Seven things to do in Swansea this half term

Local activities can keep families entertained – both indoor and outdoor – with a large number being free of charge, according to Swansea Council.

Swansea Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “With the days staying lighter for longer there’s no better time to enjoy a whole host of fun in and around our own city.

“Whether you’re a fan of hit TV series His Dark Materials, fanatical about Pokémon or simply love going on a scenic stroll in the great outdoors, we’ve got plenty for you to enjoy.”

Half-term in Swansea runs from February 20-24.

Ideas include:

Visit the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery

Here you can check out the latest exhibition as the gallery presents a look behind-the-scenes of BBC and HBO’s multi-award-winning TV series His Dark Materials.

Visitors can see costumes, concept art, visual effects footage, props and more from across all three seasons.

During half-term there’s a series of free family drop-in workshops including set building, painting, puppetry and animation, in partnership with Screen Alliance Wales, Bad Wolf and IJPR Media.

Pop along to Swansea Museum

They’re offering the chance to take part in the Kids in Museums’ Montgomery Bonbon: Museum Mystery Trail. It runs until Friday, March 31, and offers the chance to test your detective skills, solve puzzles and have fun.

The museum is also offering the chance to tackle its mouse trail and find the 22 mice hidden around the venue. It’s quite a challenge to find them all.

Call at the Dylan Thomas Centre

They too are also taking part in the Kids in Museums’ Montgomery Bonbon: Museum Mystery Trail and will have a range of self-led activities on offer inspired by their Dylan Thomas Live at the YMCA Swansea exhibition.

There’ll also be a free family workshop on Friday, February 24, where you can create a costume or disguise inspired by theatrical costumes from Dylan’s acting days at the YMCA. This is a drop-in event from 1-4pm.

Check out one of Swansea’s 17 libraries

The council’s well-regarded library service has a packed week of fun activities to keep families entertained this half-term.

Those on offer include: Monster Mayhem story and craft; creative writing with the Dylan Thomas Centre and author Emily Vanderploeg; the chance to make bug windmills and Pokémon Day. Please contact your local library for details of which events are on there.

Put your best foot forward and enjoy one of Swansea’s walking trails

Home to 400 miles worth of rights of way – and part of the first path to wrap around the coastal border of an entire nation (one of the highlights being the Gower and Swansea Bay section) – the area has walks to suit all ages, abilities and fitness levels.

Get on your bike and check out one of Swansea’s cycling network of trails

Swansea Bay has plenty of free-from-traffic cycle routes and is part of the Celtic Trail and National Cycle Network. Take it easy with a cycle along the Prom or, if you prefer a faster pace, head for the hills! Afan Forest Park in the neighbouring Neath Port Talbot has a worldwide reputation for mountain-biking. There are trails for everyone.

Visit Swansea’s Croeso festival

This will be held in the Castle Square on Friday, February 24, and Saturday, February 25. The event celebrates all things Welsh and includes children’s activities, live music, street entertainers and cookery demonstrations as well as a St David’s Parade. Go along and say Shwmae! Those putting on the festival would love to see you there.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)