So, the happy half term holidays are here already (it only seems like two minutes ago that the kids were going back to school after Christmas!), and we know that entertaining your little darlings for a week can soon add up to a budget blowing week of fun and games.

So, if you’re visiting Snowdonia this half term, or indeed if you live here, and are looking for some penny saving ideas that will keep the whole family happy and occupied this week, then look no further. Here are our top ideas for free things to do in Snowdonia……

• The National Slate Museum, Llanberis – the Slate Museum is a wonderful way to delve into the importhant industrial past of North Wales, and best of all, it’s free to enter! The workshops and quarrymen’s cottages look just like they would have done over 100 years ago, as is the nearby quarry hospital. There are often demonstrations and visiting museums too. Definitely enough to keep the family busy for a whole day!
• Climb any mountain! Walking and hiking along one of Snowdonia’s thousands of miles of public footpaths is completely free! Pack a picnic and plenty of water and you could stay out all day if the weather is fine. Snowdon is obviously the most popular peak to tackle, but also the busiest. There are plenty more you could try if you wanted to escape the crowds. Check out the National Park website for more inspiration.

• Segontium Roman Fort, Caernarfon – situated in the historic port town of Caernarfon on the Northern coast, this Roman Fort provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Roman soldiers. It was established in 70AD but was used until the 4th century. Although the visitor centre is currently closed for refurbishment, entry to the site is free, and there’s plenty of other things to do in Caernarfon whilst you’re there.

• Trefriw Woollen Mills, Conwy Valley – about an hour’s drive from the Oakeley Arms (through some of the most stunning scenery in Snowdonia) is the fascinating Trefriw Woollen Mill. This working mill has been in the same family for generations, and has preserved some of the oldest wool making techniques in the country. It is one of only a handful of woollen mills left in Wales, and there’s a small museum that’s free to enter, as well as the Weaver’s Garden, shop and tea room.
• Spot an Osprey, Porthmadog – not far from the Oakeley Arms is the Glaslyn Osprey Project – a community project that researches and looks after the welfare of the rare breeding ospreys that have returned to a spot near the Glaslyn river. The Glaslyn Ospreys were the first breeding pair to be spotted in Wales when they made a reappearance in 2004. If you visit the site today you can learn more about the project as well as your chance to spot one of these magnificent birds.
• Conwy Town Walls, Conwy – in the beautiful coastal town of Conwy you’ll find Edward I’s majestic medieval castle. There is a charge to enter the castle, but the town walls are free to visit – and these are just as interesting. Climb the steps to the top of the walls and enjoy the views of the town, and explore this UNESCO  World Heritage Site.
• Trek in a Welsh Rainforest, Maentwrog – who knew that there was a rainforest right here in the Vale of Ffestiniog? Of course, Snowdonia is home to a huge variety of habitats, but this rainforest is quite remarkable. You can see more about it in our own video here
• Go for a swim – being in the heart of coastal Snowdonia, there are loads of places to take a refreshing dip. You could try one of the sheltered beach coves at Borth-y-Gest, or inland how about the beautiful Llyn Padarn? These are great places to kayak or paddleboard too.
• Visit the ruins of Cwmorthin – to really get a glimpse into the ghosts of this area’s heavy industrial past, then a visit to the abandoned quarry at nearby Cwmorthin is a must. These eerie ruins sit atop a high mountain pass – accessible only on foot, but it’s well worth the trek. You can find out more about the walk here