Be inspired to Visit Bala & Penllyn for Family Fun
Some suggestions of things to do with a "Family Fun" Theme
The Bala & Penllyn area caters for families with something for all age groups - ranging from the young to the more adventurous members of the family. A variety of accommodation is available including camp-sites, self-catering and B&B, some on a farm - where it may be possible to help feed the animals.
There are things to do without spending money including: walks, softplay, a picnic or paddle in the lake. There are many attractions both localy and nearby. The younger members of the family will enjoy a ride on the Bala Lake Railway, while parents and grandparents can enjoy the view of the stunning lake and mountain scenery. The lake is an excellent venue for canoeing and sailing or enjoying the views.
Leisure activities are available that may appeal to the whole family including ten-pin bowling, indoor swimming and the cinema.
There are any things to do without spending a fortune:
- Families can enjoy a picnic by the lake, the younger members may want to paddle - you can pick up a picnic in Bala from several shops.
- Indulge in ice-cream by the lake.
- Go for a walk, try the children's treasure hunt in Bala, or try geocaching.
- The Tryweryn Trail (National White Water Centre): a walk along the river Tryweryn with information boards.
- Talk to the Lake Warden about the rich wildlife of the area.
- Play areas in Bala.
- Softplay at Gorwelion - its free!
- Visit the Livestock Market on Thursdays
Other Local Attractions include:
The Tryweryn Trail starts at the National Whitewater Centre and follows the river to the dam and back to the centre - bouyancy aids for children are avaiable at the Centre. There are information boards on the trail, describing the fauna and flora, and you may pick-up a free leaflet describing the trail at the Whitewater Centre or Tourist Information Point. You will be able to watch white-water rafting and canoeing on the River Trywerryn which has hosted the World White-water Canoe Championships.
A day out to Lake Vyrnwy could include a short walk along a river to visit waterfalls, perhaps a picnic by the waterfalls, a visit to the sculpture park and bird observatory or a cycle ride around the lake.
There are visitor centres which have special interest to children. Caerau Uchaf Gardens has a children's adventure playground and a pets corner. Gorwelion has soft-play and a cafe.
The following Visitor Attractions are accessible from the Bala area and will appeal to Children:
- Corris Craft Centre: a great collection of shops, attractions and activities to keep the whole family entertained for hours including seven craft studios
- Corris Mine Explorers: explore an abandoned Welsh Slate Mine with one of Wales' most experienced Mine Explorers (trips from age 8, 10 & 12 upwards)
- King Arthur's Labyrinth, (Corris, near Machynlleth) walk and boat trip underground with stories of King Arthur, at the same location is the Corris Craft Centre and Corris Mine Explorers, ideal for a combined visit even on a wet day!
- Something different: Bounce Below: the world’s first subterranean playground of its kind, ideal on a wet day!
- A visit to the seaside - but don’t forget your bucket and spade avaiable from shops in Bala!
- Another ride on one of the many railways
- Conwy Valley Railway Museum (Betws-y-Coed) with miniature railway, dodgem cars and self-drive electric tram
- Llechwedd Slate Caverns (Blaenau Ffestiniog): experience a miner's environment at this award-winning attraction with the Deep Mine Tour and Miners’ Tramway Tour .
- Greenwood Forest Park (Felinheli near Bangor) The ultimate Family Adventure
For those who like to get behind the wheel, there are many possibilities including go-karts, quad trekking and Dad may want to try off-roading in a 4x4.
The older members of the family may want to experience some adventure, such as white-water rafting, white-water canoeing, sailing, high-ropes, canyoning and more.
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