Events in Cardiff and Vale to keep your children active over the school summer holiday

A whole host of fun activities are taking place in Cardiff and the Vale throughout the school summer holidays to keep children entertained and energised.  

The six-week period is always a tricky time to keep little ones occupied without sticking them in front of the TV all day or resorting to a tablet, phone or other electronic device.   

Thankfully, there are plenty of free and paid-for events hosted by the two local authorities, Cardiff Metropolitan University and many others to suit all tastes and hobbies.  

We’ve taken a closer look at the things coming up - both indoors and outdoors - between the end of July and the start of September, along with information on how to access them.  

Vale of Glamorgan 

Vale of Glamorgan Council has organised a range of free activities for children this summer, including paddle boarding, football, skateboarding, dance, multi-sport and pre-school sessions.   

They run between July 25 and August 25 and take place in various locations around the local authority, including Penarth Leisure Centre, Llantwit Major Leisure Centre, Colcot Sports Centre, Barry’s Victoria Park and Bryn-y-Don in Dinas Powys.  

For more information on what is happening where, the relevant age groups and how to book, please go here. All bookings are now open but are for Vale residents only.  

Meanwhile, there are free open access summer play sessions taking place across August in the Vale’s parks and open spaces. They’re an opportunity for children aged five to 14 to try new things, make friends, take part in a range of play activities and be active.  

They will take place on the following dates:  

• August 1 to 24 (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) - Palmerston Adult Learning Centre in Barry – 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm (Open Access Play Scheme)  

• August 1,8, 15 and 22 (Tuesdays)  – Stratford Green, Barry – 10am to 12pm (Play Cube sessions)  

• August 1,8, 15 and 22 (Tuesdays) – Meggitt Road, Barry – 2pm to 4pm (Play Cube sessions)  

• August 9, 16 and 23 (Wednesdays) – Salisbury Road, Barry – 10am to 12pm (Play Cube sessions)  

• August 9, 16 and 23 (Wednesdays) – Celtic Way, Rhoose – 2pm to 4pm (Play Cube sessions)  

• August 3, 10, 17 and 24 (Thursdays) – Plassey Square, Penarth – 10am to 12pm (Play Cube sessions)  

• August 3, 10, 17 and 24 (Thursdays) – Caerleon Road, Dinas Powys – 2pm to 4pm (Play Cube sessions)  

While children can simply turn up to these open access sessions, parents/carers must complete a community play registration form for all those attending by going here. For more information on the differences between Open Access Play Schemes and Play Cube Sessions please watch a helpful video here.   

In addition, on Monday, July 31, the Vale Sports and Play Development Team will host ‘Playfully Active’ at Victoria Park, Barry, from 10 am to 12pm. It will include physical activity sessions for pre-schoolers and play and activity opportunities for ages five to 14.  

And to mark National Play Day on Wednesday, August 2, the Vale Play Development Team and partners have organised a special family fun event at Buttrills Playing Field and Community Centre, Barry, from 11am to 3pm. It will include den building, arts and crafts, muddy kitchens and even a ‘cardboard city’.  

Here is a round-up of other summer activities planned in the Vale:  

July 22 to September 3: Summer of Play at Dyffryn Gardens – The gardens of Dyffryn will be filled with music and play this summer. Explore musical sound outdoors, play unusual instruments, dress up and star in your own musical and take part in fun family games. More information here.  

August 6: ABP Barry Island 10K Junior – Come and join the fun against a backdrop of sun, sea and sand with a family-focused run at Whitmore Bay, Barry. More information here.  

August 9: Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Show – Lots to see and do for all the family. Horses, cattle, dogs, rabbits, children’s classes, hundreds of tractors, a fairground, an amazing BMX show and dancing sheep! More information here.  

Every Tuesday: RBI Wales Baseball Softball: Come and play baseball and softball at Barry Rugby Club, CF62 9T H for all children aged 12 and over. 6.15pm-7.15pm (softball) and 7.15pm-8.15pm (baseball)  

Cardiff 

Many Cardiff schools will be delivering the School Holiday Enrichment Programme, Food and Fun. Developed and piloted in Cardiff in 2015, the programme is now being rolled out in schools across Wales, overseen by the WLGA and supported by Food Cardiff. They will be arranged on a school-by-school basis to their pupils. More information here   

Meanwhile, Cardiff Hubs and Cardiff Youth Services will be delivering provision over the summer holidays which will include a host of sports and exercise events. You can find out more about them here Cardiff Hubs/Cardiff Youth Services.  

Cardiff Metropolitan University is running its popular sport holiday camps between July 24 and September 1. All the camps will be available to book on the Cardiff Met Sport App. There is an option to take part in the multi-sport camps which include trampolining, gymnastics, netball, athletics, rugby, cricket, tennis, basketball, swimming and games. Alternatively, there are camps specific to a certain sport. For more information on dates, timings and costs please go here or download the Cardiff Met Sport App. Spaces get taken up quickly so book early to avoid disappointment.  

Here is a round-up of other summer activities planned in Cardiff: 

July 22 to August 29: Cardiff Bay Family Fun Park – The ever-popular fun park is heading back to Roald Dahl Plass. It will include an exciting line-up of funfair rides and games. Admission is free but all attractions require the purchase of tokens. 

July 22 to September 3: CoedLan High Ropes at St Fagans – Tackle CoedLan’s 18 obstacles, including a balance beam, zigzag bridge, cargo net and zipwire. £15. Participants must be at least 110m tall. 

July 22 to September 4: Summer fun at the Senedd – The Senedd has a family-friendly play area with lots of toys for the little ones and also has a café for the grown-ups. The Senedd has lots of free family activities over the summer. For more information go to senedd.wales/visit 

August 27: Llandaff Summer Carnival: Join Calon Hearts for a free and fun-filled summer carnival at Llandaff High Street from 1pm to 8pm. There will also be an Under the Sea Tea Party (£15 per person – call 02922 402670 to book).