18 unforgettable local adventures for kids in Bristol – from exploring secret ice caves at the Dream Factory to a 15-metre T-Rex hidden at Avon Valley

The SS Great Britain caused huge excitement when it launched from Bristol in 1843. Known as ‘the world’s first great ocean liner’, it was by far the largest ship in the world back then. Going on to sail around the world 32 times and travelling more than 1,000,000 miles at sea. Today, you can climb aboard Brunel’s iconic ship at Bristol Dockyards and earn the life and legacy of this engineering achievement.

Make sure to Go Aloft! and climb the rigging over 25 metres above ground level. But you can always stay more grounded as you explore the Historic Dockyard & Museum. Or head below for a ‘glass sea view’ of the SS Great Britain in the original dry dock.

Aimed at anyone aged seven and over, Adventure Bristol’s Tree Tops lets you swing above Mansion House in Ashton Court like your George of the Jungle. Ah, watch out for that tree! The high ropes course offers a range of obstacles and challenges to overcome, from swinging bridges to zip lines, net traverses and walkways. There are more than 20 individual challenges to try.

Not just about the adrenaline, Tree Tops is also designed to help build confidence, develop teamwork and communication skills, as well as push you to new heights. It’s a test of strength, balance, coordination and nerves as you navigate your way through the treetops. Just don’t monkey around up there!

You’re never too young to appreciate good music. And at Candlelight, tributes dedicated to artists like Adele and Taylor Swift, as well as film scores and epic Hollywood soundtracks, make for the perfect way to introduce the kids to live-music concerts. Taking place inside Bristol’s most gorgeous venues, these concerts are a great way to hear stunning classical renditions of the music both you and the youngsters love. Attendees must be aged 8 years or older to attend a Candlelight concert and anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. To see all Candlelight concerts in Bristol head here.

The merging of the Wild Place Project and Bristol Zoo is still very much a work in progress. But there’s still plenty for kids to do at Bristol Zoo Project—including the new immersive ‘African Forest’ habitat. With over 50 acres to explore, meet exotic animals like giraffes, gorillas zebras, cheetahs, meerkats and many others.

Meanwhile, kids can run wild in plenty of play areas, like the Fun Fort, Congo Bongo and Butterfly Maze. Plus there’s plenty of woodland, a meadow and nature to explore – home to many native species, from birds and bats to newts, rare butterflies and deer. Perfect for those children who need to let their wild side out!

Bristol’s aviation achievements are pretty amazing. The first aeroplane factory was set up here in 1910, and the city has remained at the forefront of flight and space technology ever since. You can learn all about it at Aerospace Bristol. It is also home to one of the last supersonic passenger jets in the world, Concorde, as well as the Aerospace galleries, Concorde hangar, and Conversation in Action Workshop. Plus, there’s an outdoor play area, funtastic for younger children.

We The Curious, the city’s science museum, boasts more than 200 interactive exhibits across two floors. Including Project What If, an invitation to a mysterious world of possibilities where art and science collide—from making giant bubbles to stepping into a tornado and launching parachutes. The UK’s first 3D digital Planetarium also has a host of new presenter-led shows, including seasonal stargazing.

Now that your little ones have got the artistic bug, where better to head than one of Bristol’s best art galleries? Arnolfini regularly has some spectacular exhibitions. But if you’re looking for something particularly child-friendly, then the gallery has you covered too. Take a look at its schedule for regular workshops and clubs fit for children and families here.

If your kids are starting to get into cooler things than animals and aeroplanes, then you’re still in the right place. Bristol has some of the most spectacular street art in the world, especially if you’re on the hunt for work by the world-renowned Banksy.

To hunt down the best street art in Bristol, this exploration game should make things a little easier (and a lot more fun). Follow clues, decipher graffiti messages and find out secret stories as you admire the impressive street art. Children aged 15 and under can play free of charge with the purchase of an adult ticket too! Get yours here.

Described as the world’s first ‘Amazement Park’, Wake The Tiger has captured the imaginations of young and old. From the artistic team behind Boomtown, this fantastical immersive adventure for all ages blurs the lines between an experimental art gallery, interactive theme park and detailed film set. Having just opened a new location in London, Wake The Tiger’s Bristol site has now rebranded as the Dream Factory, but it’s still the same old maze of immersive environments, secret passageways, hidden forests, temples, ice caves and mesmerising wonders.

Perfect for escaping autumn rain or summer heat, Bristol Aquarium is an underwater journey from local British coastlines to tropical coral reefs. Walk beneath sharks in the glass tunnel, explore lush indoor greenhouses, and join daily feeding talks. You won’t come closer to marine life in Bristol.

Looking to keep the learning up over the holidays? M Shed is one of the best things to do with kids where you can discover the history of Bristol. This free museum explores the city’s history from prehistoric times to the 21st century. Aimed to challenge and inspire, M Shed unearths the lesser-known stories of our city, as well as offers a wealth of objects, art and archives to bring these stories to life. While working exhibits on the harbourside include steamboats, trains and cranes.

Are your little ones always playing ninjas? You have to take them to Ninja Warrior Adventure Park to truly test their skills. Inspired by the hit ITV game show, expect a mix of adrenaline-fuelled TV show-style courses and inflatable runs. Such as the infamous Warped Wall – where the aim is to run as fast as possible up a steep wall to reach the top – the energy-draining Mount Sasuke and an ultimate assault course to race through. Great for those looking to wear the kids out a little… Every age can get involved, and there’s even a Mini Ninja soft play area for children under three.

Whatever the season, whatever your interests, Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park always has something special for the kids to do in Bristol. With over 90 acres to explore, you’ll find everything from the extinct monsters of Earth’s past in Dinosaur Valley (like a 15m T-rex!) to the park’s very much alive farm animals. Your kids can also climb the outdoor adventure playground, ride a mini Jeep safari, and spin on the carousel. Plus, from summertime activities to pumpkin patches at Halloween, it’s always worth keeping an eye out for unique, seasonal events!

The 400 acres of parkland surrounding Blaise Castle is simply magical. Perfect for sparking the imagination and is great for hiking through and exploring. See if you can find the Giant’s Footprint or Goram’s Chair! In the middle, you’ll find Blaise Castle House Museum and Estate, featuring a 19th-century mansion and the iconic folly castle – as featured in Jane Austen‘s Northanger Abbey.

Discover everyday objects from centuries past in the museum, including Victorian toilets and baths, kitchen and laundry equipment, model trains, dolls, toys and period costumes. While there is also a nearby cafe to rest up at, while the kids burn off energy at the adventure playground.

You could spend all day petting pigs sheep, rabbits, chickens, cows and many more animals at Windmill Hill City Farm. But there are so many things for kids to do here at this volunteer-run farm in Bedminster. You’ll find a café and a farm shop, plenty of green space for a picnic, community gardens, tree canopies and vegetable patches and a monthly market. If that wasn’t enough, there’s a children’s nursery, community and kitchen gardens, play areas and a 5-a-side football pitch!

It’s not even the only free innercity farm you can visit in Bristol. St Werburghs City Farm, recently made famous by Stephen Merchant’s The Outlaws, boasts five unique outdoor sites – from a working city farm to urban allotments. It’s home to sheep, goats and chickens, sometimes pigs and turkeys, while the one-acre community garden is perfect for a picnic. Check out the award-winning St Werburghs City Farm Café while you’re here for a groundbreaking hyper-local menu.

Originally opened in 1869 by the Midland Railway, Avon Valley Railway serviced the route between Birmingham and the South Coast. But since the 1970s, it has operated heritage trains to the Avon Valley. Bringing back the old sounds and smells of the steam railway. Trains run over 120 days each year (usually weekends and school holidays), which you can ride. But you can also visit the beautifully restored Victorian station, enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in the station buffet and pick up a railway-themed souvenir in the gift shop.

Kids bouncing off the walls bored at home? Take them to AirHop Bristol at Cribbs Causeway. It’s the world’s biggest family-friendly trampoline park, with over 140 trampolines spanning the walls and floor. Plus plenty of other obstacle courses and activities to jump into. For those 6 and under, AirHop also runs dedicated MiniHopper Takeovers for a fun and safe environment.

Another historic boat on Bristol’s harbourside, just opposite M Shed, The Matthew is popular for both boat tours and sailing trips. This faithful reconstruction of John Cabot’s ship, used when he discovered Newfoundland in 1497, is free to visit when moored. Climb on board, look around, head to the upper decks, and chat with knowledgeable guides.

But The Matthew also offers several unique sailing experiences, an amazing thing to do with kids if they like their pirates! Choose from shorter 50-minute cruises around Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour to four-hour trips down the River Avon. One of the best things to do with kids is the pirate-themed boat tour, with a quick stop for fish ‘n’ chips and sea shanties from local pirates!