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

“Bring the whole family along for a festive afternoon packed with Christmas activities, singalongs, games, food and plenty of seasonal cheer. Get into the Christmas spirit with something for all ages, while the bar stays open late for the grown-ups to relax and enjoy a festive drink. Come along in your best Christmas jumpers and join us for a fun-filled start to the festive season!”
From: Christmas Winter Wonderland

“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

“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

“Get up, grab the mic and sing your heart out at our karaoke night! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just fancy giving it a go, everyone’s welcome to take to the stage and pick their favourite tunes. 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. Bring your friends, pick your favourite song and get ready for a night of big tunes, questionable vocals and plenty of laughs. Food available throughout the evening.”
From: Karaoke Bar Night

“A hanging, a hanging, gather round for a Hanging!' is the opening lines of this immersive family comedy theatre show, set in 1726. Think Horrible Histories or Blackadder. Exploring the legends of 18th-century highway robbers, potatoes and inequality. Audiences become jurors, re-enact crimes, and debate verdicts. Blending history with farce. Social commentary and true immersion for the audience. It invites reflection on today's inequalilty—asking is it right? Is it just? To steal from the ultra rich to feed the poor. Funded by Arts Council England with integrated audio description”
From: Stand and Deliver