Bristol is a city full of creativity, history, and adventure, making it an exciting destination for families. While there are plenty of well-known attractions like the SS Great Britain and Bristol Zoo Project, why not try something a little different? Here’s a guide to unusual things to do in Bristol with kids, guaranteed to make your family day out unique and unforgettable.
1. Explore an Underground Cave at Redcliffe Caves
For a real adventure, take your kids on a journey beneath the city into the Redcliffe Caves. These man-made tunnels, once used for storing goods like sand and glass, are filled with fascinating stories and a touch of mystery. While not always open to the public, special tours and events allow families to explore these eerie yet exciting underground passages.
2. Visit The Matthew – A Replica of a Historic Ship
Step aboard The Matthew, a replica of the ship that John Cabot sailed to North America in 1497. Kids can climb aboard, explore the deck, and learn about life as a sailor during the Age of Discovery. It’s a fantastic way to bring history to life in an interactive setting.
3. Get Hands-On at We The Curious (Reopening Soon!)
Bristol’s famous science museum, We The Curious, is set to reopen soon after renovations, making it an exciting place for kids to explore. This interactive museum is filled with hands-on experiments, creative installations, and fun workshops that encourage children to engage with science in a playful way.
4. Hunt for Street Art on a Graffiti Tour
Bristol is the home of the legendary street artist Banksy, and kids will love going on a street art treasure hunt around the city. There are self-guided or guided tours that take families through colorful alleyways, where they can spot giant murals and quirky artwork, inspiring creativity and conversation.
5. Get Lost in a Book at Storysmith
For little bookworms, Storysmith is a magical independent bookshop in Bedminster that specializes in children’s literature. They often host storytelling events and creative workshops, making it a perfect stop for an afternoon of imagination and wonder.
6. Visit the Clifton Observatory and the Giant’s Cave
Not just any viewpoint, Clifton Observatory is home to a fascinating camera obscura that projects live images of the surrounding landscape. Even better, you can descend into the Giant’s Cave, a natural cave hidden in the cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the Avon Gorge. It’s an unusual and exciting way to see Bristol from a different perspective!
7. Watch Planes Take Off at Aerospace Bristol
If your kids love planes and space, a visit to Aerospace Bristol is a must. The highlight? Seeing and stepping inside Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last Concorde ever built and flown. This museum is full of hands-on exhibits that teach kids about aviation history in an exciting way.
8. Discover a Secret Garden at St. Werburgh’s City Farm
Hidden in the heart of Bristol, St. Werburgh’s City Farm is a delightful escape where children can meet farm animals, explore vegetable gardens, and even enjoy a nature-inspired play area. It’s a peaceful yet unusual urban farm experience.
9. Bounce on a Floating Trampoline Park at AirHop Bristol
For something truly unexpected, head to AirHop Bristol, where kids can jump, flip, and play at one of the UK’s largest trampoline parks. Even more exciting, they have a floating inflatable obstacle course, which adds an extra challenge to their bouncing fun.
10. Experience an Interactive Theatre Show at The Wardrobe Theatre
Bristol is known for its independent and creative theatre scene, and The Wardrobe Theatre offers interactive, child-friendly performances that are anything but ordinary. Whether it’s a quirky puppet show or an immersive storytelling experience, it’s a great way to introduce kids to the world of theatre in a fun and engaging way.
11. Climb Aboard a Pirate-Themed Escape Room
For older kids who love puzzles and challenges, why not try a pirate-themed escape room? Escape Hunt Bristol offers a family-friendly escape room called “Blackbeard’s Treasure,” where kids can work together to solve clues and escape within the time limit. It’s a thrilling and unusual experience for the whole family.
12. Enjoy a Hot Chocolate in a Secret Garden at Beeses
Beeses is a hidden riverside café that feels like a secret retreat. Accessible by boat or a scenic walk, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a decadent hot chocolate while kids play in the garden and watch boats go by on the River Avon.
13. Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding at the Harbourside
For adventurous families, why not try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on Bristol’s Harbourside? Several companies offer kid-friendly paddleboarding sessions, making it a fun and unusual way to explore the city from the water.
14. Visit the Bristol Botanic Garden for a Jurassic Adventure
Take a step back in time at the Bristol Botanic Garden, where kids can see real-life prehistoric plants that existed when dinosaurs roamed the earth. They also run family-friendly workshops on nature, gardening, and conservation.
15. Explore Arnos Vale Cemetery with a Scavenger Hunt
It might sound unusual, but Arnos Vale Cemetery is a beautiful Victorian garden cemetery with hidden trails, wildlife, and even family-friendly scavenger hunts. It’s a fascinating way to explore history and nature in an unexpected setting.
Final Thoughts
Bristol is full of surprises, and these unusual activities are guaranteed to make your visit with kids even more memorable. Whether you’re exploring hidden caves, searching for Banksy’s art, or climbing into a giant’s cave, Bristol offers a mix of adventure, history, and creativity that will spark curiosity and excitement in kids of all ages. So next time you’re planning a family day out, try something out of the ordinary and experience the quirky side of Bristol!