17 things to do with kids in Bristol 2022: fun activities for children and families near me

Whenever a day off, a weekend, or a bank holiday rolls around, kids are left at home with no school buzzing at the thought of later nights and outdoor fun with friends and family.

But parents on the other hand must be left utterly confused at the thought of trying to find enough entertaining activities to fill most of the children’s new found spare time.

But don’t you worry, BristolWorld has you covered with a list of 17 of the best places and activities in and around the Bristol area to spend some much needed family time.

Here is a list of the best things to do when you are in and around Bristol.

Visit Bristol Aquarium

Price: £17.75 (Standard), £11.35 (Junior, 3-12), £15.50 (Concessions)

In what is one of the most spectacular Aquariums in the country, come and take the whole family on a journey to discover the wonders of the deep sea.

With over 40 naturally-themed displays and thousands of aquatic creatures, it is a must visit if you are in Bristol.

Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5TT

www.bristolaquarium.co.uk/

Wild-life filled fun at Bristol Zoo Gardens

Price: Varies depending on when you want to visit, for more information, visit the website.

Not only is Bristol Zoo Gardens one of the best open-air activities in the city, boasting 300 incredible species of animals, but it is perfect for all the family.

Featuring different spaces such as The Aquarium, Bug World, Meerkat House, Reptile House and many more.

Visit before it closes for good on 3 September - please book online.

Guthrie Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA

www.bristolzoo.org.uk/

Take a trip through space at Aerospace Bristol

Price: £18.00 (Adult) £16.00 (Senior 65+) £10.00 (Child)

Fancy an aerospace adventure? Visit Aerospace Bristol and go on a journey of all of the city’s amazing aviation achievements.

There is lots to discover and perfect for people of all ages.

Hayes Way, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5BZ

www.aerospacebristol.org/

Surf at The Wave

Price: from £50 per child

An in-land surfing destination that is perfect for those who want to ride a wave, suitable for all abilities.

With its Wavegarden Cove technology, over 1,000 waves are created each hour and it is open all year round.

Easter Compton, Bristol, BS35 5RE

www.thewave.com/book-now/

Explore the exhibits of Bristol Museum

Price: FREE

Bristol Museum tells the story of the world with each marvellous display, with 19 galleries and over three floors.

The Museum also has dynamic exhibitions, as well as an on-site shop and cafe to enjoy.

Queens Road, West End, Bristol, BS8 1RL

www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/plan-your-visit/

Tour the Haynes Motor Museum

Price: from £11 per person

Perfect for children who are interested in cars, Haynes Motor Museum is an award-winning centre that is just a short drive from Bristol.

Home to the UK’s largest collection of cars and motorbikes, all amongst 17 breathtaking exhibitions.

There is an on-site cafe and a shop.

Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7LH

www.haynesmuseum.org/

Watch money being made at The Royal Mint

Price: for more information, visit the website

Come together as a family and unlock over 1,100 years of British history as you learn about the coin making process, have a tour of the factory - and even make your very own coin.

You can explore all six exhibition areas at your own pace.

Despite the fact you will need to travel to attend the only place in the UK where coins are made - it is worth it if you live in Bristol, as it is not too far.

Llantrisant, Pontyclun, CF72 8YT

www.royalmint.com/experience

Learn more about cooking at Cooking It!

Price: for more information, visit the website

Tucked away in between Whiteladies Road and Gloucester Road, Cooking It is a great cooking school for all the family to enjoy together.

A perfect place for kids to discover the world of cooking, too - with kids classes and parties available.

19 Chandos Road, Bristol, BS6 6PG

www.cookingit.co.uk/ghost-kitchen-hire-in-bristol/

A boat ride at Bristol Ferry Boats

Price: for more information, visit the website

Serving the Bristol area since 1977, Bristol Ferry offers the opportunity for people of all ages to explore the rich history of Bristol Harbourside.

There are a number of fares, events, and boat rides available to suit your tastes; whether it be a relaxing tour of the seaside, a trip from A to B, or a gin cruise.

44 The Grove, Bristol, BS1 4RB

www.bristolferry.com/

Bounce at AirHop Bristol

Price: £21 per person for two hours, £17.50 for one-and-a-half hours, £13.50 for one hour

Boasting over 170 connected trampolines, why not jump around at AirHop Bristol and take part in numerous fun activities and obstacle courses.

With Wipeout Dodgeball, Slam Dunk, Giant Air Bag and many more to boot, this place is perfect for kids of all ages.

Unit 5, Britannia Road, Bristol, BS34 5TA

www.airhop-bristol.com/

Watch plays at Bristol Old Vic Theatre

Price: around £8 per ticket excluding food and drink

As much fun as active outdoor activities can be, sometimes a perfect thing to do is sit down and watch a great play.

So why not visit the oldest continuously working theatre in the country’s history? Bristol’s Old Vic Theatre has a number of enjoyable plays and rehearsals on offer for all ages.

King Street, Old City, Bristol, BS1 4ED

www.bristololdvic.org.uk/

Enjoy a Bristol Old City Treasure Trail

Price: £9.99 (Print at home), £11.45 (Printed by organisers), £14.98 (personalised version)

Go on a fun-filled family adventure as you work together to discover the hidden gems of Bristol.

This self-guided mystery will lead you throughout the culture and heritage of the city as you aim to find out who nicked a famous painting.

All you need to do to get involved is purchase a leaflet which you can either receive from the organisers or print at home.

www.treasuretrails.co.uk/

Become a detective at Sherlock: The Official Outdoor Game

Price: from £15.00 per ticket

This out-door detective experience puts you in the shoes of infamous investigator Sherlock Holmes.

Take on a mobile app guided mission that will guide you throughout the city, deciphering codes, clues and problems.

Includes content from the hit BBC show Sherlock.

Bristol City Centre

www.thegameisnow.com/live-experiences/sherlock-outdoor-game/

Play golf at Jumble Rumble

Price: from £5 per person

A mini-golf experience perfect for both adults and children of all ages, enjoy each of the 18 different courses that includes temple ruins, jungle terrain and much more.

Organisers also offer a number of corporate and party packages too - dogs are also welcome.

There is an on-site bar and cafe to enjoy a bite to eat and something to drink whilst you golf.

74 Glass House, Level 1, Cabot Circus, Bristol, BS1 3BX

www.bristol.junglerumble.co.uk/?_ga=2.233232091.413402618.1651675920-234957627.1651675920

Have fun at Blaise Castle Estate Museum and Playground

Price: FREE

Bask in the glory of this beautifully constructed 19th century mansion, set in 400 acres of marvellous woods.

Visit the museum and take a tour of everyday objects from hundreds of years ago.

Whilst the kids will certainly enjoy the on-site playground.

There is a cafe on-site so the family can enjoy a bite to eat.

King Weston Road, Henbury, Bristol, BS10 7QT

www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/blaise-castle-house-museum/

Enjoy many of Bristol’s springwalks

Price: FREE

Bristol is one of the most beautiful regions of the UK, boasting numerous trails that guide you throughout the natural landscape in and around our city.

Whether it be Leigh Woods, Ashton Court, Tyntesfield or many more - there are plenty of options.

For more information, have a look at the 11 best walks and trails in and around Bristol.

Be creative at Wake The Tiger

Price: Not confirmed as it is set to open in July 2022

In what could possibly be the most unique experience on the list, Wake The Tiger is a supreme fantastical journey that encourages the audience to make their way through various mazes, immersive environments and mesmerising wonders.

Family-friendly so perfect for all ages, with on-site parking and wheelchair/buggy accessible.

Coming soon to Bristol in July 2022.

127 Albert Road, St. Philips, Bristol, Avon, BS2 0YA

www.comingsoon.wakethetiger.com/the-experience