Indoor attractions, activities and things to do in West Wales

Don’t let the word ‘farm’ confuse you; Folly Farm is a spectacular family-friendly zoo with four big attractions under one banner. The Jolly Barn is a huge undercover farmyard full of animals to see, a vintage funfair with nostalgic rides, an indoor and outdoor play area with slides and soft play, and a zoo with rhinos, giraffes, monkeys, capybaras, birds, penguins, lions, and more. 

Known for its eye catching glass exterior, the National Waterfront Museum in Abertawe (Swansea) is based in a Grade II listed former warehouse, reflecting the dockside industry of which it tells some of the story. The Waterfront opened in 2005 and has been on the rise ever since. Look out for family fun weekends and special events here.

Plantasia Tropical Zoo is a huge adventure site, and its themed zones and mazes make it a particularly good place to take the kids. Its botanic and animal collections are as good as you’ll find anywhere, and the hothouse is a great place to find out all about the magic of plants.

This 11-mile (17km) cave system is one of the largest in Europe. One local cave diving expert believes that the caves may stretch up to 90 miles (150km) in length! Dan yr Ogof caves were discovered in 1912 and were inhabited during the Bronze Age, while remains of 42 human skeletons were found in Bone Cave, along with jewellery and other ancient artefacts. The site also has an Iron Age village and a dinosaur park. Visit them today to see the caves and natural forms for yourself.

Take a 90min ride along a preserved standard gauge railway from Bronwydd, near Caerfyrddin (Carmarthen). The Gwili Steam Railway follows the River Gwili through lush countryside, and it's a real nostalgic experience for all the family to enjoy. The Cream Tea & Steam experience is a nice touch of luxury if you fancy a treat. 

Abertawe's LC is home to a huge indoor water park, with slides, rides, and splash zones suitable for all ages. Prefer to stay dry? Book a session in the massive interactive soft play area. Four levels of adventure to climb and jump around, including a sensory area, so it's a brilliant option for active families. Adults can relax in the coffee shop. There's also a spa with treatments, steam rooms, sauna and jacuzzi onsite.

Hangar 5 Trampoline Park is a great indoor activity for all ages, offering a fun and energetic way to stay active no matter the weather. Packed with adrenaline-filled experiences including a variety of trampoline zones, foam pits, and exciting challenges, it’s ideal for families, groups, or anyone looking to combine fitness with fun.

Catering for ages 8-adult, race around an indoor track at up to 60kph on petrol-powered karts. With tight corners, fast straights and technical sections to challenge beginners and skilled drivers alike, Kart Kingdom is ideal for a group activity session.

The National Wool Museum lets you get a feel for the production centre which once provided Wales' most widespread industry at this former mill in Dre-Fach Felindre, with galleries and plenty of chances to try creating your own warm, woolly masterpiece. Huge spinners and contraptions to untangle ancient yarns feature among an array of once-indispensable machines.

The lovely little Dylan Thomas Boathouse and the nearby writing shed are perched above the Taf Estuary, just a short stroll from the village of Talacharn (Laugharne). This is where is the Welsh literary giant Dylan Thomas spent his last four years. It’s an oddly magical place, well worth visiting, whatever the weather. Thomas fans might enjoy a trip to The Dylan Thomas Centre in Abertawe too.

A mighty Egyptian mummy, first seen in around 200 BC but brought to Swansea during the late 19th century, is a must see exhibit at Swansea Museum. There are also amazing archaeological finds from across the eras in the city - Roman artefacts and industrial mementos among them - alongside regularly changing exhibitions.

Even though it’s Britain’s smallest city, there’s tons of stuff to do in Tyddewi (St Davids) - including visiting the splendid cathedral. Oriel Y Parc is another Tyddewi attraction, housing works of art such as a fine landscape gallery from the National Museum of Wales. It also offers guidance on places to visit along the 186 miles of National Trail walks when the weather is dry. 

The symbolism of lovespoons harks back to the 17th century, when these wooden carvings first became heartfelt tokens of hand-crafted affection with a certain ritualism alluding to our paths through life. Visit Thomas the Woodcarver - who originally made one in place of an engagement ring - in his Lovespoon Workshop in Pembrokeshire. 

Feeling excited to see a film or a show, with popcorn and ice-cream ready - it's the perfect rainy day thing to do for all the family. 

Swansea Grand Theatre is the place to see a range of performances, all in front of a huge auditorium. There's a broad range of cultural, artistic and general entertainment events in this city centre theatre. Big band tours, family theatre, comedy, and music all feature at this stylish Grade II list art deco building, which first opened at the end of the 19th century. 

The Dylan Thomas Theatre hosts visiting performers from Edinburgh and beyond and has been the base for Abertawe's Little Theatre Company for more than 30 years. Pay them a visit for edgy, thoughtful theatre, and hot new theatrical talent.

Theatr Gwaun in Abergwaun (Fishguard) shows all sorts of films, including the latest blockbusters in 4k splendour, plus theatre shows and art exhibitions. Gwyn Hall Cinema and Theatre is another beautiful venue, serving Castell-nedd (Neath) since 1887 and showing a regular programme of films, concerts and shows.