Fun Things to Do in Bristol with Kids

Whether you have toddlers, school-aged kids, or teenagers, there are plenty of family activities in Bristol to engage and delight the whole clan. Explore outdoor adventures and fascinating educational days out, or even meet some friendly farm animals right in the city centre. Just catch a CrossCountry train to Bristol Temple Meads and you’re ready to have a great day.

AirHop Bristol

At AirHop Bristol, over 140 trampolines stretch across 60,000 sq ft, meaning that your kids can quite literally bounce off the walls.

AirHop has a wide range of activities in store, including dodgeball courts, slam dunk lanes, foam pits, battle beams, slack lines, and a Total Wipeout zone. But it’s not just about the fun - bouncing is also a fantastic way to unwind. Jumping on a trampoline is a proven stress reliever, releasing those feel-good endorphins that help you feel energised and happy for the rest of the day.

Beyond the bounce, AirHop has a café on site where you can treat the little ones to pizza, hot dogs, jacket potatoes, and their favourite fizzy drinks. After all, it wouldn’t be the perfect day out in Bristol without a bit of sugar. AirHop is also a hit for birthdays, offering everything from UV parties to toddler takeovers.

On Mondays, AirHop hosts dedicated SEN-friendly sessions with reduced noise and lighting, fewer participants, and a calm atmosphere, ensuring children with Autism and sensory needs can enjoy the experience comfortably and happily.

To reach AirHop Trampoline Park without a car, you can catch a bus from Bristol Parkway to Cribbs Causeway Bus Station. From there, it’s roughly thirteen minutes walking distance.

Bristol Aquarium

If your kids love exploring the seaside, there’s no better place to take them than the Bristol Aquarium. With more than forty displays featuring favourite marine life, from sharks to seahorses and puffer fish to piranhas, there are hours of exploration to be had for the whole family.

Budding marine biologists of all ages are sure to be fascinated by the many talks and exhibitions held daily at the aquarium. Dive into habitat-themed displays that bring environments like the Amazon rainforest and vibrant coral reefs to life. These exhibits not only highlight the beauty of these ecosystems but also the essential conservation work being done to protect them for future generations.

Don’t miss the Urban Jungle while you’re visiting. It’s the only botanical display at any aquarium in the UK and a real treat for the senses. Exploring the enormous biodome is like discovering a rainforest, right in the centre of Bristol! To reach the aquarium from Bristol Temple Meads, catch a bus to Broad Quay and it’s a short walk from there.

We The Curious

We The Curious is an amazing science exhibition centre spread over two floors. With activities, events, exhibitions, and workshops designed for children of all ages, it makes the perfect day out for the whole family.
Creativity is at the core of everything at We The Curious. They want to experiment, tinker, and encourage that same curiosity in you too. From bubbles to brains to bug hotels, you’re sure to experience and learn something new here.

Be sure to stop by the incredible 3D Planetarium during your visit for a stargazing experience like no other. Learn about the history of the universe, the names of constellations, about red giants and black holes. Under 5’s will love the daily Spin the Spaceship show, where they’ll help Blurgle Wurgle the alien move house. Dancing and laughter are a guarantee!

To reach We The Curious from Bristol Temple Meads, head along Redcliffe Way by foot or catch a bus.

Wake the Tiger

Wake the Tiger is like stepping into another world, perfect for families looking for unusual things to do in Bristol with kids. The self-guided adventure is full of spellbinding spaces, interactive art pieces, and illuminating stories to uncover. It’s all about immersing yourself in a strange alternate world, where your imagination can run wild and reality bends and warps.

For a bite to eat, head to The Guildhall, where you’ll find a selection of paninis, pastries, and drinks. Wake the Tiger endeavours to source their ingredients locally, so you can tuck into a delicious cookie and cream cake free of guilt.

If you’re visiting as a wheelchair user, or with one, there is level access throughout the experience for wheelchairs up to 65cm wide. You can also hire a wheelchair in advance, but it is recommended you book this with plenty of time before your trip. Wake the Tiger also hosts Calm Sessions, designed for SEND and neurodivergent people, where sensory stimulation is limited, and capacity is reduced. These sessions occur on the first Thursday of every month.

Reaching Wake the Tiger by train is no fuss, just catch a CrossCountry train to Bristol Temple Meads and it’s a sixteen-minute bus ride or a twenty-five-minute walk.

SS Great Britain

The SS Great Britain, sometimes known as the “ship which changed the world”, is a wonderful place for a family day out. The ship, which was initially designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1843 as the world’s first ocean liner, has been turned into an engaging and fascinating museum. During your visit, you’re able to explore exhibits on-board as well as in the dockyard museum, so there’s plenty to see and do.

While at the museum, young people are encouraged to use all their senses to imagine what life would have been like at sea during the SS Great Britain’s heyday. Whilst wandering around on the ship, you’ll see it exactly as it would have been as she was preparing to set sail for the first time. Make sure to leave plenty of time to explore the upper-class cabins and the galley as part of your trip.

After you purchase your ticket, it is valid for a year of unlimited free returns, so you can come back as many times as you like. There are unmissable events throughout the year, such as discovery talks and sensory trails. The ship is a twenty five minute bus ride from Bristol Temple Meads. Alternatively, you can enjoy a walk along the waterfront, with the added bonus of stopping by M Shed along the way. This museum offers a fascinating look at the city’s history and is one of the top free things to do in Bristol with kids.

Windmill Hill City Farm

Windmill Hill City Farm is an amazing local community project in Bristol and well worth a day out. Open daily, the farm and gardens provide plenty to see and do, from meeting friendly animals to exploring beautiful green spaces. Whether you're a local or just visiting the area, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly outing while supporting a vital community initiative.

Needless to say, the stars of the show are the farm animals who live at Windmill Hill. Meet the goats, pigs, sheep, poultry, and pets, and learn more about the specific breeds that are kept here as well as how the farm cares for them. There are plenty of opportunities to feed the animals and play with them, whilst being carefully supervised by friendly farm experts. There are also loads of organised activities to enjoy.

Exploring the gardens is a great way to experience this urban oasis in the centre of Bristol. The gardens produce food with no carbon footprint, which is cooked and served at the onsite café. The whole family can take part in helping the gardens to grow by doing some weeding, watering and more. After visiting the animals, kids of all ages can expend their excess energy at the onsite adventure playground. There’s a variety of low-level structures and nets to explore and plenty of space to run around.

If you’re planning some fun things to do in Bristol with kids, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.