Fun things to do with teenagers in Bristol

Worried about keeping teenagers entertained during a visit to Bristol? Don’t be! There’s an endless amount of fun and adventure on offer for their age group, thanks to exciting attractions and activities.

Whether they’d be happiest in a wetsuit, on roller skates or holding a spray paint can, here are some of the best ways to spend a break in the city with your teens.

Tickle your senses at Wake The Tiger

Enter a portal to the world of Meridia at the world’s first Amazement Park®. Wind your way through a series of fantastical themed rooms, joining a guild and discovering solutions to world issues. The artwork, installations, narrative, soundscape and secret passageways will captivate even the most hard-to-impress teens.

Image - Wake The Tiger, credit Andre Pattenden

Fly a hawk at The Bird of Prey Project

Not only can you see over 20 species of hawks, owls, falcons and more, there's also the opportunity to meet a hawk or owl up close in a private session, or book a guided flying session!

Image - Bird of Prey Project

Become a mountain bike adventurer with Pedal Progression

Hit the mountain bike trails of Ashton Court Estate for an exhilirating outdoor experience. There are two trails: the blue grade Nova is suitable for less experienced riders, while the red grade Super Nova is more challenging.

Mountain biking experts Pedal Progression are based on the estate and offer cycle hire as well as Skills Academy sessions for kids aged 11 to 14, to build up biking confidence and skills. They also run maintenance and trailside repair courses for the same age group, preparing young riders to safely enjoy trails.

Image - Pedal Progression

Surf at The Wave

You don’t have to go as far as the North Devon or South Wales coast to take your teens surfing. There are consistent, safe waves to ride at The Wave, with lessons for all ages and abilities. If you prefer to keep dry, watch their lesson from the Clubhouse where there’s great food, coffee and a chilled-out beachy vibe.

Image - The Wave

Inspire future Banksys with street art experiences

Join Where The Wall’s street art tour to discover the story behind Bristol’s graffiti culture and the making of the world’s most famous undercover artist, Banksy. Artists in the making will love getting their hands on spray cans in the graffiti workshops too. You can also book sessions with Graft, who run their workshops in a unique creative space inside former police cells. 

Spend a day mural spotting around Southville and Bedminster, one of the city's most colourful pockets. That's largely thanks to Upfest, Europe's largest street art festival, using the area as a canvas every year. Visit the festival's permanent shop on North Street for artwork and merch from local artists. 

Image - Banksy's Well Hung Lover

Get your game on at Roxy Lanes

Have an afternoon of friendly competition at Roxy Lanes, where under 18s are welcome with an adult before 5pm. Make the most of bowling lanes, batting cages, shuffleboard, duck pin bowling, karaoke, ice-free curling, arcade games and pool tables for off-peak prices. Snack on pizzas and sides before, during or after your gaming.

Image - Roxy Lanes Bristol

Shop, eat, play at Cabot Circus

Not just for shopping, Cabot Circus has some great entertainment for older kids, especially on rainy days. For lunch or dinner, there's a huge mix of much-loved chain restaurants to pick from, such as The Real Greek, wagamama and YO! Sushi. 

Image - Cabot Circus

Float along the harbour with SUP Bristol

See if your balance is any better on water with SUP Bristol, who will lead you on a paddleboarding trip around the harbour, past many of Bristol's most iconic sights. All ages and abilities are welcome. Even if you're a complete paddleboard newbie, tips and tricks from the expert instructors will have you standing up in no time!  

• 8 of Bristol's best water-based activities

Image - SUP Bristol, credit Paul Box

Plan an indie shopping spree on Gloucester Road

Gloucester Road is a dream for anyone who wants to pick up vintage threads and charity shop gems, as well as beautiful gifts and homewares from independent lifestyle stores. Shops with books, houseplants and art supplies might also lure you and your teens in. 

Coffee and cake stops are essential when walking this mammoth shopping street. End your Gloucester Road experience with a crowd-pleasing pie at Pieminister in Stokes Croft, back towards the city centre. 

Get among the wildlife at Bristol Zoo Project

Animal-mad teenagers will love the Bristol Zoo Project. The conservation park is themed around different habitats ranging from ancient British woodland to the wilds of Cameroon. Spot giraffes, bears, lemurs, baboons and much more.

While you’re there, take a Leap of Faith on the high rope adventure course, home of Bristol’s only giant swing.

Image - Bristol Zoo Project, credit Andre Pattenden

Go supersonic at Aerospace Bristol

Impressive feats of engineering are also on show at Aerospace Bristol, the museum celebrating the city's aeronautical achievements. This place sparks wonder and inspiration as you journey from the earliest days of powered flight to cutting edge modern technology. A highlight is always the chance to step on board the iconic Concorde Alpha Foxtrot. 

Image - Aerospace Bristol

Brush up on all things Bristol at M Shed

M Shed tells the story of Bristol, from prehistoric times to the present day. This thought-provoking and fun living museum delves into the past and sparks debate about the future, perfect for switched-on teenagers interested in history, culture and politics. 

Image - M Shed, credit Quintin Lake Photography

Join Yuup for original Bristol experiences

Yuup curates activities and experiences led by local experts and there are heaps that teenagers will love. Explore the local area in new ways by booking themed tours; learn a new skill like foraging, beekeeping, breadmaking or even scuba diving; or enjoy unique Bristol experiences like movie nights in Redcliffe Caves.

Image - Yuup

Compete in a virtual game at MeetspaceVR

Play with up to six people all in the same game in warehouse-scale, untethered virtual reality. Choose to compete against each other or co-operate to survive your mission. Players must be over 12 years old to play, and anyone aged under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, even if the adult does not take part in the game. With a wide selection of games to choose from, what adventure will you choose?

Image - MeetspaceVR

Gather your mateys for Treasure Hunt Bristol

Even if you’ve been to the city centre a million times, with Treasure Hunt Bristol’s self-guided adventure you’ll discover places, people and things you never knew about Bristol. Use your collective brainpower to solve riddles from Captain Bess and unearth fascinating facts and stories.

• More self-guided experiences to try in Bristol

Image - Treasure Hunt Bristol

Take a break for sweet treats

When it’s time for a treat, Bristol has plenty of sugary goodies to sample, from Swoon’s epic gelato to Chez Marcel’s traditional crêpes.  

• 12 of Bristol's best bakeries

Image - Swoon Bristol

Cheer on the local teams

Would they love watching some live sport? Football fans can see Bristol Rovers FC play at Memorial Stadium or Bristol City FC at Ashton Gate Stadium, which is also home of the Bristol Bears rugby team.

If you’re visiting during cricket season, watch Gloucestershire County Cricket Club at the Seat Unique Stadium. Basketball team Bristol Flyers play at SGS Wise Campus, while ice hockey team Bristol Pitbulls are based at Planet Ice, where you can also get your skates on for public skate sessions. 

Image - Bristol Rovers FC

Play golf with a twist at Ashton Court Estate

Ever played FootGolf? How about DiscGolf? There are no clubs in these family-friendly takes on the game, but the rules are essentially the same: get the football or frisbee in the hole in as a few shots as possible. 

Go on thrilling woodland adventures at Go Ape

Fly down zip-wires, leap off a Tarzan Swing and tackle obstacles on the Tree Top Challenge course at Go Ape in the Forest of Dean (just under an hour's drive from Bristol). For those who aren’t great with heights, the Forest Segway experience might be more enjoyable, rolling through woodland trails on a rugged all-terrain segway.

Image - Go Ape

Getting to Bristol

It's easy to get to Bristol by public transport, with rail one of the most convenient and green options. Temple Meads Station the largest rail hub in the west of England, with direct services from London, Scotland, Wales, Manchester and Birmingham.

Alternatively, hop on a coach service from National Express, Megabus, FlixBus and Falcon. If you're thinking of bringing the car, consider using the Park & Ride services for day trips.

You might also like:

• 5 accessible outdoor attractions in Bristol for disabled people
• Places to stay with kids in Bristol and beyond
• 60 free things to do in Bristol