HALF term is just around the corner and, with so much on in Gwent, there’s something to keep even the fussiest children entertained. Here are a few ideas.
1) Join the festivities, at Caerleon’s fun day
Last year was a roaring success, with over 3,000 visitors at the Caerleon Rugby Club. Meet Disney characters, get your face painted, try zorbing and conquer the bouncy castles on May 28. You can visit stalls, climb walls, play laser tag, run through their military assault course, and cuddle farm animals in the petting corner. For more information email davidallison2478@hotmail.com or call 07984 198922.
2) Earn your wings at Raglan Castle’s fairy academy
Their ‘Myths and Legends’ bank holiday weekend event features storytelling, archery, live music and refreshments.
With the opportunity to join the dragon parade, battle with dragons or knights, and venture to the magical forest for crafts, games and trails this is a delightful day for girls and boys.
It takes place from May 29 to May 30, from 11am until 4pm.
Tickets cost £4.20 for children, students and senior citizens, or £6 for adults. Families of two adults and three children can buy a family pass for £16.20.
3) Test your culinary skills, making cookies for birds in Cwmcarn Forest
A messy task for animal lovers, this workshop will teach your children a recipe that their feathery friends will love.
Once learnt, you can take the cookie recipe back to your garden. Taking place on May 31, it costs £2.50 for children aged three and above.
As spaces are limited, booking is advised. Phone 01495 272001 for more information.
4) Be an astronaut
Join the Dark Sky Wales Team in building and decorating your very own rocket at Cwmcarn Forest on June 1.
Once they are ready, visitors will have the chance to launch their creation over Cwmcarn to see how far their rockets will go.
Sessions begin at 12pm and cost £8.50 per child, but they must be aged five and upwards, and booking is recommended. Phone 01495 272001 for more information.
5) Learn wilderness survival
Join rangers at Pen Y Fan Pond Country Park in Blackwood in building shelters and lighting fires.
Why not bring some marshmallows to roast? It takes place between 10am and 02pm on June 2, costing £3 each. For more information or to book a place call 01443 875557.
6) Travel back in time to the Hundred Years’ War
This is a little further afield and just north of Abergavenny, but worth the trip. Take a tour of Tretower Court and Castle and learn about the medieval archers who camped there.
Did you know Welsh archers were notoriously fearsome, with many English Kings seeking their longbow skills?
Educate your children whilst having fun, on June 3 from 11am until 4pm. Tickets cost £4.20 for children, students and senior citizens, or £6 for adults. Families of two adults and three children can buy a family pass for £16.20.
7) Be an art gallery curator
A collection of over 200 pieces of artwork will be available at Newport Museum and Art Gallery for your viewing pleasure. Pop in between 10am and 2pm on June 4 and pick your favourite.
Write a label explaining why and there’s a chance it will go in their new exhibit at the end of July.
A brilliant event for budding Picassos and art enthusiasts alike, it is free of charge, but only 50 places will be available for the “best” artwork.
8) Explore the wild
Parc Bryn Bach will kick off Wales’ biodiversity week on June 4 with a day of activities, discovery and exploration. Take a dip in the pond, meet wildlife, watch birds from a kayak, and more!
This experience, between 10am and 3pm, is free of charge and suitable for all ages. It’s the ideal way to bring your family closer to nature. For more information email info@gwentwildlife.org or call them on 01600 740600.
9) Go on an adventure
The Wyastone Business Park will be hosting a range of exciting activities up until June 5. Try rock climbing, or if you’re feeling daring go gorge scrambling.
This includes rock climbing waterfalls, scrambling rocks and voyaging through dark tunnels.
Alternatively, try canoeing along rough rapids, in an exciting expedition for children aged 8 and above.
Prices start at £25 a child and £33 an adult. For more information you can email Inspire2Adventure at info@inspire2adventure.com or give them a call at 01600 891515.
10) Take a garden stroll
The Llanfoist Gardens in Abergavenny open on June 5 and offer a lovely way to end the holiday.
Bask in the sunshine, look at beautifully arranged gardens and steal some inspiration for your own plot.
The village hall serves fantastic food and drinks, with a Sunday roast available throughout the day.
Open 10.30am until 5.30pm, it’s free for children and costs £5 for adults, with 50 per cent of ticket sale profits being donated to charities. For more information visit www.llanfoist-open-gardens.co.uk.
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