Cardiff scavenger hunt for kids and families
Cardiff packs a castle, a stadium and a waterfront into a short walk, and it has more Victorian arcades than any other city in Britain. This is a free self-guided trail of eight finds from the castle down towards the Bay, with each find photographed and verified on the spot.
How the hunt works
Each stop is a thing to find. When your child spots it, they take a photo, and the app checks two things at once: that you are actually at the location, and that the photo shows the right thing. Only then does the stop count.
That verification is the difference between a printed checklist and a game. Nobody can tick off the Münster from a café two streets away, which is exactly why children take it seriously.
What you'll find in Cardiff
8 verified stops listed below
Cardiff Castle to Bay
Dragons, arcades and the wall with carved animals along the top of it.
- 01Cardiff CastleThe clock tower, or the grassy motte with the stone keep on it.
- 02The Animal WallThe wall by the castle topped with carved animals: a seal, a bear, a lioness, a pelican.
- 03Principality StadiumThe huge stadium right in the city centre, or its roof masts from the riverside.
- 04Wales Millennium CentreThe bronze building in the Bay with enormous words cut into the front in Welsh and English.
- 05A Welsh dragonOn a flag, a shirt, a sign, a souvenir or carved into a building.
- 06A Victorian arcadeA covered shopping arcade with a glass roof and ironwork. Cardiff has more than any other UK city.
- 07A sign in WelshBilingual signs count. Look for Croeso, Canol y Ddinas or Allanfa.
- 08A daffodil or a leekEither Welsh emblem, real or drawn, printed, carved or stitched.
Questions parents ask
How much does the Cardiff scavenger hunt cost?
Nothing. The Cardiff trail is free in the Scavvi app, with no booking.
Can you walk from the castle to the Bay?
You can, and it takes roughly forty minutes at an adult pace, longer with children. Many families do the centre finds on foot and take the bus or a boat down to the Bay.
What is the Animal Wall?
A stone wall beside Cardiff Castle topped with carved animals. It is a favourite with children because each one is different and they are at a good height to look at.
Is it worth doing in the rain?
Better than most cities, because the Victorian arcades are covered. The arcade, dragon and Welsh sign finds are all doable without getting wet.
What ages does it suit?
Four to fourteen. Dragons and the Animal Wall land instantly with younger children.
Playing in Cardiff?
The app is free, the trail is free, and there is nothing to book. Download it before you go and it will be waiting when you arrive.
Download Scavvi free