Tenby is one of the best holiday destinations in the UK for families looking to spend time by the sea and explore the surrounding parts of Pembrokeshire.
There are plenty of activities for kids near Tenby, such as enjoying a day out at Folly Farm or visiting Heatherton World of Activities, as well as places to see within the seaside town itself.
If you’re looking for something to add to your itinerary, these are our top recommended things to do in Tenby for families.
1. Take a boat to Caldey Island
Having a trip to Caldey Island is always one of the best things to do in Tenby, and it offers a great few hours of entertainment.
Along with the monastery at its centre, there’s plenty to explore around the island and it’s a lot of fun for families to spend time discovering everything that this magical location has to offer.
For a full list of activities, you can read our blog on what to do on Caldey. These are our top picks of things to do for families:
- Spend time on the beach.
- See the red squirrels that are native to the island.
- Walk to the lighthouse to see the amazing views over the sea.
- Enjoy an ice cream from the cafe near the monastery.
2. Visit the Tudor Merchant’s House
As a popular tourist attraction in Tenby, the Tudor Merchant’s House is always a great place to visit, even with little kids.
This 15th-century building offers a glimpse of what it’s like to live centuries in the past, with amazingly recreated interiors.
Kids get in at a discounted price too, so it’s an affordable place to visit in Tenby.
It’s also one of the best things to do in Tenby in the rain, so it’s the perfect option if you’re in need of some shelter.
3. Have fun on the beach
Tenby has not just one beach but four, all a short walk away from the town centre and each offering a different atmosphere and views. They are also each among the best beaches in Pembrokeshire:
- Castle Beach: Nestled below Tenby Castle and offering captivating vistas of the nearby St Catherine’s Island, Castle Beach encapsulates the picturesque beauty in Tenby.
- North Beach: With the iconic, vibrant houses of Tenby lining the promenade above, the North Beach reigns is one of the town’s most popular stretches of sand.
- South Beach: Extending for miles, South Beach offers a quiet retreat, with plenty of space to get away from the crowds that visit Tenby in the summer.
- Harbour Beach: The smallest of the four, this beach is nestled right against the harbour in Tenby and is close to the amenities found in the town.
Families can enjoy watersports around these beaches, especially at North Beach where you can hire equipment and try out activities such as paddleboarding.
You can also take a hike or short drive along the coast to discover some of the other best beaches near Tenby.
4. Enjoy a day out at Folly Farm Adventure Park
One of the best things to do near Tenby for families is taking a short drive out for the day and visiting Folly Farm Adventure Park.
Here, you’ll be able to see an impressive range of animals at the this incredible zoo, from zebras to lions. There’s even a petting zoo where you’ll get to meet some of the animals.
Kids can also have a lot of fun at the vintage fairground, having a chance to try out some of the many different rides like the chair-o-planes and dodgems.
5. Go to Manor Wildlife Park
A similarly exciting day out with lots of fun for the whole family is Manor Wildlife Park, where you can see various animals such as red pandas and wallabies.
One of the standout features is the replica African village which you can wander around and see the sheeps, goats, and chickens that occupy it.
Kids can get hands-on with the animals as a mini keeper or junior keeper, which is a perfect experience for a special day.
6. Have fun at Heatherton World of Activities
Heatherton World of Activities is one of the most fun things to do in Tenby for families, and all age ranges can enjoy the abundance of exciting activities on offer.
There’s everything from go karts and archery to crazy golf and soft play areas. The hedge maze is excellent too – just be careful not to get lost!
Plus, admission is free, so you can pay for credits that let you pick and choose exactly what you want to try out.
Heatherton is open all year round so it’s always a good option for a family-friendly day out. Plus, there are a couple of cafes and other places to get food on site if you’re in need of a bite to eat.
7. Try out Battlefield Live Pembrokeshire
One of the more exciting things to do with kids near Tenby is the exhilirating Battlefield Live Pembrokeshire, a laser combat venues that’s fun for the whole family.
Players aged 9 and up can enter the jungle-themed woodland and test out their teamwork and communication by using the infra-red combat gaming tech in this atmospheric combat arena.
It has all the fun of paintballing while being completely harmless, so everyone can enjoy a session.
Things to do in Tenby for families FAQs
What are the best things to do for families on a rainy day in Tenby?
One of the best things for families to do on a rainy day in Tenby is visiting the Tudor Merchant’s House, where you can stay inside and out of the wet while looking around this fantastic attraction.
You can read out blog for more ideas of things to do in Tenby in the rain.
Where are the best places to eat in Tenby for families?
One of the nicest places to eat in Tenby for families is Cadwaladers, where you can enjoy their freshly-baked pizzas or indulge in their delicious ice cream. Another option is The Normandie, which offers great food that all age ranges will enjoy.
Which beach in Tenby is best for kids?
North Beach in Tenby is best for kids are there’s plenty of space to play games and you can hire paddleboards and other equipment from nearby. Plus, lifeguards are stationed there from June to September, so it’s safe for kids too.
