Rhondda Heritage Park Museum is offering free bat-themed activity sessions on Tuesday 27 October as part of October half term and the Welsh Museums Festival 2026.
This year’s festival theme is Sustainable Hwyl, focusing on fun while learning about the environment, nature and wildlife. The museum said bats make their home in old coal mines such as the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery site.
Sessions will include making a bat house or bat box, facts about bats, arts and crafts, and information on bat species in Rhondda Cynon Taf and how families can protect local wildlife.
Three sessions are planned: 10:00am, 12:15pm and 14:15pm, each with 30 child spaces. They are recommended for children aged five and older. Places are free but booking is essential.
Cllr Scott Emanuel, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Leisure, said: “Fangs to the staff at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum for once again putting on free half term fun with meaning this year.
“It’s an award-winning attraction and a key part of the Welsh Museums Festival. As with previous years, the team has worked hard to come up with fun sessions that have meaning.
“The bat sessions look like great fun, especially as there are so many bats living at the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery, which is now home to Rhondda Heritage Park Museum.
“I am sure children and adults alike will love the bones of the fun activities and will leave with a little more information about the incredible wildlife and nature on their doorsteps and the part they can play in protecting it.
“We can’t guarantee a sighting of a real bat during the sessions, but those who love all things spooky and Halloween are reminded Halloween Spooktacular is taking place at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum during the half term as well.”
Halloween Spooktacular is also running at the museum during half term. The council pointed people to its Local Nature Partnership for further free nature events and activities.
