Family Days Out in Pembrokeshire
Things to do with kids in Pembrokeshire
Travel to West Wales for your next family getaway and discover an extensive range of family attractions in Pembrokeshire. From toddlers to teenagers and grandparents too, there is something to suit families of all shapes and sizes.
With indoor attractions perfect for rainy days and outdoor activities you can do all year round, you can easily keep the whole group entertained no matter the weather.
As for where to stay, we have you covered with our wide selection of family holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire. Our large holiday cottages will provide an ideal base if you’re keen to all stay under one roof whereas our cottages in shared locations are a better bet if you want to stay separately but close by. We also have dog friendly cottages if your family is bringing along a furry friend.
Pembrokeshire beaches to visit
If you’re looking for family days out in Pembrokeshire, visiting one of the many beaches in the area is a must and luckily for you, there are plenty to choose from. Whether you fancy a bucket-and-spade day, dog friendly walks, surf lessons or a few hours rock pooling; there’s a perfect beach for every family.
And the best thing about beach days in Pembrokeshire? They are free! Some of our favourite beaches in Pembrokeshire include:
- Tenby South Beach: Tenby’s longest beach with a stretch of white sand that faces out to Caldey Island is just a short walk from the town centre.
- Whitesands Beach, St Davids: A haven for watersports with Carn Llidi “mountain” offering great walks to the summit which overlooks the beach below.
- Newgale Beach: Known for its iconic tall pebble bank, this breathtaking bay is a gem on the west coast perfect for watersports, walks, ball games and more.
- Newport Sands Beach: Backed with grassy sand dunes and a pretty harbour around the corner, this is a popular haunt for families.
- Broadhaven South Beach, Stackpole: Often voted as one of the best in Pembrokeshire and beyond, with golden sands and the tranquil Bosherston Lily Ponds just a stone’s throw away.
Pembrokeshire Holiday Cottages on the Beach
Newgale Beach
Animal parks in Pembrokeshire
When it comes to family attractions in Pembrokeshire, there are several animal parks where you can take the kids to enjoy a great day out. If you have little ones who are curious about underwater creatures or fascinated by farmyard animals, you’ll want to make room in your holiday itinerary for a day out at one of these fantastic attractions.
- Sea Trust Aquarium, Fishguard: Showcasing the variety of marine life found in Welsh waters, it is open 10:30am to 4:30pm (seasonally) and costs £8 per adult / £6 ages 2-15 with guided tours available free of charge. Make sure to check the website before visiting as they do sometimes close for private school bookings.
- Manor Wildlife Park, near Tenby: See tigers, monkeys, camels and meerkats as you stroll through the park with sandpits, an outside play area and a gift shop too. Animal lovers can even get up close with some of the animals via the walk-through enclosures; walk with wallabies, red pandas, and even lemurs. Open Mon-Sun between 10am and 4pm, it is one of the most popular things to do in Tenby for families. Day entry tickets are priced at £21.95 per adult and £19.95 for ages 2-16.
- Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, Kilgetty: Easily one of the best days out with the kids in Tenby, Folly Farm has plenty to keep the family entertained. Explore the Zoo with lions, giraffes and penguins before seeing pigs, shire horses, donkeys and goats in the farmyard. The outside play area provides racing cars, slides and diggers while the inside Vintage Funfair has dodgems, a ghost train and the waltzers. Open 10am to 5pm daily (restricted over winter), it costs £28 per adult and £26 for ages 2-15. Book online in advance to save 5% off your entry.
Child Friendly Holidays in Pembrokeshire
Nature spotting in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is the UK’s only coastal National Park so it’s a given that wildlife is going to be rich and varied. A mixed landscape of coast and rural countryside lends itself well to a plethora of land and sea creatures with a thriving birdlife activity too.
How best to discover Pembrokeshire wildlife? Boat trips always come highly recommended though you’ll find there are a few nature reserves and gardens in Pembrokeshire that you might like to visit too. Here are some of our highlights:
- Wildlife Watching Boat Trips: Soak up panoramic scenes of the Welsh coastline as you zip or cruise across the ocean to circle Ramsey or Grassholm where birdlife activity is particularly busy come the early summer season. Land on Ramsey Island to tour the reserve on foot, contact our Concierge team for assistance booking boat trips.
- Skomer Island: A must whether you’re a nature lover or not. This tiny isle is home to the 3rd most important breeding colony of puffins that have even attracted a visit from David Attenborough. Take a self-guided tour through the bluebells and make sure your phone is charged for there’ll be photo opportunities aplenty. Booking online in advance is advised as tickets sell quickly for peak season (June-Aug), costs start at £30 per adult and £24 per child.
- National Botanic Garden of Wales: This RHS Partner Garden boasts 400 acres of grounds with the world’s largest single-span greenhouse, native and exotic plants. Keep an eye on their events calendar for dedicated Doggy Days, summer fairs and more.
- The Bug Farm: A unique research and visitor centre, The Bug Farm welcomes you in to learn all about insects with their Bug Zoo, Museum and Farm Trails. There’s even the Grub Kitchen if you’re brave enough to taste test them. Closed over the winter, this family-friendly attraction is open Tues-Sun with tickets priced at £8.50 per adult and £6 per child.
Puffins at Skomer Island
Action and adventure in Pembrokeshire
You’re spoilt for choice with family activities in Pembrokeshire as watersports and various other adrenaline-fueling activities are available across the region. There’s something suitable for children of all ages, here are some of our highlights:
- Coasteering: Available to book via our Concierge team, kids of 8+ (and adults!) can discover the wild adventures of scrambling along cliffs and diving into the sea with trusted instructors.
- Surfing: No holiday by the coast in Pembrokeshire is complete until you’ve tried the most popular watersport there is, so why not give surfing a go? Book tuition with an instructor if it's your first time (available via our Concierge team) or hire equipment from any one of the surf shops along the coast to practise until you’re tired.
- Trampolining: Head straight to Hangar 5 in Haverfordwest for a fun jump session for the whole family. There’s even a soft play area for toddlers as well as a cafe onsite.
- Heatherton World of Activities: This activity park in Pembrokeshire is a favourite for days out with the kids in Tenby with bumper boats, baseball, go-karting, mini golf and so much more on offer. There are also escape rooms, indoor bowls, paintballing and high ropes assault courses.
Family Friendly Cottages in Pembrokeshire
Coasteering in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire's Heritage
Ask anyone for recommendations of things to do with kids in Pembrokeshire and no doubt, they’ll suggest visiting a castle or two. Wales has an interesting and tumultuous history with a timeline that is sprinkled with royalty, wars, mythical legends and pirates.
Here are some of our must-visit heritage sites for your next family holiday:
- St Davids Cathedral: Built where Saint David once built a monastery, this Cathedral is the reason the tiny destination of St Davids was granted city status and its intricate architecture, stunning stained glass windows and serene setting makes the perfect place for children to explore.
- Pembroke Castle: Learn about Tudor history with displays and exhibitions detailing the birth of King Henry VII who was born here. Expect family fun days during school holidays and seasonal events like outdoors theatre in summer.
- Carew Castle: Enjoy activities days and guided tours at this medieval fortress with additional special events throughout the holidays. We recommend packing a picnic and taking a leisurely walk around the millpond for great views of the castle.
For more inspiration, read all about our top 5 castles in Pembrokeshire.
Pembroke Castle
Book a family holiday in Pembrokeshire
There is a real range of indoor and outdoor family attractions in Pembrokeshire with lots to keep the whole group occupied - even the little ones who are especially busy. To make your memories even more special, book a family friendly holiday cottage in Pembrokeshire. And don’t forget to contact our Concierge team to enquire about activities and experience days that you can book directly with us.