How to keep the kids happy in Abersoch

Abersoch is the perfect base camp for your jam-packed family holiday.

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I’ve been coming down to Abersoch since I was ten weeks old, when my parents bathed me in the sink of our static caravan. This means I’ve had the joy of experiencing this lovely spot of North Wales at all ages and done the below activities countless times over the years!

If you’re planning to stay in the area, but not quite sure what to do with the kids when you get down here, here’s a few ideas for you (ranging from lower to higher priced). All are open in time for the school holidays, too!

My dad and I on The Warren beach, back in the day.

1. Ice cream

I’m not sure anything else was suited for the number one spot, was it? If your family likes ice cream, you are most definitely in the right place – there are two places to buy real ice cream between our Tawelfor Cottage and Llanbedrog beach, a 3-minute walk! You will find high-quality ice cream in just about every seaside village around here. And let’s be honest, ice cream is real bargaining chip so you can thank us later for a streak of successful negotiations with your four-year-old.

2. Beach days

Sandcastles, swimming, more ice cream, building damns, collecting shells…beach days are classic family fun. And the best part is, you are never short of sandy shores to choose from in the Abersoch area.

If the perfect beach day is your top priority, check out my Abersoch Beaches Ideal for Families post for a full list of options.

3. Crabbing & rock-pooling

Another classic. Crabbing gear and bait, nets, buckets and all the essential tools are readily available in Abersoch village and local seaside shops. Catch crabs at sunset on the harbour wall, or shrimps and hermits tucked away in the seaweed and shallow pools at low tide. You might even get lucky and spot a fish or two! Remember to always keep an eye on the tide coming in.

4. Water sports

There are several places across the area to buy and hire equipment such as body boards, paddle boards, surf boards, kayaks and more. Or book an expert surf lesson from the professionals at West Coast Surf Shop in Abersoch. If you are thinking of booking, I’d get in as soon as you can, as lessons fill up fast and run only April to October.

Lastly, make sure you always wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid when out on the water, and I would always consider a wetsuit if it isn’t August!

5. Pwllheli fun fair

This gets mixed reviews on Tripadvisor but it’s worth including on the list. Located in the centre of Pwllheli is Funland; a small-scale, reasonably priced fun fair with all the typical rides like tea cups and dodgems, as well as an arcade and cafes. It’s definitely more ‘cute local fun fair by the sea’ vibes, so if Alton Towers or Thorpe Park is your expectation this may not be for you. A top tip from reviews is to go on market day (Wednesday) to really get the most out of the atmosphere.

6. History themed

If your young ones are a fan of castles and ruins, Wales has plenty! My personal favourites include Caernarfon Castle and Harlech Castle. Caernarfon is huge and very well preserved in terms of both the ruins and artefacts inside, and you’re able to go all the way up its towers to survey the town and estuary! Harlech is a similar story with a smaller footprint and equally spectacular views.

The slate mines are also an option if you don’t mind being underground and love the more industrial side of Wales’ history.

7. Animal themed

Just 20 minutes’ drive from Tawelfor Cottage, Criccieth Rabbit Farm has been around for decades and is still going strong. The concept is simple but pleases children of all ages. Pet and feed friendly farm animals, take a ride on the ponies and enjoy some fresh air mixed in with the excitement of seeing newborn pups and bunnies. Beware: the threat of taking home a small animal is real here!

Other options if animals are your thing include Anglesey Sea Zoo and Pili Palas Nature World.

Pili Palas has the most beautiful butterfly garden. It’s a real standout memory from my childhood and if Tripadvisor is anything to go by it has only got better.

8. Adrenaline fuelled

My final idea for families staying in the Abersoch is to really power up your activity list:

Glasfryn Parc is just outside of Pwllheli (20 minutes from Abersoch) and offers go karting, archery, crazy golf, clay pigeon shooting, soft play, ten-pin bowling, water sports and eating out all in the same place. It’s a great day out but with so much to do, don’t feel like you have to complete it all at once!
Zip World Bethesda is a 1-hour drive from Abersoch but promises an exhilarating trip. As well as Quarry Karting, quarry tours and a restaurant on site, it’s home to non-other than Velocity 2, the world’s fastest zip line (as seen on Top Gear). Children must be at least 10 years old, weigh over 30kg and measure more than 120cm in height to ride. And all under 18s must ride with an adult – so prepare to buckle up!
Zip World Betws-y-Coed is also an hours’ drive from Abersoch and is aptly named their Fforest adventure site. This is the better all-rounder of the zip worlds. Ride the Fforest coaster, trek through the tree top nets in Europe’s longest net walkway, or strap in for a Go-Ape style ariel adventure through the canopy. Betws-y-Coed is also a beautiful rural village in which to wind down before the drive home.

Enjoy…

Whatever you end up doing, Abersoch is the ideal location for a family holiday with tonnes to do an

Thanks for reading and feel free to share on social media, with family and friends.

Speak soon,

Charlotte x