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Discover the Best Family-Friendly Attractions in Bristol for a Memorable Travel Experience

A Family Adventure in Bristol, United Kingdom πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§

Located in the southwest of England, Bristol is a vibrant city with a rich history and a diverse range of family-friendly attractions. From interactive museums and wildlife encounters to picturesque parks and fun-filled play centres, there’s something for everyone in this bustling metropolis. In this guide, we’ll share our top picks for family-friendly activities to enjoy during your visit to Bristol. πŸ›«

πŸ›οΈ Museums and Galleries

Bristol is home to some fantastic museums and galleries that cater to families with young children. These interactive spaces offer a fun-filled and educational experience for kids of all ages. Some of our favourites include:

  • We The Curious: An interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and live shows that will keep your little explorers entertained for hours.
  • M Shed: A cultural museum showcasing the history of Bristol from prehistoric times to the present day, featuring interactive displays and fascinating artefacts.
  • SS Great Britain: Climb aboard this historic ship, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and explore its history through interactive exhibits and restored living areas.
  • Bristol Museum & Art Gallery: Discover a wide range of exhibits, from ancient Egyptian artefacts to impressive art collections and even a life-sized dinosaur!

🦁 Wildlife and Nature

For families who love spending time outdoors and getting up close with wildlife, Bristol has plenty to offer. Some popular attractions include:

  • Bristol Zoo Gardens: Home to over 400 species of animals, including lions, penguins, and gorillas, this zoo offers an exciting day out for the whole family. Don’t forget to check out the indoor play area and the interactive exhibits!
  • Wild Place Project: A conservation park focused on protecting endangered species, where you can meet animals such as cheetahs, giraffes, and lemurs, and even take part in a lemur feeding experience.
  • Brandon Hill Nature Park: A picturesque park in the heart of Bristol, offering stunning views of the city and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. It’s also home to Cabot Tower, which you can climb for an even better view!

🎠 Entertainment and Play Centres

When it comes to keeping the little ones entertained, Bristol has a variety of play centres and entertainment venues that cater to families. Some of our top picks include:

  • Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf: An indoor mini-golf course with two jungle-themed 18-hole courses, perfect for a fun-filled family activity.
  • PlaySpace: A large indoor play centre with separate play areas for different age groups, featuring slides, ball pits, and climbing frames.
  • AirHop Bristol: An indoor trampoline park offering a range of activities, including free jumping, dodgeball, and basketball.
  • Hollywood Bowl Bristol: A family-friendly bowling alley with arcade games, pool tables, and a diner for refuelling between games.

🍽️ Family-Friendly Dining

No family trip to Bristol is complete without sampling some delicious local cuisine. Here are some family-friendly restaurants that cater to all taste buds:

Restaurant Cuisine Kid-Friendly Features
Thali Cafe Indian Colourful decor, kids’ menu, and high chairs available
Atomic Burger American Comic book-themed decor, kids’ menu, and fun atmosphere
Za Za Bazaar World buffet Wide variety of dishes, child-friendly environment, and kids under 4 eat free
Pizza Workshop Italian Kids’ pizza-making classes, high chairs, and a relaxed atmosphere

🏨 Family-Friendly Accommodation

When it comes to finding a family-friendly place to stay in Bristol, there are plenty of options to suit all budgets. Some popular choices include:

  • Premier Inn Bristol City Centre: A reliable and affordable option with family rooms that can accommodate up to four people.
  • Travelodge Bristol Central: Another budget-friendly choice with family rooms and a convenient central location.
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre: A more upscale option with spacious family rooms and a range of amenities, including an on-site restaurant and fitness centre.
  • Berkeley Suites: For families seeking a home away from home, these luxury serviced apartments offer fully-equipped kitchens, separate living areas, and plenty of space for everyone to relax.

With so many family-friendly attractions and activities on offer, it’s no wonder Bristol is a popular destination for families travelling from Australia. We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to this charming UK city! 🌍

Top 10 family-friendly activities to do in Bristol, United Kingdom in 2023

1. Visit Bristol Zoo Gardens πŸ¦’

Start your Bristol adventure at one of the oldest zoos in the world, Bristol Zoo Gardens. With over 400 species of animals, the Zoo offers a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Don’t miss the interactive exhibits like the Bug World or the Monkey Jungle.

2. Discover the SS Great Britain βš“

Step aboard the world’s first great ocean liner, SS Great Britain. This living museum offers interactive displays and a gripping history, making it a fantastic educational day out for the whole family.

3. Explore We The Curious πŸ”¬

Formerly known as At-Bristol Science Centre, We The Curious is a state-of-the-art interactive science museum that encourages kids to ask questions and explore the world around them. The Planetarium is a must-see!

4. Roam Around Bristol Museum & Art Gallery πŸ–ΌοΈ

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery houses a vast range of fascinating artifacts, from ancient Egyptian mummies to modern art. The museum also runs regular family-friendly events and activities.

5. Enjoy the Outdoors at Ashton Court Estate 🌳

Spread over 850 acres, the Ashton Court Estate is the perfect place for a family picnic, a bike ride, or a leisurely walk. With a miniature railway and a deer park, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained.

6. Learn at Bristol Aquarium 🐟

At Bristol Aquarium you can explore more than 40 different displays featuring species from around the world. Be sure to check out the underwater tunnel for a truly immersive experience.

7. Get Active at Leap of Faith πŸ§—β€β™€οΈ

For families with a sense of adventure, Leap of Faith offers outdoor climbing, high ropes and a range of team-building activities. Suitable for children aged 4 and above.

8. Go Back in Time at M Shed πŸ•°οΈ

Located on the historic dockside, M Shed is dedicated to telling the amazing history of the city. Interactive exhibits make this a fun and engaging destination for all ages.

9. Play at Hengrove Play Park 🎠

The largest free play park in the South of England, Hengrove Play Park features a sand and water play area, climbing towers, a huge adventure play castle, and more. Perfect for a fun-filled day of play!

10. Shop at Cabot Circus πŸ›οΈ

Cabot Circus is a shopping destination with a difference. Besides all the shops you could hope for, it also offers a cinema, adventure golf, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Travel Gear Checklist for Bristol

Item Why You Need It
Pram or Stroller Perfect for long city walks
Car Seat Essential for safe car journeys
High Chair Great for meals in self-catered accommodation
Playpen Useful for safe playtime in new environments

Remember, if you don’t want to lug all this equipment with you, consider renting from a trusted source like Tiny Trek Rentals.

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