The sun is shining and the May half term is upon us. But the school break does not need to break the bank as there are lots of free activities to enjoy in Wales, especially now the sun is out.
May half term takes place from Saturday, May 27 to Sunday, May 4. For more inspiration about what to do during the May bank holiday read our guide to the big events in Wales here.
And here we look at some of the best free events this May half term. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here.
READ MORE: You can pick your own dahlias at a Welsh farm shop this summer
1. Hay Festival
The yearly Hay Festival is back in Hay-on-Wye. There are lots of different events, some which are free, to enjoy from literacy talks, famous guests, yoga, food, drink and craft stalls and much more.
The festival is running from Thursday, May 25 to Sunday, June 4. You can book your tickets, even the events that are free require tickets and find out everything you need to know about the festival on their website.
2. Elan Woodland Fair
Taking place in the Elan Valley is the Elan Woodland Fair on Monday, May 29. The one-day fair includes a craft and food fair with local producers, and information stalls with local charities and organisations and is free to attend. You can find out more here.
3. Victoria splash pad
The Victoria Park splash pad will open just in time for half term on Saturday, May 27. The £485,000 facility opened for the first time in 2016 on the site of the former paddling pool in the Canton park.
The splash pad has 33 fun features for children to enjoy and is often a busy attraction for families during the late spring and summer. Located in the middle of the Grade II-listed park, the splash pad features water sprays, jets, and a giant tipping water bucket. Set across three separate zones, the splash pad has been designed for toddlers, juniors, and families.
4. Margam Park
There are some great free activities happening at Margam Park in Port Talbot during the May half term. This includes Farm Day Crafts, Louby Lou and the Swashbuckling Pirates for storytelling and create a card craft. You can read more about the free events here.
5. National Waterfront Museum
Swansea's National Waterfront Museum is free to enter and tells the story of Wales’ industrial history over the last 300 years. The museum is open every day from 10am to 5pm and is currently running some great exhibitions.
6. Newport Wetlands
The Newport nature reserve is open daily for people to spot the numerous species of birds in this haven for wildlife. With an outdoor children’s play area, the centre welcomes children and families.
7. Singleton Park
Hopefully, the half-term will have good weather meaning you can get out and enjoy Singleton Park in Swansea. There is a play area, duck pond, and Botanical and Ornamental Gardens to explore. Or, if you’re willing to pay, take a trip on a swan or dragon boat around Singleton Boating Lake. The boats are open to use between 11am and 5pm with a standard price of £8 or a concession of £6.
8. Insole Court
Insole Court Mansion and stable yard (which includes The Potting Shed Cafe) is open to the public every day between 7.45am and 10pm and is free to visit.
9. St Fagan's National Museum of History
St Fagan's National Museum of History is free to enter and charts the history of Welsh life. The museum is open every day from 10am to 5pm and there are currently two fab exhibitions running alongside the rest of the museum.
10. Lido Ponty
Lido Ponty is also open if you want some free water fun. The Lido is free for children aged 16 and under, with tickets £3 for adults and those who wish to go on the inflatables need to buy an activity band for £2.50.
11. Comeston Lakes
The lakes, located just outside of Penarth, have plenty of spaces for picnicking and wooden walkways so you can walk around the lakes. There is a play park and a re-constructed medieval village meaning the lakes have plenty for little ones to explore.
12. Blackpill Lido
Another great lido to enjoy in the sunny weather is Blackpill Lido in Swansea. The lido is a must when the weather is good with its superb paddling pool, children's play area, climbing rock and picnic facilities. The Lido is open every day from 9am to 5pm.
13. Fforest Fawr Sculpture Trail
While Castell Coch is not free to enter, it is surrounded by ancient woodland, full of different walking and mountain biking trails. One of these trails is the Fforest Fawr sculpture trail, with wood carvings of the animals that used to roam the woods for children to spot.
14. Barry Sidings Country Park
You'll never regret an afternoon at Barry Sidings just outside Pontypridd. There are walking trails, bike trails and a play park for little ones and if you're minded, a great cafe to get a hot chocolate or burger at.
15. National Roman Legion Museum
The National Roman Legion Museum allows you to step back in time and see what life was like for the Romans that built the Caerleon fort in Wales over 200 years ago. You can see ruins of the fort, Roman artefacts, and even download a Caerleon app with games and audio tours for children.
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