50-ish things to do in and around Cardiff over the Easter holidays

Two weeks off school! Or two weeks without your usual baby, toddler and pre-school groups. Luckily, there is so much going on in and around Cardiff to keep you and your children occupied. I’ve tried to include as many events as I can find – more than 50 so far! – but let me know if there are any I have missed. I’ll keep on adding to this list as I hear of more events, so do bookmark this post and keep coming back to it.

Events are split into the following categories: Easter-themed events; Theatre, performance and literature; Cinema; Historical; Outdoors and wildlife; Historical; Science-based, and are listed in each category in order of start date.

All events are subject to change. Please check details with the venue beforehand.

The official Easter holiday dates for schools in Cardiff are the weeks of March 30^th and April 6^th, with children back in school on April 13^th. However, there are a few fantastic things happening in the following week, so I’ve included those too, marked as term-time.

EASTER-THEMED EVENTS

Easter Craft Workshops

Cwmcarn Forest, Crosskeys

Saturday 28^th March-Wednesday 1^st April

Easter Clay Bunny Workshops – Saturday 28^th March, 11am-2pm (3 sessions available). £5 per child. Age guidance: 5+.

Lamb Egg Cup Workshops – Monday 30^th March, 10am-2.45pm (4 sessions available). £2.50 per child. Age guidance: 4+.

Spring Flower Pot Decorating – Wednesday 1^st April, 10am-2.30pm (4 sessions available). £5 per child. Age guidance: 5+

All these events need to be pre-booked. http://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/cwmcarnforest/events/events

Easter Trail

Cardiff Castle

Saturday 28^th March-Sunday 12^th April

Suitable for all ages, look for the clues hidden around the castle and its ground.

Normal admission or a valid Castle Key, plus £1 per trail including a prize.

http://www.cardiffcastle.com/whats-on/2015/03/28/easter-holidays/

Easter Egg Treasure Trail

Hendrewennol, Bonvilston, Vale of Glamorgan

Sunday 29th March to Monday 6th April

Hendrewennol is a pick-your-own farm famous for its strawberries. This Easter, however, you’ll be searching for something different as the explore the bluebell trails and wooded walks, in the form of clues that will lead you to your prize of an Easter egg.

https://hendrewennol.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

Easter Fun

Cardiff Castle

Monday 30^th March-Friday 3^rd April, 11am-4pm

The castle is offering a range of Easter events, including egg decorating workshops at 11am each day (pre-booking essential and an additional cost of £5 for one adult and child, £2.50 per additional person); egg rolling at 12pm and 2pm, and egg and spoon races at 1pm and 3pm.

Normal admission or a valid Castle Key

http://www.cardiffcastle.com/whats-on/2015/03/28/easter-holidays/

Party Fizz Easter Parties

Christchurch Scout Hall, Lake Road North, Cardiff

Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd April

Thousands of pre-schoolers across Cardiff will know Party Fizz Liz for her Music With Mummy and Jolly Babies classes, as well as the awesome birthday parties she runs. These Easter parties are 1 hour and 45 minutes long, and will include Easter themed party action songs, musical instruments, parachute games, dancing and musical games, bubbles and an Easter egg hunt, plus refreshments and a chance for little ones to play. Aimed at children aged 5 and under, there are parties for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

http://www.partyfizz.co.uk/?page_id=2101

Egg Hunt

National Museum Cardiff

Friday 3^rd-Monday 6^th April, 11am-4pm

This spring-themed treasure hunt will help families to explore the museum, as they hunt for clues. Entry to the museum is free, as is the hunt.

http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/cardiff/whatson/?id=8028

St Fagans Easter Hunt

St Fagans National History Museum, Cardiff

Friday 3^rd-Monday 6^th April, 11am-2pm

A series of clues will take you around the site and lead you back to your egg-citing prize. Entry to the museum is free, but the hunt costs £2 per child. Age guidance: 3+.

http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/stfagans/whatson/?id=5515

Easter Eggstravaganaza

Llancaiach Fawr Manor, near Nelson

Friday 3^rd and Monday 6^th April

The 17^th century manor will be hosting springtime and activities suitable for families. Normal admission applies.

http://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/llancaiachfawr/events/events-2014

Cadbury Easter Egg Trail

Dyffryn Gardens, near St Nicholas

Friday 3^rd-Monday 6^th April, 11am-3pm

Explore the gorgeous gardens of this National Trust property while you hunt for hidden clues. Finding them all will lead you to a Cadbury chocolate egghead prize! Normal admission applies, plus £2 per trail.

Easter Hunt and Face Painting

The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay

Saturday 4^th and Sunday 5^th April, 12-5pm

A free Easter hunt and face painting.

http://www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk/2015/04/04/

Easter Paw Trail

Cwmcarn Forest, Crosskeys

Easter Sunday 5^th April, 10am-4pm

Follow a series of clues to find all the paw prints to lead you to the Golden Egg. Entry to Cwmcarn Forest is free but the trail is £4.50 per child, including a prize.

http://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/cwmcarnforest/events/events

Easter Fun at Ikea

Ikea, Cardiff Bay

Dates and times to be confirmed

Yes, that’s right! Ikea! There’s a whole host of Easter activities, including arts and crafts workshops, Easter egg hunting and face painting – not to mention their free soft play sessions while you go and shop.

http://www.ikea.co.uk/cardiff

Easter Activities

Mountain View Ranch, Caerphilly

Dates and times to be confirmed

Easter events in the pipeline include a Gruffalo trail, guinea pigs, a tree house and a fairy wishing well, as well as a daily Easter Trail, bunny petting, archery and campfire.

http://www.mountainviewranch.co.uk/

THEATRE, PERFORMANCE AND LITERATURE

Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival

Venues across the city centre

Tuesday 24^th-Sunday 29^th March

With 50 events featuring everything from pooping dinosaurs, wimpy kids and crime-solving detectives, to pirates, princesses and rainbow fairies, this is a true celebration of literature for children in both English and Welsh. Some of the events are ticketed but there are other free ones taking place too.

Boxy and Sticky

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff

Tuesday 31^st March-Thursday 1^st April, and 6^th April

Theatr Iolo present this mischievous theatrical adventure for 2-5 year olds, and their families. The two playful and imaginative characters revel in games that are full of mischief, dressing up and wordplay. They eventually learn that cooperation and empathy can make playing together even more fun.

http://www.chapter.org/boxy-sticky

Little Notes: The Tale of Barnabus Bear

The Gate Arts Centre, Keppoch Street, Cardiff

Tuesday 31^st March, 11am

Little Notes is a pre-school class that introduces and explores live music to pre-schoolers in Cardiff. This interactive presentation will see under 5s and their families singing lots of songs and listening to real instruments being played.

http://www.thegate.org.uk/event/little-notes-the-tale-of-barnabus-bear/

Justin and Friends: Mr Tumble’s Circus, CBeebies Live

Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

Wednesday 1^st and Thursday 2^nd April

Justin Fletcher and a host of other CBeebies favourites come to the stage in this circus-themed arena spectacular filled with songs, games and fun. Mr Tumble and other Tumbles join forces with Gigglebiz favourites Keith Fitt, Dina Lady, Gale Force and Arthru Sleep, as well as Cat Sandion and Swashbuckle presenter Gem to help save the day and get Mr Tumble’s Circus to town on time.

http://www.cbeebieslive.com/ or www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

The Sooty Show

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Thursday 2^nd April, 11am and 2.30pm

Sooty has been appearing on our TV screens for more than 60 years now, delighting audiences with magic and mischief. The live stage show features Sooty, Soo, Sweep and TV partner Richard Cadell as they prepare to celebrate Sooty’s birthday. As you might expect, things don’t go to plan; Sooty and Sweep get messy baking the birthday cake and Soo is having trouble deciding which dress to wear. Izzy, wizzy, let’s get busy!

Out Of The Blue

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff

Friday 3^rd-Sunday 5^th April

Back by popular demand, Out Of The Blue is an ideal first theatrical performance for babies and toddlers aged 6-18 months. Babies are not expected to be quiet – rather, Theatr Iolo want to encourage them to respond to the captivating images and intriguing sounds however they like – gurgling, laughing, chattering. The show is around 25 minutes long, with an opportunity to stay and play for a further 10 minutes, with babies and parents able to sit on the floor on cosy duvets and cushions, with chairs at the back also available.

http://www.chapter.org/out-blue

Spring Dance Development Course

National Dance Company Wales, The Dance House, Wales Millennium Centre

Tuesday 7th-Thursday 9th April

A chance for young dancers to work with the professionals at Wales’s premiere dance company. Classes are available for children aged 9-13 and 14-19, with the opportunity to develop technical experience, creativity and musicality, as well as choreographic skills.

http://www.ndcwales.co.uk/en/get-involved/dance-house/spring-dance-devleopment-course/

Egg-citing Puppet Tales from Around The World

Cwmcarn Forest, near Crosskeys

Friday 10^th April, 2pm-3pm

Fiona and her magical puppets journey around the world in this performance, which brings to live stories of mystical creatures and adventures.

Booking essential. £4 per adult, £2.50 per child. Age guidance: 4+.

http://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/cwmcarnforest/events/events

Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom

New Theatre, Cardiff

Wednesday 8^th-Thursday 9^th April, 10am, 1pm, 4pm

Fairy princess Holly and her friend Ben the Elf live in a little kingdom full of adventure and magic. The popular television characters come to the stage in a show filled with games, songs and laughter as Ben and Holly helping Gaston the ladybird clean his messy cave and plan a surprise birthday party for King Thistle.

The performance lasts for around an hour and a half, with an age guidance of 3 and above.

Cirque Eloize: Cirkopolis

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Wednesday 8^th-Saturday 11^th April

Age guidance: 8+

This internationally-renowned company bring together circus, dance and theatre in a fast-paced display of acrobatics, music, images and drawings. Twelve acrobats rebel against the monotony of life in an imposing factory-city, challenging the limits of their world. Age guidance: 8+.

Transition

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff

Friday 10^th-Saturday 11^th April

Eleven-year-old Ella is a ballerina, learning to go en pointe. Her father, Jem, is 50, a professional contemporary dancer and doesn’t approve of Ella’s passion for ballet. Transition explores their shifting relationship through dance, conversation and film. Created by National Theatre Wales in association with Theatr Iolo and Run Ragged, this show was shortlisted for the best dance production at the recent Wales Theatre Awards. Age guidance: 7+

http://www.chapter.org/transition-0

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Tuesday 14^th-Saturday 18^th April (term-time)

“A phenomenal combination of storytelling and spectacle” is how The Times described this highly-acclaimed National Theatre production. Based on Mark Hadden’s award-winning novel, the stage show has won seven Olivier Awards and impressed critics across the board. It tells the tale of 15-year-old Christopher, who has an extraordinaty brain – he is exceptional at maths but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. Age guidance: 11+

Stick Man

Sherman Cymru, Cardiff

Tuesday 14^th-Wednesday 15^th April (term-time)

Julia Donaldson’s classic picture book is brought to life for the stage in this award-winning production. Combining puppetry, songs, live music and movement, it follows Stick Man as he ventures out from the family tree and into the wide world where a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him and he ends up on a fire! Will he ever get home to the family tree?

http://www.shermancymru.co.uk/performance/children/stick-man/

CINEMA

(I’m focussing here on cheap-price kids’ club films, plus independent cinemas. The big Easter children’s releases are Cinderella, The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water and Home)

Big Hero 6 (PG)

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff

Friday 27^th-Sunday 29^th March and Tuesday 31^st-Thursday 2^nd April

Disney’s 3D-animated superhero action comedy is the story of the special bond that develops between inflatable robot Baymax and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.

http://www.chapter.org/big-hero-6-pg

Penguins of Madagascar (U), Paddington (PG), Tinkerbell and the Legend of the Neverbeast (U)

Movies for Juniors, Cineworld, Cardiff

Saturday 28^th March – Thursday 2^nd April

Tickets are £1.50 per person. Movies for Juniors listings from Friday 3^rd April currently not available.

http://www.cineworld.co.uk/whatson?cinema=cardiff

Odeon Cinema, Cardiff Bay

Kids’ Club listings not available. I’ll update when they are. Tickets are £2.50 per person.

http://www.odeon.co.uk/kids/

HISTORICAL

Written In The Stars

National Roman Museum, Caerleon

Saturday 21^st March-Sunday 19^th April, 10am-5pm

Visitors can follow the starry trail around the museum for a prize. Astrology was important in Roman times, with medicine and even battles influenced by where the stars were. Entrance to the museum is free, but the trail costs £1.

http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/roman/whatson/?id=7837

Dinky Dragons

The Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff

Friday 10th April

The under 5s are invited to take over the museum for the regular monthly pre-schoolers day. As well as all the usual hands-on exhibits exploring Cardiff’ s history, there will be rhyme and story time, messy play and detective trails.

http://cardiffmuseum.com/content.asp?nav=174,261&parent_directory_id=2

Tudor Herbs and Hygiene

St Fagans National History Museum

Saturday 11^th-Sunday 12^th April, 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm

A chance for families to see what life was like for a Tudor herbalist, as you help her to concoct pomanders, washballs and sweetbags. Entry to the museum is free, as is the workshop.

http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/stfagans/whatson/?id=7993

Build A Lego Castle

Caerphilly Castle Great Hall

Wednesday 8^th-Thursday 10^th April

A chance to build a replica of Caerphilly Castle – with Lego bricks! This joint-venture between Cadw and Welsh Lego Education Innovation Studios, youngsters will take part in a two-hour workshop that will see them re-create the iconic Welsh castle. Spaces are limited so booking is essential. Age guidance: 7+

http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/about/news/pack-your-imagination-for-create-with-cadw-workshops-this-easter/?lang=en

OUTDOORS AND WILDLIFE

Miniature Railways and Tramways

Heath Model Railway, Heath Park, Cardiff

Sunday 5^th and Monday 6^th April, 1pm-5pm

This is such a fab and fun family day out. The whole family can go for rides on miniature steam, diesel and electric trains, plus a tram. Entry is £1.50 per person and each ride is £1.50 per person. Under 3s are free.

http://www.cardiffmes.com/

Coal, Canals and Chieftains Walk

Cwmcarn Forest, Crosskeys

Saturday 11^th April, 10am-3pm

This strenuous nine-mile walk takes in the historic canal, woodlands and views across the channel. Walkers will learn about the history of coal in the valley and the role the canal played in its success. Age guidance: 10+. Admittance to Cwmcarn is free but this walk costs £5 per adult and £3 per child.

http://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/cwmcarnforest/events/events

Bat Discovery Day

Bute Park Education Centre, Cardiff

Saturday 11th April, 2-5pm

Bat-themed storytelling, crafts and seed planting, plus the chance to meet a bat, suitable for all ages.

www.cardiffbats.org.uk

St Fagans National History Museum, Cardiff

Tuesday 7^th-Friday 10^th April, 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm

Explore the water pits at the museum’s tannery, as you look for fish, newts and other creatures who have made their home here. This family-friendly event is free, as is entrance to the museum.

http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/stfagans/whatson/?id=7984

Birds Of Prey

Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay

Friday 3^rd and Monday 6^th April

Falconry UK will be giving you the chance to see their magnificent birds of prey up close.

SCIENCE AND NATURAL SCIENCE

I Spy… Nature: Family Workshop

National Museum Cardiff

Tuesday 7^th– Sunday 12^th April, 11am, 1pm and 3pm

The I Spy… exhibition has been running at the museum for a while now and is a great chance for children to understand more about scientists and explorers work. This workshop gives budding scientists the chance to use microscopes and magnifying glasses. Entry to the museum and the workshop are both free, but the workshop needs to be booked on arrival at the museum, as places are limited.

http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/cardiff/whatson/?id=8030

Meet the Curator: Natural Sciences gallery talk

National Museum Wales, Cardiff

Tuesday 7^th April, 1.05pm

One of the museum’s curators will give an introductory talk about some of their favourite objects in the natural sciences gallery. This event is free but needs to be booked at the information desk on arrival. Age guidance: 8+

http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/cardiff/whatson/?id=8029

Cardiff Astronomy Festival

National Museum, Cardiff

Saturday 18^th April, 10am-4pm

This free event celebrates Cardiff Astronomical Society’s 40th anniversary with space-themed family activities.

http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/cardiff/whatson/?id=8035

The Great Egg Race

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay

Monday 30^th-Friday 3^rd April and Monday 6^th-Friday 10^th April

Forget traditional egg racing on spoons…. At Techniquest, you can use k’nex to design a wacky vehicle to transport your egg to victory.

Amazing Eggsperiments

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay

Saturday 28^th March-Sunday 12^th April

This show dedicated to the humble egg in celebration of Easter. Fun experiments will help you discover how to tell if an egg is boiled or raw, rotten or fresh, as well as how strong an egg is and why they turn solid when heated.

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