August What’s On Wrexham by our roving reporter, Sarah-Jane Ellis
Here it comes, six weeks of summer holidays. So where to take the children, I hear you cry? Well, did you know North Wales is a hidden gem of secret beauty and child-friendly, exciting activities? Why not make the most of its surprises while the sun shines? Look no further for the 10 best family-friendly activities and days out in and around Wrexham.
1. The Plassey
Only a stone’s throw away from the centre of Wrexham, the Plassey Leisure Park is a whirlwind of adventure for little ones. Small children can amuse themselves in the Welsh castle playpark, painting at the craft shop, ball games on the field or just saying hello to the horse and sheep. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some retail therapy or top the day off with ice cream, hot chocolate or a delicious meal in the Haybank Clubhouse or Stables Coffee Shop.
2. Play Barns
What toddler isn’t happy in the colourful and exciting den of an indoor play area? Enjoy five minutes of peace as the children battle the safe obstacle courses. Wrexham’s best softplay areas include The Wacky Warehouse, Banana Bens, Round the Twist and Good Time Charlies.
3. Local Walks
Sometimes you need to grab the dogs and little ones and head off for a family country walk. But, of course, summer walks with the family are always better accompanied by some ball games and a picnic. Watch out for those ants!
Wrexham is full of greenery and forestry. Choose from Tŷ Mawr Country Park, Erddig Gardens, Alyn Waters, Nant Mill Country Park or walking along the Chirk Aqueduct.
4. Seg Trek, Chirk
The older kids need entertaining too, so why not try a Segway ride? Hopping on a Segway is an exciting summer activity. Head over to Seg Trek, a family-friendly venue based in Chirk on the Welsh Shropshire borders. There’s no better way to enjoy the summer than navigating the twists and turns of the trails.
5. Greenacres Animal Park, Mancot, Flintshire
Visit this favourite animal park for a fun-filled day out. Petting rabbits, guinea pigs, ducklings, chicks, piglets, owls, reptiles and even skunks are bound to cause smiles and laughter. Or say hello to cattle, pigs, horses, llamas, alpacas, sheep, and Shetland Ponies. Mums and dads can relax with a coffee and a piece of cake as the kids enjoy the fantastic Victorian fairground with whirling/spinning cars, aeroplanes, and a mini-Ferris wheel.
6. Wrexham’s History With Erddig and Chirk Castle
Wrexham has more to offer than just parks and playpens. Join the many residents of Wrexham in exploring the history of our town, starting with Erddig Hall and its Summer of Fun. Experience the splendour of early 18-century life at the much-loved family home, impressive garden, and estate of the Yorke family.
Erddig has pulled out all the stops this summer, and from Saturday 17th July to Sunday 5th September, you can join in with their self-led summer activities. Laugh and love life as you explore the garden in a new, more sensory way. Feel free as a child as you waddle like a duck, pretend to prep for a race or attempt some yoga on the West Front.
Look out for other activities, such as active storytelling adventures, plays and croquet on the lawn, and the Wolf’s Den natural play area. Spanning nearly two acres of wild play space with den building, balancing beams and a host of other natural play equipment, the Wolf Den is the perfect entertainment for small children.
Chirk Castle is another unique part of Wrexham County.
Roger Mortimer de Chirk constructed the castle in the late 13th century under the commission of Edward I. The king was on a mission to create a chain of fortresses surrounding North Wales. Once you visit, I’m sure you’ll agree it’s impressive.
Explore the fortress and stately home as you send yourself back through the past 400 years of the Myddelton family’s rule of the vast estate. Thomas Scott-Ellis, eighth Lord Howard de Walden, also leased the impressive home from 1910 to 1946. Summertime is the perfect time to reinvigorate the soul, treat all your senses with a tour through the estate, meander around the gardens, or walk one of the many trails around the remarkable 480-acre parkland.
7. Grosvenor Air Open Air Theatre
What child doesn’t love The Jungle Book?This August, grab your picnic blanket or camping chair and enjoya truly exquisite experience at the Grosvenor Open Air Theatre with an outdoor performance of The Jungle Book. Swing along in your seats with all your favourite characters, including Baloo, Bagheera and Shere Khan, as they guide man-cub Mowgli through the laws of the jungle.
8. Robin Wood Activity Centre, Maes-y-Nant, Cross Lanes
Everyone’s summer needs a little excitement. This activity centre could be a perfect choice. Join the Robinwood team for some serious adventure at their purpose-built facilities, set in the beautiful Welsh countryside just outside Wrexham. A qualified and professional team will guide your children through Archery, Canoeing, Climbing, Caving. They’ll also be screams of laughter with the giant swing, dungeon, zip wire, trapeze and more.
9. Swimming
OK, this one may be obvious, but it’s a fantastic way to keep your kids occupied for a few hours. Let your hair down and splash around with the kids. Wrexham’s most popular swimming baths include Wrexham Waterworld and Plas Madoc Leisure Centre.
10. Tŷ Pawb Film Club Every Wednesday
Join Tŷ Pawb every Wednesday at 2pm for the film club, where they’ll be showing some of the most family favourite films. The Iron Giant (PG) is on 4th August. This 1999 American animated science fiction action film features a young boy named Hogarth Hughes who discovers a gigantic metallic robot that has fallen from outer space and quickly befriends him. Together with the help of a beatnik artist named Dean McCoppin, Hogarth tries to stop the US military and a paranoid federal agent from finding and destroying the Giant.
We hope you enjoyed finding out what’s on in Wrexham this August. Click here for more events happening this month in and around Wrexham.
