Bristol is a vibrant city full of family-friendly activities that won’t break the bank. With a bit of planning, you can have a full day out exploring Bristol without spending much at all. Here are some top picks for inexpensive days out with kids in Bristol.
Explore the City Farms
Bristol has several fantastic city farms that offer free entry. These include Windmill Hill City Farm, St Werburgh’s City Farm, Lawrence Weston Community Farm, and Hartcliffe City Farm. The city farms have play areas, animals to visit, cafes, and plenty of outdoor space for children to run around. They often host free family events too. It’s a great rainy day activity that won’t use up much of your fostering allowance if you have foster children to entertain.
Visit the Museums and Galleries
Many of Bristol’s top museums and galleries offer free entry. M Shed is a great museum for families with interactive exhibits and boats to explore. Bristol Museum & Art Gallery has dinosaurs and mummies! Arnolfini is an art gallery with free family workshops. The RWA (Royal West of England Academy) has a free family art activity room.
Stroll Around the Harbourside
A walk along Bristol’s harbourside is free and fun for families. See boats, statues, and street art. Let kids splash in the fountains at Millennium Square. Combine it with a visit to M Shed museum. Stop for an inexpensive snack or ice cream on the way.
Exploring the Parks
Bristol has many beautiful parks perfect for family time. Our favourites include St George Park with its duck pond, Ashton Court Estate with woodland walks, and Blaise Castle Estate with its play areas. Pack a picnic or visit the park cafe. Look out for free events in summer like outdoor theatre.
Nature Hunt at Reserves
Bristol has small nature reserves that make for inexpensive day trips. Try Old Sneed Nature Reserve for pond-dipping and bug-hunting. Children will love the Wildlife Garden at Willsbridge Mill and its fairy trail. Or spot birds at Eastwood Farm Nature Reserve. Equip kids with nets and magnifying glasses.
Free Museum Events
Keep an eye out for free family events at Bristol Museum and other venues. There are often free craft activities, explorer backpacks to borrow, and workshops based on specific exhibits. Bristol Libraries also run free story times, Lego Clubs and other family activities.
Winter Ice Skating
An affordable winter activity in Bristol is ice skating at one of the pop-up rinks. College Green, Millennium Square, Cribbs Causeway and other locations set up rinks from November to January. Skating sessions start from around £6-8 per person. Wrap up warm!
Take a Street Art Tour
Bristol is famed for its colourful street art. Take a stroll around the city centre’s streets and neighbourhoods like Stokes Croft to spot works by Banksy, Inkie and other artists. Grab a map pinpointing street art locations or join a free guided tour.
By keeping an eye on community events listings and planning some inexpensive activities, families can have great days out in Bristol without breaking the bank. The key is knowing where to look for the best free activities and being flexible to go where the fun is!