Bristol Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Bristol
This itinerary offers a fantastic mix of free outdoor adventures, engaging museum experiences, and thrilling ticketed attractions, ensuring a memorable and budget-conscious weekend for families with children aged 3-12 in Bristol. We've balanced high-energy activities with more relaxed options, keeping little ones' nap times and bedtimes in mind. Remember to check specific opening times and book tickets in advance for paid attractions, especially for family deals, as dates approach.
Friday Evening - Creative Family Fun
Friday, January 2Interactive Storytime
Many Bristol libraries host free, interactive storytime sessions perfect for younger children, often including rhymes, songs, and sometimes a simple craft. While specific January 2026 schedules aren't available yet, central libraries like Bristol Central Library often have regular Friday afternoon sessions. This provides a relaxed, engaging start to the weekend.
Ideal for children aged 3-7, but all ages are welcome. Kids will love the animated storytelling and chance to participate. Libraries are stroller-accessible and have toilet facilities. Duration is typically 30-45 minutes.
Central Library is located near College Green, accessible by many bus routes. Parking can be challenging in the city centre; consider Trenchard Street car park (paid) or public transport. Stroller access is good inside the library.
Family Pizza Night
Enjoy a relaxed family dinner at a budget-friendly, kid-welcoming pizza restaurant.
Places like The Stable (Harbourside) or Pizza Express often have kids' menus and a lively atmosphere. This allows for a casual meal before heading home for early bedtimes.
The Stable offers a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of space and a good kids' menu. Children can enjoy watching the activity on the Harbourside if seated by a window. Toilets and highchairs available. Early timing ensures kids aren't overtired.
Located on the Harbourside, easily accessible by walking if staying centrally. Nearest paid parking is Millennium Square Car Park. Good public transport links to the city centre.
Saturday - Amazing Animal Adventures
Saturday, January 3Bristol Zoo Project
Spend the morning exploring Bristol Zoo Project (formerly Wild Place Project), where kids can discover amazing animals from around the world in expansive, natural surroundings. Highlights include giraffes, zebras, and a troop of lemurs. It's an excellent opportunity for children to learn about wildlife conservation.
Perfect for energetic kids, offering plenty of space to run around. Age suitability: 3-12 years. Features include an outdoor play area, covered areas for animals, and picnic spots. Stroller accessible paths throughout. Toilets and baby changing facilities available. Allow 3-4 hours.
Located off Junction 17 of the M5, with ample free parking available on-site. Several bus services also stop near the entrance (e.g., Service 1).
Picnic & Playtime
After your animal adventures, enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch within the grounds of Bristol Zoo Project or at a nearby park.
Alternatively, grab a bite at their cafe, which offers kid-friendly options. This allows for flexible dining and some free play.
The Zoo Project has designated picnic areas where families can enjoy packed lunches, saving money. Their cafe offers a range of hot and cold food, including children's meals. Ample space for kids to play after eating. Toilets and baby changing facilities are readily available.
Stay within the Zoo Project grounds, so no additional transportation is needed.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Experience the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Walk across with the kids and visit the free Visitor Centre to learn about its history and engineering marvels. The views of the Avon Gorge are spectacular and make for great family photos.
A fantastic outdoor activity suitable for all ages. Kids will enjoy walking over the bridge and seeing the heights. The Visitor Centre has interactive displays for older children and interesting facts for parents. Stroller-friendly paths across the bridge. Toilets are available at the Visitor Centre. Allow 1-1.5 hours.
Limited paid parking available near the Visitor Centre in Clifton or Leigh Woods. Several bus routes serve Clifton Village, a short walk to the bridge. Consider combining with a walk from Clifton Village.
Harbourside Sunset
Enjoy an early evening stroll along Bristol's vibrant Harbourside.
Take in the sights of the colourful boats and historic buildings. Grab an ice cream or a warm drink from a local vendor as you watch the sunset (weather permitting). This offers a relaxed end to an active day.
A gentle wind-down activity for all ages. Kids will enjoy seeing the boats and perhaps spotting some street performers. Paved, stroller-friendly paths. Numerous places to grab a treat. Public toilets are available along the Harbourside.
Easily accessible by foot if exploring the city centre. Public transport to the city centre is frequent. Paid parking available at Millennium Square Car Park or other city centre car parks.
Sunday - Discovery & Play
Sunday, January 4M Shed Museum
Explore the M Shed, Bristol's social history museum, located on the Harbourside.
It offers engaging and interactive exhibits about Bristol's past, present, and future, including working exhibits of cranes and boats outside. Many displays are accessible and interesting for children.
Great for a relaxed Sunday morning. Children (especially 5+) will enjoy the interactive elements, seeing real vehicles and cranes. Stroller-friendly with lifts and ramps. Toilets and baby changing facilities available. On-site cafe. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Located on the Harbourside, a short walk from the city centre. Paid parking at Wapping Wharf Car Park nearby. Accessible by numerous bus routes, and the Bristol Ferry Boat stops right outside.
Millennium Square Play
Right outside M Shed, Millennium Square offers open spaces for kids to run around, fountains to splash in (weather permitting), and often interesting public art installations.
It's a great spot for children to burn off some energy after the museum visit.
An excellent free outdoor space for children aged 3-12. They can run, play, and interact with the public art. Paved and stroller-friendly. Nearby cafes and eateries for snacks. Public toilets are available in the surrounding area.
No additional transport needed, as it's directly outside M Shed. Paid parking available at Millennium Square Car Park.
Park & Playground
Conclude your weekend with some outdoor fun at a local park.
Ashton Court Estate offers vast green spaces, deer spotting, and a fantastic adventure playground suitable for a range of ages. It's the perfect way to let kids have a final run-around before winding down for the school week.
The adventure playground is a major draw for kids of all ages. There's plenty of space for ball games, walking, and exploring. Toilets and a cafe are available on-site. The estate is stroller-friendly with many accessible paths. Allow 1-1.5 hours.
Ample paid parking available within Ashton Court Estate. Accessible by bus (though routes might require a walk to the main areas). Driving is often the easiest option for families.
This weekend itinerary for Bristol can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.