Your complete guide to theme parks in Wales

Camping holidays in Wales can be full of excitement. There are wild landscapes to explore, mountains to climb and seas to surf. However, if you’re holidaying as a family, you may find yourself seeking a fun day at a different type of attraction. Look no further than one of the many theme parks in Wales.

Meet the Animals

In Pembrokeshire, you will find several exciting attractions, including two animal-themed parks. The first near Tenby is the Dinosaur Park. In case you didn’t guess from the name, this park is dinosaur-themed, so if your kid’s favourite animal is a T-Rex, then this is the park for you! Take a walk on the wild side with the Dinosaur Trail. On this woodland walk, you can learn surprising facts about dinosaurs and take the Dino Quiz, where you can try to earn an Expert Sticker. There are several outdoor activities and rides, including the Tubey Run where you slide down a twisting course on a rubber ring. You can also have fun in the Games Garden, home to large-scale traditional games like snakes and ladders… or in this case, dinosaurs and ladders! Entrance to this park costs £8.25 for kids and £9.25 for adults.

Only seven miles north of the Dinosaur Park is the Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo. Although you won’t find any dinosaurs here, this park has expanded from its humble beginning as a dairy farm to the current home to 50 different species including zebra, giraffe, meerkats and 24 Humboldt penguins! Head to the Jolly Barn area to meet farmyard favourites such as sheep, goats, pigs and small pets like ferrets and mice. The Cwtch (which is Welsh for cuddle) Corner hosts interactive and educational talks about the farm animals. Active kids will find plenty of entertainment in the Adventure Park’s various playgrounds. Rainy days are sorted as it is also home to Europe’s largest undercover vintage funfair! Folly Farm is open from 10am to 5:30pm most days in peak time. Be sure to check the website for specific opening days and prices.

Ride a Roller Coaster

A bit further north, but still only a twenty minute drive from Tenby is Oakwood Theme Park. Here you will find exciting theme park rides suitable for all ages. The whole family will love the Treetops Coaster, which takes you on a thrilling path through the highest branches in the trees above Oakwood. Smaller children will find plenty of entertainment in the kid-friendly Neverland section of the park, featuring rides such as Tink’s Flying School. Adrenalin junkies over 1.2 metres tall will absolutely love Megafobia. This wooden roller coaster was voted the best ride in the UK and third best in the world, so there are no excuses for chickening out! Every Wednesday and Saturday there is an After Dark event, which includes a dive show and fireworks. Children under 3 years old enter Oakwood Theme Park for free. You can book online in advance to get a family ticket for £59, as opposed to £66 on the door.

Embrace Adventure

If you’re staying in a campsite in North Wales, be sure to visit Greenwood Forest Park in Snowdonia. This day out is suited for children who love running and climbing. They can climb the turrets of Treetop Towers, build a den in the woodland and even try out longbow archery! However, this park isn’t just for kids. The whole family must work as a team on the Jungle Boats, where you work together to pull your boat around the course. This park is open all year round. In winter, the kids can enjoy the Enchanted Playbarn, an indoor softplay area, and you can enjoy a warm drink in the café. In summer, the whole park is open from 11am to 5:30pm daily. Check the park’s website for prices as it is cheaper to enter if you are holidaying off-peak.

At the theme parks in Wales, you can find active fun, lovely walks and thrilling rides to keep the whole family entertained. The only challenge is finding the courage to take on the big rides!