Things to do in Bristol during the summer holiday

Games workshop for girls
August 1 & 6-8
Various venues
Bristol Women’s Voice are running free summer sessions around the city where fames-mad girls can go and make games in the company of others. Absolute beginners are welcome at these free sessions, which are suitable for young people aged 13-18 and run between 10am-3pm including a free lunch. Sessions will take place at The Vench in Lockleaze on August 1 & 8, Knowle West Media Centre on August 6 and Docklands Youth Centre in St Paul’s on August 7.
To book a place email constance@grrrlgame.org or call 07812 170 29

Windmill Hill City Farm summer activities
August 1-23
Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bristol, BS3 4EA
Being outside in nature is good for everyone’s soul, so take the family to the city farm this summer and enjoy one of the many special activities that will be happening, quite apart from visiting the cafe, play spaces and usual menagerie of animals. Drop-in Wood Water Fire sessions (to August 22) will teach you to explore and appreciate nature, while Wild Outdoors Club (August 2-23) and is all about cool crafts, cooking, nature activities and outdoor games. On August 15, families also have the chance to ask We The Curious’ Curious Cube (a mirrored structure that comes to life) any questions they have.
www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk/whats-on/events

African Carnival
August 4
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PG
Something that will definitely be fun for the whole family is seeing a pride of African dancers moving their way through Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm to celebrate World Lion Day. The event will include acrobats, African dancers, drummers and giant African carnival animals. You can have a go at drumming and take part in dance demonstrations. Fundraising activities will also be happening at the Big Cat House throughout the day, raising money for the Safina Lion Conservation Fund.
www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk

Zip wire fun at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
August 9-12
Ashton Court Estate, BS41 9JN
The annual Balloon Fiesta returns, as family-friendly as ever. Get the kids out of bed early for a dramatic mass ascent of up to 100 balloons before breakfast; explore the sprawling site during the day for live entertainment, fairground rides and a fun park; stay late for the spectacular night glows. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first ever fiesta and will be celebrated with balloons in some incredible special shapes, including one in the form of an enormous birthday cake.
www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

Simbaloo special shape balloon – photo by Jess Siggers

Hoo-Ha!
August 16-18
Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR
Colston Hall’s popular family festival in now it’s in its fourth year, with a programme that jam-packed with more free fun than ever before. The whole family can enjoy shows, activities, comedy and arts and crafts in the venue’s open-plan foyer, including the ever-popular Junior Rave. Some ticketed shows will take place at Bristol Folk House on Park Street too.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/hoo-ha-2018

Hoo-ha Festival favourite Junior Jungle Rave returns

Fairy Door Trail
August 19
Blaise Castle House Museum, Henbury, Bristol, BS10 7QS
Children aged between three and ten can enjoy this magical free event. Discover all eight of the fabulous fairy doors that have been hidden somewhere in the grand house to win a sticker, and learn some history as you go along. Make sure to pack a picnic and make a family day of it in the beautiful surroundings of the Blaise Castle Estate.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/blaise-castle-house-museum/whats-on/fairy-door-trail

Blaise Castle Estate will come alive with a special summer trail

Become Brunel’s apprentice
To September 2
SS Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Bristol, BS1 6TY
Brunel is looking for his next apprentice. Could your little one could be it? Various events take place until early September, all of which are either included in the usual admission price to the ship or are free. Test your engineering skills by picking up a satchel full of activities to complete on board the ship, climb the rigging to see Brunel’s work from a whole new perspective, or meet Mr Brunel himself at the daily summer science show.
www.ssgreatbritain.org/whats-on/become-brunels-apprentice-summer

Mr Brunel is looking for an apprentice

Maize Maze
To September 2
Cattle Country Adventure Farm Park, GL13 9EW
Once just an indoor play barn on a farm when it opened 30 years ago, Cattle Country now offers a huge range of activities throughout the summer months for the whole family. Get lost exploring the labyrinthine Maize Maze, and then enjoys some of the other special summer events: daily pig racing, pantos, meet-and-greet sessions with the farm’s mascot and falconry shows all run until August 31.
www.cattlecountry.co.uk

Cattle Country’s Mazie Maze is a truly family-friendly puzzle

Gromit Unleashed 2
To September 2
Across Bristol
You can’t have missed the fact that there are more then 60 giant sculptures dotted across Bristol, as The Grand Appeal puts on its third arts trial across Bristol. Each sculpture of Wallace, Gromit and arch nemesis Feathers McGraw has been individually designed by a different local artist, so you’ll want to see them all before they are taken off the streets and auctioned for charity. Download the app to help you tick them all off.
www.grandappeal.org.uk/trails-exhibitions/gromit-unleashed