Low cost activities

Free Swimming was first launched in Wales in 2003. This was the first national free swimming program in Wales. The goal? Getting more young people (16 and under) and people over 60 to learn to swim and swim more regularly.

• Free Swimming 0 – 16 years – free swimming sessions for children under 16 during weekends, except for the Bro Ffestiniog session which is on Tuesday nights. There are also additional free sessions available during the summer holidays. A Byw’n Iach Annual Membership Ticket will be required to attend free swimming sessions. Contact the local centre to arrange this.
• Free swimming 60+ – Customers over 60, who live in Wales, can swim in any of our swimming pools for free during certain swimming sessions. You must have the annual membership to access the free 60+ sessions.
• Free Swimming with the Max Card – We will provide free access to family swimming sessions in our pools for families with a Max Card. One adult in the family will need to be a member of Byw’n Iach so that the family can swim for free. When the customers call to book a place, the following must be done. More information on this website: Max Card Website
• Free Swimming for Young Carers – We will provide free access to public swimming sessions for the Carer + 1 friend or family member.
• Free Swimming for Veterans – We will provide free access to swimming sessions in our pools to anyone with a DDS card and a Defense Privilege Card

To see when these sessions are available, visit the timetable of your local centre: Centres 

Babi Actif activities include:

• Bubbles Swimming
• Soft Play
• Babi Actif Gymnastics

For more information, you should follow this link: More information

During the school holidays, Byw’n Iach offers a variety of activities for children and young people. This year the following activities are available:

• Soft Play 0-5 years
• Play Sessions for Children with Additional Needs
• Access to the Fitness Classes on the Main Programme for Children aged 11-18
• Big Sports Camp
• Small Sports Camp
• Public Swimming

We try to utilise grants to reduce costs or provide free activities. The offer varies over time so we would advise following our social media channels to receive the latest offers.

Byw’n Iach have developed community gardens at many of the centres across Gwynedd and anyone is welcome to use them for free! These are available at:

• Byw’n Iach Dwyfor, Pwllheli
• Byw’n Iach Arfon, Caernarfon
• Byw’n Iach Plas Ffrancon, Bethesda
• Byw’n Iach Plas Silyn, Penygroes
• Byw’n Iach Glaslyn, Porthmadog

The gardens are a perfect place to socialise, plant, pick fruits and vegetables or have a picnic as a family! Spending time outdoors is also great for your mental health and wellbeing.

Over the school holidays in 2024, Byw’n Iach will allow local children and young people to use the outdoor courts and fields for free during the centre’s opening hours and outside of sessions booked by customers. Here is what is available:

• Byw’n Iach Plas Ffrancon, Bethesda (Synthetic field)
• Byw’n Iach Bangor (5 a side field)
• Byw’n Iach Arfon, Caernarfon (Synthetic field, tennis and basketball courts)
• Byw’n Iach Plas Silyn, Penygroes (Synthetic field)
• Byw’n Iach Dwyfor, Pwllheli (Synthetic field, tennis courts)
• Byw’n Iach Glaslyn, Porthmadog (5 a side field, tennis courts)
• Byw’n Iach Glan Wnion, Dolgellau (MUGA)
• Byw’n Iach Bro Dysynni, Tywyn (Synthetic field, tennis courts)

Some basic equipment will also be available to borrow if needed e.g. Tennis rackets and balls.

Parents and guardians are also welcome to play with the children and we will be working with youth services and the police on events from time to time.