then take a seat at one of the café tables and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of musical performances including a mix of familiar classics, songs from the shows and some international pieces from the college’s inspiring students.
Doors will be open from 2pm with the concert starting at 3pm until 4.30pm. Following the concert, there will be the opportunity to take a stroll around the beautiful gardens until 5.30pm.

Arts, crafts and book-themed

The Gruffalo workshops

The Royal Mint Experience, Llantrisant

Monday 25 February-Friday 1 March

Adults £13, children £10.50, family £38.50

The Royal Mint Experience is celebrating the 20^th anniversary of Julia Donaldson’s much-loved picture book The Gruffalo with Gruffalo-themed workshops included in all standard tours this half term. Join Mouse as you take part in the adventure of The Gruffalo. Watch and listen as the story is brought to life and take part in activities inspired by characters from The Gruffalo.

Big Build

Glanfa Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Monday 25-Saturday 2 March, 11am-4pm

Help to create a giant art work that will take over the entire Glanfa Foyer by taking part in free family craft sessions. The end result will be an evolving art installation created entirely my little crafters. Previous projects have included: Home Sweet Home, Build a Universe, Suffragette Banners and a Pirate Party.

Craft Club by Lark Design

Cardiff MADE, Roath

Monday 25-Friday 29 February, 10am-3pm

Ages 7-12

Sewing and craft activities for children, where they will create a minimum of two hand-made products. Different daily themes include tote bags and dreamcatches, and cupcake cushions and soap making

Arty Crafty Fun

Tesco, Western Avenue, Cardiff and Bloc Coffee, Victoria Park, Cardiff

Tuesday 26 February, see Facebook page for age groups and timings.

£5 per child; £2 per sibling

Design Your Own Robot

Cardiff Story Museum

Wednesday 27 February, 10am-2.30pm; £1 per child

A robot-themed family craft day where children can male robot-inspired 3D artworks. The day also includes a free screening of the film The Iron Giant (PG) at 1pm-2.30pm

FREE St David’s Day Celebrations

The Red Dragon Centre Cardiff Bay

Friday 1 March, 12pm-4pm

Get creative with eco friendly arts and crafts where you can make wondrous dragons and beautiful daffodils to take home between 12-4pm. Families can also meet two beautiful baby dragons at 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Plus cinema bowling and restaurants and cafes to keep you fuelled and entertained. Free parking for six hours subject to minimum spend and ticket validation.

Minecraft

Riverfront Arts Centre, Newport

Monday 25 February 2pm-4pm and Thursday 28 February 10am-12pm

£8; ages 6-11

An opportunity for children to share the experience of Minecraft in a safe off-line environment. Children get the opportunity to join worlds and work in teams to complete a number of exciting challenges. iPads provided.

FREE Family crafts

Newport Museum

Wednesday 27 February, 10am, 11am and 12pm

Make your very own Newport Castle. 15 places available per session. Places are allocated on a first come, first serve basis on the day. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout.

Brilliant Books festival

Insole Court, Cardiff

Saturday 2-Sunday 10 March

Insole Court’s inaugural book festival is a celebration of reading, writing and the power of words as well as the importance and value of illustration within literature. The festival will launch on Saturday 2 March with a reading from Lucy Owen, BBC Wales presenter, newsreader and author of Boo-a-Bog in the Park and soon to be published, The Sea House. See website for full listings of events.

Preschoolers craft and storytelling session

Friday 8 March, 11.30am and 1.30pm

Local children’s book illustrator Rebecca Harry has teamed up with Beth Morris Workshops to offer an arts and craft creative event for tots and their adults. Join them for storytelling, painting, fun and to hunt for Holly Webb’s Little Lost Puppy in the beautiful grounds of Insole Court. The workshops are supported by Barney & Beau who will be on site with their gorgeous products. Must be advance booked

Andy Griffiths book signing

Griffin Books, Penarth

Tuesday 5 March, 4pm-5.30pm

£5 per family on the door; cash-only

A book signing by Andy Griffiths, author of the popular children’s Treehouse Series, has made the trip over to the UK from Australia offering a once in a lifetime chance to meet him. He’ll be signing book. £5 per family on the door includes a copy of one of his books but you a welcome to bring your own to get them signed as well.

Castles

Half term events

Cardiff Castle

Tropical Encounters

Monday 25 February, 10.15am, 11.30am, 12.45pm, 2.30pm

£4 per person; advance booking recommended

Meet a range of amazing animals from the tropical rain forest of the Amazon to the African Kalahari Desert for a chance to learn about their behaviour and habitats.

Warrior School

Wednesday 27 February, 10:30am and 12pm

£10 (1 child & 1 adult), additional adults £5.

Ages 5-16.

Learn how to sword fight with Sir Jay and Sir Lewis from the Warwick Warriors and become a fully-fledged knight. Held indoors in the atmospheric 15th century Undercroft and ending in a knighting ceremony. Advance booking recommended.

Shield Decorating Workshop

Friday 1 March, 10.15am, 12.15pm, 2.30pm

Design your own coat-of-arms and decorate a wooden shield to take away with you. Held in the Education Centre, these workshops will give an opportunity to create a unique and personal work of art to take home. Advance booking recommended.

Castell Coch’s Secret Sentiments

Castell Coch, Tongwynlais, Cardiff

Saturday 30 March-Monday 6 May, 11am-4pm drop-in

Adults £6.90, children £4.10, family £20 or free for Cadw members (usual castle entry fees)

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.

Laura Ford: Squatters at Castell Coch

Castell Coch, Tongwynlais, Cardiff

Saturday 30 March-Monday 6 May

Adults £7.30, children, family £21.20 or free for Cadw members (usual castle entry fees)

Laura Ford unveils a series of new sculptures inside Wales’ iconic Castell Coch, as visitors are invited to discover over 15 works created by one of the UK’s leading contemporary artists. A meticulously handcrafted rabble of otherworldly interlopers are concealed and revealed within the castle’s architecture as figures appear cloaked, crouched or soaring from the rafters. Ford’s reinterpretation of the folk lore and folk art, which is so intrinsic to the public perception of the castle, takes on a fantastical and sometimes sinister edge. Rendered in bronze, jesmonite and ceramic, and clothed in brilliant swathes of wool and felt, her child-sized figures are inherently tactile. Their postures are pointedly and recognisably human.

Science-based

Space Hunters / Star Tours / Yucky You

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay

Adults £8.20, children 4-15 £6.70, under 4s free, family (2+3) £29

Cheaper prices available online and without Giftaid

As well as the usual hands-on science exhibits, head to the Science Theatre for interactive live science show Yucky You (included in entry fee), where you can discover why skin becomes spotty, why noses get snotty and why we go to the potty. The Planetarium show for under 7s is Space Hunters where Nan’s garden shed turns out to be a space ship that takes the children on a treasure hunt in space to meet an astronaut, ride on a comet’s tail, look for an exploding star and much more. For the over 7s, there’s Star Tours where you can find out more about some familiar constellations, the planets, how stars are born and how they die

Cardiff Science Festival

Venues across Cardiff

Thursday 28 February-Sunday 3 March

A full programme of events at venues including National Museum Cardiff, Central Library and Techniquest. Discover how science, technology, engineering and maths affect our everyday lives. Events include Lush on Queen Street explaining the science of cosmetics and a chance to discover more about astronauts’ training at Capital Shopping Centre both on Friday 1 March; an astronomy event at Cardiff Central Library on Saturday 2 March; and scientists on the streets of the city centre demonstrating amazing science, showcasing cutting edge research and chatting about science to passers-by.

The great outdoors and nature-themed events

Half term events

Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan

£12.10 adults, £6.05 children, £31 families or free for National Trust members

Thursday 21 February-Sunday 3 March

Sleep Trail

Discover what’s sleeping and what’s waking up around Dyffryn Gardens with the Sleepy Trail. Get close to nature this half term. See what’s hibernating and what plants are waking up for spring. Each trail location has a letter which spells a name… but whose?

Winter Wonders – a walking trail

Thursday 21 February-Sunday 10 March

Discover what is in flower at Dyffryn this winter with this self-led trail. This walk will take you around the property, taking in the highlights of our winter garden. See the snowdrops, seek out the camellias and admire the stripped-back structures of some of our best trees. Take your time and follow the route to discover the best of what Dyffryn has to offer this season.

Make It Monday

Monday 25 February, 12pm-3pm

With nature-themed crafts taking place in the Morning Room of Dyffryn House, you can make something to take home and keep as a memento of your visit to Dyffryn Gardens.

Cook on a campfire

Wednesday 17 February, 11am-2pm

£2 per s’mores kit.

Grab your s’mores kit, make your way to the campfire and toast marshmallows to squish between two delicious chocolatey biscuits. Gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options available.

Half term events

Tredegar House, Newport

Saturday 23 February-Sunday 3 March

Adults £11.20, children £5.60, family £28 or free to National Trust members.

Turn back the clock and live a day in the life of the servants at Tredegar House. Explore the warren of rooms below stairs and discover the responsibilities of the service staff of the 19th century. Tick off one of the National Trust’s 50 things to be before you’re 11¾ ‘ and make a bird box to take home with you or get stuck into some arts and crafts in the Servants’ Hall.

Bird box making: Monday 25, Tuesday 26, Thursday 28 February, Friday 1 March (£4 per box).

Crafts: Saturday 23, Sunday 24, Thursday 28 February, Friday 1, Saturday 2 March.

Half term events

Greenmeadow Community Farm, Cwmbran

Saturday 23 February-Sunday 3 March

Adults £6.50, children £5.40, family (2+3) £23.50

Every day of half term is packed full of activities including cuddle corner with some of the farm’s smaller animals; tractor and trailer rides; goat milking; greet and groom with the ponies plus lots more. There’s also a Stick Man trail, featuring brightly-coloured boards from the picture book, to help children aged three to seven find out more about the natural world and learn how things grow. Sthe website for full details and event timings and listings.

On Friday 1 March the farm will be celebrating St David’s Day with free entry for all children attending in Welsh costume.

Also check out the website for details of ‘how to be a farmer day’ for children.

Half term events

Mountain View Ranch, Caerphilly

Saturday 23 February-Sunday 3 March, 9.30am-5pm

As well as the usual attractions on the 100-acre site, extra event for half term include: meet the funny goats (10am); archery: kids vs grown-ups (11am-12pm); The Gruffalo story (1pm); campfire and marshmallow toasting (1.30pm-3pm). Events may change due to weather.

Family Fun Activities

Margam Country Park, near Port Talbot

Saturday 23 February-Sunday 3 March

Entry to the park is free; parking £5.60; costs applicable for additional activities

See website for full events listings. Highlights include slime making workshops on Monday; make your own foam vase and flowers plus have-a-go archery on Tuesday; make your own jazzy jam jars on Thursday; and free St David’s Day crafts on Friday.

Lambing Festival

Cantref Adventure Park, Brecon

Saturday 23 February-Sunday 3 March

On the door prices: adults and children over 93cm £10.49, family of 4 £41; family of 5 £51.50, children under 93cm free.

Book in advance: £9.95 / £38.70 / £48.50

Join Farmer Ken in the Lambing Barn and you may be lucky enough to see our cute baby lambs being born. Plus usual farm favourites including bottle feeding, pony rides and pet handling.

Bertie the Birdman’s Bird Trail

Amelia Trust Farm, Barry

Saturday 23 February-Friday 8 March

£2.50 per child

A chance for children to see how many of our feathered friends they can spot along Bertie the Birdman’s Bird Trail. Each child will be given their own card binoculars as well as their own bird booklet and pencil to keep.

February Half Term Farm Fundays

Amelia Trust Farm, Barry

£8.50 per child, adults £2, Siblings under 2s using soft play: £1.50

(not suitable for groups of babies/toddlers under the age of 2 yrs)

Ticket includes free child entry to the farm, indoor bouncy castle, soft play, ball pit, music, decorate your own binoculars to take home and keep, explore the farm with Bertie the Birdman’s Bird Trail.

Green Fingers Kitchen Gardening Workshops

Woodland Lodge, Pugh’s Garden Centre, Wenvoe

Saturday 23 February, 1.30pm-3.30pm

£20-£30

Learn with your family about how to grow your own veg at home. The session will focus on planting seeds which will grow into foods/ingredients you can use in your kitchen. You’ll start off by planting six varieties of the onion family: chives, garlic, leek, onion, shallots and spring onions – key ingredients in many dishes.

Wildlife Friends! Half Term Workshop

Pughs Garden Village, Radyr

Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 February

Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe

Thursday 28 February and Friday 1 March

£7 per child; age 3+

A chance to make pine cone bird feeders plus decorating natural, real log slices in honour of owls and foxes.

Bird of Prey Day

Newport Wetlands

Sunday 24 February, two-hour sessions starting at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm and 2.15pm

RSPB member £4.40 / non-member £5.50 (one adult free with every child)

Meet a group of feathered friends from Festival Park Owl Sanctuary including a variety of owls, hawks and falcons that have been rescued and are unable to return to the wild.  See the birds close and learn how we can protect them. This will be followed by some bird of prey arts and crafts activities with the staff at Newport Wetlands. Booking essential.

The Big Bird Box Build

Newport Wetlands

Monday 25 February to Friday 1 March, 10.30am, 11.30am, 2pm and 3pm

RSPB members £6.40 / non-members £8

Make your own nest box for your garden as part of National Nest Box Week. Discover what birds might use it and how to look after it. Booking essential.

Tropical Encounters

Cardiff Castle

Monday 25 February, 10.15am, 11.30am, 12.45pm, 2.30pm

£4 per person; advance booking recommended

Meet a range of amazing animals from the tropical rain forest of the Amazon to the African Kalahari Desert for a chance to learn about their behaviour and habitats.

Build Your Own Nest Box

Bryngarw Country Park, Bridgend

Monday 25-Wednesday 27 February, 11am-3pm

£6.50 per child; must be pre-booked

Build your own bird box for your garden. All materials are provided. Adult supervision is required. Slots every 10 mins from 11am to 3pm. One nest box per time slot – if you have more than one child please book consecutive time slots.

Half term events

Bedwellty House

Nerf Wars

Tuesday 26 and Thursday 28 February

10.30am-12.30pm, ages 5-7 years; 1pm-3pm ages 8-12
£12.50 per child

A fun packed two-hour session which includes a variety of games that involve firing foam darts at opponents and targets with an exciting selection of Nerf blasters. Spaces are limited, so pre-booking is essential.

Louby Lou’s Pirate Pandemonium

Tuesday 26 February 26, 2.15pm-3pm

£8.50 per child, age 3+

Can you help the Louby Lou Crew and prove yourself to be a true pirate? Head off on a swashbuckling adventure to sail the seven seas, dodge the hungry crocodiles and find the hidden treasure. Join Louby Lou’s Storytelling for a fun filled interactive session with storytelling, games and even some chocolate coins. Event is held indoors but will involve an outdoor adventure if the weather is dry. Pre-booking is essential.

Mini Movers

Wednesday 27 February 27, 1.30pm-2.15pm

£3 per mini move aged 16+ weeks; free for those under 16 weeks

Enjoy exploring movement and music together through nursery rhymes and songs. The session will involve puppets, props and parachutes, musical instruments and lots more. Pre-booking is essential

FREE Wild Challenge Wednesday

Trelai Park, Caerau, Cardiff

Wednesday 27 February, 1

10am-3.30pm

Budding meteorologists can come along for a day of watching clouds, capturing rain, seeing which way the wind and puddle jumping as part of this Giving Nature a Home event.

Clay Nature Prints

Parc Slip Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre, Bridgend

Wednesday 27 February, 11am-1pm

£2 per child; ages 3+

Families will take a gentle walk to find different textures in nature, and then try imprinting them into air-dry clay. Booking is essential.

World Wildlife Day – Beach Academy Wales

Ogmore Beach

Sunday 3 March, 11am-12.30pm

£5 per child; aimed at children 6 and under

Searching, handling and spotting beach creatures. Contact beachacademywales@gmail.com to book.

FREE Stargazing

Porthkerry Country Park, Barry

Friday 8 March, 7pm-9pm

Join astronomers from Barry Astronomical Society for this public stargazing event at Porthkerry Country Park. Everyone is welcome to join in an evening of talks and presentations as well as observing through telescopes. Advance booking necessary.

FREE RSPB’s Take Family Action For Nature

Heath Park, Cardiff

Saturday 9 March, 10am-12pm

Help the Community Rangers give Heath Park a spring sort-out. Tools and guidance provided, no experience needed. Contact susan.ansell@rspb.org.uk to book.

FREE RSPB’s Take Family Action for nature

Maes y Coed Community Centre, Maes y Coed Road, Heath, Cardiff

Saturday 16 March, 10am-12pm.

Chop down bothersome bushes and plant new seeds in the wildflower meadow. Tools and guidance provided, no experience needed. Contact susan.ansell@rspb.org.uk to book

Heath Park Miniature Railway and Tramway

Heath Park, Cardiff

Sunday 17 March, 1pm-5pm

£2 entry per person; rides £2 each; children 3 and under free

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

Museums

National Museum Cardiff

See all National Museum Cardiff’s events here.

Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing

Friday 1 February-Monday 6 May

£5 adults/£4 concessions/16 years and under: Free

Twelve of Leonardo da Vinci’s greatest drawings are on display in Cardiff to mark the 500th anniversary of his death as part of a national celebration of the extraordinary artist. The drawings are from the Royal Collection which contains the world’s finest collection of Leonardo’s works. Buy your tickets on the day; limited availability.

FREE Half Term Workshops: Leonardo

Tuesday 26 February-Friday 1 March, 12pm-4pm

Creative hands-on workshops where you can find out more about the amazing artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci and be inspired by his works.

FREE After Dark: Leonardo – Science in art and art in science

Thursday 28 February, 6-9pm ALREADY SOLD OUT

The museum has teamed up with Cardiff University’s School of Engineering to provide a family friendly evening of scientific, hands-on activities and entertainment inspired by some of Leonardo da Vinci’s greatest ideas

FREE Poppies for Remembrance

Until Sunday 3 March

Last chance to see this exhibition which explores how the poppy became the symbol for remembrance. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the history of the poppy in all its diversity and reflect on how we engage with conflict both past and present through this enduring symbol. It also explores the science of poppy biodiversity, the many species of poppies worldwide and the threats to their existence. Part of the Welsh Government’s Wales-wide programme marking the centenary of World War One, called Cymru’n Cofio – Wales Remembers 1914-1918.

FREE Kyffin Williams: the Artist and Amgueddfa Cymru

Until Wednesday 1 May

This exhibition opened last year to celebrate 100 years since the birth John Kyffin Williams (1918-2006), arguably Wales’ most popular and prolific landscape painter of the 20th century. Born in Llangefni, Williams’ career spanned more than 60 year with his distinctive style depicting the rural landscape of Snowdonia, its cottages and hill farmers. He had a long history with Amgueddfa Cymru (National Museum of Wales) both as an artist and committee member and this display explores that relationship through artwork and archival material.

FREE David Nash: Sculpture through the Seasons

Until Saturday 1 September

David Nash is one of Britain;s most important artists and this exhibition marks the 50th anniversary of him living and working in Capel Rhiw – a former Methodist chapel in Blaenau Ffestiniog, north Wales. David Nash: Sculpture through the Seasons is the largest and most ambitious exhibition of David Nash’s work ever presented in Wales. It features key sculptures from the late 1960s to the present day, exploring the different ways the artist has cut, carved and manipulated wood to produce sculptures that sit between the abstract and figurative.

Museum ExplorAR: A living guide to the galleries

£10 per hour plus refundable deposit

A new way of looking at some of the museum’s most famous exhibits – thought augmented reality (AR) which brings the exhibits to life. Pick up a handset at the museum’s shop and use the handset for Monet’s Waterlilly Garden Experience; Underwater Life Experience; and Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Creatures Experience in either Welsh or English. Read our full review of the AR experience here.

FREE St David’s Day

Friday 1 March, 10am-5pm

Celebrate St David’s Day in the National Museum of Wales. Take a walk through Welsh history in the Evolution of Wales gallery and explore Welsh art. The cafes will be serving a special menu of a steaming bowl of traditional cawl as well as homemade Welsh cakes hot off the griddle.

FREE Lunchtime Concert

Sundays 3 and 17 March; 1pm

This concert by students of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama will feature a variety of musical instruments and pieces in either the Main Hall or one of the art galleries. No need to book; just turn up.

FREE Brain Games

Sunday 10 March, 11am-4pm

Celebrate Brain Awareness Week by discovering just how amazing our brains are with Cardiff University’s Neuroscience Division. Take part in experiments and hands-on activities to learn more about how the brain works. Find out how your brain tricks your eyes and make models of neurons plus have a go on an inflatable bouncy brain.

St Fagans National Museum of History

See all events at St Fagans National Museum of History here.

FREE LGBTQ+ History Month Takeover

Tuesday 19 February-Saturday 2 March

The Museum will be working with young people who identify as LGBTQ+ to host a pop-up show of their artworks as well as an activity day for families and workshops and activities run by young people at the Oakdale Workmen’s Institute.

See the website for details of daily events as well as family workshops on Saturday 23 February and craft and music activities on Saturday 2 March.

CoedLan High Ropes at St Fagans

Saturday 23 February-Sunday 3 March, 10.15am-4.30pm

£10 per person;

Tackle CoedLan’s 18 obstacles, including a balance beam, zig zag bridge, cargo net and a zip wire. No need to book in advance – buy your tickets on the day from the CoedLan desk. However if you’d like to guarantee a spot, you can book in advance by calling 029 2057 3322.

Participants must be 110cm tall and aged 6 or over in order to take part. 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. Read our review of the experience here.

FREE ENTRY St Fagans Makers Market

Saturday 23 February-Sunday 3 March, 10am-5pm

Pick up something special that you’d never find on the high street. There’s a chance to meet the makers and find out more about their crafts as they run workshops and demonstrations throughout the week.

FREE Victorian Activities

Monday 25 February-Thursday 28 February, 12pm-4pm

Fun family activities inspired by the Victorian era. Take a guided tour and find out what life was like for children in the 19th Century (free). Play with some traditional toys (free). There’s also the chance to make your own peg doll to take home for an additional cost of £2.

FREE St David’s Day crafts

Friday March 1

Family friendly craft activities for Wales’ special day (free)

FREE Meet the Objects: St David’s Day

Friday 1 March 11.30am (English), 1pm (Welsh) 2.30pm English

Head to the Wales is… Gallery to learn more about the tradition of wearing the Welsh costume and see the harp that once belonged to the composer of the Welsh national anthem.

FREE Lambing at Llwyn yr Eos Farm

Friday 1-Monday 25 March, 10am-5pm

Celebrate the start of spring with the annual baby boom in the lambing shed. You can also follow follow the progress of mums and babies on the Museum website via #lambcam.

FREE Meet The Objects: International Women’s Day

Wednesday 8 March 11.30am (English), 1pm (Welsh), 2.30pm (English)

To celebrate International Women’s Day, come along to the Wales is… Gallery to learn more about the banner made by Welsh suffragists and a rare example of an anti-suffragette doll. There will also be an opportunity to see newly-acquired collections, not yet on display, in the museum’s collections access centre.

Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon

See all events at Big Pit National Coal Museum here.

FREE From Mine to Museum Exhibition

Until Friday 29 March (open Mondays to Fridays

As Big Pit celebrates its 35th anniversary, this exhibition traces the history of Big Pit as it transformed from a working coal mine into one of UK’s leading museums and tourist attractions.

FREE Family of Miners Exhibition

Until 31 March, 9.30am-5pm

A photographic exhibition by Walter Waygood documenting mining and miners of Blaenafon from the 1970s onwards.

FREE Toddler Time in the Playlab

Wednesdays 13 March, 3 April, 15 May, 12 June and 17 July, 1.30pm-2.45pm

A monthly play session with themed activities and toys for little ones to enjoy plus story and rhyme time.

FREE Soft Play

Saturday 23 February-Sunday 3 March, 11am-4pm

Soft play in the Play Lab suitable for under 5s only. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Bats, rats and cats craft activities

Wednesday 27 February, 1am-4pm

£2 per child

Some animals worked underground at Big Pit helping the miners, others were not so welcome. Find out about the animals you might have found underground and in the surrounding area and make a craft to take home.

Dragons and daffodils crafts and face painting

Friday 1 March, 11am-4pm

£2 per child

Celebrate St David’s day at Big Pit. Wear your rugby shirt, your traditional Welsh costume or even dress as a coal miner and take part in Welsh-themed crafts and have your face painted.

FREE The Winding Engine

Winding House Museum, New Tredegar

Saturday 23 February and Saturday 30 March; 12pm

The Winding House Museum is built on the site of the former Elliot Colliery and its centre-piece is the original Victorian winding engine. This remarkable piece of machinery was used to operate the cages that transported men and coal between the surface and the mine below. The museum’s dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers maintain and run the engine for the public on the last Saturday of the month.

Half term events

Rhondda Heritage Park

Adults £6.95, children £5.75, family of 4 £19 (for the underground guided tour)

Explorer Experience (included in entry)

Tuesday 26 February, 10am-12pm and 1pm-3.30pm

Delve into the school rooms of the past by exploring some replica and original artefacts from the history of education in the Rhondda. Age guidance 5-11.

Tramroad Walk

Wednesday 27  February, 10am-11am and 12pm-1pm

£2 per person;

Step into the past and walk along Richard Griffiths’ Tramroad from the Welsh Mining Experience to Barry Sidings Countryside Park. Discover how the geology of the valleys and the people who lived there has shaped our world today. Book in advance.

Coal Scientists

Thursday 28 February, 10am and 12pm

£2 per person; age guidance 5-11

Take part in a science experiment and discover the fascinating facts behind the formation of coal. Book in advance.

CINEMA AND FILM

I’m focusing on special film events and cheap family screenings at holidays and weekends here, rather than regular cinema screenings.

FREE The Iron Giant (PG)

The Cardiff Story Museum

Wednesday 27 February, 1pm-2.30pm

Free family-friendly film screening. The Iron Giant is an incredible adventure about a young boy who discovers a giant robot from outer space. Come along to our family friendly film screening. See Arts and crafts section above for details of robot-making craft sessions at the museum from 10am-2.30pm; cost £1 per child.

How To Train Your Dragon 3: The Hidden World

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Friday 23-Thursday 28 February

(The screening on Friday 23 supports two local schools and one local Guide unit)

£3.50 advance booking

Memo Arts Centre offers low-cost film screenings in a 4K Sony Digital Cinema.

How To Train Your Dragon 3: The Hidden World

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff

Friday 23 February-Sunday 3 March

£4 adults; £3 children advance booking

Chapter Arts Centre is an independent arts centre and cinema offering low-cost film screenings.

Mary Poppins Returns (U)

Riverfront Arts Centre, Newport

Saturday 23-Wednesday 27 February

How To Train Your Dragon 3: The Hidden World (PG)

Friday 22-Saturday 23 March

£3

Family films at the independent arts centre.

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.