As the capital and largest city in Wales, you’re spoilt for choice if you’re looking for things to do in Cardiff with toddlers.
Whether you’re looking for soft plays, museums, cultural icons or parks, we’ve got something for you in our list right here.
We’ve explored all the old favourites and newer ‘must-visits’ to bring you a list of the very best attractions in Cardiff for young kids. Indoor and outdoor, free and ticketed, a whole day out and a few hours — whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got it.
Let us know if we’ve missed your top Cardiff toddler venue!
Fun Things To Do In Cardiff With Toddlers
Techniquest
Techniquest is a Cardiff institution that we’re sure many mummies and daddies will remember visiting as children! Well, it’s even better now than it used to be.
It’s a huge science centre that encourages kids to get really involved with loads of hands-on activities and experiments. While the majority of the centre is geared towards slightly older kids, Techniquests hosts special Toddler Days where the little ones take priority! Make sure you book ahead and check dates on their website.
Toddlers are encourage to explore and get involved on their special days. There’s even an amazing water area that little water babies will love so be sure to bring them a change of clothes.
Roath Park
If you fancy taking advantage of the great outdoors while you’re in Cardiff, head to Roath Park, which has plenty to do for all ages.
Two brilliant playgrounds can be found in the Botanic Garden and the Recreation Ground, while the Wildlife Explorer Trail is a great way to discover all the fauna and flora in abundance here. There’s also a 30-acre lake for boating, pleasure gardens, a wild garden, Trim Trail, free to use tennis courts, a café and an ice cream kiosk.
On-street parking can be found nearby and the park is open from 7.30am until 30 minutes before sunset (although the recreation ground is open 24 hours).
Cefn Mably Farm Park
Around half way between Cardiff and Newport is the much-loved Cefn Mably farm park. Younger kids and toddlers are particular fans of the petting zoo, which contains many of the farm animals.
Kids aged between 2 and 14 years are able to ride the ponies, and there’s also a train that will take you around the entire park. Older kids will love the crazy mini golf too. There’s also a large covered picnic area so you can refuel and relax whatever the weather.
Admission prices are very reasonable and free for children under 18 months. They’re also variable depending on peak/off peak times.
See more: 14 Best Farm Parks in the UK
Ants Inya Pants Play Centre
If you’re looking for an indoor soft play experience, then you certainly want to take a look at Ants Inya Pants just off the Newport Road. It’s the perfect size for you to be able to keep an eye on your little one and they offer good value 2 hour play sessions.
Everything a toddler could want can be found here on this brilliant play frame: slides, tunnels, ball puts, zip lines and cannons! There’s also a great café with a large seating area, allowing you to relax with a hot drink and a snack while watching your children have fun.
If you live in the vicinity of Ants Inya Pants and are likely to come here often, it may be worth investing in an annual pass for your child.
Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle is a medieval castle although its history dates all the way back to the 1st Century AD. It’s one of the heritage gems of Wales and, as such, well worth a visit with children of any age.
As well as the beautiful outdoor parklands to explore which surround the castle, there’s an incredible Norman Keep to climb (complete with trebuchet), castle apartments and wartime shelters to explore, a military museum and much more.
There’s a great kitchen and bar with an incredible view across the castle grounds for when you need refreshments, and they even have a kids menu. Family tickets can be bought for admission although bear in mind that under 5s go free!
Air Venture
For something a little bit different, take a look at Air Venture when you’re next in Cardiff. This inflatable theme park is an absolute must-visit with kids and toddlers who’ve got a lot of energy to burn!
There’s over 500 square metres of wall-to-wall inflatables include a huge obstacle course, a slide, an intriguingly named ‘jelly mountain’, wipeout balls and a ‘basher forest’. Little ones will love the toddler area, away from the heart of the action, but still with plenty to do.
Air Venture can be found inside Western Leisure Centre and is open Friday to Sundays, as well as during the week on school holidays.
Cardiff Story Museum
The Cardiff Story Museum is one of the most kid-friendly museums in the whole of Cardiff. It’s located right in the city centre and is a display of the city’s history inside an iconic historical building.
This is a great way to introduce your toddler and young kids to history. The collections and displays are colourful and easy to read, while there are plenty of interactive opportunities to get them involved too. It’s free to enter and you’ll only need about an hour to explore the museum.
Dyffryn Gardens
Dyffryn Gardens is a National Trust property just outside of Cardiff near the village of Dyffryn. It’s home to a number of beautiful botanic gardens which are perfect to explore with young kids in good weather.
The estate dates all the way back to 640AD although the gardens are designed in an Edwardian style over 55 acres. Aside from some of the incredible garden rooms, one of the biggest attractions at Dyffryn is the arboretum, which is home to trees from all over the world. There’s also a really fun log stack area which kids will love.
Food and drink are available at the Gallery Café, and toilets/baby changing areas can be found all over the estate.
123 Jump Play Centre
123 Jump Play Centre is a popular indoor soft play chain across the South West, and their site in Cardiff is actually the largest of its kind throughout the whole UK at a whopping 27,000 square feet!
There are three large play frames: an enchanted castle, space zone, and a galleon. There’s lots of extra fun as well with a football pitch, massive inflatables and a giant area especially for toddlers. Parents and carers can keep a close eye on their little ones from the café and seating area.
Themed play rooms are also available if you’d like to host a party here and they have frequent activities on every week as well, including the ever-popular Jumping Beans dancing club for toddlers.
Castell Coch
Castell Coch is found just outside of Cardiff in the village of Tongwynlais. It’s a 19th Century castle in the Gothic Revival style (although dates all the way back to the 13th Century) that is incredibly striking to look at — some even describe it as a ‘fairy tale castle’.
It’s decorated and furnished incredibly beautifully inside in a way that’ll bewitch any child or toddler already taken with Disney Princess aesthetics.
Children under 5 can enter for free although be aware that the steepness of the entrance bridge may prove a little difficult if you’re using a buggy or a wheelchair.
Zone Play
Zone Play is an indoor playcentre for kids up to age 11 just on the outskirts of Cardiff. It’s split over two floors with the upper level dedicated to a party room and kitchen.
There’s lots to do here for toddlers, including a special 0-3 year old section which even has its own playframe alongside the bigger frame for older kids. There’s also a toddler climbing wall, slides and various child-friendly exercise equipment.
Parents and carers can settle into the café on the main level which allows you to have drinks and foods while still being able to keep a close eye on your little ones. Prices are very reasonable and adjusted according to term times/weekends, as well as by age.
Barry Island Pleasure Park
Made infamous by TV’s Gavin and Stacey, Barry Island is a great spot to take the kids and it’s only around 10 miles outside of Cardiff.
The Pleasure Park — also known as Treasure Island — is probably the most loved attraction by kids of all ages and is comprised of many different fairground rides. There’s a mix here of classic rides that will suit younger ones, all the way up to more thrill-chasing rollercoasters and more. There are about 20 kids rides and attractions to enjoy. Entry to the park is free although you will need to pay for the individual rides.
As you might expect from a fair, there are also lots of street food kiosks, as well as your usual sweets, ice cream and doughnuts to buy. All this and you’re right on the seafront too — a perfect day if it’s sunny!
St Fagans National Museum of History
St Fagans village is just outside of Cardiff and is home to the St Fagans National Museum of History — an open air museum presenting a history of life in Wales over the years.
The beautifully re-erected historic houses — including a farm, school, chapel and houses — are home to a number of galleries showing what life in Wales has been like through the eyes of the people. You’ll also be able to spot traditional craftsmen and women at work — it’s a really interactive museum that kids will love to get involved with.
There are also native breeds of livestock to be found grazing over the 100 acres of parkland and there are regular demonstrations of daily farming tasks to be seen as well.
Entry is free and there are toilets and picnic facilities on site. You may struggle pushing a buggy into some of the historic houses so bear that in mind if your child isn’t walking yet.
Infinity Trampoline Park
Infinity is an incredible trampoline park in Cardiff that’s home to over 70 inter-connected trampolines, as well as a basketball zone, balance beams, performance beds and much more.
Kids under 6 are best suited to the ‘Toddler Takeover’ sessions, which are currently held Friday to Sunday from 10 to 11. It’s not suitable for younger children under 12 months but 1-5s are welcome, although you will need to strictly supervise your child while they bounce — 1 adult can supervise up to 2 children.
There are also special ‘inclusivity’ sessions that are well suited to children and adults with ASD, ADHD, and development delay. These sessions see lower levels of music, more visual aids, chill out areas and regular, trained staff.
National Museum of Cardiff
The National Museum is in the city centre of Cardiff and is a combination of museum and art gallery. Entry is free and it’s a great option to help your kids discover a bit of culture and history.
While the art galleries are world renowned, kids are probably most likely to enjoy The Evolution of Wales exhibition which takes you on a journey starting with dinosaurs and wooly mammoths all the way to the present day. Make sure you take a look inside the Clore Discovery Centre as there’s plenty of hands-on activities with insects, fossils and even Bronze age weapons! There’s also a Virtual Reality experience to enjoy as well.
The museum is closed every Monday (aside from Bank Holidays). There are toilets, a restaurant and a café on site, as well as a shop.
Looking for another location? Check out our Days Out section for more ideas.
