Enjoy 10 Unmissable Things To Do In Bristol With Your Kids

Bristol is a city bursting with family-friendly activities, many of which combine fun and education. From the depths of the ocean at the Bristol Aquarium to the heights of Cabot Tower, there’s an adventure to be found at every turn. Delve a little deeper and you'll find interactive museums, beautiful parks and timeless festivals, as well as a sprinkling of history at attractions like Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel's magnificent SS Great Britain.

Why not start your family adventure at Bristol Aquarium, a mesmerising underwater world packed with marine life from local rivers to tropical seas? As an immersive experience for all ages, this historic harbourside aquarium is home to sharks, rays, fish of all shapes and sizes, and even colourful coral reefs.

The highlight of your visit will be entering the underwater tunnel, where you can walk beneath the surface and marvel at all the creatures swimming overhead. The aquarium also hosts interactive talks and feedings throughout the day, allowing children to learn about marine conservation and the importance of protecting our oceans. There are even hands-on educational experiences like touch pools where your children can gently interact with starfish and anemones.

• Anchor Rd, Bristol BS1 5TT
• Open Monday-Friday, 10 am–4 pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
• 15-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads Station

Following the closure of Bristol Zoo Gardens in 2022 – which had been inspiring visitors since 1836 – the animals and exhibits were moved to the 55-hectare Bristol Zoo Project. A visit to this family attraction is one of the best things to do in Bristol with your kids. It's home to over 400 animals, from playful meerkats to majestic gorillas, while it also offers engaging animal encounters in the new African Forest and African Savannah areas. These special moments give your children the chance to learn about the animals before meeting them up close. The project hosts special events and educational workshops throughout the year, so it makes for a perfect family day out while also teaching kids about wildlife conservation.

• Zoo Project, Blackhorse Hill, Bristol BS10 7TP
• Open daily 10 am–4 pm
• Next to Junction 17 of the M5 motorway, around 20 minutes by car from the city centre, where you'll also find the family-friendly ibis Bristol Temple Meads Quay

For families who love getting out and about, Ashton Court Estate lies in 340 hectares of parkland relatively close to the city centre. Wander the woods and gardens, enjoy a family picnic, cycle the estate’s trails, explore the treetops at the Go Ape adventure park, or even try your hand at horse riding. The estate hosts dozens of family-friendly events throughout the year, including festivals, outdoor cinema screenings and seasonal markets, so this lively hub for community activities is one of the best things to do in Bristol with your kids. The best time to visit is in the spring and early summer when the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is pleasantly warm.

• Long Ashton, Bristol BS41 9JN
• Open daily 8 am–9:15 pm
• 15-minute drive west of the city centre

At the M Shed Museum, you can immerse yourself in Bristol's rich history. This interactive museum has several engaging exhibits that tell Bristol's story through its people, industries and culture. Kids love hands-on activities that help them learn about the city’s maritime heritage, the impact of the slave trade on the wider empire, and the evolution of the city's neighbourhoods. The museum also hosts regular family workshops and events, encouraging children to get creative with arts and crafts. With panoramic views of the city-centre harbour from the museum's café, this is the perfect backdrop for a family lunch after a morning spent exploring.

• Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN
• Open daily except Mondays, 10 am–5 pm

For families with older children, Leap of Faith High Ropes Adventure Centre is an adrenaline-fuelled park to the north of the city near the Bristol Zoo Project. This exciting attraction has activities from a zip wire and climbing wall to a challenging obstacle course. With expert instructors on hand to guide you through the activities, Leap of Faith is the perfect place to challenge your family's sense of adventure and create memories that last a lifetime.

• Wild Place, Bristol BS10 7TP
• Open daily 10 am–4 pm

For a truly interactive experience, We The Curious is a science centre that inspires curiosity, creativity and wonder. This family-friendly attraction opposite the aquarium in the city centre has more than 300 interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and supervised workshops that will spark children’s interest in science and technology. Families can engage in hands-on experiments, explore the wonders of space in the planetarium, or enjoy live science shows that make learning fun and exciting. We The Curious also hosts regular family events, including science festivals and themed weekends, so there’s always something new to discover, making it one of the most exciting things to do in Bristol with your kids.

• 1 Millennium Square, Anchor Rd, Bristol BS1 5DB
• Open daily except Mondays, 10 am–5 pm

For those seeking a bit of adventure and stunning views, climbing Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill Park is an excellent family activity. This historic tower stands more than 30 metres tall and provides panoramic views of the city and beyond. The surrounding park is perfect for a family outing, with plenty of green space for children to run and play, especially during the spring and summer. Brandon Hill is also home to beautiful gardens and wildlife, a peaceful oasis nestling in a bustling urban environment. Your family can enjoy a picnic, join community events throughout the year, explore the trails, or simply relax while taking in stunning scenery close to the city centre.

• Park St, Bristol BS1 5RR
• Open daily 8am–6pm

For families with a passion for history, the magnificent SS Great Britain tells the story of Bristol's rich maritime heritage. With its stunning Victorian-era design and beautifully restored interior, the SS Great Britain's impressive museum has dozens of interactive exhibits and artefacts that bring the ship to life. Also make some time to explore the Being Brunel Museum on the harbour next to the vessel, where you'll find reconstructions of Brunel's dining room and drawing office with period 1850s touches. If you're looking to stay locally while enjoying all these things to do in Bristol with your kids, the ibis Bristol Centre is only a five-minute walk from the iconic ship.

• Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol BS1 6TY
• Open daily except Mondays, 10 am–5 pm

A delightful cultural centre with dozens of creative activities for families, this harbourside attraction allows your children to experience everything from animation and filmmaking to coding and robotics. With a range of workshops and classes for children of all ages, the Watershed is the perfect place to inspire creativity and encourage your kids to think outside the box. Indeed, it's one of the most interesting things to do with your kids in Bristol.

• 1 Canon's Rd, Bristol BS1 5TX
• Open daily

Bristol has a lively social calendar with events and festivals running throughout the year. Held every August, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is a stunning spectacle with hundreds of colourful hot air balloons taking to the skies above Ashton Court Estate to the west of the city. You could also head to the Bristol Harbour Festival, where families can enjoy live music, food stalls and an enormous variety of activities along the waterfront. The Vegan Kids Festival hosts activities and performances for kids, while the Bristol Christmas Markets in Broadmead are another great family thing to do.

Whether your family enjoys science, wildlife or outdoor fun, Bristol promises a memorable and exciting weekend filled with adventure and learning, so start planning your trip now!