Bristol is one of the UK’s most exciting cities, home to some fascinating museums, world class art and an exciting live music scene. But what is there to do for families, in this edgy, dynamic and fiercely independent city? Well BabyBreaks has done the hard work for you, and researched the best things to do with your Kids in Bristol.
1. We The Curious
At first, this exciting interactive science museum is one of Bristol’s top family attractions, offering load of hands on exhibits, a fascinating Planetarium and loads of live shows and workshops to discover. Visitor participation is very much encouraged, so you don’t need to worry about the kids touching something they should’t be.
Price: ££ (FREE for under 2’s)
2. Blaise Castle Estate
Blaise Castle Estate is a 650 acre Grade II listed site which encompasses a children’s play area, an 18th century mansion and a castle. Immerse yourselves in the history of the buildings, admiring the magnificent Picture Room, Victorian era dolls, toys and period costumes and of course, climb to the top of the castle to admire panoramic views.
Finally, on sunny days, the adventure playground, acres of woodland and horse riding trails provide plenty of opportunity for little legs to run wild.
Price: FREE
Address: Kings Weston Rd, Bristol BS10 7QS
3. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
This beautiful building is home to an extensive collection of archaeology, geology and art object. It has consequently loads to entertain families throughout the year. The “please touch” labels encourage young, inquisitive minds to engage with the exhibits. And the under five’s activity area has puppet shows, interactive games and more.
There’s even a whole floor dedicated to Dinosaurs! No wonder it is featured on our favourite things to do with kids in Bristol!
BabyBreaks Tip: Don’t miss the Angel Bust sculpture by local Bristolian, Banksy.
Price: FREE
Address: Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1RL
4. Mshed
This dockside & industrial warehouse documents the history of Bristol from prehistoric times to the 21st century, through its unique and thought provoking exhibitions. Challenging the traditional concept of a museum, its constantly evolving collections include films, quirky objects, and interactive displays.
Kids will also love the fact they can ride on trains, boats and even the working cranes outside. A great venue among our activities to do with your kids in Bristol.
Price: FREE
5. SS Great Britain
Journey through the life and times of the SS Great Britain – a revolutionary luxury liner built in 1845. This dockyard ship museum is indeed a great day out for the family where you can walk beneath the glass roofed sea. You can also climb the rigging and try out a bed in a cramped, third class cabin.
Furthermore, experience what life at sea was like for passengers voyaging to Australia, what they ate, saw, smelt and heard.
Price: ££ (FREE for under 4’s)
Address: Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol BS1 6TY
6. Aerospace Bristol
This interactive exhibition centre is a fantastic place to take transport mad toddlers. Discover aeroplanes, helicopters, space rockets and satellites as you make your way through the history of aviation. There’s also an an outdoor play area and fun activities for budding engineers and pilots.
Price: ££ (FREE for under 4’s)
Address: Hayes Way, Patchway, Bristol BS34 5BZ
7. Clip N Climb
A great activity for kids aged 4 and over, and adults too if you fancy it. Clip N Climb offers a range of climbing activities to help kids expend some of that boundless energy, and learn a new skill too. They’ll be having so much fun that they won’t even notice if you sneak off for a coffee at the cafe!
Price: ££
Address: 3 New Gatton Rd, Bristol BS2 9SH
Ready for more things to do in Bristol with kids?
8. Bristol Aquarium
Meet a range of marine life at this fun aquarium always a winning activity on a rainy day. The kids will love walking through the shark tunnel, or spotting tropical creatures in the urban jungle. There are also daily talks and feeding times where you can learn all about your favourite sea life.
Price: ££ (FREE for under 3’s)
Address: Anchor Rd, Bristol BS1 5TT
9. Axis Trampoline Club
This dedicated gymnastics and trampolining club offers a variety of sessions to wear out your little ones on a rainy day. Specific classes which can be booked in advance include Bouncing Tots, Gym Tots and Pre-School Soft Play.
Price: £
Address: 14 Liberty Industrial Park, S Liberty Ln, Bristol BS3 2SU
10. AirHop Bristol
Another trampoline park in Bristol, and this one is aimed at families or large groups, thanks to its huge size. There’s loads of space in this giant warehouse, so it won’t feel crowded even at the weekends. They offer Mini Hoppers sessions for tiny tots, as well as Adult Fitness Classes and Kids Parties. One of our most active things to do in Bristol to do with your kids.
Price: ££
Address: Patchway Trading Estate, Unit 5, Britannia Rd, Bristol BS34 5TA
11. Rhyme & Storytime at Bristol Central Library
Enjoy free storytelling and rhyme time sessions at Bristol Central Library. These drop in classes are perfect for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers who need to get out of the house on a wet day. The welcoming and relaxed environment is a great place to meet other local parents too.
Price: FREE
Address: College Green, Bristol BS1 5TL
12. Baby Friendly Cinema
If you thought cinema trips were a thing of the past now you have a baby, then think again. Baby cinema clubs are popping up all over the country, allowing parents to enjoy the latest films without worrying that their baby will cry! The lowered volume and lighting will help your baby drift off, and you are free to move around the cinema if they need rocking to sleep. With plenty of room for prams, and an audience made up of fellow parents, you will hopefully be able to relax and enjoy the movie!
Price: £
Showcase Address: Glass House Ln, Bristol BS1 3BX
Watershed Address: 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol BS1 5TX
Visit Showcase Website
Visit Watershed Website
13. Tyntesfield
This spectacular National Trust house is surrounded by beautiful grounds, making it a wonderful day out whatever the weather. Explore the history of the house through a “behind the scenes”tour, or just opt to explore a few rooms yourself. But it’s the grounds which the children will enjoy the most. There are acres of gardens, woodland and grazing animals, as well as three outdoor play areas and one indoors. Check the website for up to date seasonal activities, nature trails and events too.
Price: ££
Address: Wraxall, Bristol BS48 1NX
14. Windmill Hill City Farm
A community farm which provides that recreation, education and therapy using food, farming and the environment as a theme. The kids can get involved in picking fruit and veg, planting bulbs, discovering nature trails and caring for the animals. There are also regular workshops and events to get kids excited and involved in the natural world. There’s also an award-winning café serving a mouth watering selection of fresh food using farm produce. And lastly, don’t forget to have a browse around the farm shop for all sorts of delicious, locally produced goodies.
Price: FREE
Address: Philip St, Bristol BS3 4EA
15. Crazy Climb Bristol
An action packed climbing area where kids can enjoy some dynamic and challenging fun. There are over 20 activities to try, from scaling a light up volcano to abseiling down a teetering tower. This activity is suitable for children aged 4 and over, with dedicated sessions for different age groups.
Price: £
Address: 42 Winterstoke Rd, Bristol BS3 2NW
16. Canford Park Playground
This park and playground gets great reviews from local parents, who often head here on a Saturday morning. Around 30 minutes from the city centre it has lots of new play equipment, including some impressive climbing frames for older kids.
Price: FREE
Address: 67 Canford Ln, Bristol BS9 3NX
17. Bristol Old Vic Theatre
Built in 1766, the Bristol Old Vic is the oldest continuously working theatre in the English speaking world. A pretty impressive accolade, and one locals are fiercely proud of. Having recently undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment, the theatre continues to entertain the Bristol community with great shows for all ages, there’s always something suitable for the kids showing, from Christmas Panto to Zog Live or The Very Hungry Caterpillar. So make sure you check the website to see what’s on when you visit.
Price: ££
Address:King St, Bristol BS1 4ED
18. Bristol Zoo
PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Opened in 1836, this historic zoo is home to over 400 species of endangered, rare and exotic animals from all over the world. Their conservation and research projects help to protect species and habitats. In addition educate young people about the future of their planet.
Popular activities for families include daily animal encounters, zookeeper lessons and ZooRopia. Moreover, a zip wire play area where you can swing through the trees like the gorillas!
This historical zoo has unfortunately closed its doors on Saturday 3rd September 2022. It will move to a new site called Wild Place Project which is due to open in early 2024.
Price: £££
Address: College Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA
19. Ashton Court Estate
This 850 acre estate includes a deer park, play area, golf course, two cafes and manicured gardens. In others words, the perfect place to spend a sunny day with the family. Bring a picnic and enjoy the fresh air away from the city centre. If you’re visiting in August, you might catch the International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. A unique and free event which includes fairground rides and entertainment.
Price: FREE
Address: Long Ashton, Bristol BS41 9JN
20. Leigh Woods
A National Trust protected area of woodland near the Clifton Suspension Bridge, where you can reconnect with nature and each other. Therefore, there are lots of guided walks and events to enjoy as a family, with the opportunity learn about the wildlife of this unique setting. Or, simply explore at your own pace. Take the kids along the new natural play trail, before enjoying refreshments in the picnic area.
Price: FREE
21. Clifton Suspension Bridge
This icon of the city of Bristol is certainly one of the world’s most impressive feats of engineering. It has been attracting admiring visitors for the past 150 years. This is above all, one the best things to do in Bristol with your kids.
Spanning the picturesque Avon Gorge, it has linked Bristol and North Somerset since its opening in 1864. The best views are from Observatory Hill in Clifton, although it’s a steep climb for young children. Free tours of the bridge run during weekends in the summer. Finally, the visitor centre is open all year round with children’s activities, including a special Children’s Trail to follow.
Price: FREE
Address: Suspension Bridge Road, Clifton, Somerset and Bristol, BS8 3PA
22. Felix Road Adventure Playground
This community-focused space has a fantastic adventure playground. Featuring tree houses, rope and tyre swings, a zip line, climbing beams and nets. Away from the main play area there are even more features which really make this place unique. In addition, there are spaces for arts and crafts, imaginative play, woodwork tools to make dens and camps. Also a cooking area complete with fire pit and pizza oven. There’s so much opportunity for adventure and creativity, we guarantee the kids will love it.
Price: FREE
Address: Felix Rd, Bristol BS5 0JW
23. Cooking Class for Children
If you are looking for an original activity to do on rainy day in Bristol, look no further than this cooking class for children and families. Cooking It! is operating on Chandos Road in Bristol and organises different cooking classes for children on weekends or during school holidays. Make sure you pre-book your class well in advance.
Price: ££
24. Avon Valley Railway
Originally founded and operated in 1869 by the Midland Railway, this line used to link Birmingham to the South Coast. Today, the line has been relaid and maintained by a group of volunteers to preserve the beauty of operating a steam train with three miles of track. You will be able to visit the Bitton railway station and take a short ride on a steam or diesel locomotive. Last but not least, you can book a dinner on train on selected dates in the year.
Price: £
Address: Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD
25. Brandon Hill Nature Reserve
Situated in a short 10min walk from the city centre of Bristol, Brandon Hill Nature Reserve has a high spot where you can admire different city views. From Spring until September, lots of families use the park for a nice picnic on weekends. Last but not least, you can climb the 105ft tall Cabot Tower located in the middle of the park.
Price: FREE
Address: Park St, Bristol BS1 5RR
26. Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park
If your family is looking for a fun activity to do in Bristol, Avon Valley Adventure Park is a perfect choice for your next holiday break in Bristol. You will find various playgrounds, a mini train, a kids friendly karting circuit and lots of animals to get close by such as meerkats, alpacas or llamas. From May until September, you can even book a camping space and benefit from being close by the park.
Price: ££
Address: Pixash Ln, Bath Rd, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1TP
27. Escape Hunt Bristol
This list of the best things to do in Bristol with kids wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t include an escape room. The leading operator Escape Hunt has a venue in Bristol and proposes different adventure games such as Worlds Collide inspired by Dr Who, Blackbeard’s Treasure or the Fourth Samurai. Beware that the starting recommended age for these games is 8 years old and children must be accompanied by adults too.
Price: £££
Address: Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3BX
28. Leap of Faith
If you are looking for an exciting and sporty activity in Bristol, Leap of Faith ticks a lot of boxes for families. Expect to experience high climbing, giant swings and the one and only Leap of Faith which will take you on a 25ft pole by jumping into the void.
Price: £
Address: Wild Place, Bristol BS10 7TP
29. Parish Wharf Swimming Pool
Fancy a dip in the pool with the kids? Parish Wharf Leisure Centre has a very nice swimming pool that welcomes families whether you are a member or not. Just make sure you register and book your session to enjoy a family splash at this pool. Please note that the main pool is not for family fun though.
Price: £
Address: Parish Wharf Leisure Centre, Harbour Rd, Portishead, Bristol BS20 7DB
That’s a wrap. Hopefully, these ideas will be enough to keep your family busy. If you know other things to do in Bristol with kids, please let us know!
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