Fun Things to Do in and Around Tenby for Families

Written by the Wales.org Family Travel Team | Fact-Checked for 2026 | Local Pembrokeshire Experts

Located in Pembrokeshire, Tenby is a glorious Welsh seaside town with rugged coastlines, a cosy harbour, and medieval walls that will instantly ignite the kids’ imaginations. For adventurous families, the world-famous Pembrokeshire Coast Path stretches either side of the town and is the perfect way to spend an energetic day.

There’s also ample opportunity for building sandcastles, exploring rock pools, and people-watching at one of the area’s three stunning Blue Flag beaches. Whether you have toddlers looking for soft play and zoo animals, or teenagers seeking adrenaline-pumping water sports, this coastal gem delivers.

Whatever your family’s preference, read on for our ultimate 2026 round-up of the top 15 fun things to do in and around Tenby.

15 of the Best Things to Do in Tenby for Families

1. Crabbing at Tenby Harbour

Tenby Harbour, SA70 7BW

Tenby Harbour has something for everyone. It’s also one of the best ways to take in the delights of a town that’s often described as the Jewel in Pembrokeshire’s crown. Pootle around the colourful pastel houses and enjoy boat-watching. For families, buying a cheap crabbing line and some bacon from the local shops to drop over the harbour wall at high tide provides hours of free entertainment.

• 2026 Pricing: Free! (Just the cost of a crab line and bait).
• Best For: All ages.
• Dog Friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed around the harbour on a lead.
• Quirks & Info: Reward the kids’ crabbing efforts with a portion of piping hot chips or a local artisan ice cream from the booths right on the harbour square.

2. Take a Boat Trip to Caldey Island

Boat Kiosk, Castle Square, SA70 7BD

If you’re planning a few days in Tenby with the kids, this is a non-negotiable top attraction. Board a boat at the harbour and head out across the bay to nearby Caldey Island. Home to a working community of Cistercian monks, Caldey Island has plenty of history, a beautiful monastery, and rugged coastal walks to explore.

Here you can watch various seabirds (including puffins if you are lucky) and enjoy a safe dip in the sea off Priory Beach. This place is ideal for kids to burn off some energy whilst wildlife-watching.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £18, Children £10, Under 3s Free.
• Best For: Ages 4+ (prams can be tricky on the boats).
• Dog Friendly? Dogs are welcome on the island but are strictly banned from the monastery and the beach.
• Quirks & Info: Be sure to visit the island shop to buy the famous chocolate and shortbread made by the monks themselves!

3. Go Mackerel Fishing

Tenby Harbour Boarding Steps, SA70 7BW

One of the best things to do in Tenby for adventurous families is heading out onto the open sea. Book a slot with Mackerel Fishing Tenby, who depart regularly from Castle Beach or the Harbour (depending on the tide). The kids will learn traditional methods of boat fishing over the hour-and-a-half session, and you may even catch something for dinner!

• 2026 Pricing: Approx £20 per person (includes all rod and line hire).
• Best For: Ages 6+.
• Dog Friendly? Usually not suitable for dogs on the small fishing boats.
• Quirks & Info: You get to keep what you catch! Taking your fresh mackerel back to the campsite for a BBQ is a fantastic family memory.

4. Experience a Quad Bike Safari

Ritc Quad Bikes, Near Tenby, SA70 8RX

Travelling to Tenby with older kids? This quad bike safari for the over 16s will have participants tackling various muddy terrains on the back of a 250cc geared Suzuki. One-to-one tuition and a safety briefing are provided at the start, followed by 50 minutes of rugged cross-country riding.

• 2026 Pricing: From £60 per rider.
• Best For: Teenagers (Strictly 16+ for solo riding).
• Dog Friendly? No.
• Quirks & Info: Go full-throttle and get your teens’ adrenaline pumping. Be sure to pack a change of clothes—you *will* get muddy!

5. Step Back in Time at the Tudor Merchant’s House

Quay Hill, Tenby, SA70 7BX

If you prefer a slower pace, there are plenty of things to do in Tenby for history buffs. Tucked away down a narrow cobbled street near the harbour, you’ll find the National Trust’s Tudor Merchant’s House. This authentic fifteenth-century townhouse provides a fascinating glimpse back into a long-gone time when Tenby was a bustling medieval trading port.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £7.50, Children £3.75 (Free for National Trust Members).
• Best For: Ages 7+.
• Dog Friendly? Assistance dogs only.
• Quirks & Info: Kids love seeing the authentic replica Tudor clothing and the traditional herb garden.

6. Explore St Catherine’s Island & Fort

Castle Beach, Tenby, SA70 7BP

Rising dramatically out of the sand on Castle Beach is St Catherine’s Island. This tidal island features a massive Napoleonic fortress that has served as a military garrison, an anti-aircraft battery, and even a private zoo in the past!

Climbing the steep stairs to the top of the island rewards families with unmatched panoramic views of Tenby.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £5, Children £3.
• Best For: Ages 5+ (lots of steep, uneven stairs).
• Dog Friendly? Yes, dogs on leads are welcome!
• Quirks & Info: Access is strictly dictated by the tide. You can only walk across the sand to the island for roughly two hours either side of low water.

7. Storm Manorbier Castle

Manorbier, Tenby, SA70 7SY

If your family are keen to head just slightly further afield, Manorbier Castle is just 5 miles away from Tenby. Dating back to the Norman era, this stunning castle overlooks the surfer-friendly Manorbier Beach.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £8, Children £5.
• Best For: All ages.
• Dog Friendly? Yes, extremely dog-friendly.
• Quirks & Info: Keep an eye on their 2026 summer calendar—they frequently host incredible medieval falconry displays and knight re-enactments in the courtyard!

8. Relax on the Beach & Try Paddle boarding

North Beach, Castle Beach & South Beach

There are so many beaches in and around Tenby that we just had to include a dedicated beach day on this list. Castle Beach is the smallest, but is super central, so perfect for a midday splash. North Beach (with the famous Goscar Rock) and South Beach are vast sandy expanses that provide ample space for kids to play beach cricket.

• 2026 Pricing: Free! (SUP Hire starts around £15/hour).
• Best For: Everyone.
• Dog Friendly? Restrictions apply on North and Castle beaches between May 1st and Sept 30th. South beach is dog-friendly towards Penally all year.
• Quirks & Info: Book a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lesson right on North Beach and take in the town’s colourful skyline from an alternative perspective.

9. Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo

Begelly, Kilgetty, SA68 0XA

Consistently ranking amongst the absolute best things to do near Tenby for families, Folly Farm Adventure Park is a massive, multi-award-winning day out. Kids can enjoy the vintage indoor fairground, ride the big wheel, admire lions and penguins in the zoo, and squeal with the piglets in the barn.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £26, Children £24.
• Best For: Toddlers to early teens.
• Dog Friendly? No dogs allowed due to zoo animal welfare.
• Quirks & Info: You can even camp on-site or stay in a quirky Showman’s wagon! Look out for their special “Summer Safari Nights” events running late into the evening during August 2026.

10. Heatherton World of Activities

St Florence, Tenby, SA70 8RJ

Located right next door to Manor Wildlife Park, Heatherton is a unique theme park because it operates on a “free admission, pay-as-you-play” system. You simply buy passes and use them on the activities you actually want to do.

• 2026 Pricing: Free entry; Credit passes start from £18.
• Best For: Ages 8 to 18.
• Dog Friendly? Yes, dogs on leads are very welcome, and they even have a dog agility course!
• Quirks & Info: Activities range from bumper boats and go-karts to archery, paintballing, and treetop trails. It is brilliant for older, hard-to-please teenagers.

11. The Dinosaur Park Tenby

Great Wedlock, Tenby, SA70 8RB

If you have a palaeontology-obsessed toddler, this is a must-visit. The Dinosaur Park features a spooky woodland trail filled with massive, roaring animatronic dinosaurs hidden among the trees. There are also indoor soft play areas, fossil hunting activities, and a massive outdoor playground.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £18.50, Children £17.50.
• Best For: Ages 3 to 10.
• Dog Friendly? Yes, dogs on leads are allowed everywhere except the indoor play areas.
• Quirks & Info: The park has some surprisingly fun rides included in the ticket price, including a popular tubey-ride and water bumper boats.

12. Wander the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Tenby to Saundersfoot Route

Stretching 186 miles, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers steep limestone landscapes, sandy beaches, and plentiful wildlife. If you’re an energetic bunch, heading out on this windswept path is one of the best things to do in Tenby for families.

Walking the 4.5 miles from Tenby to Saundersfoot is a manageable stretch for older kids. Once you’ve completed your wander and enjoyed an ice cream on Saundersfoot harbour, you can easily catch the bus back!

• 2026 Pricing: Free.
• Best For: Ages 8+ (due to steep ascents/descents).
• Dog Friendly? Yes, but must be kept under tight control near cliff edges.
• Quirks & Info: Look out for the changing tides at Monkstone Point, halfway between the two towns.

13. Discover the Green Bridge of Wales

Castlemartin Firing Range, Pembroke, SA71 5EB

If you have a car, drive 30 minutes west of Tenby to witness the Green Bridge of Wales—the Welsh version of Dorset’s Durdle Door. It is one of the most photographed natural landmarks in the UK and is a beautiful site to behold.

• 2026 Pricing: Free (including parking).
• Best For: All ages (very short, flat walk from the car park).
• Dog Friendly? Yes.
• Quirks & Info: Crucial Note: The road to the Green Bridge runs directly through an active Ministry of Defence tank firing range. You MUST check the Castlemartin firing times online before visiting, as the road is completely closed during live firing exercises!

14. Go Rock-Pooling with Local Experts

Castle Beach, Tenby, SA70 7BS

If your kids can’t get enough of marine critters, this should definitely be on your list of fun things to do for families. Over the course of two hours, a guide from the Black Rock Outdoor Company will show you around the hidden rock pools exposed at low tide. Get up close and personal with crabs, anemones, and starfish while learning all about their fragile coastal habitats.

• 2026 Pricing: Approx £15 per person.
• Best For: Ages 5+.
• Dog Friendly? Best to leave the dogs behind for this guided group activity.
• Quirks & Info: Wellies or waterproof wet-shoes are absolutely essential!

15. Take in the Culture at Tenby Museum

Castle Hill, Tenby, SA70 7BP

If the Welsh weather turns rainy, Tenby Museum and Art Gallery consistently ranks amongst the top indoor attractions. It is the oldest independent museum in Wales, perched right on Castle Hill.

You’ll learn all about the history of the town, from its 9th-century origins right through to the present day. There are brilliant hands-on activities for kids, including becoming a history detective, taking pirate treasure trails, and participating in an interactive relic hunt.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £6.00, Under 16s go FREE!
• Best For: Ages 6+.
• Dog Friendly? Yes, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome inside!
• Quirks & Info: Look out for the genuine mammoth tooth found on a local beach!

Major 2026 Family Events in Tenby

If you are planning your family holiday for 2026, try to time your visit around one of Tenby’s famous community events. The atmosphere in the town is electric during these weekends!

• Tenby Firemen’s Carnival (August 2026): A massive hit with the kids! Local firefighters lead a colourful, noisy parade through the town centre, followed by games, stalls, and open days at the fire station.
• The Long Course Weekend (Late June 2026): While this is a serious sporting event, the “Taf Kids” event on Friday afternoon sees hundreds of children running their own race into the town square on a red carpet. The crowd support is incredible.
• Tenby Boxing Day Swim (Dec 26th, 2026): If you are visiting for Christmas, watching hundreds of locals plunge into the freezing sea on North Beach for charity is a hilarious and uniquely Welsh spectacle!