If you’re on the hunt for a city that’s like a giant playground for the little ones (and let’s be honest, us bigger ‘kids’ too), then Bristol has got you covered. Grab your reusable coffee cup and let’s dive into things to do in Bristol with kids. (btw you are looking for the best cafes in Bristol read our post here!)
A trip to Bristol
We’ll begin our Bristolian adventure with the city’s green spaces. The parks here aren’t just patches of grass; they’re like chapters out of an enchanting storybook. There’s Ashton Court Estate where deer roam and balloons float lazily in the sky during the famous Balloon Fiesta. Then you have Brandon Hill Park, perfect for feeding squirrels, with a view over the city. And oh! The treasure that is St. Andrews Park – with the paddling pool, it’s a tot’s summer paradise.
Free Things to Do in Bristol
- Explore the Harbourside – A lively area full of boats, street performers, and family-friendly cafés.
- Visit the Bristol Balloon Fiesta – If you’re in town in August, don’t miss this magical event.
- Hunt for Street Art – Bristol is Banksy’s hometown, so take a self-guided tour to spot his works.
- Brandon Hill Park – A great green space with a fantastic view of the city.
- Ashton Court – A free stately home and gardens with plenty of spots for kids to explore.
Just when the kids have tuckered themselves out, you find yourself meandering down to Millennium Square. It’s this futuristic space nestled among the city’s historic charm, and it feels so Bristol. The fountains! Honestly, love, they’re mesmerising for the sprogs – there’s no chance those little wellies are staying dry!
Water Fun
- Bristol Aquarium – Discover fascinating sea creatures from around the world.
- Harbour Ferry Ride – Take a boat ride around the city’s iconic floating harbour.
- The Wave – A state-of-the-art inland surfing lagoon, perfect for beginners.
- Saltford Lock & River Avon Walks – Great for spotting wildlife and enjoying nature.
Now, let’s chat about ‘We The Curious’, which is conveniently a hop, skip, and jump away if you are exploring Bristol Harbourside. It’s a magical science centre that has hands-on down to a fine art. Their philosophy is ‘questions first, facts later’, and it’s so refreshing. The kids can dig for fossils, dance with their own shadows, and get up close with the stars at the Planetarium – it quite literally is curiosity come to life.
Museums & Cultural Spots
- We The Curious – A must-visit interactive science museum where kids can explore, create, and learn through hands-on exhibits.
- M Shed – Dive into Bristol’s rich history with fascinating exhibits about the city’s people and past.
- SS Great Britain – Step aboard this iconic ship and experience what life was like for Victorian sailors.
- Aerospace Bristol – Perfect for budding aviators, this museum showcases the city’s aerospace history, including the last Concorde ever built.
- Bristol Museum & Art Gallery – Explore everything from Egyptian mummies to modern art in this grand museum.
- The Georgian House Museum – A hidden gem that offers a peek into 18th-century Bristol life.
- Blaise Museum – A charming museum set within Blaise Castle Estate, with hands-on exhibits for kids.
- Arnolfini – This contemporary arts space regularly hosts family-friendly exhibitions and activities.
- Brunel’s Visitor Centre – Learn about one of Britain’s greatest engineers and his impact on Bristol.
- The Red Lodge Museum – Discover hidden Tudor history in this fascinating house.
Strolling down to the harbour, with seagulls punctuating our chit-chat, is a family favourite. The kids adore watching the boats, and I just love soaking in that maritime buzz. Aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the past feels like a story that encircles you. The kids are usually agog at the Victorian costumes and grandeur. The Go Aloft experience? Definitely more their thrill-seeker’s cup of tea than mine!
Bristol’s arts and museums
At M Shed, it’s Bristol’s story – from music to memories. The workshops and Bristol activities are a godsend for creative munchkins, and you can even hop on a crane or a train for that all-important family selfie. Over at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, wonders from the sea to the stars await – and let’s be honest, we all secretly love the dinosaur exhibits as much as the kids do.
Then there’s Spike Island, an art space that’s so unpretentiously cool, it’s almost intimidating – but only until you step inside. The family activities are enticing, with contemporary art that even little minds find fascinating (and that’s no mean feat, as we know). If you are looking for things to do in Bristol. It’s the kind of place that sparks conversations with the kids that run all the way home.
And speaking of the arts, the Arnolfini. With its bookshop that makes my heart do flips and the ever-evolving exhibitions that manage to appeal to all ages, it’s a cultural hub that feels like a quiet friend, ready to inspire. They do crafty afternoons for the littlies, too, which are just a joy and ran by ‘Let’s Make Art’
But it’s not just the big-ticket items that make Bristol a dear friend for families. It’s the little things – the street art that turns a simple walk into a treasure hunt for the coolest graffiti (keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Banksy pieces!). It’s the independent cafes that welcome muddy boots and sticky fingers with a compassionate nod.
Outdoor Adventures & Parks
- Blaise Castle Estate – A magical woodland area with a castle, adventure playground, and walking trails.
- Clifton Suspension Bridge & Observatory – Walk across Bristol’s most famous landmark and enjoy the stunning views.
- Leigh Woods – A fantastic spot for outdoor adventures, complete with natural play areas and biking trails.
- Oldbury Court Estate – Home to one of Bristol’s best adventure playgrounds and riverside walks.
- Stoke Park Estate – Rolling meadows and woodlands with a vibrant yellow castle ruin.
- The Downs – A vast open green space, great for kite flying, picnics, and nature spotting.
- Troopers Hill – Climb to the top for panoramic views of Bristol and a bit of wild adventure.
- Conham River Park – A lovely riverside walk where you might even spot kingfishers!
- Eastville Park – Home to a lake, play areas, and plenty of space to run around.
If you are Vistiing Bristol then it’s the festivals that seem to paint the city in technicolour happiness – from balloons paintbrushing the sky to the Harbour Festival where the waterside dances with life, music, and tantalising food smells.
Creative & Unique Experiences
- Wake The Tiger – An immersive, magical experience filled with otherworldly adventures.
- Bristol Hippodrome – Catch a family-friendly theatre show.
- The Tobacco Factory – Hosts family theatre performances and markets.
- St Werburgh’s City Farm Café – A quirky café with delicious homemade treats.
- Paint Pottery Café – Get creative with pottery painting.
- Mini Steam Train Rides at Ashton Court – A fun and unique experience for little train lovers.
Indoor Fun & Play Areas for rainy days
- Jump Bristol – A massive trampoline park that’s a hit with energetic kids.
- AirHop Bristol – Another fun-filled trampoline adventure.
- Riproar Play Centre – A giant indoor soft play area for little adventurers.
- The Wild Place Project Indoor Play Area – A nature-inspired play area for little ones.
- Role Play Lane – A creative play space where kids can pretend to be firefighters, chefs, or doctors.
Bristol with kids
Even after days packed free things to do in Bristol, parks, science centers, ships, and art, the beauty of Bristol with the children is that there’s always a nook we haven’t discovered; a cranny of creativity we’ve yet to explore.
So, to all the families out there looking for things to do in Bristol with kids, I say come. Come play, come discover, come make memories. Because, as every Bristol parent will tell you with a smile and a knowing look, this city is kinda like that one friend who’s always got the best ideas for family shenanigans. There are always things to do Bristol!
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