Half term entertainment

The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways half term services include the ‘Woodland Wanderer’ experience

The better half

Due to our fabulous Welsh weather, October half term can been a tough time of year to entertain the kids. But fear not, because there are actually far more options available than you might think…

Having been locked up for more months than we care to count, many parents had no choice but to turn a blind eye on their kids screen time. So now that the world is beginning to open up it makes sense to get the family out and about as much as possible.

The good news is that a visit to North Wales during the autumn is a truly delightful experience with the beautiful

morning mists, the vibrant colours of the forests in fall and the local culinary delights!

The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways run through

Snowdonia National Park with its stunning mix of mountains,

lakes, forests and coastline. Departures are from Porthmadog and Caernarfon stations and half term services include the family favourite ‘Woodland Wanderer’ experience, where

passengers enjoy a journey in Victorian style carriages to Tan-y-Bwlch Station, where they can enjoy a delicious lunch and a stroll through the autumnal forests. This is a great service for kids (and dogs!) as it is not too long and there is time to ‘let off steam’ with an hours break to visit the café or take a walk.

Snowdon Mountain Railway is also on track to keep you entertained this half term. Often described as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world, Snowdon Mountain Railway trains depart from Llanberis Station and begin their

THE FFESTINIOG & WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAYS RUN THROUGH SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK WITH ITS STUNNING MIX OF MOUNTAINS, LAKES, FORESTS AND COASTLINE

Take a once in a lifetime adventure on the Snowdon Mountain Railway

climb up Snowdon, Yr Wyddfa, a journey experienced by

some 12 million travellers since 1896.

The pump track at Adventure Parc Snowdonia

JOINING MERLIN THE WIZARD FOR A HALLOWEEN SHOW FULL OF MAGIC AND MAYHEM, YOU’LL HAVE THE CHANCE TO SHOW OFF YOUR MAGICAL POWERS

Clogwyn Station (three quarters the distance up Snowdon)

until 31st October. With stunning scenery and awe-inspiring

views it’s all part of a great day out for you and your family in North Wales.

Meanwhile, in the Conwy Valley, Adventure Parc Snowdonia

GreenWood Family Park undergoes its annual transformation into SpookWood this half term

is home to the worlds first surf lagoon and the only

guaranteed surf breaks in the UK. But that’s not all!

Adrenaline Indoors offers high-thrills adventure experiences

for all ages, ensuring weatherproof family fun. From the ninja

assault course and extreme slides, to the indoor adventure

climbing centre, there is plenty to do under cover should the weather not be on our side. But if you do want to get out in the fresh air then Adventure Parc Snowdonia has plenty of outdoor activities too. You can also get rolling on their brand-new pump track to test your balance, speed and agility on a series of banks, jumps, flattops and turns. This brand-new super-smooth

asphalt track is a great place to practice new tricks and hone your skills, and you can hire bikes, skateboards, helmets and pads on site, or even bring your own if you prefer.

Of course October half term isn’t really October half term until we mention Halloween and what better place to get spooked than in the forest?

In addition to the surfing, there is an outdoor adventure

climbing wall and the extreme freefall jumps that conclude

with a zip ride over the lagoon. Both activities are suitable for children aged ten and over. GreenWood Family Park undergoes its annual transformation

into SpookWood this half term, so get ready to explore tree-

lined paths covered in fallen leaves, dance and splash in muddy puddles or cosy up in the Woodbarn Café.

Joining Merlin the Wizard for a Halloween show full of

magic and mayhem, you’ll have the chance to show off your magical powers, create your own magic spell and explore the

wonders of the other world in a fun-fill autumn family day

out!

Finally, just as you thought it was safe, Zombies have taken

over the Ninja TAG arena at SC2 in Rhyl this Halloween. Come and race players throughout the weekend in exclusive

‘Fright Nights’ which are taking place from Thursday 28th

October to Sunday 31st October.

Free sweets, treats and slush will be given out to all players

as part of this alternative Halloween, which is guaranteed to be full of spooky fun for the whole family. n