South Wales Echo

OUTANDABOU­T

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Right next to the new Pontypridd Lido this park which underwent a facelift along with the outdoor swimming pool is impressive.

There’s so much to do – slides, swings, wooden train, sand pit, tunnels for the kids to climb through – and with a picnic area and lots of outdoor space in the park you can stay here all day.

The park has a wide range of facilities including tennis courts, pitch and putt golf course, bowling greens, football and cricket pitches and a bandstand.

Six-time recipient of the Green Flag Award, the park also hosts some big events throughout the year including Big Welsh Bite, Mega Family Fun Day and a fireworks display. With more than 100 hectares of land and water there’s always something interestin­g to see here.

Some areas of the park are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest to protect the rare plant and animal species.

With paths for walks around the lake there’s also a fun play area for the kids. On the western side are the Dovecot Fields separated by Sully Brook running through the middle.

There are also remains of a medieval dovecot. Situated in the country park is a reconstruc­ted 14th-century medieval village where costumed guides show visitors around the period buildings.

One of Cardiff’s most popular parks. With a Victorian feel, the park was built on 130 acres of reformed bogland. The land was donated to the city in 1887 by the Marquis of Bute and was officially opened in 1894.

After a walk round the lake feeding (with feed from the park rangers not bread) the array of ducks, swans and other water birds there’s nothing better than a trip to the park for some fun and a go on the big slide and maybe an ice cream.

This is just perfect for budding nature detectives. With outdoor pursuit, picnic, outdoor activities the 500-acre Aberdare site is packed with fun and if a day isn’t enough why not pitch up for a few nights at the park’s campsite?

Scale the climbing wall or bring your bike and cycle the many trails or visit Combat Zone for live laser.

Another popular Cardiff park among families. Named after Queen Victoria and opened to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

The original 1898 bandstand was demolished after falling into disrepair but, in 1998, a replica of the original bandstand was built on the original site. Although the much-loved paddling pool is currently being changed into a splash pool there’s still lots of play activities for children to enjoy including a zip-wire.

This Barry park is brilliant for those families who love the great outdoors.

With 220 acres of woodland and meadows as well as a pebble beach there’s lots to explore.

The park also has a picnic site, barbecue area, 12-hole pitch and putt golf course, an impressive viaduct and the all important adventure playground with swings, climbing frame and slide.

Running alongside the River Taff, the Cardiff park covers a large area and consists of sports pitches, tennis courts and two children’s playground­s.

The parks have numerous swings, slides, climbing frames and floor games as well as the Taff Trail cycle path.

Set in 22 acres, the Newport park is surrounded by beautiful grounds and gardens.

As well as a children’s play zone it has bowling and tennis facilities and is popular with dog walkers.

This Merthyr Tydfil Park is home to 17 aces of parkland. Known locally as a

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