Top Cardiff Bay attractions to get the kids active during the holidays
WITH MANY ATTRACTIONS NOW RE-OPEN, IT’S TIME TO START PLANNING WHAT TO DO WITH THE KIDS THIS SCHOOL HOLIDAY
IT’S that time again - school holidays!
Keeping the kids entertained throughout the school holidays is a major challenge for parents everywhere. How do you keep them quiet without just plonking them in front of a screen?
With restrictions being eased, and more attractions now re-opening, there is no better time to get out and about and enjoy some fresh air with family and friends whilst also being Covid-19 safe.
Cardiff Bay has plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained during the school break without breaking the bank. And rest assured, there are Covid-19 measures in place to help you fully enjoy your day.
We have rounded up six family-friendly places to visit at the beautiful bay that will guarantee to put a smile on your child’s face.
So no matter what the weather’s doing outside there’s no excuse for staying away.
Because after all, it’s still the same ‘Diff, just a bit different.
1. TAKE A SELFIE WITH A CROCODILE
A little bit of vitamin sea always works wonders and a visit to Cardiff Bay Barrage offers stunning views over the bay and the Severn Estuary. It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours out with the family whether it’s a relaxing stroll or a bike ride. Thanks to its flat gradient and lack of steps, it’s accessible for all visitors. And best of all. It is free.
Make sure to check in with the enormous crocodile on the route, inspired by the popular children’s book by Roald Dahl, the Enormous Crocodile. It can be found on the barrage embankment near the large white sails. This cheeky chappie boasts the biggest smile in the bay and provides perfect photo opportunities for the whole family. Don’t forget to follow him on Twitter @CrocInTheDock. Better get snapping!
Get interactive, by downloading the bilingual Tiger Bay Trail app, in which little explorers can discover the area’s fascinating history from the animals you will meet along the way.
2. AN ADVENTURE ON THE WATER
If you want to explore Cardiff’s coastline, there’s no better way than by boat. And let’s face it, how many children do not like a boat ride? If being out on the water floats your boat, head to the waterfront, near Roald Dahl Plass, and discover the bay from the water.
The kids will enjoy being a sailor or a pirate for a few hours, or even a captain, while you explore the historic docklands area of Cardiff, now Cardiff Bay, see the famous sights and learn a bit about the history of the area.
You will take in numerous landmarks including the Millennium Stadium,
The Pierhead, the Wetlands nature reserve, the Senedd, Norwegian Church and so much more - depending on which boat ride you go on.
Jump onboard a waterbus and travel to Bute Park in the heart of the city centre or for thrillseekers hop on a high-speed boat (RIB) and have a blast around the bay or see Flat Holm Island, the most southerly point in Wales.
Double-check that services are running on the operators’ websites prior to setting off to avoid disappointment. More information can be found at www.cardiffharbour.com.
3. GO BIRD-WATCHING
For a nature-filled stroll head to Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve and go bird-spotting. Embrace the great outdoors, all eight hectares of it, and enjoy the peace and quiet.
The former saltmarsh has been transformed into a site, dedicated to nature conservation and is home to a rich diversity of plants and animals, including invertebrates, fish and other wildlife.
Download and print the Wetlands Wildlife Explorer (https://bit.ly/34CjBhm), and take the children on a fun tour of the reserve. Follow the map to find marker posts in and around the reserve, whether it is a toad, kestrel or wildflower, you can have fun and learn about the reserve’s special residents, and even do some colouring and take photographs at the same time.
Located on the northern shore of the bay between St David’s Hotel and the River Taff, it is easily accessible via a gravel walkway and boardwalk. What will you find on your adventure?
4. WET AND WILD
If your children enjoy getting wet and wild this could be the ultimate day out for them.
Cardiff International White Water (CIWW) is an exciting, on-demand, white water adventure centre located in the heart of the International Sports Village. There is a wide range of activities on offer including white water rafting, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding.
There is also family white water rafting, which sees the speed and level of the water lowered, so children as young as six can enjoy riding the rapids. There is expert training as well as all the equipment you need, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure.
For those who aren’t fans of water, the high ropes air trail course is a great alternative with high ropes, zip wires, bridges and swings. So there is something for everyone - get the kids up, out there and active.
Numbers are restricted due to social distancing requirements so check availability and book in advance via www.ciww.com.
5. OUTSIDE FITNESS
If your boisterous brood still has energy to burn, head to the Cardiff Bay Barrage for some outdoor fitness action. There are a number of fun leisure activities along the embankment including a children’s play area and free skate plaza which features ramps, half-pipes and rails for those who prefer to get by on wheels.
If you want to keep fit while enjoying the views the AdiZone open-air gym will ensure that you all keep your cool while working out.
The free outdoor sports facility is designed in the shape of the London 2012 Olympic logo and comprises of a modern 18 station outdoor gym, basketball area, football goal, tennis wall, climbing wall and an open area for aerobics, dance, martial arts, gymnastics and play. So there is plenty to keep your children busy.
6. LUNCH WITH A VIEW
We all enjoy a little wining and dining from time to time and Cardiff Bay has some of the best places to eat and drink in the city. With its beautiful waterfront backdrop, Mermaid Quay boasts a variety of restaurants and bars to suit many different tastes and occasions.
Nearby, The Red Dragon Centre also offers a fine choice of food outlets and a pub alongside its quality indoor entertainment. When something more casual is called for, you’ll find no shortage of cafes or coffee houses and there’s even a Portuguese bakery.
HOW TO GET TO CARDIFF BAY
By Car
Follow the signs for Cardiff Bay. From outside of Cardiff, on the M4 leave at Junction 33 and follow the A4232.
From the East leave at Junction 29, take the 3rd exit off the A48.
There are several car parks in the Cardiff Bay area, including Penarth side of Cardiff Bay Barrage (CF64 1TQ), Havannah Street (CF10 5SG) near Techniquest and St David’s Hotel, Stuart Street in Mermaid Quay (CF10 5BZ), Harbour Drive (CF10 4PA) near the Norwegian Church and Pierhead Street (CF10 4PH) near Wales Millennium Centre and The Red Dragon Centre.
By Public Transport
Don’t forget, if you are travelling by public transport it’s important to plan your journey as capacity will be reduced due to Covid-19 regulations. Ensure you check the transport provider’s website and double-check the timetable for any changes before setting off.
For more information, plus everything you need to know about visiting the city safely, head to www.visitcardiff.com or find @VisitCardiff on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.