This half term we stayed at home and we had the best time. Usually in the holidays I try to make the effort to go somewhere on a little holiday but as we have a few trips away booked over the next couple of months we couldn't really afford to go away so we just stayed at home and went out and about each day. The weather was pretty much glorious for the whole time which made a huge difference. Little Boy stayed off private nursery and I didn't have much work on so we had a really lovely break all together.
The Monday was a bank holiday so we had Daddy with us! We headed over to Newport Wetlands which is one of my favourite places to visit on a nice day. It costs Β£3.50 to park and entry is free. It's basically a huge wildlife reserve where you can see lots of different birds, go on peaceful walks and there is lots for the children to learn about nature and a cool little playground too. Their cafe is vegan friendly too and I enjoyed a flapjack and soya latte.
On the Tuesday the weather was lovely to we went for a walk in the local park and across to the beach with the dog. We collected pebbles and went home and the children did some pebble painting in the garden while I pottered and cleaned and tidied the house. They were entertained for ages painting the pebbles and I enjoyed the chance to get the house looking nice!
On Wednesday the girls went to a free art course for the day so Little Boy and I went into Cardiff to meet Daddy for lunch and to wander around the shops. I didn't take any photos this day, probably because I was focussed on not loosing Little Boy in Cardiff! We had a yummy lunch in Eat (great vegan options) and I tried the new vegan chocolate cookie in Pret which is amazing! The girls had lots of fun on their art course and came back with some great creations!
On Thursday the weather didn't look so great so we headed into Cardiff Bay to visit Techniquest. If you haven't visited before I've written a post about it which you can look at here. It's great for kids and mine can easily spend a day here being entertained by the exhibits. There are always staff walking around explaining things. We took a picnic and ate it outside in the Bay and had a little wander while we were there too. I love that in Techniquest the older ones can wander around on their own as it is all safe and enclosed so it's a great place to go when you are on your own with three children!
On Friday the weather was beautiful so we went to St Fagans which is one of my absolute favourite places to visit. There is so much to do there, from just spending some time outside to looking in all the historic buildings. It's free to get in too and just costs Β£5 to park so it's a great value day out. We took a picnic and just wandered around. The children had a go on something in the old fashioned fayre and we went on the free nature walk and the children got to hold a newt which was really special. We enjoyed an ice lolly and some sweets from the little shop there and just had a wonderful relaxed day.
On Saturday we had Daddy back, yay! We had a busy day with swimming lessons and then we went out for lunch at the Toby Carvery in Whitchurch (review coming soon!). That evening I went out with my mummy friends for a few drinks and a good catch up which was so lovely as it's something we haven't done in forever. I definitely want to make time to do it more often.
On Sunday J went to a party at Go Air and had this fabulous face painting done!
Finally, the Monday was an inset day so our half term wasn't over! Little Boy went to his private nursery and we had a girls day in Cardiff Bay! The girls wanted to go and see the movie Show Dogs (don't do it if you can help it!!) and we had lunch in Pizza Express. It was such a lovely day!
So that's our half term in a nutshell! We definitely had a blast and didn't spend too much money. It's really nice just spending time in our local area for once too. I'd love to know what you got up to for half term! From looking at social media it seemed like everyone was abroad!
CurvyGirlThin
It looks like you had a great half term! Cardiff has some great things to do - I use to intern at The Story Museum there.
Exploring your local area is something that so many of us fail to do. I'm determined to get out and explore Devon more this summer!
C x
Natasha Mairs - Serenity You
looks like you had an amazing half term!! I love those pebbles on the beach, perfect for rock painting.
rhianwestbury
Sounds like a great half term break, you managed to squeeze quite a lot in x
Laura Dove
Oh we love Wales but haven't seen a lot of south wales - I really want to! Gorgeous photos !
Alison Rost
So nice to be able to spend time with loved ones! I love that you made the most of your time by just going to different places and exploring with the kids!
Rebecca | AAUBlog
exploring in your local area is always a good idea - looks like there is plenty to do there. Our summer hols will all be local / staycation based π
dearmummyblog
Sounds like a great half term and itβs nice to explore the local areas. We love pebble hunting and decorating them afterwards too x
Yeah Lifestyle
I love how much you have packed in your staycation from days out to arty activities to finding good food, your kids look like they have had such a lovely time especially looking at animals and being outdoor.
Lynne Harper
I havent been to Wales in years. Im so glad to see an art session happening π definitely looks like an amazing holiday was had by all x
Louise x (@withlovefromlou)
It looks like you guys had a really great half term! I've not been to Wales for years, but I'm wanting to go again now as it looks like there's so much to do!
Louise x