Are you planning a visit to North Wales with the kids? Eagerly awaited school holidays can quickly turn into a nightmare if your little mischief-makers get bored.
Keep them occupied – and keep you from tearing your hair out – by taking the whole troop on a tour of North Wales. With so many amazing attractions there’s enough to see and do here to entertain the whole family, from toddlers to teenagers. Here are our top picks:
What: For the thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies in the family, a zoom around this go kart track on Anglesey is just the thing. Choose from Arrive and Drive or a Grand Prix package for large groups. Ideal for a bit of family rivalry, see who can get the speediest time around the track.
Where: Just off the A55 near Holyhead
Facilities: Free parking, cafe and bar on site
What: This conservation zoo in Colwyn Heights provides clean and spacious enclosures and has an incredible range of rare and endangered animals. Find snow leopards, red pandas and Sumatran tigers to name but a few. Kids will love the penguin parade and feeding time! There is a petting zoo for younger children.
Where: Just off the A55 and up the hill from Colwyn Bay
Facilities: Free parking and a cafe on site
What: Take a step into transport’s colourful past with a trip on this historic narrow gauge steam railway. The oldest railway in the world still operating trains, these folks know a thing or two about what makes a train journey special. All aboard the choo choo train to enjoy 25 miles of splendid scenery!
Where: The train goes from underneath Caernarfon castle’s walls and travels to Porthmadog
Facilities: Hot food is offered on the trains and there are toilet facilities on board
What: Indoors, this fun aquarium is the perfect all-weather activity. With helpful staff and plenty of educational talks, this is perfect for kids of all ages. With everything from seahorses to sharks, kids can get up close and personal with the weirdest creatures in our seas.
Where: Past Brynsiencyn on Angelsey, overlooking the Menai Strait
Facilities: Free parking and a cafe on site
What: Delve deep underground for an experience which combines education with excitement. The hands on tour takes you through 150 years of mining history, with grim tales of gruelling conditions and the chance to hold 19th century mining tools. For younger children there is also a play area and the chance to decorate your own slate coaster.
Where: 10 minutes away from Betws Y Coed near Blaenau Ffestiniong
Facilities: Free parking and cafe on site
What: Perfect for older children, this park has a whole range of activities to keep them busy. Sports on offer include wakeboarding, quad biking, fishing, bowling and archery to name a few. There’s even a skating rink, so you’ll find something on offer to suit all weather.
Where: Located just outside Pwllheli on the Lleyn Peninsula
Facilities: Free parking and two cafes available