16 things to do in Bristol during October half-term 2018

We The Curious: What if I could change the World?

A day out at the city’s science centre this half term promises to be full of inspiration, with activities based on making discoveries and celebrating our power to make a difference. Team up to make a dream chain reaction machine, explore where great ideas begin in The Lightbulb Moment show, choose your space mission in ‘Solar System Odyssey’ and get involved with research projects as they happen. Plus weekdays only – the giant ball run is back on the second floor. Go and build!
www.wethecurious.org

Photo of  We The Curious by Paul Blackmore

Game design workshop for young girls
October 20 & 27
Acta Community Theatre, Gladstone Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 3AY
Get stuck in and use your gaming fingers to make your own game. The next generation of young girl gamers in Bristol is being offered the chance to take part in inspiring free game design workshop. The gaming design project works with young women and girls aged between 13-18 who are looking to break into the world of game design.
For more information or to book a workshop please email constance@grrrlgames.org

Young girls Gaming workshop

Week of the dead fiesta: family fun trail
October 20-28
American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath, BA2 7BD
It’s getting spooky at the American Museum in October who are celebrating the Day of the Dead for one week. If you’ve got what it takes, explore the gardens and see what happens on the fun family trail.
www.americanmuseum.org

Go into space
October 20-27
Immotion VR, Glass Walk, Cabot Circus, Bristol, BS2 9AB
Send your kids to outer space or to the bottom of the ocean with Delto Zero squadron, who are virtually diving into the abyss. Prepare for an edge-of-your-seat experience as you attempt to save civilisation from the threat of advanced alien technology.
www.immotionvr.com

Halloween: snakes and pumpkins
October 20-November 3
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Road, Bristol BS48 1PG
There’s pumpkins galore at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm this half-term. Pumpkins are not just for carving but great fun for racing. Get involved and see if your pumpkin will be the first to the bottom of the hill or just end in a smashing mess.
www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk

The scariest witch in the west
October 20-November 4
Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA.
The wicked witch will be wondering through the zoo, while activities including a Halloween mystery trail will be going on around the 12-acre site. Come and roam around and get up close with some otherworldly creatures.
www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Meerakats with Pumpkin at Bristol Zoo Gardens

Giant bionic bug trail
October 20-November 4
WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT
If you love creepy crawlies then head to WWT Slimbridge to join in the Giant Bionic Bug Trail. Explore the wetlands searching for the big bugs in their natural habitat and learn some fun facts. Then immerse yourself in the more bug activities like pond dipping and making your own bug house.
www.wwt.org.uk

Scary claws and spooky tours
October 20-November 4
Bristol Aquarium, Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5TT
Get up close and personal with some creatures from the deep. Are you brave enough to touch a lobster’s claw? Would you feed some giant piranhas? What if they were vegetarian? If your answer is yes then head to Bristol Aquarium this half-term.
www.bristolaquarium.co.uk

Wildlife Photographer of the Year
October 20-February 24
M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN
If your little one is mad about wildlife then pop into the M Shed to see this year’s collection of stunning photographs from Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Be mesmerised by dozens of beautiful, surprising and sometimes bizarre images that will bring you face to face with animals in the wild.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk

Spooktacular Halloween half-term fun
October 21-24
Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire, GL13 9BQ
Immerse yourself in all that is Halloween in this ideal setting at Berkeley Castle. Perfect if you love spooky stories, enjoy carving pumpkins or just want to get involved in a scary adventure around the grounds.
www.berkeley-castle.com

Wizard adventure weekend
October 27 & 28
Avon Vale Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bristol, BS30 6HD
Ever fancied being a wizard? Avon Vale Railway is the place to be if you fancy having a go and becoming a student at Grand Old School of Wizardry.
www.avonvalleyrailway.org

Gothic tales family trail
October 27-November 4
Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1NX
Spooky family fun can be found at Tyntesfield this October with a family trail through the grounds. Follow the clues to unlock the secrets of the Gothic tales. A fantastic way to explore Tyntesfield and join in the spirit of Halloween.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Spooky fun
October 27-November 4
Avon Valley, Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Bristol, BS31 1TP
Enjoy a spooktastic day out at Avon Valley this Halloween. As usual, there will be plenty of activities for all the family. Spooky characters will be roaming the park to test your courage and a new addition this year is the Trick or Treat doors, you’ve got to join in to see what’s in store.
www.avonvalley.co.uk

Skeleton and friends
October 29
Children’s Scrapstore, 21 Sevier Street, St Werburgh’s, Bristol, BS2 9LB
Come and get ready for Halloween at this costume and prop-making session. You can even create your own creature using the wonderful Scrapstore resources. Session runs from 1.45 pm-3.15pm.
www.childrensscrapstore.simplybook.it

Coding Bug 
October 30-November 1
Viper Innovations Ltd, 45 Martingale Way, Portishead, BS20 7AW
Become a coding expert with these workshops teaching you how to create a spooky game. A fun opportunity to learn about coding and technology with a Halloween theme.
www.codingbug.co.uk

Halloween quest
October 31
Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bristol, BS3 4EA.
There is a spooky barn at Windmill Hill City Farm this half-term waiting for the bravest of adventurers to enter. There’s lots to do like apple bobbing and potion making and if you collect all the tokens and finish the game you might get a surprise.
www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk

The Spooky Ship
October 31-November 3
Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Great Western Dockward, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol BS1 6TY
It’s getting really quite frightful on the SS Great Britain this Halloween. Board the spooky ship and get transported back to Victorian times. Explore the ship, every nook and cranny, but beware: there may be ghosts lurking in the shadows.
www.ssgreatbritain.org