Where to Visit in North Wales with Kids: School Holiday Ideas
North Wales and Anglesey are packed with things to do with kids during the school holidays, from beaches and castles to forests, animal attractions and adventure parks. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, primary-age children or teens, the area offers a brilliant mix of outdoor fun, scenic walks and indoor activities for wetter days. With a little planning, it’s one of the most rewarding and varied family destinations in the UK.
1. Zip World
If you’re visiting North Wales with older children or teenagers, Zip World is one of the biggest adrenaline draws in the UK. With multiple locations across the region, it offers everything from underground trampolines and forest coasters to high-speed zip lines and adventure courses. It’s especially popular during the school holidays and works well as a headline activity to break up beach days and castle visits. While some experiences have height or age restrictions, there are plenty of options suitable for families with confident older kids – and it’s a guaranteed hit if you’ve got thrill-seekers who need more than a playground to stay entertained.
2. Welsh Mountain Zoo, Colwyn Bay
A must-visit for families, this zoo is just ten minutes from Llandudno. Kids love getting up close to red pandas, lemurs, and penguins, while parents enjoy scenic hillside views. It’s perfect for a half-day or full-day family adventure.
© Visit Wales, © Welsh Mountain Zoo, © Visit Conwy
3. Gypsy Wood Park, Conwy
A charming woodland park designed with younger children in mind. With adventure trails, swings, slides, and nature-based play, it’s a magical outdoor day out. A quieter, relaxed alternative to the more adrenaline-fuelled attractions.
4. Greenwood Forest Park, Felinheli
Packed with rides, adventure playgrounds, and live shows, Greenwood is ideal for children under ten. It’s a fantastic family-friendly day out just outside Anglesey, with plenty of spaces to picnic or grab a snack.
GreenWood Family Park © Visit Snowdonia
5. Caernarfon Castle & Coed Helen Park
Explore the iconic castle and let kids run the ramparts while learning about medieval history. Nearby Coed Helen Park offers walks, picnic areas, and seasonal activities – perfect for combining history with outdoor fun. Family activities and sightseeing rolled into one.
6. Llandudno & Great Orme
Two beaches, a pier, and a land train between North and West Shore make Llandudno ideal for families. Take the tram up the Orme for spectacular views, explore soft play for rainy days, and grab some fish and chips. For older kids, the toboggan slope is a total thrill.
© Visit Mid Wales, © Wales Online, © Llandudno.com
7. Conwy & Rhos on Sea
Walk the medieval town walls, explore Conwy Castle, and go crabbing with the kids. Rhos on Sea has a splash pool, playground, and beach perfect for paddling or building sandcastles. Plenty of cafés and shops nearby make it easy for parents to enjoy some downtime too.
8. Snowdonia Adventures
Take the Snowdon Mountain Railway for a scenic train ride or try the Electric Mountain in Llanberis – both are great for younger children. Llanberis Lake and the village itself are perfect for gentle walks, playgrounds, and picnic spots. Mountain scenery without the mountain struggle.
© Visit Wales, © Visit Snowdonia
9. Anglesey Beaches & Pili Palas
East coast Anglesey beaches like Benllech, Newborough, and Rhosneigr are stunning for rock pooling, sandcastles, and seal spotting. Pili Palas Butterfly & Animal Park is a hit for little ones, while Tacla Taid transport museum adds a quirky twist. Perfect combination of sun, sand, and soft play.
10. Fun & Soft Play Options
- SC2, Rhyl: Water park, ninja tag, adventure play — a mix of indoor fun for all ages.
- The Fun Centre, Caernarfon: Soft play and climbing for toddlers and primary-age children.
- Cafés with a twist: Dylan’s in Anglesey, The Flowerpot Cafe in St Asaph, or Dockshack in Beaumaris – food and kid-friendly vibes rolled into one.
11. Railways & Steam Trains
The Ffestiniog and Talyllyn Railways are fun for little train enthusiasts. Watch engines being turned, enjoy scenic rides, and let kids marvel at the old-school trains. These are classic North Wales family attractions that appeal to all ages.
© Tripreporter, © Go North Wales, © Talyllyn Railway © Visit Anglesey
12. Castles Galore
From Caernarfon, Beaumaris, Conwy, and Harlech to the National Trust’s Plas Newydd and Penrhyn Castle, there’s no shortage of castles to explore. Many include playgrounds, picnic areas, and child-friendly tours – perfect for a half-day of family history adventures.
13. Outdoor Adventures & Walks
- Aber Falls: A scenic waterfall walk suitable for families.
- Coastal walk Trearddur Bay – Rhoscolyn: Gorgeous beach, seal spotting, and dramatic cliffs.
- Barmouth & Mawddach Trail: Hire bikes and cycle along the estuary with stops for ice cream.
- Llyn Peninsula & Harlech Beach: Sand, rock pools, and plenty of space for paddling.
Our favourite family holiday homes in North Wales
Want more inspiration for things to do with kids?
Checkout our other area guides below, perfect for family holidays in the UK.
