Things to do in Bristol with kids: February half term 2020

From wildlife encounters and arts and crafts to thrilling theatre shows, there's tons of family-friendly activities to get stuck into during February half term in Bristol.

'Who Lives Here?' at Wild Place Project (15 – 23 February)

Follow the ‘Who lives here?’ trail at Wild Place Project to find out about the secret homes and lives of the creatures living right on your doorstep, including threatened British species like bats, birds, newts and mice. Spend the rest of your visit spotting exotic animals as well as ‘extinct’ British animals in Bear Wood – the immersive wooden walkway exhibit where bears, wolves, lynxes and wolverines roam in the ancient woodland below.

Image - Wild Place Project

Conservation Heroes at Bristol Zoo Gardens (15 – 23 February)

Over at Bristol Zoo, there’s another half term wildlife trail that budding environmentalists and explorers will love. Collect stickers for every endangered animal you encounter and meet the Conservation Heroes who look after them – they’ll be giving special talks about what goes on behind the scenes. In the activity centre, there will also be games and crafts for little ones from 11am to 4pm.

February Half Term at Aerospace Bristol (15 – 23 February)

There’s a packed programme of events at the city’s dedicated aerospace museum, with daily story times for under 5s, robotics and programming, and Spotlight Talks uncovering fascinating stories behind the exhibits. Don’t miss the opportunity to get up close to world-famous supersonic passenger jet Concorde too.

Image - Aerospace Bristol

Rats, Tails and Trails at Brunel's SS Great Britain (15 – 23 February)

Discover the life of a ship rat in a range of family-friendly activities aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Search for squeaky stowaways, hear tales of rodent mischief taken from the diaries of passengers, make your own rat mask, and even meet some real-life rats from Bristol Zoo. All of this while getting a glimpse into the mind of Brunel and experiencing the sounds and smells of the spectacular ship.

• Also at Brunel's SS Great Britain: The Ragged Victorians

Image - Brunel's SS Great Britain

Mermaids and Monsters at Bristol Aquarium (15 – 23 February)

A real-life mermaid will be ashore at Bristol Aquarium during half term, every day between 10am and 3pm. Hear her ‘tails’ of life under the sea, take a mini tour of the aquarium to meet monsters of the waters, and have a go at crafting your very own monster too.

Make astounding discoveries at We The Curious

Half term activities at We The Curious include fun workshops and space adventures, with Rocketship Adventure and Space Explorers shows in the Planetarium and a live science show, Expedition Earth. There’s also an eco-invention workshop to get crafty in and a chance to learn about Glorious Garlic in the Greenhouse, as well as the usual thrilling interactive exhibits.

Image - We The Curious, credit Paul Blakemore

Junior Drawing School at the Royal West of England Academy (18 & 19 February)

Drop the kids at one of the Junior Drawing School workshops and then enjoy two hours to yourself to wander the gallery. Don't miss the Africa State of Mind exhibition, which both the junior classes tie into – the first is an identity-themed collage workshop, while the following day it’s a bold and bright printing session.

Family Day at Bristol Old Vic (15 February)

Take your family along to this 'open house' day to explore the theatre's thousands of stories. Go on a tour of all the building's nooks and crannies with surprise appearances from characters along the way, join in with interactive storytelling sessions for under 5s, get involved in crafts and follow an activity trail. 

Family marbling workshops at Tyntesfield (17 – 21 February)

Make a marbled bookmark or greeting card in one of the workshops inspired by the stunning copy of Don Quixote on display in the Tyntesfield library. Explore the rest of the Victorian Gothic house and estate, then let loose on the woodland adventure play and winter family trail too.

• Also at Tyntesfield in half term: TYNTEtots: Thumbelina

Image - Tyntesfield, credit John Millar

Lambing Live at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park (15 – 23 February)

Flock to Avon Valley to see newborn lambs – there are twenty ewes ready to lamb twins and triplets every day in the indoor animal handling barn. The shepherds will be giving talks throughout the day about the lambing process plus lots of super sheep facts. You’ll even have the chance to name them – baaaa-rilliant! 

Children can also meet animals of all shapes and sizes, from Highland cattle and Shetland ponies to pigs and alpacas, hop on a mini train or tractor ride, and go wild in the large indoor play barn.

Secret Spies at Sudeley Castle (15 – 23 February)

Put your family’s detective skills to the test at Sudeley Castle, where there’s a mystery to unravel. Complete puzzles, codes and riddles and decode clues written in hieroglyphics, morse code, nautical flags and more to reveal a password that wins you a small surprise. Once you’ve cracked it, explore the gardens, adventure playground and historic surroundings.

Image - Sudeley Castle

February half term at Dyrham Park (15 – 23 February)

Dyrham Park are encouraging kids to get closer to nature with activities based around wildlife and the great outdoors, including craft sessions inspired by our feathered friends and animals that live on the estate. On the weekends, there’ll be activities from the National Trust list of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.  

Sarum Lights - a light and sound spectacular at Salisbury Cathedral (18 – 22 February)

Experience a fully immersive light and sound spectacular that explores the 800-year history of Salisbury Cathedral. Soundscapes and light projections will be used to tell different parts of the Cathedral’s story across different zones, with tickets available for viewings between 7-9pm.

Image - Salisbury Cathedral

Dream and Make at Spike Island (18 February)

Led by artist Laura Phillimore, this session at Spike Island will mix light and shadow play, giving little ones a chance to create installations and drawings.

South West Puddle Jumping Championships at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre (15 - 23 February)

Don your wellies and waterproofs, perfect your puddle jumping in practice puddles, then enter the daily competitions in Welly Boot Land, with prizes up for grabs for the most enthusiastic, stylish jumpers.   

Image - WWT Slimbridge

February Half Term at the Avon Valley Railway (15 - 23 February)

Take a trip on one of Avon Valley Railway's heritage diesel trains, departing from Bitton daily in half term except on Monday and Friday. Enjoy the lovely views, see the driver at work in the front cab, and pop into the cafe for a bite to eat too.

Image - Avon Valley Railway

February Fun at Westonbirt Arboretum (17 - 21 February)

Get arty among the trees at Westonbirt's Fun with Sticks family event or follow the Farmaggeddon Glow Trail with Shaun the Sheep, finding clues in the woods and completing puzzles and challenges on the free app. 

Woo at the Zoo at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm (17 - 21 February)

Follow the Woo at the Zoo Couples Trail, getting to know the zoo's resident couples. Discover what their likes and dislikes are, how long they’ve shared a home and fun facts about their personalities, plus meet some giant African snails, stick insects and Madagascan cockroaches in the Love Bugs Handling sessions. 

Image - Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

Free family activity session at The George Müller Museum (21 February)

Kids can have a go at Victorian crafts, colouring, games and enjoy refreshments at this free activity session between 10-11.30am, with a chance to explore the rest of the museum and learn the incredible story of George Müller too. 

Image - George Müller Museum

'Introduction to Stencil Art' Spray Session (19 & 22 February)

Take inspiration from Bristol’s graffiti covered walls and try your hand at spraying stencil art. Suitable for all ages and abilities, Where The Wall will guide you on selecting the best colours for the perfect stencil art and developing your can control, and you’ll end up with your own piece of artwork to hang on your wall at home.  

Family-friendly theatre and performance

The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Bristol Old Vic (18 – 21 February)

A menagerie of 75 lovable puppets are the cast in this critically acclaimed and faithful adaptation of Eric Carle’s classic story, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. 

• Also at Bristol Old Vic in half term: Shlomo's Beatbox Adventure for Kids

Wild Words: Mona & the Whale at St George's Bristol (19 February)

Join Mona on a quest to confront the Alpha Breed of human greed in this captivating original musical story by Wild Words, which explores the environmental issues of today and tomorrow.

• Also at St George’s in half term: MiniBeats – Super Strings

"Guess How Much I Love You" Stomping Story Session at Arnos Vale Cemetery (17 – 18 February)

The much-loved tale of the Nutbrown Hares will be retold in the beautiful outdoor space at Arnos Vale Cemetery. As well as following the story, kids will have a chance to join in with the actions, play games and make something lovely to take home.

Image - Arnos Vale Cemetery

Arthur's Dream Boat at Tobacco Factory Theatres (20 – 22 February)

Sail away with Arthur, a little boy who has a dream, in this playful show. Puppets are used to tell the magical story, recommended for kids age 2+.

Sarah and Duck's Big Top Birthday at Redgrave Theatre (21 - 22 February)

Told through an enchanting blend of puppetry, storytelling and music, Sarah and Duck's Big Top Birthday will take you and your children on a magical adventure. 

• Also at Redgrave Theatre in half term: The Amazing Bubble Man 

Discover even more activities to fill your February half term in Bristol. 

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