Things to do in Bristol during the 2018 summer holidays

Keep the whole family entertained this summer with some great activities around the Bristol area.

Rocketship Adventure
To July 31
We The Curious, Bristol, BS1 5DB

Suitable for children under the age of six, let your little ones’ imaginations run free as they join Stella the bear in search of a new home for Ursa who, according to legend, was a great bear that was too big to live in the forest. You will be surrounded by amazing visuals and sounds that will transport you away from the chaos of earth. Hold on as you zoom to the moon, passing the sun and out, out, out into space to discover what’s out there.

Friday Twilights at the Zoo
July 6-August 17
Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA

Friday Twilights at the Zoo are back by popular demand. You’ve seen and heard the sounds of wildlife during the day, but what about during the evening? This is your opportunity to see the animals after hours, and whilst the sun sets there will be live music by local artists as well as family activities.

Bristol Harbour Festival
July 20-22
Various venues

It’s that time of year again, when the harbour comes alive with a whole host of different activities. There will be something for everyone in the jam-packed programme of events, which includes plenty of family fun, lots of live music, an eclectic mix of circus performances and some maritime activities.

Festival of the Fishes
July 21 – Sept 2
Bristol Aquarium, Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5TT

There’s plenty to do and see at the Bristol Aquarium this summer, including the Festival of the Fishes. Learn about the incredible environment down below the waves and how all the many species survive. It’s not all about looking in the tanks: you can get involved and learn first-hand too.

Around the World in 37 Days
July 21 – 28
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PG

Little explorers can roam free around the zoo this summer, in search of the wide range of species that are native to countries far and wide. Join in the festivities to celebrate this journey through each of the continents: all you need is a trail map and you could also be entered into the competition to win a Zoo Keeper’s Experience.

The elephants can cool off in the water at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm

The Natural Theatre Company: Shakespear Undone!
July 25 – 29
Brunel Institute, Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, BS1 6TY

Immerse the family in some theatrics this summer with Shakespeare Undone! as The Natural Theatre Company brings to life one of Shakespeare’s unpublished plays, which he wrote when he was a youngster. Enjoy the setting of the SS Great Britain as you watch the play unfold around you.

Aardman Model Making Workshops
July 26 – 29
We The Curious, Millennium Square, Bristol, BS1 5DB

If your kiddies love model-making then We The Curious have something to get their teeth stuck into. An expert from Aardman Animations will guide them through the process of making their very own models of much-loved local characters Wallace and Gromit.

Captain Cauliflower and Marvin the Mischievous Moose
July 28
The Wardrobe Theatre, 25 West Street, Bristol, BS2 0DF

If you’re looking to escape the everyday, then come along to The Wardrobe Theatre and join in the magic adventures of Marvin The Mischievous Moose and Captain Cauliflower as they take on their arch nemesis Onion Man. Suitable for all the family, there will be clowning around, playfulness and a whole lot of laughter.

Crane Rides
July 28 -29
M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN

The M Shed’s biggest exhibits will be open for the family to experience for this weekend only, so if you have some budding engineers in the family then make sure you don’t miss it. The electric cranes and the Fairbairn crane on the dockside will come alive for you to experience what their vital role was in life during the time that Bristol was a working port.

Bristol’s Brilliant Archaeology Festival
July 28
Blaise Castle House Museum, Henbury Road, Bristol, BS10 7QS

Go back in time at Blaise Castle and take part in a full day of events. Marvel at the re-enactments, get educated by the demonstrations or get stuck in with the archaeological activities including mini excavations – and, best of all, let your little ones fully immerse themselves in the experience by dressing up. There will also be a Roman feast to enjoy.

Vintage Transport Day
July 29
Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton, BS30 6HD

Join in the celebrations at Avon Valley Railway as they commemorate our road and rail transport heritage. There will be a lots of vintage transport to see and explore. So if you have some vehicle-spotters in the family then pop along and join in the fun.