Family friendly adventures...sorted!
We asked Kirsty from @kirstys.wales.adventures to share her favourite South Wales spots and top tips for a family friendly day out. Read on to discover them all!
Q: Introduce yourself and tell us a bit about why you started Kirsty’s Wales Adventures?
A: I’m Kirsty, a mum of two young boys and we live in Cardiff. Kirsty’s Wales Adventures actually evolved accidentally over time! In 2020 in the first lockdown, I had my first son, and with all of the covid restrictions it was difficult to connect with other new mums in the real world. This is where my account began, with a bit more of a relatable mum stance. To be honest I really had no clue what I was doing with social media at the time.
At the end of 2021 we moved permanently to South Wales from Hertfordshire. A big move, aiming for a better life for our young family. Our days out started weaving their way into my account more frequently. I realised what I wanted my social media to be – the account I actually needed myself when we first moved into the area. I wanted to explore the place we now called home, take my children on adventures and thus it became @Kirstys.Wales.Adventures. After all, adventures do not have to end simply because you have kids.
Q: What are your favourite family friendly spots to visit that are easy to get to and great for kids?
A: We’re spoilt here in South Wales. There’s SO much to do. It’s hard to narrow it down but here are my top 5 (in no particular order):
Get inspired...
Q: The weather on the Welsh coast is notoriously changeable; what are the essential products you would recommend packing for a family trip?
A: I’ve been caught out before and learnt the hard way that waterproof jackets are an essential even when you think the weather is fine. They live in our car now along with puddlesuits just incase.
Having the right shoes is also a non-negotiable. We all have sturdy walking boots and honestly wouldn’t go on any of our hikes or walks without them. On our recent visit to Designer Outlet Bridgend I got the boys some new boots from Mountain Warehouse and treated my husband and I to some summer trail shoes from Colombia.
And don’t forget to pack spare clothes wherever you go! No one likes a pair of soggy trousers.
Q: You also made a stop at Bridgend Designer Outlet during your recent Wales adventure. What was that experience like for your family?
A: Designer Outlet Bridgend was such an easy place to stop. Shopping can be challenging with two young children, but actually the kids had a great time. They loved exploring all the shops from the outdoorsy style shops like Mountain Warehouse and Regatta where we picked up some discounted boots and outdoors clothing, to Timberland where they got some new adventure sandals and Saltrock where they chose a mini skateboard each as a treat.
And thank goodness for the play area where they could burn off some energy part way through the shop. I was honestly really shocked at the level of discount on the items, I won’t be shopping anywhere else from now on! We finished our visit with dinner at Mowgli which my boys chose as they love a curry dish.
Q: If a family is heading out on their very first family adventure in Wales, what is your number one tip to make sure everyone has a fun time?
A: Remember the snacks! We try to take a picnic with us wherever we go. Not only does it keep the costs down, but it also keeps hangry children at bay. There’s always a beautiful spot for a picnic – in the forest, on the beach, at the top of a hill.
We’ve learnt that walks shouldn’t just be about the destination. Encouraging the kids to walk faster just ends up with more whinging and that’s no fun for anyone. For all our walks my boys have their own “explorer kits” – backpacks containing binoculars, magnifying glasses, walkie talkies and wildlife books. My eldest has developed a love of bird watching! We also play games along the way. One of our go-to games is the rainbow game where we each have to find something red, orange, yellow etc in nature.
I would also recommend starting small. Look for microadventures which you know the kids will enjoy and build up from there. If you have children 3 and under I recommend investing in a hiking carrier.