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

“Head to Trinity for our end of summer community celebration Set in our historic grounds this family friendly day shines a light on some of the creative activities and groups that call Trinity home. Take part in an Art for Wellbeing workshop, listen to Bristol Samba play and then participate in a drumming workshop, hear our creative writing group share work, join in with our Gentle Dance workshop. Featuring: * live music * youth programme performances * workshops for all ages * nature & craft drop-in activities * vegetarian lunch available”
From: Community Day Celebration

“SteamFest – 19th Sept 2026 Keep summer going at Stokes! Join us for an afternoon of sun-soaked fun, street food, and live music at Steam from 3PM–10PM. Chill with live tunes, including vinyl DJs, get competitive with our lawn games, check out the local stalls, and soak up the festival atmosphere right in the heart of the city. DJs to be announced! Entry is free, but we're offering a fantastic deal on drinks all day. Buy a £5 wristband and enjoy happy hour drinks until 10pm - usually reserved for weekdays. Dogs welcome and kids go free, so it's fun for all the family!”
From: STEAMFEST

“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

“It's the ever popular Quiz Night On The Hill Get family and friends together to form a quiz team of up to 6 persons, £4 per person (CASH only please). 80 questions from general knowledge to history, sport, music and more! £40 Cash prize for the winning team, booby prize for the losing team! Doors/bar opens 7pm, quiz starts 7.30pm Bar open 18+ Event (Every 2nd Thursday of the month!) On The Hill, Bishopsworth Road, Bristol, BS13 7JW”
From: Quiz Night On The Hill

“Watch as discarded socks are stitched, swung, and swung from in a show that’s equal parts circus and sock-based existential crisis. Expect dazzling flips, daring balances, and a surprisingly moving ode to the lost art of darning. This is sustainability with sequins: a celebration of repair, reuse, and ridiculous footwear. Walk up spaces available on the day: £3 per family (of up to 4 people, to include at least 1 adult). The Sock Show by Can't Sit Still features as part of Trinity's Summer Den programme, running 10am-12 midday on Fridays. All children must be accompanied by an adult”
From: The Sock Show