Snowdonia with teens

[Cherryminx]

Off to Snowdonia this summer with DCs (14 & 12). Can anyone recommend great things to do for all weathers. Walking is on our radar but may involve a bit of moaning if too hilly. We don't mind a bit of getting wet but don't want to be permanently saturated so something that is a bit of respite from rain but not too pricey would be good.

We are doing the same with slightly older teens 15&17. My research has found the following which are on our list - castles Harlech and Caernarvon - activities Zipworld caverns and Bounce below , bike hire, traditional beach day at Barmouth, visit to Potmerrion, train up Snowdon (too lazy to climb but may walk down) Gorge walking or white water rafting. Finally bonfire and bbq in the beach!

train up snowden is very expensive. have you looked at electric mountain. mine really enjoyed this. centre for alternative technology is interesting. there are lots of mini golf places and criccieth has a beach, a castle and mini golf plus cadwalladers ice creams.

the walk from porthmadog to portmeirion is definitely worth it. they have a really good tourist info centre in porthmadog and would go there first. black rock sands is good too but beware the tide on this bit as it is really strong in the estuary. I think that there is a go ape ropeworks place plus if you do a bit of forward research you could do climbing and abseiling but need to book in advance. the walks at beddgelert are lovely (lots of tea shoppes to go to afterwards !)

HI We go every year to Snowdonia with DS's 18,14,10.

Check out the Plas y Brenin mountain centre near Capel Curig, it is the place where mountaineering, climbing canoeing instructors etc are trained. We always book a day of climbing or canoeing instruction for the boys. They also do special taster days for about £15 per head but parents have to stay, whereas with the private instruction you can drop and leave them.

We went white water rafting last year and had a great time. The walking is amazing.

Our list would be slightly less outward bound focused...

If your sons are that way inclined the I'd suggest the Welsh Highland Railway. It's narrow gauge so a bit different. We find it a good thing to do on a rainy day. We get the train from Caernarfon to Porthmadog but we are starting near Bangor normally.

Also the slate caverns at Llechwedd are fun. It'll be cold and damp if it's raining above ground, but not too wet once you are below.

We also like Bodnant Gardens and Penrhyn Castle if you are national trust members.

electric mountain is good (also if wet)

betws y coed

definitely bounce below
if raining caernarfon fun centre has steep drop slides

various short walks eg www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/visiting/walking/mountain-walks/cwm-idwal

further afield newborough beach on anglesey
and frisbeee golf at NT plas newydd

www.visitsnowdonia.info/activities_and_things_to_do-10.aspx

Lots of great ideas here. Thanks.