With the big kids safely back at school, it’s time for the babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers of South Wales to reclaim the parks, soft plays and other attractions during the week (until the next school holiday, at any rate). Here are seven big attractions in South Wales which run dedicated toddler days, with extra activities laid on especially for pre-schoolers.

I’m so sad all my children are now at school – I’m going to miss all of this so much!

Have I missed any? Do let me know!

For more ideas of local family-friendly events, follow Cardiff Mummy Says on Facebook Instagram or Twitter.

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay

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.

Held on the first Friday of the month during term time, admissions costs £5.50 online or £5.70 on the door (including Gift Aid donation) for accompanying adults, with under 4s free.

Upcoming dates, all 9.30am-4.30pm

Friday 5 October – Get Spooky

Friday 9 November – Pirate Playtown

Friday 7 December – Sparkles and Snowflakes

Friday 11 January – Around the World

Friday 8 February – Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Friday 8 March – Springtime Sunshine

Friday 3 May – Creepy Crawlies

Friday 7 June – Fairytale Frolics

Friday 5 July – At the Seaside

Read our review of a previous Techniquest Toddler Day here.

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

FREE 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

Friday 16 November 2018

Friday 14 December 2018

Friday 18 January 2019

Friday 15 February 2019

Friday 15 March 2019

Friday 12 April 2019

Friday 17 May 2019

Friday 14 June 2019

Friday 19 July 2019

National Museum Cardiff

FREE Every Friday during term, National Museum Cardiff invites children and their parents to explore the museum through play. There are boxes of toys, games and books in the different galleries, themed toys and activites with museum staff between 1.30pm and 2.55pm; a story time session at 3pm and crafts and games relating to each week’s theme.

11am-4pm; check the website for upcoming themes.

Read our review of a previous National Museum Cardiff Toddler Time here.

The Cardiff Story

FREE The Cardiff Story opens its doors to the under 5s on the second Friday of every month, with play, rhymes, stories, detective trails, craft, messy play, music and more. Plus plenty of interactive exhibitions bringing to life the history of Cardiff.

Upcoming dates, all 10am-3pm; Rhyme Time and Story Time at 11am and 3pm

Friday 14 September

Read more about what else you can find at The Cardiff Story in our review here.

Parc Play

The indoor/outdoor play centre runs toddler days on term-time Fridays in the spring, with everything from magicians and circus skills to exotic animals entertaining children. There’s also an outdoor sandpit, mud kitchens, climbing frames, slides and a dedicated toddler play area.

Adults £1; under 2s £2.50 or free with an older sibling; 2-3 £4.50; 4-12 £6

Upcoming dates, Parc is open 10am-6pm; events typically start at 10.30am and 2.30pm

Friday 14 September – Closer to Nature with RSPB Mud Kitchen potions

Friday 21 September – Seaside

Friday 28 September – Macmillan Coffee Morning with Biscuit / Cake decorating

Friday 5 October – Family

Friday 12 October – Going to the zoo

Friday 19 October – Seasons – Autumn (Falling Leaves)

Friday 26 October – Halloween

Read our review of a previous Parc Play Toddler Day here.

Greenmeadow Community Farm, Cwmbran

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.

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

Read our review of a previous Baby and Toddler Tuesday at Greenmeadow Community Farm

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Mountain View Ranch, Caerphilly

The freerange outdoor adventure centre sometimes runs spontaneous toddler days during term time if the weather is looking good. Although the park is generally open daily, not all the activities run on off-peak. Keep an eye on  their Facebook page for announcements and more details.

Off-peak admission £4 per person aged 18 months+; family of 4 £15; family of 5 £18. (Peak admission £6 per person aged 18 months+; family of 4 £23; family of 5 £28 –includes all events)

BE QUICK!! Toddler Day Thursday 13 September

Includes 11.30am and 1.30pm Toddler Story; 12pm and 2pm Free Jumping pillow sessions

Read our review of what you can expect at Mountain View Ranch here.