Whether you live in North Wales, or are visiting the area, the six superb things to do in North Wales for families, listed below, certainly help you to plan for some great days out.
Our Top Picks of Things To Do In North Wales For Families
North Wales really does have so much to offer, so much so that it’s difficult to narrow ‘things to do’ down to just six. Castles, country parks, historical museums, supervised fun activities and even a zoo make up a truly superb offering, all backed up by absolutely glorious views.
1. Minera Lead Mines and Country Park
Source: Chris Andrews – Minera Lead Mine
Why not explore and lose yourself in the workings and marvel of the great industrial past at the Minera Lead Mines and Country Park? Head off to the wonderful Clywedog Valley where you’ll find up to 53 acres of lovely woodland and grassland to enjoy along with archaeological sites and a variety of wildlife to spot.
The Visitor Centre/museum offers a fascinating insight into the working of the mines during the 18th and 19th centuries and the restored workplace buildings certainly set the scene. There really is lots to explore along with lovely walks and great scenery to gaze at. It’s an ideal location within which to enjoy a picnic too!
Horse riders and cyclists can also use the path that exists along the old railway line that used to be used for the steam train to haul lead out of the site, for delivery to customers.
Directions to the Lead Mines and Park
Sat Nav: LL11 3DU
At Coedpoeth turn opposite the old Five Crosses Pub, taking the B5426 (Minera Hall Road) signposted for Minera and follow this road for just over one mile until you reach the site entrance and car park on the right. Look out for brown signs marked Pyllau Plwm Lead Mines.
Dogs are welcome (Providing they are under control)
2. Ruthin Gaol Museum
Source: Wikipedia – Llywelyn2000
This amazing Pentonville style prison will open your eyes to what life was like for prisoners back in the Victorian times. Explore how prisoners lived, what they were fed and what punishments they endured at the Ruthin Gaol Museum.
There are cells to investigate, including the condemned cell. Also just who was the Welsh Houdini and find out about the last man to be hanged at the prison.
The prison was constructed in 1654 and the building itself is fascinating when viewed externally and internally, from an architectural point of view. Its use as a prison ceased to be during the year of 1916.
Opening hours are Wednesday to Monday 10.30am to 5.00pm from 23rd March to 30 September. (Last entry is 4pm). The entrance fee is £9.00 for adults and £7.00 for ages 5 to 17. Under 5s enter free of charge. Dogs are welcome.
Directions
Sat Nav LL15 1HP
Search for Clwyd Street, Ruthin, North Wales.
Ruthin is a beautiful historical town based in North Wales, just 30 minutes from Chester. If you have the pleasure to stay in one of the luxurious B&B’s or even at Ruthin Castle, there is plenty to do. Why not have a read of our guide on what you can do in Ruthin if you have 48 hours to spare.
3. Welsh Mountain Zoo, Conwy
Source: Wikipedia Jeff Buck
Enjoy the array of animals at the superb Welsh Mountain Zoo and marvel at the displays, demonstrations and there’ll also be some daily informative talks from staff. This caring zoo caters for many different types of animals including some rare and endangered species from around the world. A special treat for kids is to watch the Sea Lions being fed and trained.
There are lovely wooded paths to wander along and you’ll find nice grassy slopes too, which are ideal to weather bathe on or perhaps enjoy a picnic. If you would rather visit the Zoo’s Penguin Cafe you’ll be able to take in some fantastic views whilst you enjoy your refreshments. There’s also the Safari restaurant too for a range of tasty offerings.
By the way, if you have little ones, don’t forget to pop along to the Childrens’ Zoo. The Jungle Adventureland and the Tarzan Trail means fun for kids of all ages – and even adults too! Be sure to visit the Zoo Shop as well, to browse over a lovely range of gifts and sweets.
There really is so much to do at this wonderful Zoo, whatever your age all placed within a superb setting. The Zoo’s Gardens are a delight and boast many fascinating collections of plants from around the world, including some which are now considered to be quite rare.
For this amazing day out, adults entrance fee is £18.40, whilst for kids aged 3 – 17 it is £13.85. Before you go check on opening times, but the hours of opening are usually 9.30am to 6pm, but this can vary.
Directions
Sat Nav LL28 5UY
Search for: Old Highway, Colwyn Bay, Conwy,
4. Go Below, Betws-Y-Coed
Plenty of fun for adventurous and fit people here!
This great experience offers you activities within caverns, waterfalls and even lakes abyss waterfalls. Choose from a whole range of exciting underground adventures including zip lining, abseiling, boating or climbing. You can actually abseil down to the deepest point in the UK!
A day out at this amazing underground location is surely going to get your pulse racing and your adrenaline pumping. No experience is needed and fully qualified and experienced instructors will be supervising to ensure you are safe at all times. All safety footwear and equipment for the day is provided.
There are various levels starting with The Challenge for 5 hours, which is currently priced at £59 -£65 (Minimum age is 10 years). Or you can choose The Hero Extreme Trip for 6 hours, priced at £89 – £99 (Minimum age is 14 years). If you are feeling brave, you can opt for The Ultimate Extreme Trip for 7 hours, priced at £99 – £119. (Minimum age is 18yrs).
You could enquire too about the Deep Sleep experience here, if you fancy a night’s sleep approximately 1,375 feet below ground in the world’s largest and deepest disused slate mine. The overnight sleeping arrangements in the wonderful cabins in this location are truly worth experiencing! Again, qualified and knowledgeable instructors also have their own sleep-over cabins so you’re not going to be left alone overnight.
When booking, depending upon which trip you book, be sure to ascertain which starting point you should attend to meet up with your instructors.
For more information check out their website here.
Directions
Sat Nav LL24 0PN (Or Check, when booking, if you should use ‘Tanygrisiau Railway Station’ for Sat Nav instead)
Contact: 01690 710108.
5. Gypsy Wood Park, Caernarfon
Gypsy Wood Park is situated in the Snowdonia foothills, just outside Caernarfon this truly is a great outdoor Family Fun Park.
There really is something for everyone of all ages here, including pedal go karts, a Fairy hunt as you walk around, a maze to enter and ponder in – and even face painting activities to keep the excited little ones smiling even more.
Within the 20 acres of wonderful woodland in the park, you will see a range of lovely animals including ponies, alpacas and pigs, along with guinea pigs and rabbits – and many others too. You can also experience the superb mini train attractions too and sample, for example the fantastic Woody’s railways. There is genuinely so much to do – and so many different types of activities on offer – that it truly is worth exploring this wonderful Park’s website.
Do bear in mind that dogs are not allowed. Open from 18th March to 29th September, 10.30am to 5.30pm, you can take a picnic to eat in the park but, if you prefer, the Dragon Cafe is there to supply you with delicious refreshments.
Enjoy the Fairy, Dragon and Pixie themes as you walk around and don’t forget to visit the lovely Gift Shop for a great selection of themed items, along with a fine selection of pocket money toys. Bags of appropriate feed for the animals can be bought at the shop and everyone is politely asked not to feed any of the animals with any leftovers.
Tickets can be bought online or at the Park entrance and do remember to wear suitable footwear and clothing if you are planning wetland walks.
Directions
Sat Nav LL55 2YA
By Road: Take the A487 out of Caernarfon to the village of Bontnewydd. At the roundabout take the first left towards Llanberis. Gypsy Wood is 400 yards on the left.
By Train: To plan your journey by train call 0845 48 49 50
6. Beaumaris Gaol and Courthouse Museum
Source: Wikipedia Ian Taylor
This fascinating museum really is worth a visit! Built in 1614 it is one of Britain’s oldest courthouses and is over 400 years old. This amazing building and infrastructure boasts great historical interest and you can also view a fabulous collection of artefacts. There is also an on site shop.
Originally built in 1829, the prison was closed in 1878 and became a Police Station until the1950s. Becoming a museum in 1974, this superb historical site offers an insight into the history of the penal system in Wales.
A visit here will enable you to explore the harsh conditions that prisoners experienced in the 19th century, even though methods used were considered to be more lenient – and indeed more humane – than methods used previously within the prison system. Here at Beaumaris, the use of securing prisoners by chains and whipping them was the norm. Also, being placed in isolation in a dark Cell was considered an acceptable method of punishment back in those times. The penal treadmill was also in action! The courtroom certainly sets the scene and is still in good working order and could be put to use for cases if needed.
Opening hours are 10am to 5pm with the last entry being 4pm. There is nearby parking.
Tickets for the joint Beaumaris Gaol and Courthouse Museum visit is £7.50 for children and £10.50 for adults. (There are discounts for pensioners). Family ticket prices are available.
Directions
Sat Nav LL58 8EP
Address: Steeple Ln, Beaumaris LL58 8EP
Our roundup of the best things to din in North Wales for Families
North Wales is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities. They offer a diverse range of experiences that capture the region’s rich history and natural beauty. From exploring the fascinating industrial past at Minera Lead Mines and Country Park to discovering the grim realities of Victorian prison life at Ruthin Gaol Museum, there is no shortage of engaging, educational sites.
Families can also enjoy the Welsh Mountain Zoo’s stunning array of animals, embark on thrilling underground adventures at Go Below in Betws-Y-Coed, and spend a whimsical day at Gypsy Wood Park. The historic Beaumaris Gaol and Courthouse Museum provides an insightful look into the past.
Finally, whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are countless things to do in North Wales for families, making it an ideal destination for memorable days out.
