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What’s on for Kids in Bristol and North Somerset: Summer 2018

What's on for kids in Bristol and North Somerset

UPDATED FOR 2021:
Top things to do in Bristol with Kids this Summer – 2021

WHAT’S ON FOR KIDS IN BRISTOL AND NORTH SOMERSET?

FREE THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN BRISTOL – INDOORS

BLAISE CASTLE HOUSE MUSEUM

See how people lived through time – what they wore, the toys they played with and how they managed their household chores. 

BRISTOL MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY

Explore collections of art, nature and history on display in this beautiful building. Find out about the last billion years of Earth’s history, explore the region’s natural wonders and discover more about peoples’ lives, past and present. Click here for Special Events at Bristol Museum.

BRISTOL CATHEDRAL

Take a look around Bristol Cathedral. Follow this link for Bristol Cathedral Summer Activities.

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THE GEORGIAN HOUSE MUSEUM

Discover what a Bristol sugar plantation and slave owner’s home might have looked like around 1790. Eleven rooms spread over four floors reveal what life was like above and below stairs, from the kitchen in the basement where servants prepared meals to the elegant formal rooms above. More details on the Georgian House Museum website.

M-SHED

See amazing film and photographs, listen to moving personal stories, encounter rare and quirky objects and add your own memories of Bristol through the interactive displays. From prehistoric times to the present day, M Shed tells the story of the city and its unique place in the world. Click here for What’s on at M-Shed.

THE RED LODGE MUSEUM

What secrets lie behind the bright red door? Step inside the TARDIS and experience more than 400 years of history in the museum where you feel you have left the modern world behind. From ‘royal party house’ of the 16th Century to Victorian reform school for girls, see how the lodge has changed over time. More details and opening hours at The Red Lodge Museum website.

FREE THINGS TO DO IN NORTH SOMERSET WITH KIDS – OUTDOORS

ABBOTS POOL

Abbots Pool is a hidden gem near Abbots Leigh, North Somerset on the outskirts of Bristol. The woodland with a large pond centrepiece dating back to medieval times offers a free outing with free parking. Children enjoy natural pursuits here, from racing pooh sticks in the stream to playing hide and seek with a woodland backdrop. Check out our Abbots Pool video for more info.

PORTISHEAD BEACHES

Why not visit one the Beaches in Portishead? Click here for general Coastguard Safety information.

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GREAT BRITISH WILDFLOWER HUNT

Visit www.plantlife.org.uk/wildflowerhunt to take part in Plantlife’s Great British Wildflower Hunt.

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WHAT’S ON FOR KIDS IN BRISTOL AND NORTH SOMERSET – WITH AN ENTRY FEE

AEROSPACE BRISTOL

What's on for kids in Bristol and North Somerset?

Aerospace Bristol tells the amazing story of Bristol’s world-class aerospace industry and gives you and your family the chance to step aboard a British icon, Concorde Alpha Foxtrot. Designed, built and tested in Bristol, she was the final Concorde to be built and the last to fly. There’s loads to discover at Aerospace Bristol, starting from the earliest days of powered flight, through to today’s cutting-edge aerospace technology.

And just for the summer, get ready for a cracking adventure when you visit Gromjet – a high-flying Gromit – will who here for the summer and will be giving Concorde a run for its money with its jet powered backpack launching him to new heights – literally! Take off on Gromjet’s Flight Path, a fun, family adventure and see if you can find all the Gromjet clues hidden throughout the museum. This trailblazing Gromit, will be free to visit as part of the Gromit Unleashed 2 trail until 2nd September.

OPENING HOURS: 10am – 5pm. Last entry: 4pm (one hour before closing)
MORE INFO AND BOOK AEROSPACE TICKETS ONLINE 

SS GREAT BRITAIN

What's on for kids in Bristol?

Become Brunel’s Apprentice this summer. Visit the SS Great Britain and included in the entrance fee is the loan of an engineer’s satchel. Filled with all the tools needed to explore the ship with new eyes, children will be able to use the contents to solve problems and get an insight into some of the skills required to become an engineer!

Also new for 2018 and included in the ticket price is the Being Brunel Museum which celebrates the life and legacy of Britain’s great engineer. Here you can discover never-seen-before personal possessions and experience Brunel’s life through his own eyes in an immersive audio visual experience.

SPRING/SUMMER OPENING TIMES
Until October 2018 open: 10:00am to 6:00pm. Last entry: 5:00pm (one hour before closing)
BOOK SS GREAT BRITAIN TICKETS ONLINE AND SAVE 5%

BRISTOL ZOO

This Summer you can visit our amazing animal houses, watch fascinating animal talks & feeds, explore our exciting trails and enjoy some fun activities! There’s something to entertain the whole family.Plus, when tickets are booked online, for each paying adult a child can come into the Zoo for free! Use code ‘FREECHILD’ at the checkout to redeem.

NOAHS ARK ZOO FARM

Focus on Noah's Ark: Biggest Zoo in the South West. What's on in North Somerset this summer?


Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm houses over 100 species of animals in over 100 acres of beautiful North Somerset countryside. It’s easily accessible from both Bristol and Portishead. Here are ten good reasons to visit Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm plus handy info & tips on making the most of your outing and how to get the best value tickets.

PORTISHEAD OPEN AIR POOL & COMMUNITY CAFE


Saved by the community for the community, Portishead Lido has a heated open air main pool, heated toddler pool, tuck shop and community cafe next door. Overlooking the Bristol channel this is an amazing place to get away from it all, have a dip, watch ships go by, enjoy the views and while away a few hours. Opening hours, prices and busy day policy on Portishead Lido website.

SPECIAL EVENTS IN BRISTOL AND NORTH SOMERSET WITH KIDS – SUMMER 2018

WHAT’S ON FOR KIDS IN JULY?

2nd July – 2nd September
GROMIT UNLEASHED 2

Gromit has returned to Bristol for his second starring role in the award-winning charity’s sculpture trails, but this time he’s not alone; the loveable pooch is joined by his pal Wallace and arch nemesis Feathers McGraw! The trail features over 60 giant sculptures designed by high-profile artists, designers, innovators and local talent. Sculptures are positioned in high footfall and iconic locations around Bristol and the surrounding area, perfect for a family day out around the city and beyond. Visit The Grand Appeal website for more details.

https://practicallyperfectmums.co.uk/whats-on-for-kids-in-bristol-and-north-somerset-summer-2018/

19th July – 19th August
THE BLAISE SUMMER FAIRY DOOR TRAIL

Pick up a free fairy door trail and discover the beautiful Blaise Castle House Museum. Can you discover all eight of our fabulous fairy doors? Check website for individual dates.

26th-29th July
AARDMAN MODEL MAKING WORKSHOPS at We The Curious

For families with children aged 5+. Additional charges apply.

28-29th July
PORTISHEAD FLOWER SHOW & COUNTRY FAIR

Suitable for all the family, three marquees host 300 flower, vegetable and craft classes, children’s classes, photographs and art work.  The Show will have a refreshment area, horse box bar, traditional ice cream and trade stands offering a variety of goods both inside & outside the marquee. Portishead Summer Show Website.

CRANE RIDES AT M SHED

Experience a working crane on the dockside with trips inside the electric cranes and the Fairbairn steam crane.

MAYFLOWER TRIPS AT M SHED

Explore the harbour aboard the world’s oldest steam tug, built in Bristol in 1861.

30th July
REBUILD BRISTOL:MINECRAFT MEETUP

We’ve made a 2km wide Minecraft map of Bristol Harbourside for you to completely rebuild! Bring your laptops and log in to our custom multiplayer server to freely explore the city. Farm pigs outside your school, turn your house into a palace, build a rollercoaster through the centre- whatever you can imagine!

Saturday 28th to Monday 31st July
UPFEST WITH THE SIMPSONS

Europe’s largest Street Art and Graffiti Festival in Bedminster and Southville. Matt Groening himself has handpicked three upfest artists from across the globe to bring a touch of Springfield to South Bristol! Download the festival map.

WHAT’S ON FOR KIDS IN AUGUST?
August 1st
BRISTOL PLAYDAY 2018 on College Green: 12 – 4pm

College Green will come alive with the sounds of play and excitement as Bristol Playday returns to provide the biggest free play event of the Summer. More info on the Playday website.

Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th August
TRAIN RIDES

Take a steam train ride on Bristol Harbour Railway from M Shed.

August 5th
ASHTON COURT MINIATURE RAILWAY

Public running days on. Click for times and ticket prices

Thursday 9th – Sunday 12th August
BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA

Europe’s largest annual meeting of hot air balloons, attracting over 130 Hot Air Balloons from across the globe. Held over four days in August at Ashton Court Estate, the event is completely free with charges made for parking on the event site. For tips on visiting the website as a family, check out our Bristol Balloon Fiesta Review and for this year’s full programme, visit Bristol Balloon Fiesta website.

Saturday 11 August 10am – 7pm
EAT: PORTISHEAD FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

A free to attend locally focused food and drink festival around Portishead marina with entertainment https://www.facebook.com/events/1787203391573447/

Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 August
CRANE RIDES AT M SHED

Experience a working crane on the dockside with trips inside the electric cranes and the Fairbairn steam crane.

Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 August
CRANE RIDES AT M SHED

Experience a working crane on the dockside with trips inside the electric cranes and the Fairbairn steam crane.

Saturday 25 – Monday 27 August
TRAIN RIDES

Take a steam train ride on Bristol Harbour Railway from M Shed.

August 26th & 27th
ASHTON COURT MINIATURE RAILWAY

Public running days on. Click for times and ticket prices

WHAT’S ON FOR KIDS IN SEPTEMBER ?

Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 September
MAYFLOWER TRIPS AT M SHED

Explore the harbour aboard the world’s oldest steam tug, built in Bristol in 1861.

CRANE RIDES AT M SHED

Experience a working crane on the dockside with trips inside the electric cranes and the Fairbairn steam crane

Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 September
TRAIN RIDES

Take a steam train ride on Bristol Harbour Railway from M Shed.

16th September
EMERGENCY SERVICES OPEN DAY 2018 at Police HQ Portishead

Police and Fire HQ in Portishead opens its doors to give local people the opportunity to see first-hand how the emergency services and partners work together to keep our communities safe.

Visitors are set to enjoy an action packed day with displays from the Avon and Somerset’s Police Dog, Mounted and Firearms sections and car cutting and animal rescue demonstrations from Avon Fire and Rescue.
Free event but booking is essential. Limited tickets available here

Friday 21st September
TODDLER TAKEOVER: FANTASTIC FEAST at We The Curious.

Suitable for children aged 1-5 and their families and it’s all about food! Visit website for more details

Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 September
CRANE RIDES AT M SHED

Experience a working crane on the dockside with trips inside the electric cranes and the Fairbairn steam crane

FAMILY THEATRE SUMMER 2018

8th – 19th Aug 2018 – SHREK at The Bristol Hippodrome BUY TICKETS HERE (affiliate)

11th August – Milkshake Live at The Playhouse, WSM. BUY TICKETS HERE

16th-18th August 2018 – HOO-HA! FESTIVAL at Colston Hall MORE INFO HERE
16th August – Dizney Rascal – Colston Hall Foyer
16th August – Nick Sharrat’s Drawalong – Colston Hall Folk House
16th August – Dan The Hat – Colston Hall Foyer
16th August – Junior Jungle Rave – Colston Hall Foyer
16th -18th August – Yogadoo Family Relaxation – Colston Hall Terrace Bar
17th August – Mischief and Mysteries in Moomin Valley – Colston Hall Folk House
17th August – It’s Time To Play with CBeebie’s Sid & Rebecca – Colston Hall Foyer
18th August – Rocktopus – Colston Hall Foyer
18th August – Fun DMC – FUN DMC
18th August – Kids Fantasy Orchestra – Colston Hall Foyer

What's on for kids in Bristol and North Somerset

20th – 22nd August – The Gruffalo’s Child at The Playhouse, WSM. BUY TICKETS HERE

10th September 2018 – JURASSIC PARK IN CONCERT at The Bristol Hippodrome – BUY TICKETS HERE (affiliate)

12th-13th September 2018 – TELETUBBIES LIVE at The Bristol Hippodrome – BUY TICKETS HERE (affiliate)

18th – 22nd September – CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG at The Bristol Hippodrome – BUY TICKETS HERE (affiliate)

HOLIDAY CLUBS SUMMER 2018

What's-on-for-kids-in-Bristol-and-North-Somerset-summer-holidays-2018 KIDS’ CLUB AT CLIFTON COLLEGE – 3-13 Years Old

This summer, Clifton College in Bristol are hosting their popular kids’ clubs, with a group suitable for all ages between 3-13 years old age. Each club includes a wide variety of activities all with the aim that your children enjoy themselves and learn different skills on the way.

The Mini’s Kids’ Club (3-4) focuses on personal development and interaction with others, while the Junior Club (5-7) focuses on encouraging children to pursue their interests and develop their skills through their own choice of activity. The oldest club, the Kids’ Club (8-13) promotes self-expression, confidence building, offering complete flexibility and choice of involvement.

Of course, all three groups offer FUN, with activities such as arts and crafts, outdoor play and even afternoon swim sessions (Kids’ Club and Junior’s Club).

What's-on-for-kids-in-Bristol-and-North-Somerset-summer-holidays-2018

Price for all clubs start from £22 for half a day and £44 for a full day. The Mini’s Club starts from 6 July 2018 while the Kids’ Club and the Junior’s Club starts from 9 July 2018. For more information, please visit Clifton College.

PORTISHEAD YOUTH CENTRE HOLIDAY SCHEME & SUMMER TRIPS

HOLIDAY SCHEME
6 weeks of exciting trips, activities and projects planned for children aged 8+ to get involved in. Drop your child off at 8.30am and collect them as late as 5.30pm each day. Half or whole days available.

A mix of arts and crafts, sports, games, dance, cooking and special trips and activities planned too
Visit Website for more information and to book.

SUMMER 2018 TRIPS
An action packed summer for all young people who are going to be in school year 7+ as of September. Join us for days out, projects and residentials as we celebrate the start of the summer, and for many the end of primary school! Outings include a BMX Flatland skills session with Matti Hemmings and a Woolacombe surfing day trip

Call 01275 842461 or email kim@portisheadyouthcentre.co.uk to register your interest.

ADVANCED BIKEABILITY

Bikeability Level 3 courses run during the school holidays to teach small groups of children and young people to cycle safely on the roads. For summer 2018 they’re training in Clevedon, Portishead and Churchill. They’re fully funded by North Somerset council and are a great resource for any children moving up to senior school in September.

To be eligible for this free training, your child must live in North Somerset, be aged 11+ and be a confident cyclist who can ride one-handed and look over their shoulder.

For more details or to book a course visit the Life Cycle UK website.

FESTIVAL SUMMER 2018

3rd – 5th August 2018
VALLEY FEST MUSIC FESTIVAL

Valley Fest is a family friendly festival in Chew Magna, Somerset, just south of Bristol. Click here to read all about our visit to Valleyfest!

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What's on for kids in Bristol and North Somerset

 

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