Bristol is one of the most family-friendly cities in the UK, packed with activities, award-winning attractions and exciting things to keep all ages entertained. Scroll down for all of our suggestions on family-friendly Bristol to help you plan the very best family holiday.
Things to do with kids in Bristol
Are you visiting Bristol with your family or looking for things to do with kids in Bristol? We know planning family days out can be wonderful and stressful all at the same time. That's why we want to make it as easy for you as we can.
Budding engineers will love exploring Aerospace Bristol and stepping onboard Concorde or learning all about life at sea at Brunel's SS Great Britain. We The Curious has lots of button and levers to pull and touch and also hosts regular Toddler Takeovers where the little children (and their parents and guardians) have the space all to themselves.
Toddlers and younger children will love to spot all the animals at Bristol Zoo Project and Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, wave at all the boats on Bristol Harbourside and spot Nemo and his friends at Bristol Aquarium. For a fun, sensory art experience, explore the alternative world of Meridia and the OUTERverse at Wake the Tiger – ideal for families with children of all ages and teenagers alike.
For older families or those of you looking for things for teenagers to do in Bristol then there's lots of family activities to keep everyone happy. Sports-mad? Catch a match at Ashton Gate Stadium. Home to Bristol City Football Club, Bristol Bears and soon to be home of the Bristol Flyers (basketball) too. Catch a film at Watershed, Bristol's independent cinema, hit up the shops in Bristol Shopping Quarter and Cabot Circus, see a show at the Bristol Hippodrome or Bristol Old Vic, or go surfing at The Wave, the first inland surfing venue in the UK.
Maybe your teens fancy some street art spotting? There are self-guided tours, street art apps, in-person tours and even some spray art workshops in Bristol to try out!
For families on a budget there are lots of cheap and free things to do in Bristol, plus we are always updating our special offers to help you keep costs down. Find ideas on our Free Days Out and list of 60 Free things to do in Bristol.
Family attractions near Bristol
There's plenty of options for days out with the kids near Bristol too. We are perfectly placed for all kinds of adventures with countryside, seaside and green spaces all around and right on our doorstep, meaning it's a great base for families to explore not only the city itself but really let off some steam in nearby Somerset, Gloucestershire and The Cotswolds.
There are some amazing family attractions near Bristol including Wookey Hole, Longleat, Cheddar Gorge, Tyntesfield, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm and Puxton Park. Or if the kids need some sea air, then head to Weston-super-Mare or Clevedon for beaches, piers and seaside fun.
Family friendly places to stay in Bristol
There are lots of family friendly hotels in Bristol to choose from when planning your big Bristol adventure. These family friendly places to stay in Bristol may offer features like larger family rooms or adjoining rooms, on-site activities, swimming pools, child-friendly menus and all manner of kid-friendly things to do.
Make sure you check out our special offers for family holidays in Bristol too.
Family friendly restaurants and places to eat in Bristol
There are fantastic family-friendly restaurants and cafes all over Bristol. Many offer great value menus with favourite foods for little ones or offer a more relaxed and informal setting with friendly staff. Some even offer play equipment or extra activities for little diners.
Watershed Café Bar is a good informal place to eat, and Pieminister is a true Bristol favourite. Bristol Shopping Quarter is packed with children’s favourites from TGI Fridays to Frankie and Benny’s.
When visiting attractions, such as We The Curious, Brunel's SS Great Britain and M Shed, you will find cafes and restaurants on site serving a range of food from light snacks to hot meals.
Family experiences in Bristol
If you are looking to add a little something special to your family break to Bristol, then how about a unique Bristol experience for your family? You could book an animal encounter at Bristol Zoo Project, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm or Longleat, take a street art tour or even create your own street art in a workshop.
Step onto a legendary aeroplane at Aerospace Bristol, count the fish at Bristol Aquarium or gaze at the stars in the 3D planetarium at We The Curious.
These will be memories that will stay with you forever.
Family events and school holiday events
Bristol is a city that always has something to keep kids of all ages entertained. Have a look at all the family events listed at the moment, or use the what's on search and filter out 'family' events so you know that it will be kid-friendly.
Some of the most popular family-friendly annual events in Bristol include the free festivals Bristol Light Festival in February, Bristol Harbour Festival in July and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in August, which is the largest event of its kind in Europe.
Special offers
Looking for a great deal for your family break to Bristol? This list of family hotel packages offer everything from great dining options for kids as a part of your stay right through to tickets to top attractions included in the price of your hotel. We’ve also more special offers for the school holidays and discounts on things to do around the city.
Still have questions?
Travelling with your family is wonderful, but the logistics can sometimes be hard and we want to make it as easy for you as we can. So if you have any more specific questions about pushchair access, changing facilities, children's menus, family rooms or anything else then please contact us.
