Family Fun in South Wales: What’s On This July
With the summer holidays fast approaching, July arrives with a burst of colour, creativity and community across South Wales. From free museum days to big‑ticket theatre, medieval mischief to seaside airshows, this month is packed with family‑friendly events designed to keep children entertained and grown‑ups inspired.
Whether you’re planning a budget‑friendly day out or looking to book something special, here’s our pick of the best things happening across the region this July.
🍴 Cardiff Food & Drink Festival
3–5 July | Cardiff Bay
One of Cardiff’s biggest free summer events returns with street food, live entertainment, children’s activities and stalls celebrating Welsh producers. A perfect excuse to spend a day exploring the Bay. Info: Cardiff Food & Drink Festival
⛏️ Big Pit’s Big Bash
4 July | Blaenavon
Celebrate the start of summer with this lively free event featuring entertainment, crafts and hands‑on activities across the museum site. Brilliant for curious kids who love engines, history and getting stuck in. Info: Big Pit
⚔️ Monmouth Medieval Festival
4–5 July | Monmouth
Monmouth transforms into a medieval playground with knight battles, falconry displays, artisan stalls, roaming performers and family activities throughout the town. Info: Monmouth Medieval Festival
🌿 Celebration of Nature
11 July | St Fagans
A gentle, joyful day celebrating wildlife with nature trails, outdoor discovery, crafts and hands‑on activities — all free. Info: St Fagans
🎭 The Bodyguard: The Musical
20–25 July | Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
A blockbuster musical ideal for older children and teens. Expect powerhouse vocals, dramatic storytelling and a night out that feels like a holiday treat. Info: WMC
🐄 Royal Welsh Show
20–23 July | Llanelwedd
A summer favourite packed with animals, countryside displays, food halls, shopping, crafts and live entertainment. There’s more than enough to keep children busy all day. Info: Royal Welsh Show
🗺️ Hear a Story, Make a Map
20–21 July | National Waterfront Museum, Swansea
A charming creative workshop where children enjoy interactive storytelling before designing their own imaginative maps. Info: Waterfront Museum
🎸 GlastonBARRY Juniors
24 July | Romilly Park, Barry
Tribute acts, wrestling, fairground rides, mascots, magic shows, workshops and food stalls — a brilliant introduction to festival fun for younger children. Info: GlastonBARRY
🛍️ South Wales Makers Market
24–30 July | St Fagans
Browse handcrafted gifts from Welsh makers while enjoying demonstrations and family activities. A lovely way to support local creatives. Info: Makers Market
✈️ Wales Airshow
25–26 July | Swansea Bay
One of Wales’ biggest free events returns with spectacular aerial displays, military aircraft, family entertainment and activities along the seafront. Info: Wales Airshow
🎨 Make & Take – Time Capsules
25–26 July | National Waterfront Museum, Swansea
A free craft session where children can create their own time capsule to take home — a lovely way to capture summer memories. Info: Time Capsules Workshop
☀️ Summer at National Museum Wales
Throughout July | Various locations
Museums across South Wales launch their summer programmes with storytelling, art workshops, cardboard building challenges, teddy bears’ picnics, craft sessions and interactive exhibitions. Many activities are free, though some require booking. Info: Museum Wales
Also worth booking…
Family pottery painting at ceramic cafés
Summer Reading Challenge at your local library
Cadw’s Summer of Fun at castles across South Wales
Forest school sessions, bug hunts and nature trails
Heritage railway weekends
LEGO and STEM workshops
Teddy Bears’ Picnics at museums and parks
Pick‑your‑own sunflower fields opening late July