Fun things to do with kids in Bristol and Bath
Plan a family-friendly day out this summer in Bristol and Bath. From adventure playgrounds to interactive experiences, summer exhibitions to creative activities – these top picks are guaranteed fun for kids of all ages.
Looking to entertain kids in Bristol and Bath over the summer holidays? Whether you're local or visiting these vibrant cities in the West of England, this guide will help you plan the perfect family-friendly day out.
Bristol is most known for the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, being the alleged birthplace of Banksy, and home to Aardman, the beloved animation studio that gifted us Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run. While Bath is most known for its preserved Roman baths, rows of elegant Georgian townhouses, and connection to literary sensation, Jane Austen.
So if you're looking for the perfect family day out in Bristol or Bath this summer, keep scrolling to discover our top five family-friendly museums to visit in each city.
For more inspiration on great days out as a family: discover the museums offering family-friendly experiences this summer with Kids Aloud. And make sure to pack a National Art Pass, Plus Kids to enjoy great benefits together.
Plan family-friendly days out in Bristol over summer
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Meet Alfred the Gorilla, draw your favourite dino, marvel at an original Romany wagon. There's so much for curious kids to discover at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery across their three floors of displays spanning art, natural history, wildlife, archaeology and more. Entry to the main museum is free and there are lots of creative and interactive activities so that you can explore, play and learn together. There's a free picnic area, a pushchair park, a dedicated breastfeeding space, and extra wide lockers for folding buggies. For children with SEND, ask reception for a free 'Little Bag of Calm'. This includes ear-defenders, fiddle-toys and visual prompts to ensure everyone can enjoy this family-friendly museum.
RWA (Royal West of England Academy)
Did you know that the RWA is Bristol's oldest art gallery? While some families may shy away visiting art galleries with children in tow, the RWA is actually a brilliant day out for all. Its dedicated family activity area lets children get creative, build with Duplo, dress up, or unwind with a book in the reading corner. Visitors are welcome to grab a free sensory bag from reception, filled with noise cancelling headphones, hand puppets and fidget toys. They run a free family art workshop once a month and there are special events during the school holidays suitable for children of different ages and needs.
Arnolfini
A hub of creativity and world-leading contemporary art, Arnolfini is a fun day out for creative kids and adults alike. To keep little ones entertained while exploring the exhibitions, pick up an 'eye spy guide' from the front desk to help you learn about the art together and drop by the Arnolfini Art Cart for free colouring-in activities. During the school holidays, they also run art-making workshops and family-friendly events. And if you're looking to refuel, the Bar has a dedicated children's menu and even offers free babyccinos.
Tyntesfield
For families looking to escape the city, Tyntesfield is a great option, and you can even catch a bus from Bristol city centre to the historic Gothic Revival house. There are four outdoor play areas for kids of different ages to enjoy, including the home farm play area, equipped with a tractor to climb on and slides to explore. Head to the woodland play area if the sound of a den village and sculpture trail is more their thing. During the summer holidays, there's plenty more fun to be had, including crazy golf, giant chess, and Pokémon challenges. And if the weather isn't on your side, why not explore the house's richly decorated interiors and art collection together – can you spot the narwhal tusks or the Victorian rocking horse?
M Shed
Dive into the history of Bristol, from the prehistoric period to today, in this free, family-friendly museum housed in a 1950s transit shed. To entertain little ones, there are activity trails, a dressing-up station, a pretend shop and a toy vehicle table. There are also opportunities to take a train ride, go on a historic boat trip, and experience a working crane in action. Don't miss their summer exhibition celebrating 50 years of the local animation studio Aardman. Please note: this exhibition is subject to charge.
Plan family-friendly days out in Bath over summer
Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Budding scientists, astronauts and astronomers can discover the secrets of the planets from the very place where Uranus was discovered. Learn all about the former Georgian townhouse's past occupants – astronomers and musicians William and Caroline Herschel, who were also brother and sister. Over the summer holidays, families can go on a solar system trail, get crafty with felt, and experience an immersive planetarium show. Please note: the planetarium experiences take place in Bath Central Library.
No.1 Royal Crescent
Step through history in this immaculate Georgian townhouse on one of Bath's most famous streets, which also featured in the much-loved Netflix series Bridgerton. It reveals what life in the 18th century was like for both the wealthy middle class who lived upstairs, and the working class who served them. During the summer holidays, children can get dressed up, play Georgian games, and take part in craft activities.
Museum of East Asian Art
From ceramics and lacquerware, to items made out of bamboo and jade, the Museum of East Asian Art is home to a stunning collection of 2,000 objects from 5,000 BC to today. In select Mondays during the summer holidays, children are welcome to be as loud and energetic as they like while exploring the exhibitions and the kid-friendly activities and games on offer.
Victoria Art Gallery
Victoria Art Gallery prides itself on being a family-friendly space. With creative activities, colouring-in and family trails, visitors with little ones can discover the exhibitions and art on display together, in a way that's accessible and engaging for all. On the first Saturday of each month, they also offer relaxed hours so that children with SEND can experience the gallery's offering in a calm and enjoyable setting. From watercolours to printmaking, creative kids can take part in special workshops over the school holidays.
Beckford's Tower and Museum
Climb to the top of Beckford's Tower to discover panoramic views of Bath, and discover the story of writer, collector and sugar plantation owner William Beckford, told through his significant collection of art, literature and historic objects. On select Thursdays during the summer holidays, kids can connect with nature, creativity and play in dedicated family-friendly sessions.