Things to do with kids in Bristol

Things to do with kids in Bristol

1. See

   Aerospace Bristol

   Bristol has a rich history in aerospace, starting with the design and production of the first British biplanes in the First World War. In the past century, the Filton aerodrome designed and manufactured numerous aircraft for military and civil applications, guided missile systems, and satellites. The history is told in great detail with replicas, scale models, and about a dozen original aircraft and helicopters, of which a complete Bloodhound missile system and the last Concorde to have ever flown are the crown pieces of the collection. A complete tour takes about 3 hours and features interactive exhibits to keep kids busy as well. They also have a good cafeteria with excellent burgers and crispy fries for GBP 8, which is better than what you'd find in the city centre.

   Wed-Sun 10AM-4PM·GBP 17

2. Drink

   Brace & Browns

   Trendy bar and restaurant next to the BBC building. Selection of decent food in good portion sizes, fairly priced. Not suitable for kids. Reservation in advance is recommended if you want to be sure of indoor seating.

3. See

   Bristol Aquarium

   From the hidden world of UK waters, this amazing new aquarium transports visitors to the spectacular 'underwater gardens' of the Mediterranean and stunning beauty of tropical waters - home to everything from seahorses and puffer fish to living corals and tropical sharks.

   Daily 10AM-5PM·Adult £15.30; child 3-12 years £10 (must be accompanied by an adult); seniors & students £13.50; family of 4 £49.50 (2 adults and 2 children), all tickets 10% off if booked online but there is a £1.25 charge per transaction

4. See

   Brunel's SS Great Britain

   The world's first iron hulled, screw propeller-driven, steam-powered passenger liner, built by Brunel in 1843 and now preserved in a dry-dock alongside the floating harbour. Winner of the Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year 2006 — the biggest arts prize in the UK. The "Being Brunel" exhibition alongside opened in 2018 and is included in the ticket price.

   Open Tue-Sun from 10AM. Closing times: 4PM (Nov 4 to Feb 13) 5PM (Feb 14 to Nov 3). Last entry one hour before closing·Adult £22; Student £18.50; child (16 and under) £14.50; child (3 and under) free. Various family tickets available, 10% cheaper when booking online at least a day in advance

5. See

   Clifton and Durdham Downs

   Adjacent to the Avon Gorge, the Suspension Bridge and Bristol Zoo, 400 acres of grassland, with views towards the Severn Estuary and the Mendip Hills.

6. Do

   Hengrove Park Leisure Centre

   Gym, Olympic swimming pool, 4 court sports hall, dance studio, health suite, and an 8-m climbing wall to the south of Bristol.

   Mon Tue Thu 5:30AM-8:30PM, Wed 5:30AM-10PM, Sat Sun 06AM-7:30PM·Swimming: £4.60 for adults, £3 for kids; Gym £6.70 for adults and £3.50 for kids

7. Eat

   Lodekka

   Grill restaurant aiming to provide the best value, translating in large portions of average quality grilled meat. The mixed grill for £11.49 (Aug 2018) is very good for its price. A great place for families or dinners with friends, not such a great choice for vegetarians. Indoor and outdoor seating available, and a playground for kids. You need to order food at the bar with mention of your table number and pay up front to the bartender, food is then delivered to your table.

   Daily 10AM-11PM·£5-11.50 (Aug 2018)

8. See

   Oldbury Court

   Woodland and riverside paths alongside the Frome, with historic parkland and children's play facilities, approx north east of city centre.

9. Eat

   Parsons

   Family run bakery in the Sandy Park commercial district of Brislington. Sells a wide range of baked goods, sandwiches, donuts, and assorted snacks.

   Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4PM, Sat 8AM-3:30PM

10. Eat

    Pizza Factory

    A small privately owned fast food restaurant run by a family of highly motivated Indians. If you expect a wood-fired pizza oven here you'll be disappointed, but it will be hard to find better tasting pizzas for the price anywhere else in Bristol. Huge selection of toppings to choose from, the best opportunity to compose your own pizza. They also have a selection of drinks and desserts. Stay away from the chips, they're nothing special. No seating available, take-away only.

    Tue-Thu 5-11PM, Fri-Sun noon-11PM·£7-9 (Oct 2018)

11. Eat

    The Lock Up

    British and European cuisine. Great venue for a Sunday lunch or family event.

    £20-30

12. Do

    Wake The Tiger

    An experience best described as a mix of art installations in an overarching fantasy themed setting, focussing on audiovisual sensations. Visitors enter the parallel world of Meridia through a portal on a construction site, which through experimentation in the fields of Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water aims to solve its imminent environmental disaster. This indoor activity is suited for all ages, with accessibility for wheelchairs, and offers 2 to 3 hours of entertainment on rainy days. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for families and groups.

    10:00 - 18:00 daily·GBP 15

13. Do Not mapped

    Bristol Film Festival

    Established in 2015, this festival celebrates the film heritage of Bristol with a screening of vintage and family films.

14. Do Not mapped

    Pirate Walks

    Join Pirate Pete for a 1-hour guided walking tour of Bristol's historic harbourside. Walking tours of Bristol's 16th-, 17th- and 18th-century Maritime History of discovery, trade, slavery and piracy (always call before visiting).

    Adults £6.00, children £3.50

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Bristol (CC BY-SA 4.0).