There is so much to enjoy in May half term 2025 in and near Cardiff, including Helios at Dyffryn Gardens, BFF holiday club at Insole Court and Elvis rock & roll weekend in Cardiff Bay
After weeks of gorgeous weather, which will hopefully remain, it is now time for May half term. In the final holiday before the schools break up for summer, you might be thinking about how to keep them entertained.
From fantastic activities at the National Trust, including Dyffryn Gardens, to an Elvis festival in Cardiff Bay, to mad science activities, there is lots to enjoy in and around Cardiff. The May half term runs from Saturday, May 24 until Sunday, June 1.
Here are some of the best activities and events to enjoy near Cardiff. Got an event on this half term, email details to stephanie.colderick@reachplc.com.
1. Helios, Dyffryn Gardens
A “breathtaking” sculpture is making its way to Dyffryn Gardens, on the outskirts of Cardiff, promising people a chance to “see the sun like never before”.
This round sculpture is seven meters wide and was made by British artist Luke Jerram. It will be on display at the South Lawn of Dyffryn Gardens in half term, from Friday, May 23 to Monday, May 26, and Thursday, May 29 to Sunday, June 1. You can read more, here.
2. Northampton vs Bordeaux Begles, Principality Stadium
The Principality Stadium in the centre of Cardiff is hosting the Investec Champions Cup final. Northampton will play Bordeaux Begeles on Saturday, May 24, kick off at 2.45pm.
You can find out more and buy tickets, here.
3. The relocated Queen Street carousel, Cardiff Bay
While the iconic Queen Street carousel may not call the city centre street home anymore, you can still enjoy it in a new location. The popular carousel has been moved to Cardiff Bay and there is a new carousel to enjoy on Queen Street too. You can read more, here.
4. Blossom spotter trail, Tredegar House
Another National Trust activity you shouldn’t miss is the blossom spotter trail at Tredegar House. Located between Cardiff and Newport this is only a short drive away.
Explore the 17th-century red brick mansion and uncover blossom-inspired decorations hidden throughout. Step back in time as you look for floral motifs on objects, carvings, paintings, walls, and ceilings.
Then try on traditional outfits or use puppets to create your own story. Outside, there are 90 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland to explore.
The trail runs from Saturday, May 24, until Sunday, June 1, from 11am to 4.30pm.
5. BBF holiday club, Insole Court
BFF is a lively and engaging morning club designed for primary school children from reception to year 6, at Insole Court in Cardiff. This fun-filled program focuses on helping kids become even better friends through interactive activities, games, and discussions.
Each session explores a key aspect of friendship, encouraging children to grow in their relational skills while having a fantastic time. The club is running from Monday, May 26, until Friday, May 30. You can book online, here.
6. Elvis rock & roll weekend, Cardiff Bay
Forget Porthcawl, Elvis is coming to Cardiff Bay. The family-friendly festival celebrates the king of rock & roll with live music, tribute acts, boat trips, best dressed hound dog, an Elvis fun run, and more.
The festival is running from Friday, May 30, until Sunday, June 1, and it is free to attend.
7. Community fun day, Red Dragon Centre
This half term, the Red Dragon Centre is hosting a vibrant community fun day on Wednesday, May 28, to celebrate the lead-up to Eid Al Adha. Enjoy a colourful local makers’ market from 11am–6pm, perfect for browsing handmade gifts.
From 12–4pm, families can join in free activities like lantern making, face painting, and meet Stitch from the new film.
8. Dinomania, National Museum Cardiff
National Museum Cardiff is hosting dinomania this half term, from Wednesday, May 28 until Sunday, June 1. At the museum, you will meet adorable baby dinosaurs, meet Spike the huge Spinosaurus, learn dinosaur facts and explore a brilliant fossil collection.
Tickets are £15 per adult and per child and you can book your tickets, here.
9. Mad science camps, schools across Cardiff
Taking place at schools across Cardiff, including Cathedral School in Llandaff and RedRoses School in Allensbank, is the mad science camps. Let your child’s imaginations run wild and spark their curiosity at the mad science camps.
Whether launching rockets, experimenting with crazy chemistry, or going for a spin on the hovercraft rides, there’s something for everyone. Each day promises a new and exciting adventure, with a diverse range of topics and themes to investigate and explore.
The mad science camps are running on Tuesday, May 27, Wednesday, May 28, Thursday, May 29, and Friday, May 30. You can find out more and book, here.
10. Abseil down the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
For a unique chance and in a rare opportunity, you can abseil down the Wales Millennium Centre this half term. To raise money for the Wales Millennium Centre this is a charity abseil, with a deposit and minimum fundraising target required to take part, you can read more here.
Feel the thrill of descending into the heart of Cardiff Bay and enjoy breathtaking views as you make your way down the landmark building.
A bit further afield…
If you are happy to travel a bit further, there are some great activities you can enjoy further from Cardiff. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.
12. Big Banquet, Caldicot Castle
Big Banquet returns to Caldicot Castle, opening on Friday, May 24 and running across the two half-term weekends of Friday, May 24 until Tuesday, May 27 and Saturday, May 31 to Monday, June 2.
Big Banquet will be bringing its unique mix of gravity-defying high wire acts, family circus fun, and the best street food that Wales has to offer.
13. Bristol Zoo Project, Bristol
While the iconic Bristol Zoo Gardens may be a thing of the past, there’s still a fantastic place to visit across the Severn where you can see stunning animals and have a great time.
The Bristol Zoo Project, previously known as The Wild Place Project, was launched by the Bristol Zoological Society in 2013. It’s a wildlife park with a mission to protect threatened habitats both locally and globally.
This zoo safeguards endangered habitats close to home, like British woodland, as well as those further afield in places like Madagascar, Cameroon, and the Congo. You can read more, here.
14. Cadw Castle events
Cadw locations, Chepstow Castle, Caer-went Roman Town, Caerleon Roman Baths and Raglan Castle could also be a fun option to jump in the car and visit. Over half term they will host various events like jester schools, family crafts and Medieval murder mysteries. Click here for dates and event details.