From ancient architecture to taking part in fun fitness – there’s plenty on offer for families across Monmouthshire this bank holiday and half term.

MonLife has a whole host of activities and places to visit across the whole county. Children and those young at heart will have the chance to say hello to MonLife’s newest family members – Ostin the Dormouse and Nerys the Dragon are part of new ‘Explore and Create’ family activity packs available at Caldicot Castle and County Park and Old Station Tintern across the half term break. These fun-filled resources enable families to explore two of Monmouthshire’s amazing attractions through a range of playful and creative activities. It also gives young ones the chance to discover more about the nature and history of the sites. Families will also be able to collect Ostin and Nerys stamps and stickers for completed activities, with the chance to don your best dragon and dormouse outfits with photo cut-outs of the characters. 

There’s plenty in store for older children and adults alike with the opportunity to step back in time with a visit to one of MonLife’s museums, which are open throughout half term. Entry to museums is free and children can take away quizzes and activity sheets so the journey into history can continue at home. For museum opening times, please visit: www.monlife.co.uk/heritage/

The half term will also see the welcome return of the Monmouthshire Games, the successful holiday programme for children aimed learning new skills, developing confidence, meeting new people and most importantly having fun through sport. With over 30 different sports, each day will be action-packed with a full range of sporting activities that children and young people aged 5-11 years can enjoy. A maximum of 20 spaces per day per site are available and there will be no additional spaces once full, so people are encouraged to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Swimming sessions will also be taking place across all four leisure centres including, Abergavenny, Monmouth, Caldicot and Chepstow, all sessions need to be booked in advance. The excellent indoor play centre is also now open for young adventurers looking to reach new heights and it’s the perfect way to burn off some energy.

MonLife also deliver Youth Work in the community through a range of activities and opportunities for young people aged 11 plus.  During the May half term The Attik (Monmouth) will be open Wednesday and Thursday 10am – 6pm, the Zone (Caldicot) Tuesday and Thursday 12pm – 8pm, the Cabin (Abergavenny) Tuesday and Wednesday 12pm – 6pm and Thornwell Wednesday and Friday.

Speaking ahead of the half term break, Council Leader Cllr. Richard John said: “With the easing of restrictions and Wales moving in a positive direction in relation to the pandemic, I’m delighted to see so many wonderful activities making a return. While we continue to ask people to be sensible and follow the guidance, we are excited to see our younger residents back in our parks, leisure centres and historical sites. We really hope families will make the most of these excellent activities over the weekend and into next week.”

Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Cllr Lisa Dymock added: “With warmer weather on the horizon, there will be no better way to spend half term than venturing out and exploring our beautiful county. It’s wonderful to have our leisure centres and places of interest back open and available to our residents. There is so much fun to be had right on our doorstep in Monmouthshire and it’s ready and waiting to be explored.”

For more information about all the activities mentioned, please visit: https://www.monlife.co.uk/