The 10 best things to do in North Wales with kids

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I’ve been searching for the 10 best things to do in North Wales with kids – it was a tough one to narrow down because it’s a fabulous location for a family holiday! (If you’re planning a trip to North Wales, you’re in for a treat!) This beautiful region is bursting with seaside fun, beautiful countryside, wildlife encounters and amazing days out that the kids will love. There are some fabulous holiday parks in North Wales too so make sure you check out my article on the best places to stay as well. And, to help you to plan a fun family getaway, here are my top 10 picks for the best things to do in North Wales with the kids.

1. Climb Mount Snowdon

We actually ended up booking our holiday in North Wales because I was desperate to climb Mount Snowdon – and it’s definitely doable with slightly older kids. We took the Snowdon Ranger Path, starting and ending the walk at the Llyn Cwellyn Car Park, off the A4085. It was hard work, especially for Lola who struggled near the top, but we were so proud of ourselves for completing it. The walk took us about 7 hours in total, up and down, and we probably had at least an hour’s worth of breaks along the way. Check out my guide on ‘Climbing Snowdon with Kids‘ for more info. It was absolutely worth every second and, with some of the most stunning views we’ve ever seen, it’s a memory we’ll treasure forever. If you’ve got younger children, or you’re not up for the walk, you can hop on the Snowdon Mountain Railway instead.

2. Have fun at Zip World

Zip World is famous for its adrenaline-filled activities and Bounce Below is one that works brilliantly for kids. Hidden inside a huge underground cavern, the giant trampoline-style nets and slides create a surreal play space where children can burn off endless energy. If you have older kids or teens, you can pair it with other Zip World activities for a full day of adventure. There are three Zip World spots in North Wales – Zip World Penrhyn Quarry is known for its thrill-seeker ziplines, Zip World Llechwedd offers underground zip lines and the Bounce Below experience, and Zip World Betws-y-Coed (Fforest) features the Fforest Coaster, treetop nets, zip courses and family-friendly aerial activities.

3. Step back in time at Conwy Castle

Conwy Castle is one of the most impressive medieval fortresses in the UK and a brilliant place to explore with the kids if you’re visiting North Wales. The towers and battlements feel like a real-life storybook setting, and the views from the top are spectacular. The kids will love climbing the spiral staircases and peering through the narrow windows, imagining life hundreds of years ago. You can also walk the famous town walls which wrap around Conwy and offer even more views. Combine a castle visit with fish and chips on the harbour for a fun family day out.

4. Meet the animals at the Welsh Mountain Zoo

Sitting high above Colwyn Bay in North Wales, the Welsh Mountain Zoo offers lovely views and a great mix of animals, making it ideal for a day out with the kids. Families can see snow leopards, sea lions, penguins, meerkats and more as they wander around the peaceful hillside paths. The zoo is a comfortable size for little legs and the daily talks and feeding demonstrations are always popular. With picnic areas, a café and outdoor play spaces, it’s the sort of attraction that’s easy to enjoy at your own pace.

5. Take a trip to Greenwood Family Park

Greenwood Family Park is without a doubt the most fun place to visit with kids in North Wales – we all absolutely loved it. Finn and Lola adored the Moon Karts – and spent ages on them – though I could barely pedal due to achey legs from climbing Snowdon! 😂 And the Enchanted River was lovely too. Honestly, Greenwood Family Park was one of our favourite days out to date, and it’s well-priced compared to other similar attractions. From the huge slides, to the treetop walkways and adventure playgrounds, it’s packed with family-friendly activities – my kids didn’t want to leave! Check out my full review of Greenwood Family Park for more info.

6. Enjoy beach time at Llandudno and the Great Orme

Llandudno is one of North Wales’ best seaside towns for families, with two beautiful beaches, a long promenade and a traditional pier full of rides and amusements that the kids will love. It’s easy to spend the whole day there, from digging in the sand to strolling with ice creams. Another highlight is heading up the Great Orme by tram or cable car. The journey itself is great fun, and once you reach the top you’ll find walking trails, picnic spots and even wild goats. It’s ideal for families who want a mixture of beach time and a gentle outdoor adventure.

7. Explore the magical village of Portmeirion

Portmeirion is the kind of place that makes you smile as soon as you arrive. Designed to look like an Italian seaside town, the pastel buildings, hidden archways and peaceful gardens create a dreamy setting for a relaxed family day out. Take a look at the brightly coloured houses, follow the woodland trails and spot the quirky sculptures scattered around the village. It’s very walkable, and the sandy estuary is perfect for paddling on warm days – there are plenty of picnic spots. If you want a calm, beautiful and stress-free outing with the kids in North Wales, Portmeirion offers the perfect free day out.

8. Go underground at Llechwedd Slate Caverns

If you’re looking for something completely different, Llechwedd Slate Caverns is a fantastic choice for an interesting day out with older kids in North Wales. Families can descend deep underground to learn about the history of Welsh slate mining, and the cavern tours are atmospheric without feeling scary. It’s part of the Zip World site that I mentioned above, so you can combine your tour with some fun activities for the kids too – it features both zip lines and the Bounce Below underground experience. This one can be both educational and exciting, making it a great all-rounder!

9. Take a ride on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway

The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway is one of the most scenic ways to explore North Wales with the kids. We actually ended up booking our trip because we needed something to do that would occupy the kids whilst resting our legs after climbing Mount Snowdon! 😂 Whilst they seemed totally unbothered and were running around as usual, my husband and I were really achy! Running through the heart of Snowdonia, the heritage steam trains chug past mountains, lakes, forests and tiny villages – the journey is unhurried and peaceful, perfect if you want a slower day between busier attractions. Plus, if you’ve got younger ones, a trip on the train is brilliant fun and it’s a great way to explore without tiring out little legs.

10. Enjoy a family walk at Beddgelert

Beddgelert is one of North Wales’ prettiest villages and perfect for a peaceful family day out with the kids. The riverside walk to Gelert’s Grave is simple and stroller friendly – it’s a calm, picturesque place and families often pair a walk with lunch in one of the cosy cafés or an ice cream by the river. Or, keep things budget-friendly like we do and pack up a picnic to bring with you. If your children enjoy nature, gentle walks and outdoor play, Beddgelert is an ideal choice.

Money-saving tips for visiting North Wales with kids

Travelling as a family can get expensive, but there are lots of easy ways to keep costs down in North Wales without missing out on the best experiences. Here are a few money-saving tips to keep your trip budget-friendly:

Look for family and off-peak tickets: Most attractions, including castles, railways and adventure parks, offer discounted family bundles or cheaper entry during quieter times. If you have flexibility, visiting midweek or outside school holidays can make a noticeable difference to the price. You can also hunt out discounted tickets on the ‘Love to visit’ website.
Pack picnics and snacks: North Wales has endless beauty spots, from beaches to lakeside picnic areas, and bringing your own food saves a small fortune across a week. Kids love eating outdoors and it removes the pressure of buying lunch at every attraction.
Enjoy free attractions to balance the budget: For every paid activity, mix in a free one. Beaches, waterfalls, mountain walks and National Trust-style outdoor spaces offer whole days of fun without a ticket price. Some of the best memories come from simple outdoor exploring.
Book popular attractions early: Places like the Snowdon Mountain Railway and Zip World often become more expensive or sell out at short notice. Booking early locks in a cheaper rate and gives you the best choice of times.
Stay slightly outside the tourist hotspots: Accommodation in places like Llandudno, Conwy and Betws-y-Coed can be pricey in peak season. Instead, pick a holiday park in a less touristy spot for your holiday base – I’ve popped in some great options (and where we stayed) below.
Choose multi-day or combined tickets where possible: Some railways, heritage sites and adventure attractions offer multi-day or combination passes. These are great value if you plan to visit more than one location from the same operator.
Bring waterproofs and layers: It sounds simple, but being prepared for the Welsh weather saves you buying emergency jackets or overpriced souvenir hoodies. A spare set of clothes for little ones also avoids having to buy replacements.

Where are the best places to stay in North Wales with kids?

You’re spoilt for choice on where to stay as North Wales is definitely home to some of the best UK holiday parks to visit with kids! I’ve been looking for great kids’ activities, beautiful locations and swimming pools. Head to my article: The 5 best holiday parks in North Wales for families for more information on what’s on offer at these sites, and for more great holiday park options, but here’s a quick glimpse at a few of my top picks:

Haven: Hafan y Môr Holiday Park: We had such a good time when we visited – check out my Hafan y Môr Review. It has a fantastic indoor pool complex (with waterslides and a wave pool – my kids loved it!), a high ropes course, segways, bungee trampolines, a NERF training camp, inflatables, a boating lake with pedalos, soft play and more!

Parkdean Resorts: Ty Mawr Holiday Park: Located near the stunning beaches of Rhyl and Prestatyn, this lively park offers a mix of exciting activities. The site boasts an indoor swimming pool (complete with a waterslide), adventure playgrounds, VR, archery, soft play, arts & crafts, laser quest, a sports dome and high ropes.

Haven: Greenacres Holiday Park: This one has a beautiful blue flag beach alongside it and the indoor swimming pool offers fun whatever the weather. The park also boasts an outdoor splash zone for the warmer months and there are lots of activities available including: pedal-karts, sports, a climbing wall, archery, NERF camp, crafts, soft play and bike hire.

Which is best for a family holiday – North or South Wales?

Both North and South Wales are fantastic for family holidays, but the best choice depends on the type of trip you want. North Wales is perfect for adventure-loving families with scenic walking trails, the climb or train ride up Snowdon and big attractions like Zip World, Greenwood Family Park and the Welsh Mountain Zoo. The coastline is beautiful with spots like Llandudno and Anglesey offering sandy beaches. South Wales, on the other hand, has stunning beaches in the Gower and Pembrokeshire, brilliant family favourites like Folly Farm, plus the cultural highlights of Cardiff with its castle, museums and easy city days out. There are several spots along the coastline which are great for dolphin-spotting boat trips too.

If your family loves outdoor thrills and dramatic landscapes, North Wales might edge it, while South Wales is ideal for beach lovers and those wanting a mix of seaside and city attractions. In reality, both regions are incredibly family-friendly, and you can’t really go wrong. I hope that this article helps with your family holiday planning – there are plenty of fabulous things to do with the kids in North Wales and some great holiday parks too. Have a great trip! 😊