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13 Best Indoor Activities in Cardiff You Need to Try [2024]

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As one of the best days out in South Wales, Cardiff has so much to offer: great restaurants, close proximity to the sea, a vibrant nightlife, the list goes on…

However, after living in Cardiff for one year I soon realised just how much it lives up to its unofficial title as ‘the UK’s wettest city.’

While it’s easy to view rainy days (of which there are many) as a barrier to your plans, I hope this article can convince you that bad weather can actually enable new adventures.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, sports junkie, or prone to a bit of shopping, there are so many fantastic options for indoor activities in Cardiff.

So if you’re stuck on what to do on a rainy day, or simply want to try a new activity, hopefully, this list can offer some inspiration.

1. Race your friends at TeamSport Go Karting

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Address: 11 Dominion Way, Newport Rd, Cardiff CF24 1PT

If you’re a thrill-seeker who likes to indulge in some friendly competition, go-karting is always a fun day out.

With a 500m multi-level race track and karts that can go up to 40mph, this is one of the best indoor activities in Cardiff for those feeling daring or who want to do something exciting with friends.

TeamSport has a massive variety of experiences to choose from, including F1 experiences for those of you wanting to channel your inner Lewis Hamilton, qualifying heats for more seasoned go karters, and stag/hen parties.

They also hold an open event (50 lap race) if you feel like challenging yourself.

Depending on what session you choose, you can spend 45 minutes to three hours on the tracks, preceded by a twenty-minute safety briefing.

Prices start from £27 per person so this is one of the more expensive indoor activities in Cardiff.

However, you definitely get an experience worth your money.

And you get to spend an afternoon racing, so what could be better if you’re looking for an activity to get the adrenaline going?

2. Catch some waves at Cardiff International White Water

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Address: Watkiss Way, Cardiff CF11 0SY

Phone number: 029 2082 9970

Indoor surfing? Yes, please. Cardiff International White Water is home to one of the only white water rafting courses in South Wales.

There are so many options for water-based activities here, from canoeing and kayaking to river boarding and white water tubing. Basically, if you like water sports, this is the place to go.

However, for those of you wanting to stick to indoor activities in Cardiff, CIWW has a simulated surf machine.

This means you can catch some waves without having to leave the city.

And it doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner either. You start off using a bodyboard and then you can level up if you’re feeling confident.

Since they have multiple lanes you can choose to do this as a solo or group activity.

This is a perfect choice if you’ve got summer blues and feel like splashing out a bit more on a fun day out.

Prices range from £30-40 per person and the session lasts around 120 minutes, including the safety briefing.

3. Bounce around at Infinity Trampoline Park

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Address: Unit J, St. Catherine’s Park, Pengam Road, Cardiff CF24 2RZ

Phone number: 029 2000 3323

Another good spot for adrenaline junkies is Infinity Trampoline Park in the city centre which will set you back £10 an hour at peak times.

With over seventy interconnected trampolines and a space filled with vault boxes, tumble tracks and trampolines angled in every direction, the hour will fly by.

There’s also a basketball court and dodgeball area for bigger groups who fancy some friendly competition.

But that’s not it! Infinity also has a wide range of experiences to choose from outside of the regular Open Jump sessions.

They host a group exercise class called ‘Infinity Active’, which combines aerobic, bouncing and relay routines.

A great idea if you’re bored of doing home workouts or going to the gym!

They also do ‘After Dark’ sessions at the weekend, which is basically a club night on trampolines.

With so much variation on offer, you’re bound to find something here to enjoy.

Also, if Infinity happens to be at full capacity you can head to Supajump which is just a ten-minute drive away.

4. Visit Cardiff’s Indoor Flea Market

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Address: Clydesmuir Industrial Estate, Clydesmuir Rd, Cardiff CF24 2QS

Phone number: 029 2132 1083

If you feel like branching out and exploring something different to your everyday high street shops, then Cardiff’s Flea Market is a fabulous option

. Open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, this market is a treasure trove for all things antique and vintage.

Whether you’re looking for specific goods in homeware or lighting, or some more unusual pieces, you’re bound to find items of interest here.

Most of the stuff is second, third and even fourth hand, so it’s a great way to shop sustainably!

They also have the ‘Mad Hatters Tea Rooms’ where you can grab afternoon tea or a simple snack in a quirky setting.

This is great if you’re looking for an experience slightly off the beaten track.

5. Scale some climbing walls at Boulders

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Address: St Catherine’s Park, Pengam Rd, Cardiff CF24 2RZ

Address: Valegate Retail Park, Copthorne Way, Culverhouse Cross, Cardiff CF5 6EH

Climbing walls are a great way to release energy while getting your exercise in.

Boulders have over 100 climbing routes to choose from, and eighty in their newly expanded bouldering area, so there are plenty of difficulty levels to choose from depending on your experience.

Boulders also have a social club every night of the week, which is a great way to combine climbing practice with meeting new people.

Located just on the outskirts of the city centre, it’s super easy to get to and right by all the restaurants and bars if you’re feeling energised after the session and fancy a bite to eat.

Slots are £20 and have to be booked in advance, and this gets you 80 minutes of climbing time.

6. Shoot some lasers at Superbowl UK

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Address: Stadium Plaza, Wood St, Cardiff CF10 1LA

Phone number: 029 2233 1333

If you’re feeling indecisive and want to go somewhere with a mix of activities in one space, then an afternoon at Superbowl is an ideal option.

There are twelve bowling alleys, a laser quest experience and an arcade zone with a wide variety of video games and slot machines.

Bowling for adults is £7.80 for one game and £12.50 for two, while laser question is £5 for one game and £8 for two.

If you’re out in a group both are a great option depending on how much you want to spend.

Of course, there’s also a bar and dining area for refreshments.

However, Superbowl is also nestled right in the middle of the city centre so you have a whole range of restaurants and bars at your doorstep if you choose to venture out.

7. Grab some lunch at Cardiff Market

the-victorian-hall-of-cardiff-market-indoor-activities-cardiff

Address: 5-7 St Mary Street, CF10 1AU

Phone number: 029 2087 1214

Who doesn’t love to explore a good food market?

Enclosed in a gorgeous Victorian structure, Cardiff Market is a vibrant space filled with a wide variety of independent businesses.

It’s a fantastic place to buy traditional Welsh cuisine and produce.

However, you can also peruse the stalls for vintage clothes and records.

Or you can even get a tarot reading from a psychic medium – an option that will definitely jazz up your lunch break!

According to its website, Cardiff Market has been in the same space for 100 years, so it really is a go-to spot.

8. Hit the slopes at Cardiff Ski and Snowboard Centre

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Address: 198 Fairwater Rd, Cardiff CF5 3JR

Phone number: 029 2056 1793

Located just ten minutes from Cardiff city centre, Cardiff Ski and Snowboard Centre is the perfect place to practice your skiing and snowboarding by hitting the dry slopes.

Prices for recreational use are reasonable at £12-15 for one day, including equipment hire!

It’s definitely more accessible than a lot of indoor snow-based experiences.

If you haven’t skied before you only need to have one lesson before you’re free to have a go by yourself.

Alternatively, if these sports don’t take your fancy or you don’t want to pay for lessons there’s the option to go tubing, for which no previous experience is required.

Cruising down the slopes on big inflatable rubber rings? Yes, please!

This is one of the best indoor activities in Cardiff if you’re in a big group or are looking for party ideas.

9. Practice your putting technique at Treetop Adventure Golf

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Address: Level P3 St David’s Centre, Cardiff CF10 2EL

Phone number: 029 2022 6590

Less than ten minutes from Cardiff Central Station is Treetop Adventure Golf, the best place for crazy golf in the centre.

With its quirky, immersive rainforest setting, each turn of the corner holds new surprises and enough variation to fulfil all your mini golf needs.

Prices vary but for a standard adult, it’s £10.50 for 18 holes and £15 for 36.

If you’re a student group playing 36 holes you also get a free alcoholic (or soft) drink with your purchase, which is a great bonus!

Speaking of drinks, if you’re feeling parched after your session there’s The Thirsty Toucan bar’s menu of tropical cocktails and locally brewed craft beer.

Or if you’re feeling a bit more low-key then you can grab a pizza or a coffee at their cafe.

Either way, a visit here makes for one of the best date ideas in Cardiff.

You don’t need to book in advance (although some periods are busier than others), you just need to turn up!

10. Test out your puzzle-solving skills at Escape Reality

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Address: 2nd & 3rd Floor, 6-7 St John St, Cardiff CF10 1GJ

Phone number: 029 2132 3120

Who doesn’t love some immersive storytelling combined with intricate puzzles?

Escape rooms have grown in popularity over the past few years and it’s easy to see why.

Completing a crossword or sudoku is a great way to test your mental agility.

But let’s be honest, they aren’t quite as fun or interactive as an escape room.

Escape Reality continuously receives fabulous reviews for the variety and quality of its escape rooms.

Whether you’re intrigued to see whether you can pull off a high stakes heist, or help to solve a gruesome murder, the experience you choose will certainly be worth the money.

You can choose to do the escape rooms with one other person, or with up to 36 people, and prices range from £10-22 per player.

11. Tour Principality Stadium

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Address: Westgate St, Cardiff CF10 1NS

If you’re a sports fan, this one’s for you.

If you’ve walked through Cardiff city centre you’ve probably admired Wales’ national stadium from the outside. But did you know you can also tour Principality Stadium?

This involves much more than a view of the pitch.

You can peruse the hospitality suite and President’s box, have a look into Wales’ team dressing room, and walk through the tunnel towards the turf where many historic matches have been played.

Soon you’ll be able to book a ‘Rugby Legends Tour’, the details of which will be released soon on the stadium’s website.

And at Christmas, there’s a Santa experience that provides great entertainment for a family day out.

If you’re an adult the price for a tour is £12.50, with concessions and child tickets ranging from £9-10.

12. Catch a film at Chapter

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Address: Chapter Arts Centre, Market Rd, Cardiff CF5 1QE

Phone number: 029 2031 1050

Housing the city’s only arthouse cinema, along with a variety of live performances, exhibitions of international art and workshops, Chapter provides a great social space for all arts-based activities.

Open every day from 8:30 until late, each day offers something new.

Some of the regular events hosted at Chapter include comedy nights, film screenings with Q&As, yoga, acting workshops and book clubs, but there really isn’t a limit to the variation this space offers.

There’s also a variety of food options for any time in the day, and a bar which opens in the evenings.

Chapter is a quirky, individual arts hub, and certainly has an event for everyone.

13. Peruse the Museum of Cardiff

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Address: The Old Library, The Hayes, St Davids Centre, Cardiff CF10 1BH

If you’re feeling cultural, what better way to spend an afternoon than by wandering around a museum?

The Museum of Cardiff always has different exhibitions happening, so you’re guaranteed to see something new with each visit.

Entry is free too, so if you want to do some exploring on a budget then this is a great option for you.

So there you have it: 13 fun indoor activities in Cardiff you need to try!

It’s safe to say there’s something for every taste.

So which of these indoor activities in Cardiff are you most desperate to try out?

Please let me know in the comments below.

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