1 / 6North Wales packs an astonishing amount into a small corner of the UK: world-record zip lines, mountain railways, medieval castles and storybook villages, all set against the peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and a rugged coastline. Whether you have thrill-seeking teens or toddlers who just want to clamber and explore, here are seven family days out we can confidently recommend, plus a few practical tips for making the most of them.
🎟️See things to do in North Wales on GetYourGuide →Zip World
Zip World is a collection of adventure parks spread across North Wales, and it's a genuine bucket-list day out. At Penrhyn Quarry near Bethesda you'll find Velocity 2, billed as the world's fastest zip line; over at the Llechwedd slate caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog there's the underground Bounce Below trampoline network and zip zones; and at Betws-y-Coed you can tackle forest treetop courses and an alpine coaster. Because the sites offer age- and height-graded options, families can mix and match to suit younger and older children, and the weather-proof underground attractions are a lifesaver on a rainy Welsh afternoon. Sites are around Bethesda, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Betws-y-Coed in Gwynedd.
GreenWood Family Park
Tucked into the Snowdonia/Eryri landscape at Y Felinheli, GreenWood Family Park is an eco-friendly theme park built from the ground up for families. It has more than 30 rides and attractions, including the world's first people-powered roller coaster, a solar-powered water ride, the Forest Glider, TreeTop Towers, a giant bouncy pillow and the indoor Enchanted WoodBarn play area. Voted Best Family Attraction in North Wales, it balances gentle rides and a dedicated under-3s area with bigger-kid adventures, and the indoor play barn keeps the day going when the weather turns. You'll find it at Y Felinheli, Gwynedd.
Welsh Mountain Zoo (National Zoo of Wales)
The oldest established zoo in Wales sits on a 37-acre hillside overlooking Colwyn Bay, home to more than 100 species including snow leopards, red pandas, sea lions and penguins. Daily keeper talks such as the Penguin Parade and Chimp Encounter give the day some structure, and the size is manageable for little legs. Kids can enjoy the hands-on Children's Farm and the Jungle Adventureland playground, and a family ticket keeps costs down. It's in Colwyn Bay, Conwy.
Great Orme Tramway
Opened in 1902, the Great Orme Tramway is a Victorian cable-hauled street tramway that climbs the Great Orme limestone headland above Llandudno to a summit complex with panoramic sea and mountain views. The vintage tram ride is a novelty children love, and the open summit rewards you with walking trails, resident Kashmiri goats and the nearby Bronze Age copper mines to explore afterwards. Catch it in Llandudno, Conwy.
Portmeirion Village
Portmeirion is a colourful Italianate coastal village designed by architect Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1976, set in 70 acres of subtropical woodland gardens dotted with ornamental buildings, coastal paths and quirky features like the Dog Cemetery and Ghost Garden. For families it's a whimsical, storybook setting: woodland trails to roam, a stone pirate ship (the Amis Reunis) to clamber on and, in summer, a heated outdoor pool. The grounds are open and pram-friendly, making it an easy, relaxed wander. It sits near Penrhyndeudraeth and Minffordd in Gwynedd.
Snowdon Mountain Railway
Running since 1896, the Snowdon Mountain Railway is a historic narrow-gauge rack-and-pinion line that climbs 4.7 miles from Llanberis to near the summit of Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa, Wales' highest mountain. The round trip takes roughly two and a half hours including a stop at the top, letting families reach a dramatic mountain summit without a demanding hike. It's a big scenic thrill for children who love trains and sweeping views over Eryri National Park. Departures are from Llanberis, Gwynedd.
Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle is a remarkably well-preserved medieval fortress built for Edward I between 1283 and 1289, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its eight towers and battlemented walls are open to climb, with views over the walled town and estuary. Spiral staircases, towers and wall-walks fire kids' imaginations, and it pairs perfectly with the encircling town walls and harbour for a full day of adventure. You'll find it in the heart of Conwy.
Tips for a family day out
- Pack for all weathers. North Wales can deliver sunshine and showers in the same afternoon, so bring layers and waterproofs, and keep an indoor option (Zip World's caverns, GreenWood's WoodBarn) in your back pocket.
- Book ahead. Popular attractions like Zip World and the Snowdon Mountain Railway can sell out in peak season, so reserve timed tickets in advance where you can.
- Cluster your days. Several attractions are close together, Conwy Castle, the Welsh Mountain Zoo and the Great Orme are all near the coast, so you can pair a shorter visit with a beach or harbour stroll.
- Check height and age limits. Adventure activities have restrictions, so confirm your children meet them before you travel to avoid disappointment.
- Wear sturdy footwear. Castles, summits and woodland gardens involve uneven ground and plenty of steps.
FAQs
What are the best days out with kids in North Wales?
Family favourites include Zip World's zip lines and underground trampolines, GreenWood Family Park, the Welsh Mountain Zoo, the Great Orme Tramway, Portmeirion Village, the Snowdon Mountain Railway and Conwy Castle, offering a mix of thrills, animals, trains and history.
Which North Wales attractions are good in the rain?
Zip World's Bounce Below in the Llechwedd caverns and GreenWood's indoor Enchanted WoodBarn are great weather-proof options, and castles and zoos can still be enjoyable with the right waterproofs.
Can toddlers and younger children enjoy these days out?
Yes. GreenWood has a dedicated under-3s area and gentle rides, the Welsh Mountain Zoo is manageable for little legs with a Children's Farm, and Portmeirion's pram-friendly gardens make for a relaxed wander.
🎟️ Top things to do in North Wales
Skip the queues with pre-booked tickets. Compare prices across GetYourGuide and Tiqets — both offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
#ad — we earn a small commission at no cost to you when you book through our links.
