From Spider-Man, Pokemon, massive ships, swimming and seriously impressive stunt riders – this spring Bank Holiday and half term around Cardiff is a cracker
It’s not just half term, it’s also May’s second bank holiday weekend and if you’re searching for things to do or places to go with the family we’ve picked out a strong list of options.
Some are free – yey! – including some Aardman and Shaun the Sheep fun in the city centre, or a lido that’s like being abroad. There’s a huge new food festival in the city’s Bute Park and also a huge crocodile at the New Theatre…don’t be afraid, it’s a puppet.
The weather’s looking great so pack the suncream and get out of the house! From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
1. Circus Extreme, Leckwith
Featuring an elite cast of world-class performers, jaw-dropping special effects, stunning visuals, and edge-of-your-seat thrills, Circus Extreme’s latest show, Rock It Out delivers a two-hour adrenaline rush for the entire family.
It mixes live rock music with mega circus stunts, including Globe of Death riders, the fearless Double Wheel of Death, breathtaking aerial trapeze artistry, explosive freestyle motocross backflips, high-speed street bike stunts, fire-infused aerial performances, and the sensational Double Ukrainian Swing!
We are zonked just thinking about it! Circus Extreme is at Cardiff City Stadium until May 31.
Online tickets at /www.circusextreme.co.uk or via the on-site Box Office: 02033753970
2. Merry May Time at Castell Coch
The Cadw castle will transport you back to the Middle Ages this bank holiday, with fun for knights, princesses and adventurers of all ages from May 23 – 25, 11am to 3pm.
3. Feast On, Bute Park
Feast On Cardiff, which takes place from Friday, May 29 to Sunday, May 31, will see Brecon-based burger restaurant, Hills, pop-up in the Welsh capital. 2024 British Streetfood Awards champions, Pasta a Mano, Bao Selecta and Mr Croquewich, Pasture will be there and is known for its fire-based cooking and regenerative, pasture-raised beef; as will Lakeside’s Bodega. Tickets are on sale now, available from HERE.
4. The Enormous Crocodile, New Theatre
‘For my lunch today I would like… a nice juicy little child!’
The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle in search of delicious little fingers and squidgy podgy knees… Only the other jungle creatures can foil his secret plans and clever tricks, but they’re going to have to find a large amount of courage to stop this greedy brute.
Catch the Roald Dahl adaptiation from May 28-30. Tickets, here.
5. Pokemon trail at Tredegar House
Get active outdoors on the Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evaluation Trail at Tredegar House. Team up as a family to search the gardens for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers, and complete your own challenges. The trail is running from May 23.
Find out more: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tredegar-house
6. Fonmon Castle’s Spider-Man weekend AND Dinosaur Week
The castle near Barry is hosting Spider-Man Weekends, either end of the half term week (May 23/24/25 and May 30/31) and during the week there’s going to be a dinosaur week, of course including the castle’s beloved dino trail.
But that’s not all… your ticket includes access to the entire park FREE Kids Stamp Trail, Welsh Folklore Story Trail, Medieval Grange, Tractor Park & Play Areas, Jurassic Wales, Craft Centre, Woodland Walks, Castle & Gardens… and more! Looking for extra fun? Try: Face Painting, Archery, Axe Throwing, Footgolf and Discgolf.
More information and booking, here.
7. Free Aardman workshops and Shaun the Sheep trail, St David’s Shopping Centre
There are free Aardman clay workshops as well as a Shaun the Sheep: Fun with the Flock augmented reality trail at the city shopping destination. Guests will get to hunt down nine markers throughout St David’s, each unlocking an interactive AR scene. Along the way, families can complete fun challenges with Bitzer the dog, pose alongside animated characters, and capture photos and videos to share with family and friends.
To take part, families can pick up a trail map and a free Shaun the Sheep headband from the St David’s Guest Services team, located on the upper level of the Grand Arcade – near Bershka, Stradivarius and Starbucks.
To participate in the Shaun the Sheep AR trail, families will need to download the Fun with the Flock app and enter the location code 2403, either in advance or on site.
The Shaun the Sheep A.R. Trail will be at St David’s until Sunday, May 31. The workshops will run on May 26 & 27. Shaun the Sheep will be at the centre on May 28.
8. Go to Ponty Lido (FREE for kids)
The pool, found in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, will open for sessions all day during term and school holiday time from June 1. But if you’re keen to get an early dip in the pool this May bank holiday weekend it will have all-day sessions – from May 2-4, including bank holiday Monday.
Keen early-morning swimmers can also book weekday and weekend sessions from 6.30am until 8.45am. For all ticket options, visit the Lido Ponty page on Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council’s website.
Kids under 16 swim for free and adults will pay £4 a session. If you don’t want to swim, just take the kids. You’ll pay £3.50.
9. Jump on board a Spanish galleon, Cardiff Bay
The Galeón Andalucía will call at Cardiff, marking the start of its grand 2026 European tour in the UK. A unique replica of the Spanish galleon, the Andalucía will port at Britannia Quay from May 29 to June 7.
Visitors will be able to discover what life was like on board these ships that linked continents and explored new worlds. Opening hours are 10 am to 8 pm each day it’s in Cardiff.
You can book your tickets now, ahead of time – which is the cheapest way – at tickets.velacuadra.es. Schools and organisations must book their visit by emailing ecampos@velacuadra.es.
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