This is a collaborative post
Have you noticed that there seems to be plenty to do for older kids and nothing but soft play centres for those who aren’t quite old enough for go-karting and laser tag?
I know there’s only so many Saturdays you can spend in a ball pit so, to save a few tears and tantrums, I’ve searched Wales and the South West to find some of the best Bristol activities and Cardiff activities around.
And hopefully there won’t be any tears and tantrums from your little ones either!
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Toddler Time at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
Held on Fridays for children up to the age of five, these sessions encourage engagement and learning through music but with an emphasis on fun too. The Centre itself is family-friendly, with a full range of facilities, from baby changing to milk and food warming. There are also various toddler-friendly productions on throughout the year so it’s worth checking the website to see what’s on when you visit.
Air Tots at Go Air Trampoline Park, Cardiff
Not just for big kids, Go Air have a dedicated area for little bouncers to find their feet too. Sessions are available throughout the week and are bookable online, over the phone or on arrival. There’s also separate baby and toddler classes on throughout the week. Jolly Babies for those up to the age of 14 months and Music with Mummy for toddlers aged 15 months to three years, with both using music as a means to encourage the development of speech and social and listening skills.
Cardiff International Pool, Cardiff
Cardiff International Pool isn’t just for competition – it’s for fun too! The Leisure Pool has everything you need to cater for kids of all ages but I think it’s great for toddlers in particular. There are plenty of shallow areas for first time paddlers and, our favourite, a lazy river for you to relax in. The pool can get busy on the weekends so if you can, we’d recommend going on a weekday during school hours.
Windmill Hill City Farm, Bristol
Situated just outside Bristol city centre, this community farm makes a fantastic day out for even the youngest children. There’s plenty to see and do and lots for them to learn as they discover the animals that live there and explore the outdoors. The café on site serves fresh, farm produced food all year round to keep everyone’s tummies from rumbling and, if they’ve still got any energy left, there’s an adventure playground filled with toddler-safe, low level structures for them to explore too.
Curiosity at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Curiosity is Bristol Museum’s dedicated space for under fives. It’s full of fascinating exhibits that are perfect for introducing them to science and history, and there are plenty of activities that they’ll love getting stuck into as well. Make sure you visit the crystal cave when you’re there. It’s a firm favourite with lots of visitors, young and old! The museum is completely family-friendly with facilities throughout to help you feel at home and make the most of your day.
Whilst adrenaline-fuelled activities might be taking a backseat until they’re older, there are plenty of places to go and things to see to keep little minds curious and capture their imaginations, even at a young age.
Our final top tip if you’re looking for places to take toddlers? Check the websites of popular family attractions before you rule them out. There’s often activities or exhibits to keep even their youngest guests entertained.
And not a ball pit in sight.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post with Regional Games.