Standing on the summit of Snowdon at sunrise is one of my favourite memories of Wales.
The mist was clearing and gradually revealing a panoramic view of Welsh mountains, lakes, and coastline. And even though the kids were half-asleep, even they couldn’t help but look in awe. That’s the thing about North Wales – it’s simply stunning, and every generation can appreciate it one way or another.
This rugged corner of Britain is absolutely brilliant for families, and not just because of the dramatic mountains and golden beaches. It’s the sheer variety that makes it special – one minute you’re exploring medieval castles that’ll make your kids’ history lessons come alive, the next you’re zipping through slate caverns on the world’s fastest zipline.
This isn’t your standard guide to North Wales. It’s genuine family adventures that combine those iconic must-sees with places you might not have caught onto yet. A cheat sheet to North Wales adventures that’ll you’ll all remember for years to come. In fact, we love North Wales so much, we have a family house just outside of Harlech, so we’ve seen our fair share of sunny, wet and wonderful days out with the kids in North Wales.
From underground trampolines to steam trains chugging through stunning valleys, these experiences offer unforgettable moments, plus some practical tips from someone who’s been there (often with cranky children in tow), and genuine insights to inspire your own Welsh adventure.
Welsh Outdoor Adventures
North Wales is a natural playground that’ll have your kids actually forgetting about their tablets. I was genuinely shocked when my 12-year-old didn’t mention Minecraft for an entire weekend.
Zip World
Let me tell you about Zip World. My kids still talk about Velocity 2 – it’s the world’s fastest zipline, and yes, it’s as terrifying and exhilarating as it sounds. You’re literally flying face-down over a bright blue quarry lake at Penrhyn Quarry. The views are insane, though I admit I might’ve had my eyes closed for half of it.
And then there’s Bounce Below – enormous trampolines suspended in an underground slate cavern. It’s as bonkers as it sounds. We spent two hours bouncing between levels connected by slides and netting, and you have to walk through a dripping cave to get to them – it’s bizarre, and so fun.
Just a word of warning: book way in advance. We made the mistake of trying to rock up on a summer Saturday and got turned away. Not my finest parenting moment, that one.
Snowdonia National Park
“Do we have to walk?” is the usual response when I mention mountains, but Snowdonia offers options for even the most walking-averse children.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway is brilliant for families. Yes, it’s a bit pricy (around £35 for adults, £25 for kids), but watching the landscape unfold as you chug up Wales’ highest peak is properly special. My youngest was absolutely convinced he spotted a dragon near the summit. And who am I to say he didn’t?
If your family actually enjoys walking (lucky you), the Watkin Path has some gorgeous sections that are manageable for kids. We only did the first third with our lot (ages 7 and 10), but even that gave us stunning waterfalls and brilliant views.
And don’t miss the story of Gelert’s Grave in Beddgelert – a heartbreaking tale of a faithful hound that had my kids silent for a good five minutes. That alone was worth the trip.
Beaches That Rival the Med (When the Sun’s Out)
When we got a rare sunny day in Llandudno, I nearly checked we hadn’t accidentally driven to the French Riviera. The Victorian pier is real old-school British seaside – all penny arcades and ice cream stalls.
Anglesey has some gorgeous beaches too. We spent a day at Cemaes Bay where the kids built sandcastles while I dozed off (parent win). The shallow water is brilliant for paddling with little ones.
Barmouth beach is another one that might surprise you. The beach is massive, so even in summer you can find your own patch. The water stays shallow for ages, which was perfect for our anxious swimmer. If you want a quieter but equally impressive beach then why not check out nearby Benar beach – which in my opinion is even better and doesn’t have the crowds you find at Barmouth.
History Stuff That Doesn’t Feel Like School
History in North Wales isn’t the dusty, boring nonsense from textbooks – it’s knight-and-dragon territory that sparks kids’ imaginations.
Castles That’ll Make Their Jaws Drop
I stood in the main courtyard of Caernarfon Castle watching my kids run around pretending to be knights, and it hit me that no history lesson could ever compete with this. The UNESCO World Heritage castles in North Wales are absolutely mind-blowing.
Conwy Castle lets you walk the entire town walls – my 7-year-old counted every single tower (there are 21, apparently) while my 10-year-old was obsessed with the murder holes. Slightly concerning, but at least they was learning.
Beaumaris on Anglesey is another gem with proper moats and everything. The kids spent hours playing hide and seek in the passages and towers. And I got to pretend I was in Game of Thrones for a bit. Everyone’s a winner.
Llangollen Railway
If you’ve got train-obsessed little ones, Llangollen Railway is a must. The 10-mile steam train journey through the Dee Valley is gorgeous. The old-fashioned carriages will have kids absolutely mesmerised, and the views along the River Dee are stunning.
We packed a picnic and hopped off at one of the stations along the way for lunch by the river. Just be sure to check the timetable so you don’t miss the return train – a mistake I may or may not have made, resulting in a very expensive taxi ride.
Portmeirion: Italy Without the Flight
Portmeirion is weird but wonderful – an Italian-style village plonked on the Welsh coast. It’s colourful, quirky, and completely different from anywhere else in Wales.
The kids loved running through the exotic gardens and spotting all the different coloured buildings. I spent most of the time trying to get an Instagram-worthy shot, but the place is so pretty it’s hard to take a bad photo.
Rainy Day Rescues (Because Let’s Be Honest, It Will Rain)
Let’s not sugarcoat it – North Wales isn’t known for its Mediterranean climate. When we visited last Easter, it rained for four days straight. But don’t worry, there are plenty of indoor options to save your sanity.
The Fun Centre: Energy-Burning Heaven
The Fun Centre in Caernarfon was our rainy-day saviour. The 25ft drop slides had my kids (and, ahem, their dad) screaming with delight. The laser games were a hit with our 10-year-old, while the soft play kept the little one busy for hours.
It’s nothing fancy – definitely no Center Parcs – but when it’s pouring outside and the kids are climbing the walls of your holiday cottage, it’s absolute gold.
King Arthur’s Labyrinth: Underground Magic
We stumbled across King Arthur’s Labyrinth in Corris completely by accident, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. You board a boat that takes you underground through dark tunnels while storytellers share Welsh myths and legends.
The underground setting makes it so atmospheric, and even my usually-skeptical older one was captivated. There’s an outdoor maze too if the rain stops.
Stone Science: Dinosaurs and Crystals
Stone Science on Anglesey is tiny but fascinating. A dinosaur-obsessed child will think they’re in heaven examining the fossils and crystals. It’s small but packed with interesting stuff, and the owners are clearly passionate about their collection.
It won’t take up a whole day, but combined with a café lunch and maybe the nearby Sea Zoo, it fills a rainy afternoon nicely.
Unique Bits That Make Great Memories
These are the places that might not make the tourist brochures but created some of our best family memories.
Manorafon Farm Park: Not Just Your Average Petting Zoo
Manorafon Farm Park near Abergele was a lovely surprise. Yes, there are the usual farm animals to feed, but there’s also a dinosaur trail that had the kids racing from one model to the next.
We spent a good four hours here, and it’s right near Gwrych Castle (the one they used for I’m A Celebrity during COVID), so you can combine the two for a full day out.
Welsh Mountain Zoo: Small But Mighty
The Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay isn’t London Zoo, but that’s part of its charm. It’s compact enough that little legs can manage it, but still has impressive animals like tigers and snow leopards.
The penguin parade was the highlight for us – my kids still do impressions of the penguins waddling after the keeper. And the views over the bay from the zoo are pretty spectacular too.
Water Adventures: Splash and Paddle
We tried kayaking on Llyn Padarn near Llanberis, and it was brilliant. The tandem kayaks meant we could all enjoy it without worrying about anyone capsizing. The mountain backdrop makes it feel even more adventurous even though the lake itself is relatively calm.
Llangollen offers white water rafting if your kids are a bit older and/or braver. I’ve pencilled that in for a few years’ time when my nerves might be ready for it.
Practical Bits That’ll Save Your Sanity
A few things I wish someone had told me before our first North Wales adventure:
- The weather is completely unpredictable, even in summer. Pack raincoats, sunscreen, and everything in between. I think we experienced four seasons in one April day.
- Book the popular attractions (Zip World, Snowdon Railway) weeks in advance, especially in school holidays. Driving miles only to find everything fully booked robs an entire day from you all.
- If you’re on a budget, there are loads of free options – beaches, mountain walks, and even some castle grounds can be explored without tickets.
- GreenWood Family Park is brilliant for kids with mobility issues – they’ve really thought about accessibility.
- The National Eisteddfod in August is worth experiencing if you’re around – it gave our kids a real taste of Welsh culture and language.
Worth Every Mile
North Wales might not have the guaranteed sunshine of the Med or the polish of Center Parcs, but it offers something more valuable – real adventures that stay with your family forever.
Whether you’re zipping over quarries, exploring ancient castles, or simply building sandcastles on a beach with Snowdonia as your backdrop, North Wales delivers the kind of experiences an entire family can enjoy and remember for years and years.