While it might feel like the kids have only just gone back to school after Christmas, the February half term is already rolling back around. And there are plenty of ways to enjoy the time in Cardiff, without breaking the bank.
From a science festival to light installations, plus brilliant museums, there is a lot to do during the school break from Saturday, February 10 to Sunday, February 18.
Here we've rounded up the best free and cheap activities you can enjoy in Cardiff. Meanwhile, if you're looking further afield, here's our guide to the best activities throughout Wales. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here.
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Illuminated Reeds Symphony
Illuminated Reeds Symphony is a new enchanting interactive light experience in the heart of Cardiff. Nestled amid the redeveloped Canal Quarter, just off Queen Street, you can immerse yourself in a mesmerising light experience that transports you from the busy and bustling atmosphere of Cardiff city centre to a serene and illuminating space.
Created by a team of Welsh artists, this experience combines music and recordings of the Welsh countryside with dazzling LED lights that come to life when you jump, dance, or tap on the accessible interactive ground pads.
Lego's Valentine's Make and Take Event
You can visit the Lego store in St David's Shopping Centre for a Valentine's Make and Take Event. Here you can create a mini-build and take it home for free.
The event is running on Sunday, February 11, and Monday, February 12 from 10am to 2pm. Want less ads? Download WalesOnline’s Premium app on Apple or Android.
Cardiff Science Festival
Cardiff Metropolitan University is running its free Cardiff Science Festival on Saturday, February 17. You can choose from several interactive sessions including taste receptor genomics and and DNA bracelets.
The event is running at the Llandaff campus from 10am to 5pm and you can book your free tickets here.
Free family film at Chapter Arts Centre
Chapter Arts Centre, which is a hub of activity and home to a lovely cafe, is hosting a free family film on Saturday, February 10, and Wednesday, February 14. They will be showing Shrek for free and you can find out more here.
Insole Court
Insole Court Mansion and stable yard (which includes The Potting Shed Cafe) is open to the public at Llandaff in Cardiff every day between 10am and 4pm and is free to visit. They are also running half-term arts and crafts sessions, which are pay what you can and you can book here.
Pancake Day
Pancake Day falls during the February half-term! Taking place on Tuesday, February 13 you don't need to go out and spend money on pancakes when you can have lots of fun making them at home. Read some of our tips for making the perfect pancakes here.
Fforest Fawr Sculpture Trail
While Castell Coch is not free to enter, it is surrounded by ancient woodland, full of different walking and mountain biking trails. One of these trails is the Fforest Fawr sculpture trail, with wood carvings of the animals that used to roam the woods for children to spot.
Just around the corner is the Forest Stoves and Fires Cafe where you can stop for a cup of tea.
National Museum Cardiff
The city centre museum is great for families, and there are plenty of exhibitions for children to explore. From dinosaurs and woolly mammoths to some of Europe’s best collections of art, there’s something on offer for everyone.
St Fagans National Museum of History
Step back in time at Wales’ most popular heritage attraction. The museum, which is free to enter, stands on the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle and gardens, a late 16th-century manor house.
Since 1948, more than 40 original buildings from different historical periods have been re-erected in the 100-acre parkland, among them houses, a farm, a school, a chapel, and a splendid Workmen’s Institute. Traditional crafts and activities bring St Fagans alive, in workshops where craftsmen still demonstrate their traditional skills.
Bute Park
If the weather is dry why not head to Bute Park, right in Cardiff city centre, and let the kids roam free? At 56 hectares (equivalent to 75 football pitches), it is one of the largest urban parks in Wales and comprises a broad mix of historic landscape, urban woodland, sports pitches, an arboretum, horticultural features, sculpture trail, a secret garden café and river corridor.
