Getting the little ones out to blow off some steam and have some fun is such a joy. For many families in Wales, finding accessible day trips for children is key to making the most of a day out.
Fortunately, Wales has plenty of accessible attractions for families to visit! Here we list six of them, including what they are and how they’re accessible.
Techniquest
Type of day out: Science discovery centre
Location: Stuart St, Cardiff CF10 5BW
Techniquest is an iconic building in Cardiff Bay and is brilliant fun for families.
If you’re not familiar with Techniquest, it’s a science discovery centre for children. Inside, there are more than 100 interactive science exhibits spread across two floors.
Children can enjoy these curious scientific displays that include problem solving, creativity, learning through play and even experiencing what it feels like to be caught in a hurricane!
There’s also a planetarium and a science theatre in the building, plus events and exhibitions are held regularly.
Techniquest is a very popular day out in Cardiff, so we recommend booking in advance.
Accessibility at Techniquest
Both floors of Techniquest are level and easy to access through a lift, so they’re accessible for prams and wheelchairs.
There are accessible toilets available on each floor, there are two baby changing rooms on the ground floor and there’s another baby changing unit in the Coffee Mania café.
The accessibility page on their website includes a 3D virtual tour, information about relaxed sessions, and more. You can rent sensory bags which include ear defenders, accessible maps and fidget toys among other handy items.
Techniquest also offers relaxed sessions on the first Sunday morning of every month. You can learn more about these sessions on their website.
Assistance dogs are welcome and essential carers who are accompanying visitors can enter Techniquest free of charge.
Techniquest doesn’t have disabled parking on-site. However, the nearby Havannah Street car park does have disabled parking bays. The Mermaid Quay car park is undergoing renovation and is expected to reopen in April 2026, with more accessible spaces.
Find out more about accessibility at Techniquest.
Manor Wildlife Park
Type of day out: Wildlife park
Location: Manor Wildlife Park, St Florence, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, SA70 8RJ
Does your child love animals? If so, then a day at Manor Wildlife Park will prove extraordinary! It’s a 52-acre park with a fabulous range of animals to see and activities to take part in.
From tigers and giant rabbits to zebras and lemurs, there is a breathtaking variety of animals at this park. It’s also home to the only walking safari in Wales.
Plus, because this is a smaller zoo in comparison to some of the others in the UK, it’s great for younger children.
Staying for lunch? The on-site restaurant specialises in Italian pizzas… yum!
Accessibility at Manor Wildlife Park
Most of Manor Wildlife Park is accessible for wheelchair users, prams and pushchairs. The exceptions are a steep hill at the back of the rhino paddock and the pathway adjacent to the cave pond.
Because these routes might be difficult for some people to access, Manor Wildlife Park recommends that people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, crutches and Zimmer frames use an alternative route. Routes that are more accessible are marked on the park map, which can be viewed in full size on their website.
Mobility scooters are available to hire for £18 per day but do call 01646 651201 before your visit to make sure one is available for you.
Parking at Manor Wildlife Park is free. Dogs aren’t allowed onsite, but the nearby Foxcombe Boarding Kennels will take dogs for the day, subject to space.
You can read more about accessibility at Manor Wildlife Park on their website.
Plantasia Tropical Zoo
Type of day out: Tropical house
Location: Plantasia Tropical Zoo, Parc Tawe, Swansea, SA1 2AL
Plantasia Tropical Zoo, based in Swansea, is an indoor rainforest – yes, an actual rainforest!
There are loads of rainforest plants to see at Plantasia, spanning the weird and wonderful to household names. Keep your eyes peeled for weeping figs, rubber and aloe vera plants, avocado trees and more.
And it’s not just plants…there are animals too! Plantasia is home to the only crocodile feeding experience in Wales and you can see meerkats, axolotls, piranhas, leopard cats and creepy crawlies.
Accessibility at Plantasia
Most of Plantasia is accessible, with a few exceptions.
The waterfall lookout, the tree house, the ant nest tunnel, and the killer plant house are not accessible for wheelchair users or prams. Aside from those exceptions, the walkways and paths around the zoo are accessible.
Carers can enter Plantasia free of charge and people with disabilities can enter at a concessionary rate.
There is a disabled toilet and a baby changing facility. All signs at Plantasia are displayed in both English and Welsh.
There are 50 disabled parking spaces and 7 parent and toddler parking spaces.
You can read more about accessibility at Plantasia on their website.
St Fagans National Museum of History
Type of day out: Indoor and outdoor museum
Location: St Fagans, Cardiff, CF5 6XB
The St Fagans National Museum of History, based in Cardiff, showcases Welsh heritage.
This stunning 100-acre outdoor museum is home to more than 50 rebuilt buildings that give visitors an immersive experience, taking them back in time.
Some of the highlights at St Fagans are a medieval church, a Workmen’s Institute and a Victorian school. They’ve all been reconstructed, providing a very real representation of what life was like for Welsh people of the past.
Not only are there buildings to explore, but workshops are also regularly held at the museum, where craftsmen share their traditional skills with visitors, such as a clog-making workshop and farming demonstrations.
Accessibility at St Fagans
St Fagans is open from 10 am until 5 pm every day (apart from Bank Holidays) and is free of charge to enter.
There is free disabled parking at the main entrance, wheelchairs available upon request, accessible toilets and baby changing facilities.
Most of St Fagans, which is a 3-kilometre walking route, is accessible for wheelchair users, prams and pushchairs.
However, some of the historic buildings might be difficult to enter for some people and there are areas with steep inclines and uneven terrain.
To help, you can get a map from a member of staff that suggests a wheelchair route around the museum.
Assistance dogs are welcome. You can find water bowls at the entrance of the museum and near the café and you can pick up a pooper scooper at the museum, too.
There are large-scale maps around St Fagans, as well as information boards outside of every building.
Click here to read St Fagans’ access guide.
Cosmeston Lakes
Type of day out: Country park
Location: Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Lavernock Rd, Penarth CF64 5UY
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park is just a short drive away from Tŷ Hafan, sitting between Sully and Penarth.
This is a beautiful site in the Vale of Glamorgan that spans more than 100 hectares, including water and land. Here you’ll find a diverse range of plants and animals in a tranquil setting.
Some areas of the park have been named as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. As well as being a place to see wildlife in abundance, Cosmeston Lakes Country Park has a play area and a curiosity trail for children.
This is also where you’ll find the much-loved Cosmeston Medieval Village, which you might recognise from Doctor Who, Galavant and Merlin.
The remains of Cosmeston Medieval Village were uncovered in 1980 when the park was being developed. Now restored and set in the year 1350, this open-air museum brings to life a fascinating time in Welsh history and is one of the most-visited attractions in South Wales.
Accessibility at Cosmeston Lakes
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park has even pathways, making it accessible for most visitors. When you visit reception, you can pick up a wheelchair free of charge. Toilets and baby-changing facilities are available in the on-site café.
Learn more about Cosmeston Lakes.
Dyffryn Gardens
Type of day out: Manor house and gardens
Location: Dyffryn Cl, St Nicholas, Cardiff CF5 6SU
The beautiful Dyffryn Gardens is an Edwardian garden with a whole host of beautiful sights.
In this seasonal garden, you’ll find the arboretum, the magnificent South Lawn, themed garden rooms and a walled garden, just to name a few highlights.
This is a lovely place to visit, especially on a sunny day, and it has natural play areas for children to enjoy. Dyffryn Gardens also holds events throughout the year and has an on-site café.
Accessibility at Dyffryn Gardens
This popular South Wales attraction provides an accessibility map to show visitors the accessible routes around the garden.
On the weekends, buggies are available for visitors to be driven around the site and dogs are welcome. You can also hire sensory packs which include ear defenders, fidget toys, binoculars, a magnifying glass, a soft toy, a torch and accessible maps. You can hire these from the visitor reception.
Accessible toilets and baby changing spaces are available throughout the gardens.
Learn more about accessibility at Duffryn Gardens.
Accessible day trips for children in Wales
As a children’s hospice, Tŷ Hafan knows how important it is for attractions to be as accessible as possible.
We provide expert end-of-life care, comfort and support to children in Wales who have life-shortening conditions.
Tŷ Hafan’s ambition is that when a child’s life will be short, no family should have to live it on their own.