Things to Do in Gwynedd
48 attractions and days out
Photo © Marcus Oakland, Google Maps
Gwynedd packs an unusual amount into one county, from the peaks around Snowdonia to some of Wales's finest beaches. Llanberis is the natural base for anything mountain-related, with Snowdon Mountain Railway and Beacon Climbing Centre both close at hand, while Bethesda's old slate quarry now hosts Zip World Penrhyn Quarry for anyone after speed rather than scenery alone.
Along the coast the choices shift towards the water. Abersoch and Aberlaron sit near Hell's Mouth Beach, Barmouth has its long stretch of sand, and Morfa Bychan adds another option further north. Caernarfon and Bangor work well as a base if you want castles and towns within reach rather than just beaches or hills.
Families tend to gravitate towards The Children's Farm Park or the National White Water Centre near Bala, both offering a gentler pace than a mountain railway or a quarry zip line. Given the spread across Gwynedd, it is worth grouping days out by area rather than trying to cover the county in one trip.
Railways & Transport
Snowdon Mountain Railway
Ride Britain's unique rack and pinion railway to Wales' highest peak, where spectacular mountain views await alongside a summit visitor centre with refreshments and facilities.
⭐ 4.9
Escape Room Challenges
Xscape Rooms
Challenge your family's problem-solving skills in thrilling themed puzzle adventures where teamwork is essential to escape before time runs out.
⭐ 4.8
Farm Parks
The Childrens Farm Park
Meet friendly farm animals and enjoy hands-on experiences at this welcoming attraction inside Llanfair Slate Caverns, complete with accessible facilities, onsite parking and snacks available throughout your visit.
⭐ 4.8
Climbing & Bouldering
Beacon Climbing Centre
Scale new heights at this fully accessible climbing venue where families can enjoy exciting wall challenges in a welcoming environment with baby-changing rooms and step-free access throughout.
⭐ 4.8
Beaches & Coastline
Tal-y-bont Beach
This wheelchair-accessible North Wales sandy beach welcomes families with picnics for a day of seaside fun, though facilities are limited so come prepared.
⭐ 4.8
Zip Wires
Zip World Penrhyn Quarry
Soar across Europe's most extensive zip line course at this thrilling Bangor adventure site, where young adrenaline-seekers aged 9-18 can experience breathtaking aerial rides above dramatic quarry landscapes.
⭐ 4.7
Railways & Transport
Airworld Aviation Museum
Climb into real aircraft cockpits at this interactive aviation museum near Caernarfon, where families can explore genuine planes and enjoy the on-site restaurant between flights of discovery.
⭐ 4.7
Parks & Play Areas
Gypsy Wood
Discover wetland trails and friendly animals at this enchanting Bontnewydd park, where families can explore nature together with facilities including picnic areas, accessible paths and snacks available.
⭐ 4.7
Beaches & Coastline
Porthdinllaen Beach
This wheelchair-accessible North Wales sandy haven is ideal for paddling and picnics, offering a delightful day out though families should note there are no toilet or baby changing facilities.
⭐ 4.7
Beaches & Coastline
Pwllheli Beach
A pair of sandy and shingle seaside stretches await your family along The Promenade, offering wheelchair access, onsite parking and space to enjoy your own packed lunch by the Welsh coast.
⭐ 4.7
Castles & Palaces
Penrhyn Castle and Garden - National Trust
This magnificent Victorian castle near Bangor combines grand architecture with family-friendly features including extensive gardens, intriguing nooks to discover and a fascinating railway museum, all fully accessible.
⭐ 4.7
Railways & Transport
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway
Journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Snowdonia aboard historic steam trains, offering an unforgettable family adventure with onsite dining and stunning mountain views throughout your ride.
⭐ 4.7
Beaches & Coastline
Llangrannog Beach
This family-friendly sandy shore on Cardigan Bay offers safe supervised swimming with lifeguards on duty, wheelchair access, and parking facilities, making it ideal for seaside picnics.
⭐ 4.7
Beaches & Coastline
Aberdyfi Beach
This stunning North Wales coastline offers three miles of golden sands perfect for family picnics, with wheelchair access and on-site parking making it easy to enjoy your seaside day out.
⭐ 4.7
Beaches & Coastline
Llwyngwril Beach
This pebble beach along North Wales' coast delights young adventurers with abundant rock pools to explore, plus wheelchair access and space for family picnics.
⭐ 4.7
Museums & Galleries
Porth y Swnt
Discover the gateway to exploring the Llyn Peninsula through engaging exhibitions and hands-on activities perfect for all ages at this welcoming visitor centre in Henfaes.
⭐ 4.6
Caves & Mines
Llanfair Slate Caverns
Explore atmospheric underground chambers and historic slate workings at Harlech's spectacular caverns, where steep ladders lead adventurous families deep into hidden subterranean spaces.
⭐ 4.6
Historic Houses & Gardens
Plas yn Rhiw
This charming North Wales manor house offers expansive gardens where children can explore and play freely, plus family facilities including picnic areas and an onsite restaurant.
⭐ 4.5
Farm Parks
Dwyfor Ranch Rabbit Farm
Get up close to cuddly rabbits and rare breed animals at this hands-on farm near Criccieth, complete with restaurant, full facilities and wheelchair access for an easy family day out.
⭐ 4.5
Horse Riding
Bwlchgwyn Farm Pony Trekking Centre
Explore Gwynedd's stunning countryside on horseback with guided treks and riding lessons suitable for both beginners and experienced riders at this welcoming North Wales farm.
⭐ 4.4
Indoor Soft Play
y Den Pwllheli
A wheelchair-accessible indoor play venue in Pwllheli offering soft play facilities, an onsite restaurant, baby changing rooms, and convenient nearby parking for families with young children.
⭐ 3.0
Indoor Soft Play
The Play Centre
An indoor play venue on Gwynedd's High Street offering active fun for youngsters, with convenient nearby parking though facilities are limited and access isn't wheelchair-friendly.
Beaches & Coastline
Barmouth Beach
This expansive North Wales sandy shore offers plenty of space for castle-building fun and seaside paddling, with wheelchair access and parking available for visiting families.
Beaches & Coastline
Harlech Beach
Stretch out on miles of soft sand beneath a magnificent castle, where your family can explore rock pools, spot wildlife in protected dunes, and welcome four-legged friends for seaside adventures.
Zip Wires
Zip World Llechwedd
Experience thrilling four-person zip lines and explore historic slate caverns underground at this action-packed Welsh adventure centre, with pushchair-friendly access and baby facilities available.
Beaches & Coastline
Criccieth Beach
This North Wales seaside spot combines sandy shores with pebble stretches, ideal for paddling and picnicking with the family in a wheelchair-accessible coastal setting.
Beaches & Coastline
Fairbourne Beach
This expansive two-mile sandy shoreline offers young children plenty of space to play and explore, with convenient parking, toilets and wheelchair access making it perfect for family days out.
Railways & Transport
Fairbourne Steam Railway
Take the family on a scenic miniature steam train ride along the coast, complete with children's play area and refreshments available at this wheelchair-accessible attraction.
Theme Parks & Funfairs
GreenWood Family Park
This North Wales adventure park features the world's first human-powered rollercoaster alongside aerial rope courses and bouncing zones, welcoming families with prams and dogs on leads.
Watersports
National White Water Centre
Experience thrilling rapids and water-based adventures at this purpose-built facility in Frongoch, perfect for families with older, swimming-confident kids seeking an action-packed day out.
Castles & Palaces
Harlech Castle
This magnificent medieval fortress in Gwynedd sparks children's imaginations with its hidden passageways and towering walls. Complete with parking, dining facilities, and wheelchair access, it's perfect for family adventures through history.
Trails & Treasure Hunts
Caernarfon Spy Mission Treasure Trail
Crack codes against the clock on this thrilling spy-themed treasure hunt through Caernarfon, perfect for families seeking adventure and puzzle-solving excitement together.
Adventure & Activity Centres
Thunder Park
Young thrill-seekers aged 4+ can master BMX, skateboarding and parkour skills at this pioneering action sports academy, with onsite facilities including accessible toilets and snacks available.
Caves & Mines
The Slate Caverns
Delve into historic underground mines before conquering thrilling zip lines and adventure trails at this action-packed Welsh slate heritage site with facilities for all ages.
Castles & Palaces
Criccieth Castle
This striking medieval fortress overlooking Cardigan Bay offers families a captivating journey into Wales' turbulent past, with dramatic ruins to explore and stunning coastal views to enjoy.
Beaches & Coastline
Morfa Bychan Beach
This accessible sandy shore offers perfect conditions for family fun with rockpools to explore, space for sandcastle building, and safe paddling in the shallows—bring your own picnic to enjoy.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Porthmadog Treasure Hunt Trail
Embark on an exciting pirate-themed quest through Porthmadog's streets to locate Davy Jones' lost treasure, perfect for families seeking a fun outdoor activity that lasts around three hours.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Portmeirion
Step into this enchanting Italian-style village nestled in North Wales, featuring colourful buildings and stunning gardens that feel like stepping onto a film set. Perfect for family picnics with onsite dining options available.
Beaches & Coastline
Tywyn Beach
This expansive North Wales sandy shore offers ideal conditions for sandcastle building and paddling, with wheelchair access and space to enjoy your own picnic by the sea.
⭐ 4.7
Pottery & Ceramic Painting
Piggery Pottery
Unleash your family's artistic talents at this welcoming Caernarfon studio where children can decorate ceramics or try their hand at the potter's wheel, with full facilities and picnic-friendly grounds.
⭐ 4.7
Adventure & Activity Centres
Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre
Set on the Menai Strait's waterfront, this adventure centre offers families exciting water sports and outdoor activities with an onsite restaurant to refuel between sessions.
⭐ 4.7
Beaches & Coastline
Plas Menai Beach
This welcoming North Wales shoreline at Y Felinheli offers wheelchair access and welcomes four-legged friends, making it an ideal picnic spot for all the family to enjoy together.
⭐ 4.5
Parks & Play Areas
Parc Glynllifon
This historic country park offers families woodland walks, artistic sculptures and beautiful gardens to explore, with an onsite restaurant and picnic-friendly grounds perfect for a full day out.
⭐ 4.5
Railways & Transport
The Llanberis Lake Railway
Take a scenic five-mile steam train ride along the shores of Llyn Padarn with spectacular Snowdon views, perfect for family picnics and exploring the beautiful surroundings.
⭐ 4.4
Sightseeing & Attractions
Inigo Jones Tudor Slate Works
Step back in time at this working slate quarry near Y Groeslon, where traditional craftsmanship meets industrial heritage. Baby facilities available, though limited wheelchair and pushchair access.
⭐ 4.3
Caves & Mines
Sygun Copper Mine
Venture deep into this historic Beddgelert copper mine where an audio-visual tour guides you through dramatic underground caverns and winding passages. Facilities include parking, toilets and a restaurant.
⭐ 3.9
Indoor Soft Play
The Fun Centre
Brave the thrilling 25ft drop slide or explore 14,000 sq ft of play including driving school and sports arena at this action-packed Christchurch venue with onsite café.
⭐ 3.6
Adventure & Activity Centres
Glasfryn Parc
Action-packed North Wales activity centre offering go-karting, archery and outdoor thrills for all the family. Pushchair-friendly throughout with baby facilities and accessible toilets available.
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