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.

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What our editors say

“Now, after another sell-out Fringe in 2025, Harry is ready to shed his shell again. Because that’s what Lobster is all about — change. Lobsters grow by breaking out of their hard shells, hiding away while a new one forms. It’s vulnerable, uncomfortable, a bit of a mess… and completely unavoidable. Over the past few years, Harry and his family have had to change shells more than once. From moving to a “up-and-coming” postcode, to travelling the world, falling in love, becoming housemates with his own dad, and navigating puberty in 2025, Lobster dives into life’s inevitable transformations with honesty, heart, and relentless laughs.”
From: Harry Stachini: Lobster – UK Tour

“Michael Malay is a writer and teacher based in Bristol. He was raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, before moving to Australia with his family at the age of ten. His first book, Late Light, is about migration, extinction and uncharismatic creatures and was awarded the 2024 Wainwright Prize for Top Nature Writing.”
From: Wild Medicine

“The show will be filled with chat and laughter, as well as a possible guest appearance from some of your favourite family members or celebrity friends. Plus, the shows will feature YOU, the fans, who have made the podcast what it is.”
From: Natalie Cassidy: with Nat

“shed-ache is about the give and take of friendship, the power of imagination and the importance to embrace experiences whatever the weather. Be prepared to be blown away by aKa’s brand new family-friendly show which is bright and sunny. With 100% chance of laughter.  For ages 2+ and their families.”
From: Shed-ache by aKa Dance Theatre

“Developed with Andrew Kötting, this programme of shorts celebrates the collaborations and inspirations between the award-winning filmmaker/artist and his neurodivergent daughter Eden, who together create multimedia artworks exploring themes of disability, imagination and family.”
From: Mapping Perception