9 minute read
Family days out
This season sees the introduction of a new Personal Watercraft Course at Plas Menai
The Main Attraction
Family days out are back on the cards – and these North Wales attractions certainly will not disappoint! Here are some fabulous ways to entertain the kids this summer…
North Wales has a host of exciting attractions that have been specifically designed to keep the whole family entertained,
from adrenalin-fuelled adventures to relaxing days out. So, whether you want to get wet and wild or keep your feet firmly
on dry land, read on for our favourite places to explore…
There is no better way to cool down on a hot day than to try your hand at some exciting watersports. Plas Menai, The National Outdoor Centre, re-opened in May 2022 following months of an extensive refurbishment to the heating system. Staff have been busy behind the scenes throughout the closure and have worked hard to upskill and develop to ensure that the Plas Menai offering for 2022 is more extensive than ever before.
This season sees the introduction of a new Personal Watercraft Course, which is sure to be hugely popular, especially when taking in to account the location on the Menai Strait. The yacht cruising programme is back for 2022, following Covid restrictions being lifted. There is also an extensive summer programme planned for outdoor enthusiasts, both young and old, and Plas Menai have courses available to take you from a beginner, learning the basics, right through to advanced level and certificated courses.
If paddleboarding is more your thing then why not head down to Môr for your first Stand Up Paddle-board (SUP) lesson, or to
Head down to Môr at Porth Eirias in Colwyn Bay for your first SUP lesson
hire out one of the premier paddleboards on offer from their fantastic location at Porth Eirias at Colwyn Bay beach.
From beginner to improver lessons and regular demo days, where you can test one of the Gladiator Paddleboards from their 2022 range, we are sure there is something fun for you to try out. Môr also have a shop at Porth Eirias, where their operations run from, selling everything you need to escape to the water, from wetsuits and beach gear to a large range of quality paddleboards.
Another place to learn a new water sport is Adventure Parc Snowdonia. With a lifeguarded wave lagoon that features a beautiful backdrop of forest and valley, it’s a scenic space where the kids can learn to surf safely. Overhead, ziplines soar across the glistening waters and people of all ages tackle the outdoor climbing walls. Should the tropical Welsh weather take a turn for the worse, there’s an abundance of indoor activities on
Adventure Parc Snowdonia’s lifeguarded wave lagoon is the perfect place for kids to learn to surf safely
offer including the ninja assault course, extreme slides and the all-new Fly Snowdon VR experience.
With a luxurious (and dog-friendly) Hilton Garden Inn hotel also onsite, you can make a stay out of your experience, enjoying the expansive in-room views and adjoining Wave Garden Spa. Other accommodation options include rustic wooden camping pods located beneath the trees, guaranteeing an outdoors experience that little ones will love.
GreenWood Family Park near Caernarfon has also just opened its first accommodation experience. With six luxury tipis,
all spacious and comfortable, each with their own cosy log burner, real beds with quality snuggle duvets, sparkly clean shared facilities and super views over Snowdonia, staying overnight here will create memories forever.
Prices start from just £95 per night, and all tipis stays come with unlimited access to the award-winning family park. With over 30 adventures to explore from rollercoasting to splashing and mega crafting – not to mention a calendar full of buzzfuzzling events, GreenWood Family Park really is a fabulous family day out.
Meanwhile, on the other side of Caernarfon, lies Gypsy Wood Park. There aren’t many places where you can combine the magic of fairies with the charm of animals and the rugged wilderness of 20 acres of beautiful natural woodland, but Gypsy Wood Park does just that!
There are loads of things to see and do at this outdoor park in the foothills of Snowdonia, and it’s a must-see attraction for all animal, nature, outdoor, train and fairy lovers. Bring your wellies to explore the wetlands, meet all the different animals who live here, find the fairies, make a wish, hop on
Woody’s train and enjoy one of the fabulous adventure play areas; just some of the events and attractions available at Gypsy Wood Park.
Gypsy Wood Park is a unique North Wales attraction that all the family will love
If dinosaurs are more your thing however, then head on over to Manorafon Farm Park in Abergele. Running in July and August 2022, Manorafon Farm Park has announced Dinosaur Adventure. This ‘Jurassic adventure of EPIC proportions’ includes over 20 life-size moving dinosaurs! Activities include the ‘Explorers Trail’ where you will find the prehistoric giants,
the ‘Abra-Ca-Dino Magic Show’, and the ‘Big Dig’ tent where you can search for dinosaur remains.
If you want to make your day that extra ROAR-some, you can choose the ‘Ultimate Pass’ for just an additional £3 giving you access to ‘Dino Tent Live’ and more of the exciting giants! To top off your day out, event tickets also include tickets to the Farm Park and all of its usual fun activities.
Mynydd Sleddog Adventures is the ultimate day out for dog lovers. However, as summer is well and truly here, the dogs are now enjoying their well-deserved summer holiday from their fast-paced winter work.
But fear not, as visitors can still enjoy these super sleddogs this summer by taking advantage of Husky Hiking, which is currently offering a summer sale! All Husky Hike bookings made between 1st July - 1st September will be at a discounted rate, and you will have the opportunity to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life, take in beautiful scenery, breath
Why not join Mynydd Sleddog Adventures for a Husky Hiking adventure this summer? Take the family on the adventure of a lifetime on the Snowdon Mountain Railway
fresh air, listen to the sound of white water streams and rivers meandering through the landscape, spot wildflowers and look
out for wildlife along the way. The team leaders will then pick a beautiful spot to enjoy refreshments and take Husky Hike photos.
Back on the coast and SC2 in Rhyl has all sorts going on for the kids. The main waterpark area is suitable for all ages and abilities, and children will be able to explore and enjoy water at their own pace with a maximum depth of 90cm.
The Anaconda is the fastest flume in the park, this is a high
speed wave ride which zooms through complete darkness and out of a snake’s gaping jaws. Just watch out for those fangs! Ideal for daredevils and for thrill seekers, you’ll want to go again and again. Or why not grab a rubber ring and speed down the Boomerang on your own or in pairs! Shoot down on an inflatable tube and let gravity gently sway you back and
forth until coming to rest in the centre of the slide.
Meanwhile SC2’s Outdoor Splash Pad is designed to let visitors make the most of the sunshine. Centred around a paddling pool, the water is 30cm at its deepest and ideal for younger children, toddlers and infants.
Summit 2 Savour has allinclusive days for adventure seekers of all ages
If you want to take in a fabulous view of North Wales as part of your adventure then why not take a ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which has been described as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world? Trains depart from Llanberis Station and begin their climb up Snowdon, Yr Wyddfa, a journey experienced by some 12 million travellers since 1896. With stunning scenery and awe-inspiring views, it’s all part of a great day out for you and your family in North Wales.
During 2022, trains will run daily to Clogwyn Station, which is three quarters the distance up Snowdon. This two hour round trip includes a 30-minute stopover at Clogwyn, so pack your picnic to enjoy at this open mountainside station, taking in the views and fresh mountain air. Two services are available, the Traditional Diesel Service and Heritage Steam Experience. Advance booking is highly recommended however, especially during summer holidays.
If you need to feel like you’ve earned that view however, then Summit 2 Savour could be for you. Designed and tailored to suit adventure seekers of all ages and abilities, these package adventure days combine a range of exciting outdoor activities to create a unique and unforgettable day. Whether it’s rock climbing, gorge walking, hiking or scrambling, all of their activities take place at quieter, less frequented venues, away from the popular tourist hotspots, to ensure that you receive an authentic wilderness experience.
And, because all of that adventure is bound to have worked up an appetite, Summit 2 Savour also provides a choice of delicious home cooked lunch options. All food is freshly prepared to order using locally sourced ingredients and all options can be tailored to cater for a wide range of dietary requirements, allergies and preferences.
But if you’d rather be whizzing down a mountain rather than climbing one then there is only one place for it – Zip World. From the world’s fastest zip line, to the UK’s only alpine coaster of its kind, Zip World is jam-packed with adventure this summer.
Their wide range of North Wales adventures include the all-new Underground Golf, an exciting and sensory adventure golf experience set 500ft underground in an old mine, and Skyflyer – a blimp-like aircraft that enables you to fly high
above the North Wales coast.
So many options! The big question is, is one summer going to be enough? n
