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

“Pear Tree is a stand up comedy show about pear shaped events between Sri Lanka and Australia. It’s about family, love, homes, knives, kids and cats - spliced with a bit of geopolitics and singing. As with her last show Boundaries (now on YouTube) Sashi’s signature observations remain dedicated to taking absolutely nothing too seriously.”
From: Sashi Perera: Pear Tree

“Mr Browns Pig Puppet Show is a collection of enchanting stories with glove and rod puppets, performed from a puppet booth theatre. Features dragons, princesses, woodland animals and pirates, there will lots of comedy and audience participation for all to join in with! Together with music and silliness, the show will entertain all the family from one to one hundred. Shows will be an hour duration. Bring you blankets and rugs to sit on. The City Farm Cafe will be open for refreshments.”
From: Mr Brown's Pig: Puppet Show

“Our biggest day of the year is here. Ajoyful community celebration packed with live music, family-friendly activities, great food, and plenty more still to be announced. This special day is all about bringing people together to celebrate everything that makes our community so vibrant. With something for all ages to enjoy, it’s set to be a lively and memorable occasion filled with music, fun, and a fantastic atmosphere. Keep an eye out for more announcements soon — this is one event you won’t want to miss.”
From: Party On The Hill Family Day

“1987: After a childhood trauma and years in and out of the care system, sixteen-year-old Ursula finds herself with a new job in the postroom of a local art school, a bed in a halfway house, and—delightfully— some new friends, including wild-child, Sue. When Ursula is invited to join a squat at The Underwood, a mysterious house whose owners met a terrible end, she can’t resist the promise of a readymade, hodgepodge family.”
From: Hunger and Thirst launch with Claire Fuller

“Join Fra Beecher from United Models Life Drawing for an Arty Party, open to adults and children of all ages and abilities, and especially parents/carers with their small humans. Expect clothed life drawing poses, collaborative drawing exercises, and plenty of silliness. Come alone, with a friend, a partner or your family. All materials will be provided, you only need to bring yourself. No previous life drawing experience is necessary - this event will be very far from the usual life drawing experience!”
From: Half Term Arty Party