Guest post. Cardiff is full of activities that will make your little one smile. From active adventures to interactive experiences, there's something unique for everyone. Make sure you check out all of these fun things to do in Cardiff! 

Cardiff is an incredible city. It is so compact that exploring the city on foot, by bike or on public transport is easy. It has a rich history, fantastic green spaces, and a cracking food and drink scene. From Cardiff Castle, where you can explore the magnificent walls and its secret history, to splashing around in the pool, enjoying the waves and slides. Cardiff Bay is perfect for all ages of the family, with waterfront walks and breathtaking views. So, what are you waiting for?

Treetop Adventure Golf

Are you looking for an epic adventure? Trek into Cardiff's lushest rain forest, where thunder rumbles, ancient spirits stir, and mini-golf reigns supreme. Tackle the Tropical Trail or the Ancient Explorer, the indoor, 18-hole golf course.

Located on Level 3 of St David's Shopping Centre in Cardiff City Centre is TreeTop Adventure Golf. It is ideal for all ages and it's inside so perfect for a rainy day. They also have a bonus, the 19th hole. Bob allows every player to test their skills and win a free round. But beware, any shonky shot makers will get a generous helping of Bob's famous banter.

Open daily between 10:00 and 22:00. To play, there is a fee and pay and display parking.

National Museum Cardiff

The National Museum of Cardiff has fixed exhibitions, touring events, and free admission. It houses Wales' national art galleries, geology and national history collections. Alongside the Natural History Museum is the story of Wales from the Big Bang to now. It is recommended that you spend three hours here to do it justice. 

Open Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 and 17:00. Open Bank Holiday Mondays and until 21:00 on the first Thursday of the month. Free entry. 

A short walk from the National Museum is the Cardiff Story Museum which tells how the city has grown and changed from a small market town to one of the biggest ports in the 1900s. It focuses on the people who have lived, worked and shaped Cardiff with interactive displays, photographs and film. 

Open daily from 10:00 to 16:00. Free entry. 

Get hands on with history at the National Museum Cardiff

St Fagans National Museum

St Fagans Museum is also known as the Museum of Welsh Life. You can see re-erected buildings from all over Wales. A school, tollgate, workshops, a working bakery, woollen mill, chapel, barns and even a pub. A visit is incomplete without a trip to the farm to see the pigs, lambs and cows. Plus, fish and chips or a Welsh cake. 

Not only is St Fagans dog-friendly, but it also has free entry. Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. The car park is £6 per day and is free for disabled badge holders and motorbikes.

Cardiff Castle

Wales is the land of castles. There are more than 600 of them in the small country. That's more per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Cardiff Castle is located within beautiful Bute Park in the city centre. Over 2,000 years of history is here. Roman soldiers slept here, noble knights held court here, and architect William Burges was given free rein to create the amazingly lavish and opulent interiors; each breathtaking room is rich with murals, stained glass, gilding and superb craftsmanship.

Bute Park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. It's one of the most relaxing things to do in Cardiff. Visit the arboretum, chill out on the grass, or stroll along the peaceful River Taff, with 130 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland to explore.

Cardiff Castle is open to visitors seven days a week. The castle grounds are free to enter. There is a fee for a tour or exploring the buildings. However, you can get your own Key to the Castle if you live or work in Cardiff.

Step into history at Cardiff Museum

Infinity Trampoline Park

Do your children have endless energy? Then Infinity Trampoline Park is the perfect place for them. The venue has lots of trampolines to jump on, arcade games, pool tables and more. Look at their website to spot toddler sessions where your little ones can enjoy playing with their peers. Parents only have to jump with the kids if they want to. They can watch them in the surroundings of the trampoline mats or the cafe.

Open daily from 10:00 with prices starting from £4 for toddlers and £11 for children. There is a free car park on-site. 

Cardiff International Pool

Bordering the freshwater lake created by Cardiff Bay Barrage is the International Sports Village. You'll find Cardiff International Pool with a 50m Olympic swimming pool. There's also a leisure pool with flumes, a lazy river, Space Bowl, slides and a toddler area. If swimming isn't for you, there is a state-of-the-art gym, leisure centre and group fitness classes. Plus, a health suite with a sauna, steam room and spa. 

The pool is at the International Sports Village. Here you can ice skate in Cardiff Ice Rink. As well as booking lessons, you can book a public session. Take to the ice and glide around. Children can even hire a penguin skating aid if they need more confidence on the ice. The Cardiff Devils, an Elite League Ice Hockey team and the only one from Wales, also play here. 

Cardiff International White Water provides whatever watersport you want; they will have it covered! With an indoor wave, a simulated surf machine offers the thrill of bodyboarding. Get harnessed up, cross the high ropes timber structure towering above the white water course, and try the challenging Burma Bridge, Monkey Swing, Barrel Crawl and Zip Wire. Other activities include canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, hot dogging and more. Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre (CBWAC) offers many action-packed activities and sports, such as rowing, sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, power boating, fishing and archery.

Experience activities for a range of ages at Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre

Techniquest

The science centre, Techniquest, engages people of all ages, but it is very popular with families. There are currently 120 exhibits. Including a planetarium, you can sit amongst the stars and enjoy tales and myths about the constellations. You can also launch your own rocket or make a smoothie by riding a bike. 

Open daily between 10:00 and 17:00. There is an entrance fee and nearby pay and display parking. 

Techniquest is just one of the things to do in Cardiff Bay. If you want to spend the day here, other ideas include walking across Cardiff Bay Barrage or through the Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve, and at the Red Dragon Centre, there's a cinema, bowling and restaurants. 

Fforest Fawr Sculpture Trail

The awe-inspiring woodland behind Castell Coch has lots to discover. There are three walking trials to follow. However, the Fforest Fawr Sculpture Trail is a family favourite and follows the story of a sleeping giant who lives in the woods. During the spring, the forest is renowned for its display of bluebells. The spot is popular with dog walkers too. 

Open during daylight hours, with no entrance fee and a free small car park.

The beautiful Fforest Fawr will appeal to old and young thanks to the sculpture trail

Roath Park 

Roath Park has an interesting history, including that Jimi Hendrix once woke up on the island after a gig in 1967. Walk around the lake or hire a rowboat; children can wear themselves out in the outdoor play park. There is plenty of thriving wildlife, including ducks, geese and swans – that don't mind getting too close for comfort. Further along, is the Wild Garden, Botanic Garden, Pleasure Garden and recreation grounds, making it one of Cardiff's most family friendly attractions. 

Open from 07:30 until 30 minutes before sunset, with no entrance fee and free on-street parking. 

Mambo Play Centre Cardiff

Mambo Play Centre is an excellent place for younger children, especially on a rainy day, as it's indoors. They will be entertained for a while with different play areas, frames, ball pits, slides, bridges and soft play. There are also go-karts, arcades, amusements and a baby sensory area. Whilst they are having fun, you can refuel with a coffee and cake in the cafe. 

The centre is open seven days a week from 09:30, with a small entrance fee depending on the child's age. There is free parking. 

Fun with Kids Cardiff

Have you found enough things to do in Cardiff with the kids? If you are watching the pennies, there are over 50 free things to do in Cardiff, which all of the family will enjoy. With so much on offer, your kids will never get bored in the Welsh capital. 

About The Author

Katrina Rohman is a Marketing Manager in the tourism industry and has over 15 years of expertise in the field. She runs the website Real Girls Wobble, a multi-award-winning local travel and staycation blog focusing on things to do in her hometown of Cardiff and the surrounding areas. She is a passionate cider drinker, spiced rum enthusiast and a cook-from-scratch advocate. On weekends you'll find her hiking with her rescue dog, Ivan, or exploring a local heritage site.