Bristol's Family Event Scene

While Bristol is well known for it's hedonistic nightlife, it's also home to many young families looking for child-friendly events. A lot of the city's key tourist attractions like @Bristol (now renamed We The Curious) and the Aquarium run one-off events providing entertainment for all the family. Both are located on the Harbourside making that a key location for families visiting from out of town. The SS Great Britain is a big draw for families wanting to look round the famous naval ship, but they also offering chilling pirate stories as an additional attraction.

Windmill Hill City Farm and Bristol Zoo run regular workshops introducing children to environmental issues and you can also get the kids started on a budding acting career at the Tobacco Factory Theatre.

Ashton Court hosts the Bristol Balloon Festival annually. A wildly popular family event featuring (you guessed it) giant hot air balloons as well as flying demonstrations from the RFA and enough food and drink to keep any kid happy.

Buy tickets for family event events in Bristol

What our editors say

“This January, February and March the Bristol Society of Magic is offering Five workshops for people who want to learn the ancient art of Magic. Led by the Society’s most accomplished Magicians, each workshop will teach one piece of magic so that by the end of the course participants will be able to perform publicly, for friends and family and at A Graduation Show”
From: Bristol Society of Magic - MAGIC WORKSHOPS

“Here's the deal: there's a family of delightful characters regularly bringing you their new jokes, joined by local guests doing short spots and, crucially - MOST IMPORTANTLY - we invite absolutely cracking headliners to come and show us what's in their finely-tuned comedy brains. Every month, on a Thursday night. What more could you ask for?”
From: OPPO Comedy

“From 5–9pm, it’s family-friendly fun for all ages, with plenty of songs to choose from and a chance for everyone to have a singalong. Then from 9–11pm, the mic is yours for an adults-only karaoke session.”
From: Karaoke Bar Night

“Created with the blessing and involvement of J Dilla’s family, the event brings together artists, musicians, DJs and fans to celebrate his life, music and lasting influence. Expect live performances, beat sets, carefully selected DJ sets and original interpretations inspired by Dilla’s remarkable body of work.”
From: An Afternoon Of Dilla 2026

“Whether you come with friends, bring the whole family, or arrive solo and leave with new connections, you’ll spend the day discovering the joy of community farming: growing organic veg, nurturing habitats, and seeing first hand how your actions help our wildlife and our community flourish.”
From: Community Farmer Day