As the cost of living crisis continues, finding things to do this half term may seem like it might be squeezing the bank. However, there are plenty of free activities to enjoy in Wales during the week-long break.
The half term school holiday runs from Monday, October 31 to Friday, November 4 here in Wales and there is lots going on during that week and on the weekends either side, especially with both Halloween and Bonfire Night taking place during that time.
From Halloween experiences to firework displays and everything in between, here is a roundup of some of the best free events so you can happily leave your purse at home.
READ MORE: Trick-or-cheap! Mum-of-two shares six ways to save £90 on Halloween whilst keeping the kids happy
1. City of Arcades, Cardiff
There will be lots going on in Cardiff as part of the City of Arcades celebration during half term and many of the activities are free. Events include the Night of the Animal Wall book reading and arts and crafts.
This event is free and taking place at different times across the week. There will also be free walking tours of the city to enjoy, a family-friendly city centre animal sculpture trail and the return of Cardiff's night market which you can read more about here.
For the full itinerary and timings of the City of Arcades click here.
2. Mumbles Pier’s Halloween Experience
There's lots to do with the family this Halloween at Mumbles Pier and on October 31, children can take part in an interactive storytelling experience, where Flossie Fairy needs their help in helping Dopey Derrie the fairy find her wings. It will include wand-making, scavenger hunts, singing, dancing, bubbles and even a snow machine. Creepy costumes are encouraged at this event, so bring your witches' hats, vampire teeth and scary suits for a frightfully fun-filled experience.
The Halloween magic doesn't stop at All Hallow's Eve. From November 1 to November 4, there will be magic shows, crafting, cupcake decorating and even creepy critters to meet on the pier - which is all free of charge - and will help keep little ones busy during half term. For more information, see here.
3. Swansea Bay fireworks
This year's free fireworks display from Swansea Council can be seen around Swansea Bay. Get the best view of the fireworks from the beach or along Swansea Prom between the Civic Centre and Brynmill Lane. The will be activities before the firework display which kicks off at 7pm and food and drinks options include a hog roast, burgers, hot drinks, beer and sweet treats. The event will run from 6-8pm. You can read more here.
4. Welsh Museums Festival
Taking place in museums across Wales is the Welsh Museum Festival with many of the events free. There will be arts and crafts, science events, talks and historic days out.
The events will take place at a selection of Welsh museums including Haverfordwest Town Museum, Pontypridd Museum, Gwynedd Museum and National Museum Cardiff. You can find out more about the Welsh Museums Festival here.
5. Mumbles Laser Show, Swansea
There's a show in the sky with a difference this year down in Mumbles with a 'cutting edge' laser show in place of fireworks and it's free, too. Hosted by Mumbles Community Council, there are also going to be food stalls and fairground rides. The lasers will start at 6.30pm on Thursday, November 3.
6. Insole Court, Cardiff
Insole Court Mansion and stable yard (which includes The Potting Shed Cafe) is open to the public at Llandaff in Cardiff every day between 10am and 4pm and is free to visit. The only paid element of the mansion is the exhibition 'This House is a Stage'.
7. Cosmeston Lakes, Penarth
The lakes, located just outside of Penarth, have plenty of spaces for picnicking and wooden walkways so you can walk around the lakes. With a refurbished playpark and a reconstructed medieval village, the lakes have plenty for little ones to explore. There is also a cafe for refreshments. Find out more here.
8. Halloween at Margam Park, Port Talbot
Inviting families to come along dressed in their spooky outfits at Margam Park in Port Talbot, you can enjoy Halloween fun at Margam Park. There will be arts and crafts and the chance to learn about bats and spiders on Monday, October 31. This event from 11am to 3pm is free but donations are welcome.
There are lots of other activities going on at Margam Park during half term week. You can get more information here.
9. 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 at.
10. Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare
Dare Valley Country Park contains over 200 acres of open space, and the area is packed with things to do. It’s home to the Gravity Family Bike Park, where riders can take on mountain-side trails, and the country park is also a Dark Sky Wales site, which means it offers perfect night sky conditions for gazing at the stars and taking in the world's natural beauty.
If you plan to take the little ones here, they'll love the huge adventure playground, which has enough slides, swings and climbing frames for all to enjoy. Not to mention there is also a smaller toddler play area for the littler ones near the visitor centre and reception.
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.
Just around the corner is the Forest Stoves and Fires Cafe where you can stop for a cup of tea.
Singleton Park, Swansea
The play area located at the bottom of Singleton Park has now re-opened. Set just behind the duck pond, children can play in the park for free, or feed the ducks. The wide expanse of Singleton Park also offers the Botanical Gardens - with a greenhouse and koi fish pond - and the 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 £3.15 or a concession of £2.65.
Newport Wetlands, Newport
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.
National Museum Cardiff
The city centre museum is great for families, and there are plenty of exhibitions for children to explore. From dinosaurs and woolly mammoths to some of Europe’s best collections of art, there’s something on offer for everyone.
Bute Park
With 130 acres of gardens and parkland set just behind Cardiff Castle, there’s plenty to explore in Bute Park. It is a great place to enjoy an autumnal walk this half term.
READ NEXT:
The best places in Cardiff for a free day out according to TripAdvisor
Spooky places you can visit in Wales this Halloween to get thrills and chills
Halloween events in Wales you can book now as autumn arrives
Instagram mum shares half term hacks to keep kids entertained on a budget
Clever money-saving hacks for your family staycation this half term - from transport to toiletries
