School’s out, and there’s no better time to head outdoors on a family adventure. From historic houses and castles to beautiful gardens and parklands, the places cared for by National Trust Cymru offer endless opportunities to play, explore and make memories together this summer.

Whether you’re following a family trail, discovering Pokémon, getting hands-on with creative activities or taking on sporty challenges, every visit offers something different to enjoy.

With Summer of Play activities, seasonal events and plenty of space to let imaginations run wild, there’s something to keep all ages entertained throughout the summer holidays.

Normal admission prices to apply. For more information, or to plan your visit, head to: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/family-friendly

North Wales

Chirk Castle and Garden, Wrexham

 Calling Pokémon fans new and old! This Summer Pokémon are jumping into the great outdoors at Chirk Castle. Discover all-new Pokémon zones, get stuck into the Pokémon Trading Card Game, flex your skills and collect Mega Evolution stickers!

Elsewhere, enjoy a tropical getaway as you explore sandpit play zones surrounded by lush tropical planting. With buckets, spades, funnels and sieves, little imaginations can run wild. Hop between sandpit islands on stepping stones and balance beams, let off steam with volleyball, frisbee and parachute games, get creative with nature-inspired art and make your own summer soundtrack with musical instruments.

Erddig Hall and Garden, Wrexham

 Enjoy a summer of vintage carnival fun as you explore a family-friendly garden trail packed with classic games. Test your aim at the coconut shy, try your hand at hooking a duck, enjoy storytelling in the puppet theatre, and tackle traditional favourites including skittles, ring toss and pin the tail on the donkey.

Alongside the trail, get creative with carnival mask-making, hands-on art sessions and colourful face painting before rounding off your visit at Wolf’s Den, the natural play area. Here, little ones can swing, balance, climb, build dens and let their imaginations run wild for hours of outdoor fun.

Bodnant Garden, Conwy

Set off on a globe-trotting adventure this summer as you follow a family trail through the garden, discovering fascinating plants from around the world. Collect stamps in your passport, create brass rubbings and explore interactive pitstops as you journey across the continents without ever leaving North Wales.

With sporty challenges like croquet, archery and skittles, as well as storytelling sessions, themed crafts and bug hunts (selected days only), there’s plenty to get stuck into. Every stop along the trail offers something new to discover, making it the perfect place to spend time together in nature.

Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor

 Kick back and relax this summer as you discover wide-open spaces bursting with opportunities for family fun. Explore five exciting play zones where you can challenge family and friends to a game of badminton, put your engineering skills to the test in the construction zone, or enjoy a whole host of outdoor games.

Whether you’re feeling competitive, creative, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to unwind, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. So, pack a picnic, find a shady spot beneath the trees and spend time together surrounded by nature.

Plas Newydd House and Garden, Ynys Môn (Anglesey)

Get ready for a summer full of imagination, performance and play at Plas Newydd. Discover the sensory play area in the arboretum, spark your creativity with poetry pebbles and sketching easels in the garden, or take to the outdoor stage with spectacular views across the Menai Strait as your backdrop.

Elsewhere, dress up and spin amongst the light projections in the Music Room as you perform your own version of the Dancing Marquess’ famous Butterfly Dance, climb high in the treehouse, or run, jump and balance your way through Dairy Wood’s adventure playground.

Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool

Get ready for a summer packed with outdoor adventure as the Great Lawn becomes the ultimate playground for family fun. Whether you’re keen to get active, enjoy a little friendly competition or simply relax in the fresh air, there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy summer at their own pace.

Challenge family and friends to football, volleyball, badminton and other sports, put your skills to the test with balance activities, or join in with colourful parachute games. After all the action, slow the pace with quieter games and activities in peaceful corners of the lawn.

Powis Castle – ©National Trust Images – Paul Harris