If you’re looking for a great family day out, Bristol is an excellent choice. With its rich history, diverse culture, and adventurous spirit, this southwestern city has lots to offer grown-ups and children alike.
Here are some of the best things to do in Bristol with kids of any age, as well as help and advice on how to get to the city with your family by train.
Why take the family to Bristol?
There are kid-friendly activities in Bristol to suit all ages and interests, from museums to farms and thrilling treetop adventures.
There are lots of attractions and events that will capture little ones' imaginations, including the Bristol Aquarium and the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. If your children are older, there’s plenty of sightseeing to enjoy. This ranges from Bristol Cathedral to Cabot Tower on Brandon Hill and the SS Great Britain museum ship.
Plus, with great transport links to the city from across the UK, anyone can enjoy a family day out in Bristol.
Whether you’re heading there for a day trip or the school holidays, here are some of the best kids' activities in Bristol for you to enjoy.
Things to do in Bristol with toddlers
For enjoying the fresh air or keeping them entertained on a rainy day, here are some things to do in Bristol for families with young children.
Visit the animals at Windmill Hill City Farm
For wholesome fun, check out Windmill Hill City Farm. This volunteer-run four-acre green space has pigs, sheep and rabbits for your little ones to meet and pet. Older children can also learn about farming and sustainable food production.
There’s a play area, garden and café selling a great selection of home-cooked food. Plus, there’s no fee to visit the farm, making it one of the best free things to do in Bristol with toddlers.
About Windmill Hill City Farm:
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Address: Philip Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4EA
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Opening times: The farm and gardens are open seven days a week, including bank holidays, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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Nearest train stations: Bedminster (a 7-minute walk away) and Temple Meads (a 18-minute walk away)
Check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is perfect for families with young kids when the sun disappears.
The ground floor has a special area for kids aged under five. Here, toddlers can enjoy activities, act on stage and play with puppets. On other floors, children can explore exhibitions, create and draw.
The museum also has family-friendly facilities, like a free picnic room during school holidays and a pushchair and buggy park. Plus, entry is completely free.
About Bristol Museum and Art Gallery:
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Address: Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1RL
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Opening times: The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, including bank holidays, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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Nearest train stations: Clifton Down (a 15-minute walk away) and Temple Meads (a 25-minute walk away). The 1, 2, 8, and 9 bus routes connect both stations to the museum.
Free things to do in Bristol with kids
The city offers plenty more family-friendly activities that don’t cost a thing. Here are activities you can do without spending a penny.
Hunt down Banksy’s street art
Bristol is the hometown of world-famous artist Banksy. Making it the perfect place to hunt down his street art.
Put your trainers on and head out on your own walking tour across the city. Keep an eye out for some of Banksy’s most famous masterpieces, such as The Grim Reaper and Valentine’s Day Mural.
About Banksy’s street art:
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Address: Start at any point on the Banksy walking tour route
Look around M Shed
The M Shed dockside warehouse tells the fascinating history of Bristol from prehistoric times to the 21st century.
Its free-to-view collections include films, quirky objects and interactive displays. Kids will also love riding on their trains, boats and working cranes.
About M Shed:
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Address: Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol, BS1 4RN
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Opening times: The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, including bank holidays, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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Nearest train stations: Bedminster (a 17-minute walk away) and Temple Meads (a 19-minute walk away).
Marvel at Clifton Suspension Bridge
Brunel’s Suspension Bridge is an icon of Bristol’s skyline. You can walk across the bridge for free and enjoy spectacular city views.
On the Leigh Woods side of the bridge, you’ll find the Visitor Centre. Here, you can learn about the bridge’s history.
They also have hands-on activities for children, such as a giant puzzle of the bridge, that will bring their visit to life.
About Clifton Suspension Bridge:
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Address: Bridge Road, Leigh Woods, Bristol, BS8 3PA
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Opening times: The visitor’s centre is open seven days a week, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. It closes on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
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Nearest train station: Clifton Down a 25 minute walk away. Alternatively, take the number 8 bus from Temple Meads to Clifton Village or Christ Church, Clifton bus stop. The bridge is a short walk from both
Family attractions in Bristol
Bristol is home to several excellent child-friendly attractions. From outdoor adventures to immersive art experiences, these three will suit kids with a variety of interests.
Adventure Bristol Tree Tops
One of the most fun Bristol attractions for families is the Tree Tops High Ropes course.
Based in Ashton Court Estate, this adventure park is perfect for thrillseekers of all ages. There are walkways, leaps, jumps and an exhilarating zip wire to finish.
With three challenge levels to choose from, this attraction is great for children of all ages.
About Adventure Bristol’s Tree Tops:
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Address: Ashton Court, Kennel Lodge Rd, Bristol BS3 2JT
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Opening times: Open to the public every weekend throughout the year and every day in school holidays, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Group bookings can be made for any date throughout the year. Sessions should be booked in advance.
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Getting there: Take the X4 bus from the city centre to Ashton Lodge bus stop. The attraction is a 13-minute walk away.
Bristol Zoo Project
The Bristol Zoo Project spans more than 50 acres and gives kids the opportunity to encounter various exotic creatures. This includes giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, wolves and more.
For adventurers, there’s the outdoor climbing experience Leap of Faith. Enjoy the Fun Fort and Butterfly Maze play areas, or explore the woods and meadows.
About Bristol Zoo Project:
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Address: Zoo Project, Blackhorse Hill, Bristol, BS10 7TP
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Opening times: Bristol Zoo Project is open seven days a week, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Last entry is at 4:00 pm
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Getting there: Take the number 1 bus from Temple Meads station to the Retail Park bus stop. The project is a 16-minute walk away.
Wake The Tiger
For a truly extraordinary experience, make your way to the world’s first ‘Amazement Park’, Wake The Tiger. It's a self-guided attraction that transports visitors into the alternate world of Meridia. A civilisation grappling with an environmental crisis.
Explore 30 diverse and immersive worlds with all your senses. Discover secret passageways, hidden forests, ice caves and much more.
This multi-sensory art experience suits all ages, making it one of the most unique and enjoyable things for families to do in Bristol.
About Wake The Tiger:
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Address: 127 Albert Rd, Bristol, BS2 0YA
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Opening times: Wake the Tiger is open Wednesday to Friday, 10:00 am - 6:30 pm, Saturday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:30 pm
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Nearest train station: Temple Meads a 23 minute walk away.
Take the family to Bristol by train
From outdoor fun at Windmill Hill City Farm to exploring Wake The Tiger, Bristol offers a great mix of entertainment for kids of all ages.
It’s also easily accessible from different parts of the UK by train, including:
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London Paddington: One and a half hours
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Birmingham New Street: One and a half hours
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Manchester Piccadilly: Three hours
To save money and guarantee seats for the whole family, book your tickets in advance.
Getting a Family & Friends Railcard will give you a 60% discount on tickets for up to four adults and four children. Giving you and the little ones extra pocket money to enjoy on your family day out in Bristol.
