Hidden away in the heart of North Wales, nestled beneath the towering trees of Snowdonia National Park, lies a gem of a place: GreenWood Family Park. On a recent trip up north, we were invited to come and explore it for ourselves. Truthfully, we weren’t sure what to expect—but we left genuinely impressed, slightly knackered, and with memories that’ll stick with us for a long time.
Getting there was a breeze. Just head in the direction of Y Felinheli, and once you’re close, follow signs for Greenwood Forest Park—same place, different name over the years. But don’t let that fool you, this park has kept with the times and then some.
As the name suggests, the park is completely immersed in woodland, offering a shaded, natural backdrop that feels miles away from the concrete and chaos of modern theme parks. What’s even more impressive is GreenWood’s eco-conscious approach. This isn’t just a tick-box “green” destination—this is sustainability in action.
Solar-Powered Fun and Forest Glides
Take the Solar Splash, for instance. It’s the UK’s first solar-powered ride, and you wouldn’t even realise it until you read the sign. What you do notice, however, is how much fun it is. We loved racing each other down the wave chutes, our daughter squealing with delight as we took turns pretending to be the fastest.
Then there’s the Forest Glider Slide—a relatively new addition that quickly won us over. With its 75-metre drop and impressive views, it’s a hit with both the brave little ones and thrill-seeking adults. If you time your ride just right, you might even catch a glimpse of the park’s most iconic feature…
The World’s Only People-Powered Roller Coaster
Yes, you read that right. The Green Dragon Roller Coaster, first launched in 2004, claims to be the world’s only people-powered roller coaster—and we’ve never come across anything quite like it. Here’s how it works: you queue at the top of a hill, where a massive pulley system uses your weight to pull the coaster carriage back up from the bottom. It’s a clever bit of engineering that turns waiting in line into part of the fun.
Children were fascinated. Adults were amazed. And when you finally hop aboard and zip through the forest on its 250-metre track, it’s just pure joy.
Playgrounds, MoonKarts and Mini Mazes
Of course, it’s not all about adrenaline. GreenWood does a brilliant job of catering to all ages. The MoonKarts, both single and dual, offer a pedal-powered adventure suitable for the whole family (yes, I managed to squeeze in for a go too). For younger children, the Little Green Run slides and Cwtch Corner—complete with animal petting—are just perfect.
One unexpected highlight was the maze, tucked away in the top corner of the park. We entered without even realising it was a maze until we hit a dead end. It felt more like a woodland wander with surprises along the way, which made it all the more fun.
Bringing Back That Classic Family Magic
In many ways, GreenWood reminded us of the old Oakwood Theme Park before it tried to become the Welsh Alton Towers. Back then, Oakwood was full of rustic charm, wooden play areas, and family-first fun—elements that GreenWood has captured beautifully. It hasn’t tried to be something it’s not. Instead, it’s leaned into what families genuinely enjoy: wholesome, engaging outdoor play.
TreeTop Towers stands tall as the largest of the park’s play areas, and it’s a real hit. Netted walkways, climbing challenges, big slides and hidden nooks make it a proper adventure. Our 11-year-old, who’s normally all about the big rides, ran straight off to explore and play like a little kid again. That, I think, says it all.
Entertainment with a Twist of Magic
During our visit, the wonderfully charismatic Paul Williams, aka Just the Trick, was performing magic shows throughout the day. His mix of comedy and sleight of hand had the crowd roaring with laughter. He even pulled adults into the fun (though I did sneakily nominate my daughter to take my place for one trick—sorry, Paul!). It was light-hearted, family-focused entertainment that added even more sparkle to the day.
GreenWood Family Park is a rare find: an adventure park that gets what a family day out should be. It’s sustainable, imaginative, and brilliantly balanced between action and nature. There’s a good café, a decent gift shop, and plenty of thoughtful touches throughout.
If you’re in North Wales, this one’s a must. Check out their year-round events and plan your visit via their official website:
www.greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk/activities
GreenWood doesn’t try to be the biggest or the fastest. It’s simply one of the best family days out we’ve had in years.
