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Top 5 Best Family Activities in North Wales
North Wales is one of the most diverse holiday destinations in the world, making it a fantastic choice when you are looking for somewhere that can keep every member of the family entertained.
From beautiful beaches and dramatic mountains to historic castles, scenic railways and exciting adventure attractions, there is an incredible variety of things to see and do in the region. Whether you are travelling with toddlers, teenagers, grandparents or even the family dog, you will find plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories together.
The great thing about a North Wales family holiday is that you do not need to spend a fortune to have fun. Some of the best activities in North Wales actually cost very little, while others provide a full day of entertainment for the whole family. To help you make the most of your next visit, we have picked out 5 of the best family activities in North Wales, from traditional seaside days to memorable adventures that children will be talking about for years to come. Let’s start off with a family activity North Wales is perhaps most famous for…
1. Spend a Day on the Beach
Sometimes, the simplest family days out are the ones that create the best memories, and spending a day beside the sea is a North Wales tradition that never goes out of fashion. With miles of coastline and a wonderful selection of seaside resorts to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice when deciding where to put down your bucket and spade.
Abersoch is a fantastic option for families, with its beautiful sandy beach, sheltered waters and spectacular views across the Llyn Peninsula. It is particularly popular during the summer and provides opportunities for swimming, paddling and watersports, while the seaside town centre is conveniently close by for whenever you need refreshments.
Pwllheli offers another excellent choice on the Llyn Peninsula, combining a traditional beach experience with the facilities of a lively seaside town. Further east, Colwyn Bay provides a wide stretch of sandy beach backed by an attractive promenade, while Rhyl is perfect for families looking for a classic British seaside experience complete with amusement arcades and plenty of places to grab traditional fish & chips or ice cream.
Whichever North Wales beach you choose, the recipe for a great family day is wonderfully straightforward. Build sandcastles, paddle in the shallows, tuck into fish & chips, enjoy an ice cream and challenge each other to win a prize in the seaside amusements. It is difficult to think of better activities in North Wales for families than this.
2. Go For a Coastal Walk
If you want to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Welsh coastline without spending much money, heading out for a walk along the North Wales coast is another of the great activities in North Wales for families which doesn’t have to cost you a thing.
The North Wales section of the Wales Coast Path passes through some of the region’s most beautiful coastal landscapes, giving families the opportunity to enjoy fresh sea air while taking in views across the Irish Sea. You do not need to tackle a lengthy section of the route either. Simply choose a suitable stretch and walk as far or as little as you like before turning back.
One of the best places for a family coastal walk is Colwyn Bay, where the seafront has undergone a major multi-million-pound redevelopment. The improved promenade provides attractive places to sit and enjoy the views, while new and enhanced facilities give children plenty to do along the way.
Youngsters can burn off some energy by tackling obstacle courses, playing hopscotch or visiting the playgrounds, while families can also enjoy a game of crazy golf. These regular interruptions ensure that kids remain entertained along the way, allowing the parents to soak up the views and the fresh sea air. It is also a great choice for dog owners with Colwyn Bay promenade being dog friendly throughout the year as long as pets are kept on a lead.
This ensures that no member of the family needs to be left behind. Few family activities in North Wales are as inexpensive, flexible and rewarding as this
3. Visit a Castle
North Wales is home to some of the most impressive medieval castles in Britain, so visiting one should be high on your list of family activities in North Wales. Exploring a castle allows children to step away from their screens and discover what life was like hundreds of years ago, while parents can enjoy the fascinating history and spectacular architecture.
One of the best choices is Conwy Castle, an imposing medieval fortress overlooking the town and the Conwy harbor. Built during the reign of King Edward I in the late 13th century, the castle remains remarkably intact and provides an extraordinary insight into medieval military architecture from the period.
Its towers, battlements and enormous stone walls make it feel like a genuine adventure from the moment you arrive. Children can climb the towers, walk along the battlements and imagine what it would have been like to defend the castle centuries ago. The views from the top are also top draw, stretching across Conwy and towards the surrounding countryside.
Conwy is far from the only option. Caernarfon Castle, Beaumaris Castle and other historic fortresses across North Wales offer equally fascinating opportunities to combine sightseeing with an educational experience that does not feel like a school lesson.
4. Take a Retro Train Ride
For something completely different, climb aboard a heritage railway and discover North Wales from the window of a beautifully preserved train. A journey on the Welsh Highland Railway is an especially memorable experience for families, combining the nostalgia of old-fashioned steam travel with some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
The railway winds its way through the heart of Snowdonia National Park, passing mountains, lakes, forests and valleys as it travels between popular North Wales destinations. For children, the excitement of boarding a steam train can make the journey feel like an adventure in its own right, while adults can appreciate the chance to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Some journeys provide the opportunity to travel to destinations such as Porthmadog and Caernarfon, where you can disembark and spend around an hour or so exploring, visiting local attractions or finding somewhere to enjoy a bite to eat before boarding the train for the return journey.
5. Go Crabbing
If you are looking for one of the cheapest activities in North Wales for families, why not take the children crabbing? It is a wonderfully simple pastime that can provide hours of entertainment without making a major dent in your holiday budget.
You do not need an expensive collection of equipment. A small crabbing line or net, a bucket and some suitable bait are generally enough to get started. Bait can be as simple as a small piece of bacon, while the bucket allows children to get a closer look at their catch before returning the crabs safely to the water.
Marine Lake in Rhyl is a particularly popular location for crabbing, with the waters providing ample opportunities to spot and catch these fascinating little critters. Children can spend hours watching the water, checking their lines and eagerly seeing whether a crab has taken the bait.
The real appeal is that crabbing turns a simple activity into an adventure. There is an element of anticipation every time the line comes back up, and even if the crabs are not particularly large, youngsters can learn more about the creatures that live around the North Wales coast.
Book a North Wales Family Holiday with Pario
These are just 5 of the many great family activities in North Wales that will help keep all ages entertained. From traditional seaside days out and scenic coastal walks to medieval castles, steam trains and simple seaside adventures, there’s so much to see and do in the region that no two days out need be the same.
A stay at a Pario Holiday Park provides an ideal base for experiencing the many activities and attractions that make the region such a popular family holiday destination. With our holiday parks being located in some of the most sought after North Wales holiday destinations, you can enjoy a comfortable base located within easy driving reach of many of the regions best attractions.
So what are you waiting for? Book your next family holiday in North Wales at a Pario Holiday Park and begin the countdown to your next unforgettable adventure.