Bristol is a fantastic city for a family break, offering everything from hands-on science museums to independent shopping, outdoor adventures, and exciting immersive experiences. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer visit to Bristol, there’s something for every age group to enjoy.
We absolutely love visiting Bristol. When living in Gloucestershire it was only around a 45-minute drive away so we could easily have a day out or half a day there. Now we live in Cornwall, so we’ll sometimes visit for an overnight stay in Bristol, or even a longer 2-night weekend stay.
There is always so much fun to be had on a trip to Bristol and plenty to entertain the children. As long as we’ve packed suitable outdoor equipment such as picnic rugs, clothes, snacks and travel entertainment, it makes for one of our favourite family trips!
Read on for some of the best things to do in Bristol for families for some of our favourite activities with kids.
1. Explore We The Curious – Bristol’s Hands-On Science Museum
After a long closure due to a fire, We The Curious has officially reopened! This interactive science museum is a fantastic place for families, with over 200 hands-on exhibits. Kids can experiment with bubbles, explore the human brain, and enjoy a show in the UK’s only 3D Planetarium.
➡️ Read more: We last visited in 2018 when the kids were much younger and had a great time, you can read that review of We The Curious here on my lifestyle blog. The last time we tried to visit when in the area, it was still closed because of the fire, but now it’s reopened we will visit again soon and I will post an updated review on Travel Vixta as soon as we do!
2. Step Into Another World at Wake The Tiger
Wake The Tiger is one of Bristol’s most unique attractions—a mix of an art gallery, adventure playground, and immersive fantasy world. Families walk through tunnels, secret doors, and interactive exhibits that ignite creativity and curiosity. It’s perfect for kids and adults alike who love a bit of mystery and adventure! It’s also an amazingly Instagram-worthy attraction!
➡️ Read more: What is Wake The Tiger in Bristol? (Honest Review)
3. Walk Across Clifton Suspension Bridge
One of Bristol’s most famous landmarks, Clifton Suspension Bridge offers breathtaking views of the Avon Gorge. Families can take a scenic walk across the bridge, visit the visitor centre, and enjoy a picnic in Clifton’s parks. There’s a kids’ playpark nearby too. It’s free to visit when on foot, and an iconic part of Bristol’s history.
➡️ Read more: Visiting Bristol for Half a Day
4. Attend the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (Free Event)
If you’re visiting in August, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is an unmissable experience. See hundreds of hot air balloons take off at sunrise and sunset, enjoy live entertainment, and watch the spectacular night glow displays. Best of all? It’s completely free!
➡️ Read more: Bristol Balloon Fiesta: Free Things to Do with Kids
5. Discover the Beauty of Bristol’s Botanical Gardens
A hidden gem in the city, the Bristol Botanical Gardens is a fantastic place for families who love nature. They are a peaceful place to wander around. Kids can explore tropical greenhouses, learn about carnivorous plants, and discover exotic flowers from around the world.
➡️ Read more: Bristol Botanical Gardens Review
6. Splash Around at the Cascade Steps
On a sunny day, kids love cooling off at the Cascade Steps in the centre of Bristol. Nearby in Millennium Square, you will also find fun interactive water features and fountains for kids. This interactive water feature is perfect for little ones to splash around while parents relax nearby! When we last visited someone must have poured some bubble bath down them!
7. Go Charity Shopping for Bargains
If you love charity shopping, Bristol is full of fantastic second-hand stores! Gloucester Road is particularly great for quirky charity shops and thrift stores, offering everything from vintage clothing to books and toys—perfect for a budget-friendly shopping spree.
8. Explore Bristol’s Independent Shops
Bristol is also packed with independent shops and boutiques, especially around Clifton Village, St Nicholas Market, Park Street and Gloucester Road. Whether you’re looking for handmade gifts, vintage clothing, or artisan treats, there’s plenty to browse.
9. Visit Bristol’s Huge Primark – A Fun Budget Shopping Experience
Bristol’s Primark is one of the biggest in the UK! With multiple floors and its own Greggs inside, it’s a fun experience for kids spending their pocket money. Whether they’re after clothes, accessories, or toys, there’s plenty to explore. You can also grab a coffee, doughnut and a vegan sausage roll!
10. Take a Boat Ride Around Bristol’s Harbour
Bristol’s historic harbourside is best explored by boat. Families can hop on a Bristol Ferry for a scenic ride or take a trip on The Matthew, a replica of John Cabot’s ship. A fun way to see the city from a different perspective!
11. Browse Bristol’s Markets
If you love browsing markets, Bristol is full of them! St Nicholas Market is one of the best, offering street food, vintage goods, and handmade gifts. There are also regular weekend markets featuring crafts, antiques, and food stalls, and when you’re ready to take a break, you can also book restaurants in Bristol for a sit-down meal.
12. Play Indoor Mini Golf
If the weather isn’t great, indoor mini golf is a fantastic family activity. Treetop Golf and Mulligans both offer fun courses, including glow-in-the-dark and colourful neon themes.
13. Experience a Fun Dining Adventure at Za Za Bazaar
For a unique family dining experience, head to Za Za Bazaar, one of the UK’s largest buffet restaurants. With a huge variety of world cuisines, interactive food stations, and all-you-can-eat desserts, kids love it here!
14. Watch a Show at Bristol Hippodrome
For a magical family experience, a visit to the Bristol Hippodrome is a must. This historic theatre hosts a variety of family-friendly productions, from West End musicals to pantomimes and ballet. I took my daughter to see an incredible performance of Beauty and the Beast, and it was a truly unforgettable experience.
The Hippodrome regularly features popular children’s shows, including Disney musicals, live-action adaptations of kids’ favourites, and spectacular seasonal performances. It’s a great way to introduce children to the magic of theatre in a grand, historic setting.
15. Visit the LEGO Store
For little LEGO fans, a trip to Bristol’s LEGO Store in Cabot Circus is a fun and budget-friendly stop. The store often hosts free mini-build events, where kids can create and take home their own LEGO models.
There’s also a Build a Minifigure station, where children can design and customise their own LEGO characters—perfect for a little souvenir!
Even if you’re just browsing, the store has impressive LEGO displays, including large-scale models of famous landmarks and characters. It’s a great place to visit for kids who love to build, create, and explore their imagination.
Where to Stay in Bristol?
If you’re planning an overnight stay in Bristol, there are plenty of family-friendly hotels and B&Bs. Staying near the harbourside or Clifton will put you close to many top attractions. We’ve enjoyed staying in fun Airbnbs in Clifton (one had a rooftop garden and hammock in the bedroom!), as well as in the centre of Bristol in a hotel. Oh, and also on the outskirts of Bristol at a place called Lodge at Bristol which I recommend.
Final Word
Bristol is a city full of adventure, creativity, and fun for families. Whether you’re exploring hands-on museums, discovering hidden gems like Wake The Tiger, or enjoying a scenic walk across Clifton Suspension Bridge, there’s something to captivate every age group.
With a mix of free activities, unique experiences, and budget-friendly shopping, Bristol is an ideal destination for a family day out or a weekend break. No matter the season, this vibrant city has plenty to offer, from splashing in the Water Steps on a sunny day to browsing independent shops and markets.
If you’re planning a stay in Bristol, take the time to explore its rich history, fun dining spots, and fantastic attractions for kids. With so much to see and do, one trip might not be enough – you’ll likely find yourself wanting to return again and again!
Discover more from Travel Vixta
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
This article has some great ideas for family fun in Bristol! I loved the suggestion about @WeTheCurious—perfect for kids.