Activities in North Wales for Families

North Wales is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes, ancient castles, and action-packed adventures making it one of the UK’s best destinations for family holidays.

Whether you’re looking to connect with nature, dive into history, or enjoy thrilling activities, North Wales offers something for every age and interest. Here’s a guide to the best attractions and activities in North Wales for families which genuinely has something to appeal to all ages.

Explore Snowdonia National Park

No visit to North Wales is complete without exploring Snowdonia National Park — the beating heart of Welsh wilderness. Families can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities here, from challenging walks to adrenaline-fueled adventures.

You’ll be able to choose from six different walking routes up to the summit of Mount Snowdon, each of which varies depending on the level of difficulty you are willing to accept. For younger children and less experienced walkers, the Llanberis Path is the easiest of these routes. Alternatively, you can take the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit and enjoy the panoramic views along the way.

However, Snowdonia isn’t just about its biggest mountain. There are plenty of other attractions within the region including the increasingly popular ZipWorld Fforest adventure in Betws-y-Coed which is home to the UK’s only alpine rollercoaster, treetop net climbing activities and zip lines to name but a few of the many adrenaline fuelled activities on offer here.

Seaside Days Out

If you are looking to enjoy a traditional British day out at the seaside, then you’ll have plenty of famous seaside towns to choose from in North Wales which are perfect for families.

One of course is Rhyl where our Marine Holiday Park is situated. With its soft sands, long promenade and ample facilities, you’ll be able to treat yourself to some fish & chips or grab ice cream with ease throughout the day. Alternatively, you can head to the famous seaside amusement arcades and play some of the retro computer games.

Another seaside resort where we have a holiday park is Pwllheli. Here holiday home owners and holiday guests staying with us at Gimblet Rock benefit from direct beach access and can also walk along the scenic Pwllheli promenade right into the middle of the nearby town where you’ll find all the usual seaside town amenities.

One of the benefits of staying at Gimblet Rock Holiday Park is that you will also find yourself situated just a short drive away from the ever popular Abersoch. This is one of most popular seaside resorts in North Wales, with the beach being flooded with tourists whenever the sun has its hat on. However, it remains popular during the later months of the year too thanks to its thriving watersports community, with there being plenty of instructors and tutors on hand nearby to teach you all the basics that you’ll need to know about kayaking, waterboarding, jet skiing and more.

Those who are staying with us at Tan Rallt Holiday Park and any holiday home owners at Bryn Defaid Holiday Park meanwhile will have the option of taking the short drive down to Colwyn Bay beach. This is becoming increasingly popular with families on the back of the recent redevelopment of the seafront promenade which is now jam-packed with amenities including fast food kiosks, ice cream parlours, children’s play areas and a crazy golf course. There are even opportunities to charge your phone, tablet or laptop if you take a pew on one of the seafront benches on what is now one of the most forward thinking and modern promenades in the country.

Visit Historic Castles & Stately Homes

One thing that North Wales certainly isn’t short of is castles and stately homes. In fact, we have an embarrassment of riches, with countless well preserved medieval castles, some of which have been officially classed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

One of the most spectacular is Conwy Castle, a 13th century fortress with its towering walls and dramatic views over the estuary. Kids will love exploring the spiral staircases and walking the town walls, while adults will admire those memorable views.

Caernarfon Castle is another magnificent fortress from the medieval era which looks as though it has been lifted straight from a storybook. With its polygonal towers and impressive fortifications with walls which are reminiscent of those in Constantinople.

When it comes to stately homes, you won’t find many more impressive than Plas Newydd House, a waterfront mansion dating back to the 15th century which is home to an impressive collection of art and surrounded by beautiful gardens. There is plenty on-site here to keep the little ones entertained, with obstacle courses, playgrounds, playhouses and much more.

Ride a Heritage Railway

Step back in time and enjoy North Wales’ stunning scenery from the comfort of a steam train. Heritage railways are the way to go when you’re in North Wales, providing a relaxing and engaging day out for families.

There are two different options to choose from, with the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways being a good option for families with slightly older children. These narrow gauge trains wind through stunning Snowdonia forests, mountains and coastal paths. You can enjoy these views and take in the vintage smells on day trips to fantastic destinations such as Porthmadog & Caernarfon, with passengers given the chance to get off and tour before taking the return journey.

Another option is the Llangollen Railway which runs along the scenic River Dee. This is a great option for families with younger children, with themed rides including special Thomas the Tank Engine events and Santa Specials during the run up to the festive season.

Head to a Theme Park

Located near Caernarfon, GreenWood Family Park is the closest thing that North Wales has to a fully fledged themed park. In fact, it’s rather unique with its focus on eco-friendliness, being one of the only theme parks in the world to have a solar powered rollercoaster and a people powered log flume.

There are plenty of other family oriented adventures to be had on site, with forest play areas, mazes, crafts and nature trails with something to appeal to children aged 3-12.

The aforementioned ZipWorld Fforest adventure is another great option if you are looking for ways to entertain slightly older children. Alternatively, you could head to its sister resort in Blaenau Ffestiniog where you will find Bounce Below, a giant underground trampoline park which is situated in a disused mine. This features a web of bouncy nets, tunnels, slides and even an underground crazy golf course that the adults can also get involved with.

A Day at the Zoo

Located near Colwyn Bay, Welsh Mountain Zoo is home to animals from all over the world, including snow leopards, red pandas, and chimpanzees. In fact, there are over 1,500 animals from 100 different species on-site spread out over 60 enclosures. With animal encounters, daily talks, and a scenic hilltop location, it’s a brilliant and educational family day out.

If you are holidaying in North Wales with younger children, then you may also want to consider a visit to Pili Palas Nature World on Anglesey. It features a tropical butterfly house, meerkat enclosures, a farmyard area, and soft play zones. It’s both fun and educational — and conveniently located near Menai Bridge.

While you are in the area, you can also spend some time at the Anglesey Sea Zoo which lies on the shores of the Menai Strait. This incredible attraction focused on the local marine life, with interactive exhibits and plenty of information provided about the conservation initiatives the team are working on. The adjacent crazy golf course, children’s playground and on-site cafe ensure that it is a great destination for a family day out in North Wales.

Thrilling Activities For Families in North Wales

North Wales is a family paradise where rugged natural beauty meets captivating history and modern adventure. Whether you’re hunting for dragons in castle ruins, hiking through majestic mountains, or zip-lining through the treetops, this region delivers unforgettable memories for families of all shapes and sizes.

Pack your walking boots, bring your sense of adventure, and discover everything this magical corner of the UK has to offer when you book a luxury family holiday in North Wales with Pario Holiday Parks.