Eryri is one of the finest family holiday destinations in Britain, not despite its wildness but because of it. Children who might resist a conventional museum respond to the Ffestiniog Railway’s narrow-gauge steam, the underground caverns at Llechwedd, a swim in a mountain lake, or the simple physical challenge of reaching a hill summit and looking out at a landscape that feels enormous. The national park has enough variety to fill a week without repeating itself, enough rain-proof attractions to survive a bad-weather week, and enough mountain access to give children a genuine outdoor education.
Choosing a Base
| Llanberis | Best for Snowdon access, the Snowdon Mountain Railway, slate heritage and Padarn Country Park |
| Betws-y-Coed | Best all-rounder: central, good shops, the Conwy valley, easy access to Swallow Falls, with Conwy and its castle within reach |
| Beddgelert | Most scenic village base: the Aberglaslyn Pass, the Welsh Highland Railway, easier walks |
| Bala | Best for watersports families: Llyn Tegid and the Bala Lake Railway |
Best Family Walks
Cwm Idwal Circuit: Easy, around 4-5km
The most rewarding easy walk in Eryri. The path around Llyn Idwal is well-maintained, the scenery is extraordinary, and there are enough interesting features (the glacially polished Idwal Slabs, the dramatic cliffs of the Devil’s Kitchen, the rare plants on the ledges) to keep curious children engaged throughout. Allow 2 hours. See the Cwm Idwal circuit.
Aber Falls: Easy, around 5km return
A family classic. The walk through oak woodland to one of Wales’s most impressive waterfalls is straightforward, well-signed and suitable for most ages. The waterfall itself, 37 metres of white water plunging into a boulder-strewn pool, produces a satisfying roar after rain. Allow 1.5-2.5 hours. See Aber Falls.
Llyn Gwynant: Easy-Moderate
A walk along the shores of one of Eryri’s most beautiful lakes, with views of the mountains reflected in still water on calm mornings. Paths near the lake involve little ascent. Allow 2-3 hours. For more short routes, see our easy family walks in Eryri.
Snowdon via the Llanberis Path: Moderate, around 14km
Older children (typically 10 and over) with good fitness can climb Snowdon via the Llanberis Path, the gentlest ascent. Allow 5-7 hours and pack plenty of food, water and waterproofs. Reaching the summit is a significant achievement for children who manage it. Alternatively, the Snowdon Mountain Railway carries families up the mountain without the walk (check the season’s timetable and how far trains are running).
Best Wet Weather Attractions
- National Slate Museum, Llanberis: free entry; demonstrations of slate splitting; the great waterwheel
- Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog: underground tours through Victorian mining tunnels
- Ffestiniog Railway: the steam journey between Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog is enjoyable in any weather
- Conwy Castle: towers to climb, walls to walk, and a quay with cafes
- Zip World: several sites, including Velocity 2 at Penrhyn Quarry and underground adventures at Llechwedd (age and height limits apply)
- Portmeirion: the extraordinary Italianate village on the Dwyryd Estuary, with cafes and shops
Practical Family Tips
Mountain weather changes rapidly in Eryri, so pack waterproofs even on sunny mornings. Children cool down faster than adults on the hills; carry an extra layer. Parking at popular trailheads such as Pen-y-Pass is limited and busy in summer, so check current parking arrangements and local bus services before you set out. Most cafes in mountain villages welcome families; the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel near Pen-y-Pass has a fascinating mountaineering history. Book accommodation well in advance for July and August: the national park is very popular with families during school holidays. For half-term ideas, see Easter in Eryri and Halloween in Eryri, and local families may like our guide to forest school and outdoor clubs for children.