There’s plenty to do in Bristol and the surrounding area this May half term. Browse the events below and our things to do section for information on local attractions and activities.
Get the kids away from their screens to enjoy outdoor activities, or pay a visit to our gardens and animal attractions. There are also plenty of things to do indoors on rainy days out.
Need somewhere for the kids to refuel? We've pulled together a list of family-friendly cafes and restaurants for you to choose from. Explore more school holiday deals and food and drink offers for families.
If you're coming for a longer visit, browse the family-friendly accommodation section to help you pick the right hotel for you.
Fun-filled family attractions
- Learn more about Bristol's history at M Shed, before taking a steam train ride along the harbourside from outside the museum.
- Join in giant lawn games, crafts, and interactive storytelling sessions at Bristol Zoo Project.
- Get hands-on with exhibits at We The Curious
- Learn more about the creatures that inhabit the aquatic world at Bristol Aquarium
- Discover stories about passengers who travelled on board Brunel’s SS Great Britain.
- Discover the wild and wonderful world of Meridia at Wake The Tiger.
- Explore the aviation-themed exhibits at Aerospace Bristol.
For some creative days out, join a family crafting workshop Goldfinch Create and Play, or visit Out There Indoors in Paintworks, where little ones will love the dressing up area, book corner and mini climbing walls.
Thrilling day trips
Marvel at Wookey Hole and explore what else this fabulous family attraction has to offer, from magnificent caves and interactive exhibits to soft play, crazy golf and a 4D cinema.
Get close up with cute animals and even dinosaurs at Avon Valley Adventure Park, or enjoy thrilling rides, go-karts and arcade games at The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare.
Go outdoors
Discover the tours, talks and trails taking place for this year's Bristol Walk Fest. From cultural walks such as Blackbeard to Banksy, St.Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter tour as well as walking cafes, there’s a programme full of events to explore.
Fancy a dip? Head to The Wave and book onto their surfing, cold water swimming or bodyboarding sessions, or see Bristol's harbour from a new perspective on a paddleboard with SUP Bristol. Explore the city by boat with Bristol Ferry, The Matthew and Bristol Packet Boat Trips, or at your own pace on a kayak with All Aboard Watersports. You can also join a kayaking or paddleboarding session in the countryside just outside Bristol with Mendip Activity Centre.
Wander around Westonbirt Arboretum and take part in their Wallace & Gromit trail, or take a trip to WWT Slimbridge and learn what being a twitcher is all about!
Shop 'til you drop
You'll find a huge range of well-known brands as well as local makers around Bristol Shopping Quarter. Check out the Lego sets at the Lego store in Cabot Circus, then stop in to refuel at one of the many restaurants, including The Real Greek, Fridays, Pizza Express and more.
If you're exploring the harbourside, potter around the shops and eateries at Wapping Wharf, where you can pick up a book to keep the kids entertained from Boookhaus, fill up on pizza at Bertha's, or treat them to gelato from Swoon.
