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All roads lead to Swansea’s Plantasia during half term when children can bag a very special present and help the environment into the bargain.

The tropical hot house in the heart of the city is celebrating its 30th birthday on February 17.

But instead of receiving gifts as you normally do on your birthday, it will be a case of role reversal with anyone under 16 visiting that day getting an oak sapling to take away and plant. It is free as part of the general admission ticket.

The gift for life will be one of many highlights at the popular Parc Tawe venue over the week-long holiday.

Visitors will be able to enjoy features including Dinosaurs in the Jungle, and Making Mummies in a partnership with Swansea University’s Egypt Centre.

A special present

February 17 is the big day when Plantasia clocks up its 30th birthday and the team there wants it to have a lasting impact, and it will thanks to a novel initiative.

A consignment of oak tree saplings is on its way there from Maelor Forest Nurseries in Wrexham.

Children going through the doors at Plantasia will be given one to take home and plant, and then monitor its growth over the ensuing years, as youngsters did after a similar scheme was run there 20 years ago to celebrate the Millennium.

“We have been growing for 30 years, and these will be growing in the years ahead,” said general manager Anthony Williams. “We would like to inspire another generation to plant their tree and help combat the environmental crisis that we live in.

“We are a rainforest and the destruction of rainforests is very topical. This is part of us. If children go away and plant a tree, it helps, but it is the education part of it as well, taking that message home to the younger audience.”

Plantasia's birthday events over half term

1. Dinosaurs in the Jungle

Join the rangers as they host a dinosaur adventure in the rainforest setting. Over the course of 45 minutes, children can enjoy a dino hunt around the jungle and meet some baby specimens.

It ends in the jungle hut where the life size T-rex Ronnie will be waiting. Your ticket price includes free entry to Plantasia.

How to get tickets: Book now

When: February 20 and 21

2. Making Mummies  

The Egypt Centre comes to Plantasia to build on their natural connection.

Plantasia houses the critically endangered Egyptian tortoises. It also has four caiman crocodiles, while the centre has a mummified crocodile.

And you will be able to discover why the ancient Egyptians used to mummify people with the centre’s Dummy Mummy. The drop-in session is free with general admission.

When: February 22 

3. It’s quiz time

Along the jungle trail there will be some fun questions to answer as children spot the animals. Mum and dad can help out if required.

When: This will run from February 15 to 23 during the normal opening hours of 10am to 5pm.

Plantasia has gone to a whole new level

The fruits of its £1.1m revamp last spring have really kicked in, with visitor numbers in the last months reaching over 80,000 - four times more than during the previous 12 months.

Successful partnerships are run with a number of organisations, including the Welsh Rugby Players Association. That saw players and their families enjoy an after dark event there in the run-up to Christmas.  

Admiral Insurance supports the outreach programme, Plantasia on the Road, in which a van takes animals to workshops in schools, care homes, museums, social clubs and other venues.

Plantasia also runs ‘grow your imagination’ awards for schools which make the effort to help the environment with eco-friendly conservation projects. 

Plantasia is now run by attractions operator Parkwood Leisure in partnership with Swansea Council. To find out about group visits and all the activities on offer visit the website . Plantasia is also on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .