Family Breaks in Bristol & Surrounding Areas

Bristol is well known for being a truly vibrant city, bursting with character and a rich heritage, but it’s also wonderfully family friendly. With so many museums, parks and attractions to boast about, Bristol should be high up on your list for a family break. 

Easy Transport & Accessibility 

Bristol is one of the most compact and accessible cities, making it a breeze to walk around, even if you’ve got wheelchairs or pushchairs. As the UK’s first cycling city, you’ll also enjoy traffic-free cycle paths and plenty of opportunities to hire bikes, so no need to worry about packing your own in the car. Transport links across buses, trains, park and ride, e-scooters, even by boat, are easy and plentiful to come by. 

Variety of Indoor & Outdoor Attractions

One of the great things about planning a family break in Bristol is the variety of attractions you can explore. There’s no need to depend on the undependable British weather either, as so many wonderful things to do with kids in Bristol are indoor and outdoor.

With the city centre easily accessible, you’ll have a host of local attractions to choose from on your family break in Bristol. 

Interactive Museums & Science Centres 

As far as family activities go, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is a great starting point to really get to know the city’s archaeology, natural history, and so much more. M Shed is a social history museum based in a 1950s transit shed if you fancy a space that’s a little more unconventional. You could go all the way back to Victorian times with an immersive experience at Brunel’s SS Great Britain or head off into space at We The Curious where you’ll enjoy the UK’s first digital 3D planetarium. 

Zoos, Aquariums & Animal Experiences 

If you love family activities with animals, you’ll love the Bristol Zoo Project, where you can experience bears, cheetahs, wallabies and even a pack of wolves. With a focus on conservation, you’ll have a choice of talks, displays and experiences to enjoy. Go underwater at Bristol Aquarium, where you’ll venture underwater and see rays, turtles, seahorses and sharks floating all around you. 

One of the most unique things to do with kids in Bristol is the multi-award-winning Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is home to over 100 species, including African elephants, zebras, meerkats, not to mention their terrific array of birds of prey. If all else fails, the kids will love the 10 different play areas!

Seasonal Events & Soft-Play Areas

Family breaks in Bristol are wonderful at any time of the year, but the city is renowned for many seasonal events, such as Europe’s largest street art festival Upfest, the Bristol Harbour Festival, and the famous Bristol Balloon Fiesta. There’s fun for all ages at Freedog Bristol, boasting a trampoline park, ninja activities, foam pits, and soft play. If you’ve got really little ones, Wild Things Soft Play in nearby Cribbs Causeway offers an indoor play area, play cafe and craft workshops for kids aged 7 and under. There’s also a great cafe with barista coffee and plenty of sweet treats and snacks to keep everyone entertained.

Some of the largest parks and playgrounds can be found in Bristol city centre, including Castle Park, Brandon Hill, Queen Square and Clifton Downs. All offer a range of different facilities and spaces. If you’re venturing a little further, check out Avon Valley Adventure Park; set among stunning countryside, it’s a great value day out for the whole family where you can discover interactive sessions, displays, play areas and so much more. Wake The Tiger is the UK’s largest immersive art experience and the world’s first Amazement Park®. Perfect for kids and teens, the whole family can go on a voyage of discovery through more than 40 immersive and interactive spaces. 

Nature Trails & Cycling Routes 

As a cycling city with plentiful countryside, there are plenty of routes, trails and paths for the whole family to explore. The Bristol and Bath Railway was the first ever route to be created on the National Cycle Network and remains one of the most popular as it’s an easy 16-mile ride between Bristol Harbourside and the World Heritage City of Bath. Also from Bristol Harbourside is the 9-mile Festival Way to Millennium Park in Nailsea, via the stunning Ashton Court Estate.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel in Bristol then you need look no further than the Aztec Hotel & Spa.

Family Rooms & Extra Bed Options 

With a small choice of family rooms that can take up to 2 adults and 3 children as well as some interconnecting rooms too, the Aztec is an ideal stay for your family break in Bristol. We’re also dog-friendly so feel free to bring your furry member of the family along too. 

Leisure Facilities & Pool Access 

Enjoy some family time in our spacious pool or let the kids splash around while you relax. If you’re able to snatch away some time for yourself, we have a fantastic spa where you can explore the sauna, steam room, our fully-equipped gym or treat yourself to a pampering session.  

Breakfast & Flexible Dining 

Our morning menu is ideal for the whole family with pastries and homemade breakfast rolls, so you’ll be starting the day in the best way before your journey to Bristol begins. We also offer all day menus so you and the kids can always have a little of what you fancy whenever you like during your break.