North wales with 10 and 8 year old

[redskyatnight]

Have a holiday in North Wales (staying near Caernarfon) planned for the summer. DS (the 10 year old) in particular is at the awkward in between stage - he is now saying basic playgrounds are "babyish" but equally wouldn't spend a day in a museum "oo boring".

We are English Heritage members so will do lots of castle visiting. Hopefully a day or 2 on the beach. Thinking about some shorter walks (don't think either DC would be able to do day walks round Snowdonia).
I see Greenwood Forest Park gets good reviews - but would DS find it too "babyish"?

Any other ideas for days out very gratefully received!

Greenwood park is good and would be a full day out. there is a nice castle at criccieth with cadwalladers ice cream at the bottom of it (for a bribe). there is also the King Arthurs seat place plus the Centre for Alternative technologies. both are a bit of a drive but can be full days out. there are plenty of crazy golf/pitch and puts plus a tree surfing place (i think it is called go Ape. there is also one within one of the caravan parks) only suitable for older kids so perfect for your DS. also there is somewhere that does white water canoes/rafting that are worth looking into.

Electric Mountain at Llanberis is an interesting place for children of that age.

Does English Heritage operate in Wales?

English Heritage doesn't operate in Wales, but membership gives you free entry to CADW properties (most of the castles!)

Ah, that's good. You'll have plenty to do at no cost then.

Buy stunt kites - perfect for on the beach.

Snowdonia mountain railway?

Aber Falls is lovely.

Snowdon really is worth climbing down at least if you get the turn up. If you take the PYG track it's an exciting trip for the children, a bit more so that the Llanberis path which is a more sedate route.

My 2 climbed both ways at similar ages and although tired they absolutely loved it.

Canaerfon castle is simply the best.

Don't know if it's too far for you but Conwy is EXACTLY how you used to draw castles as a child PLUS there is a genuine Knight's Shop just opposite with swords and everything .

Are they into King Arthur? Can you get them into King Arthur beforehand if not? Then every nice walk round a lake or a hill or a castle can be linked back and made about the Lady in the Lake, this is where the Pendragon will return etc.

Conwy is just brilliant. I don't know how far you will be from the Blaenau Ffestiniog railway, but it is a great day out.

My DC really enjoyed the Fun Centre in Caernafon. They were 10/11 when we went and it's was great for a wet morning.

Placemarking, we are going to north Wales this summer, to porthmadog.

The madthings will be 15, 12, 9, 6 and 3.

We a're planning on getting the train up snowden and walking back down nd the beach and castles.

So will follow this thread for more ideas.

The Ffestiniog railway runs from Porthmadog

If you do take the trip don't do it in bad weather as you will miss the views.

I love the fun centre
We used to go when I was at uni in Bangor
Loads of stuff in local places - trip to Llandudno?

Bedgelert is nice. You can paddle in the river, walk round gelert's grave and there is a fab ice cream shop. There is a copper mine just up the road which they would probably like.

I'd go to an outdoor activity centre for some kayaking and climbing. Have a look at the Llyn Gwynant campsite as they do kayaking there at very reasonable rates, coasteering and climbing.

To add to the good ideas already. They ought to be able to manage some of the walks. Round Cwm idwal is a good one, very dramatic scenery on the walk, but not much climbing, and a lake to mess about in. What more could boys want?! Lake Ogwen opposite the car park had some streams and water type fun too from memory.

From canaervon, Anglesey is very accessible. The grounds of plas newydd (national trust) has an adventure playground that might still be ok for the eldest (again might be hazy memory). There is all sorts of adventure sports type stuff going in round there, but I expect ££.

I know the area well, I love it, have fun!

Llandudno has cable cars on the Great Orme and a taboggan run. Also the pier has all the usual arcade stuff. There is a play centre there too called Bonkers which is quite good. There is a bowling place in Llandudno too. The play centre in Caernarfon has death slides into ball pits. Greenwood is great, there is Archery and den building which would appeal to older kids. Beaumaris castle is my favourite and you can do a boat trip to Puffin Island. Anglesey has a brilliant Sea Zoo with crazy golf there too.

Llechwedd slate quarry does under ground tours. (can you guess I am from North Wales)

If you pm me your address I will happily send you a load of leaflets on sone attractions?

If you go to Conwy, you have to go crab catching at the harbour! There's a great fish & chip and ice cream shop on the harbour front too.

Ooh peppapigmustdie could you do that for me? Can cover postage. Love your name btw!

Don't miss Harlech. The castle is stunning and the beach is a site of scientific interests (SSI). The beach is five miles long and you can paddle in the waves whilst looking at snow capped mountains (i.e Snowdon and friends). It's a small place, but unforgettable and not touristy.

I used to love going to Pili Palas!

Barmouth is good for a beach/fish and chips/amusements type day

Electric mountain is fab, you must go on a tour. Dd loved it when she was 10 or 11. Also the copper mine.