30 family events happening in & around Bristol during the summer

Keep the whole family with this summer survival guide:

Holiday Story Time
To August 27 (every Tuesday)
Coopers Balcony, Old Vic Theatre, King Street, Old City, Bristol BS1 4ED
Everyone loves a good story. Come and listen to some magical adventures from the storytellers then take the time to make up your own. Entry is free.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/school-holiday-story-fun

Let your imaginations run wild with the storytellers at the Bristol Old Vic

Big Bear Sculpture Tour
To September 1
Wild Place, Blackhorse Hill, Bristol BS10 7TP
Are you ready for a bear hunt? Explore the grounds at Wild Place Project and follow the trail as you’re taken on a journey around the world to find 20 giant bears, each with their own story. Prices start from £7 for children when purchased online.
www.wildplace.org.uk/whats-on/bigbearsculpturetrail

Global Adventurers
To September 1
WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT
Go on a journey of discovery across the wetlands of the world and take part in all Arctic Adventure activities. From North America to the Arctic Russian Tundra. Prices start from £7.10 for children when purchased online.
www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge/whats-on

Go on an Arctic Adventure at Slimbridge

Aardman: Animating Early Man at M Shed
To November 3
M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN
This is ideal for any aspiring animator. Discover the secrets of animation and learn how Aardman made Early Man. Prices start from £6 for adults and under 16s go free.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/whats-on

Learn about what goes on behind the scenes in animation

Bristol Harbour Festival
July 19-21
Various venues
Why not join in with the celebrations at the Harbour Festival this summer? There will be something for everyone, from music and dancing to food and drink. A weekend of family fun and some events are ticketed.
www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk

Sci Fi
July 20
Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton BS30 6HD
If you love sci-fi then head to Avon Valley Railway. This is no ordinary steam ride as you’ll meet creatures and other life forms from around the galaxy such as Darth Vader and K2. Prices start from £6.50 for children.
www.avonvalleyrailway.org/events

Set Sail For The Summer Spectacular
July 20–September 1
Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Great Western Dockward, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol BS1 6TY
The Invisible Circus has come to the SS Great Britain this summer. Be amazed at the acrobatic display that will take place amongst the rigging whilst telling the tales of the past. Prices start from £9.50 for children when purchased online.
www.ssgreatbritain.org/whats-on/summer-spectacular

Summer Rays!
July 20–September 1
Bristol Aquarium, Anchor Road, Bristol BS1 5TT
Rays are in the spotlight at the Bristol Aquarium and learn all about this mysterious fish. Prices start from £9.30 for children when purchased online.
www.bristolaquarium.co.uk/mc-events/summer-rays

Get up close and personal with Rays this summer

Stone Age Summer
July 20–September 1
Cheddar Gorge and Caves, Cheddar, Somerset
Enthusiastic historians should head to Cheddar Caves this summer as it’s all about the Stone Age. Get involved with a variety of hands on activities to uncover hidden secrets. Prices start from £16.95 for children when purchased online.
www.cheddargorge.co.uk/whats-on

Go back to the Stone Age at Cheddar Gorge

Summer holidays: Climate action!
July 24 – August 31
We The Curious, One Millennium Square, Anchor Rd BS1 5DB
Get creative and find solutions to help our planet at We The Curious. Prices vary depending on party size.
www.wethecurious.org/event/summer-holidays-climate-action

Children’s Nature Trails
July 25
Dyrham Park, Dyrham, Chippenham SN14 8HY
Get back to nature at Dryham Park and enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors. A perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful parklands. Prices start from £6.75 for children.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Enjoy the outdoors at Dyrham Park

Horrible Histories – Awful Egyptians
July 25-27
Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ
Go back in time to hear about the horrible histories of the past, watch history come alive and listened to the fascinating stories. Tickets start from £13.
www.atgtickets.com/shows/horrible-histories-awful-egyptians

Listen to some amazing stories from the past

Fantasy Forest   
July 20-21
Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5JD
A fantastical family weekend full of music, entertainment and fun. Explore the grounds and get involved in all that’s going on, such as meeting the Glastonbury dragons and the enchanted players. Prices start from £17.90 for children when booking online.
www.fantasyforest.co.uk

Lots of family fun at Sudeley Castle this summer

Bowood’s Summer Garden Party
July 27
Bowood House, Old Rd, Derry Hill, Calne SN11 0LZ
Hands up if you enjoy a garden party? Bowood are hosting this summer so take the family along and get involved with garden games, have a go on the bouncy castle and satisfy your tastebuds with the BBQ. Prices start from £8 for children when booking online.
www.bowood.org/event/category-house-gardens-bowoods-summer-garden-party/

Venomous Snakes of the World Show
July 27–August 7
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Road, Wraxal, Bristol BS48 1PG
If you love snakes then Noah’s Ark is for you this summer. Pete Blake is back to showcase his group of venomous snakes, including rattle snakes, Puff Adder and King Cobra himself. Prices start from £11.55 for children when booking online.
www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk/events/pete-blakes-snake-show

Stepping back in time at Berkeley Castle

Celebrate Summer at Berkeley Castle
July 28-September 1
Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire, GL13 9BQ
Go back in time and experience life in the castle. Learn to be a jester, listen to the tales of old or simply marvel at the courageous knights. Prices start from £7 for children.
www.berkeley-castle.com

Arty animals with artist Christine Allison
July 31
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1RL
Meet Christine’s menagerie of interesting animals and get creative, creating your own curious animal. Prices are £10 for children when booking online.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/whats-on

Get creative and get inspiration from the museum

Hoo-Ha!
August 1 – 8
Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR
The popular family festival is back with another jam-packed programme. Lots for the whole family to enjoy from music and comedy to arts and crafts. Free entry with some ticketed events that start at £13 for children.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/hoo-ha-2019

Lots of family fun to be had at Colston Hall

Valley Fest 2019
August 2-4
Denny Lane, BS40 8SZ Chew Magna
Head to Chew Lake this summer to celebrate the food and drink of the South West. As usual, there’ll be plenty to see and do, such as entertainment from Junior Juggle and Planet Pretend. Prices vary.
www.valleyfest.co.uk

A celebration of the South West at the Lakes

Bristol’s Brilliant Archaeology Festival
August 3
Blaise Museum, Henbury Road, Bristol BS10 7QS
Ever wondered what it would be like to be an archaeologist for the day? Head to Blaise Museum in August for a chance to find out. Entry is free but donations are welcome.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/blaise-castle-house-museum/whats-on

Calling all archeologists, Blaise Museum needs you!

The Bird Show
August 4
The Wardrobe Theatre, 25 West Street, Old Market, Bristol BS2 0DF
Follow the journey of Henry the Heron and Sally the House Sparrow as they deal with the threats to their homes while forming a new friendship. A very energetic show with puppetry and low-fi acrobatics with prices start from £8.
www.thewardrobetheatre.com/livetheatre/the-bird-show

Public running at Ashton Court Railway
August 4 & 18
Ashton Court Railway, BS8 3PX Bristol
Enjoy ride on the miniature railway this summer at Ashton Court and choose between steam, electric or petrol engines. Prices start at £1.50 for a ride.
@ashtoncourtrly

It’s a mini adventure at Ashton Court Railway

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
August 8-11
Ashton Court Estate, BS41 9JN
The annual Balloon Fiesta returns, as family-friendly as ever. Watch the dramatic mass ascent before breakfast, the fairground rides and a fun park and stay late for the spectacular night glows. Entry is free.
www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

Don’t miss the spectacular night glow

Summer Courtyard Cinema Club: Kiki’s Delivery Service
August 13
The Lanes, 22 Nelson Street, Bristol BS1 2LE
Join Kiki, the witch, and her cat Jiji as they embark on an adventure to get Kiki’s power’s back.

www.facebook.com/summercourtyardcinemaclub

Come on an adventure with Kiki and Jiji

Alice in Wonderland with Immersion Theatre
August 16
Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol, North Somerset BS48 1NX
Sit back and relax on the croquet lawn at Tyntesfield as the Immersion Theatre entertain you with this musical of Lewis Carroll classic. Prices start from £8 for children.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Enjoy the outdoor theatre this summer at Tyntesfield

Gruffalo & Stick Man Weekend
August 17- 18
Cattle Country Adventure Farm Park, GL13 9EW
Are you a fan of The Stick Man or The Gruffalo? Visit Cattle Country this August, with prices starting at £10.99 for an adult when purchased online.
www.cattlecountry.co.uk

The Detective Project: CSI Kids
August 19
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust, West Lodge, Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bath Road, Bristol BS4 3EW
Head to Arnos Vale this half term to find out what it would be like to be part of the crime scene investigation team – you’ll even get to keep your CSI suit. Prices start from £11.35.
www.arnosvale.org.uk/events/the-detective-project-csi-kids/

Summer Fun Day
August 25
Hartcliffe Community Farm, Bristol BS13 0QH
If you’re looking for good old fashioned family fun then head to Hartcliffe Community Fayre this bank holiday. A traditional fayre with plenty of kids entertainment, food and animals and entry is free.
www.facebook.com/Hartcliffefarm

Summer Screens Outdoor Evening Events
August 28–September 1
Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA
Enjoy movie night at the zoo this summer. Over five evenings the grounds will transform into a movie theatre showing an array of films from sci-fi to musicals. Prices start from £10.50 for children when purchased online.
www.bristolzoo.org.uk/whats-on/summer-screens

Sit back and relax whilst watching a film with the family

30th Birthday Celebrations Summer Holiday Finale!
August 30-September 1
Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham BS31 1TP
There’s a big celebration happening at Avon Valley this summer as it’s their 30th birthday. Lots of family fun including the infamous family water fight. Prices start at £7 for children when purchased online.
www.avonvalley.co.uk/events/30th-birthday-celebrations

Come and join in with the birthday celebrations

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