County-wide holiday offer aims to support families
With the school break approaching, Carmarthenshire County Council has confirmed a wide-ranging programme of summer activities designed for children and families across the county. Council-run venues — from Pembrey Country Park and Llyn Llech Owain to Actif Leisure centres, libraries and Theatrau Sir Gâr — form the backbone of what is being billed as a season of affordable days out and chances to stay active.
The plans bring together outdoor events, sport and play sessions, free library activities and a full arts calendar, aiming to give parents clear options throughout the holidays. Highlights flagged by the council include a Family Fun Day on 25 July at Pembrey Country Park and a Kids Camp from 3–8 August, alongside new attractions at the coast and expanded leisure timetables indoors.
Parks and coast: from Pembrey to Pendine
Pembrey Country Park will host family-focused days and multi-activity sessions early in the holidays, making use of the park’s established facilities. Further inland, Llyn Llech Owain adds a woodland setting for outdoor play and organised activities during the season.
On the coast at Pendine, visitors are being encouraged to explore the state-of-the-art Museum of Land Speed, which delves into the science of speed and the people and machines behind record attempts on the village’s seven-mile beach. For lighter competition, families can try the new Caban Crazy Golf, a colourful 12-hole course that has already proved popular with holidaymakers.
Active leisure: inflatables, aqua boards and free swims
Across the council’s Actif Leisure estate, centres will extend programming to keep children occupied and moving. Sessions include pool inflatables and aqua boards, Nerf activities, themed days and creative workshops. The Actif Club holiday club returns with half-day and full-day options, which may offer flexibility for working parents.
In line with a commitment to accessibility, free swimming for under-16s will be available on selected weekends at Canolfan Pentre Awel, Carmarthen, Amman Valley and Llandovery Leisure Centres. Families are advised to check local centre timetables for dates and availability.
Libraries: hands-on activities and the Summer Reading Challenge
Carmarthenshire libraries will run free, practical sessions through the holidays, providing a mix of storytime, LEGO play, craft activities and coding clubs. The popular Summer Reading Challenge returned on 4 July, using this year’s theme — Read the Beat — to encourage children to discover stories through music, rhythm and creativity.
Library programmes are designed to be drop-in or bookable depending on venue, creating opportunities for families to add learning and reading into their weekly plans without extra cost.
Theatre and live events: Theatrau Sir Gâr
Theatrau Sir Gâr is promising a broad summer schedule across the Lyric, Glowyr and Ffwrnes theatres. The line-up features family productions, live music, comedy and musicals. The venues complement the council’s outdoor and leisure offer by providing indoor entertainment options when the weather turns or for evening outings.
At-a-glance: where to go this summer
| Venue/Service | What’s on |
|---|---|
| Pembrey Country Park | Family Fun Day (25 July); Kids Camp (3–8 August) |
| Llyn Llech Owain | Family-friendly outdoor activities |
| Pendine | Museum of Land Speed; Caban Crazy Golf (12-hole) |
| Actif Leisure Centres | Pool inflatables, aqua boards, Nerf, themed and creative sessions; Actif Club |
| Leisure Centres (selected) | Free swimming for under-16s on selected weekends at Canolfan Pentre Awel, Carmarthen, Amman Valley, Llandovery |
| Libraries | Storytime, LEGO, crafts, coding; Summer Reading Challenge from 4 July (Read the Beat) |
| Theatrau Sir Gâr | Family shows, live music, comedy, musicals at Lyric, Glowyr, Ffwrnes |
Why it matters for local families
The combined programme gives parents county-wide coverage of low-cost options throughout the holidays, reducing travel needs and offering indoor alternatives during wet spells. Free swimming sessions provide a no-cost route to exercise for younger residents, while library activities support reading and digital skills over the long break. For carers juggling childcare and work, the return of holiday clubs and structured sessions may help bridge daytime gaps.
- Outdoor parks and coastal attractions for day trips and low-cost family time.
- Active and creative sessions at leisure centres, with free swims on selected weekends.
- Learning and culture through libraries and theatre programmes across the county.
Families should check local venue listings for the latest timings, booking requirements and any age guidance before travelling.
