Welcome to Broke in Bristol – the blog that helps you save money, make money and live life to the full on a budget.The holidays may have started off gloomy, but don’t despair we’ve got 10 free things for you to do with the kids that’ll brighten up everyone’s day. Have we missed anything? Feel free to share your events on our Facebook page. Enjoy the holidays!
1. Tue 25 Oct. Free Ghoul School
I’ll be taking Little Miss Diva to this free event in Cabot Circus tomorrow (Tuesday 25 Oct) between 11 and 4pm to concoct her own magical potion. There will also be storytelling, competitions and a photo booth.
2. Tue 25 Oct. The Big Draw
Another Bristol Family Arts Festival highlight is The Big Draw at the M Shed on 25 October. The theme this year is The Steam Powered Big Draw Festival, which brings together science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM). Children will be encouraged to draw and explore ideas before making their own creations.
3. All week. Briswool
The giant 3-D knitted version of our city is now available for everyone to view at the Bristol Energy Hub on the Harbourside until 31 October. 250 volunteers spent three years making this creation out of hundreds of balls of wool and the exhibition was previously on show at the M Shed. You can also take part in Woolly Workshops on 27 & 29 Oct.
4. All week (phone to book). My Pet Pals workshops
You’ve still got time to put your little pet lovers through pet school with a free Pets at Home workshop in Eastgate or Brislington where they can learn how to care for their little friends. They can learn how to look after fish, rabbits and wild birds and on Saturday 29 there is a Special Halloween Small Furries Fancy dress workshop in Brislington, which Little Miss Diva will absolutely love!
5. Fri 28 Oct. Family Spooktacular Event
This Friday 28 October there’s a free Family Spooktacular Event in Millennium Sq from 12 ‘til 5pm. The kids can dress up in their Halloween costumes and expect loads of fun. Bring a couple of quid as proceeds will go to Children in Need.
6. Sat 29 Oct. Black History Month
Celebrate Somali culture at this fun family day for everyone. You can have a go at craft activities, dressing up and creating your own Somali name. Free entry, donations welcome.
7. Sat 29 Oct. Super Saturday
This is a free drop-in arts workshop taking place at Children’s Scrapstore in St Werburghs as part of the Bristol family Arts Festival. Pop in on Sat Oct 29 from 10:30 ‘til 2pm and see what you can make.
8. Sat 29 Oct. Halloween Party in Kingswood
There’s another free Halloween party on Sat 29 Oct which is also being hosted to raise money for Children in Need. Expect fun, games, competitions and prizes as well as food and drink at the Kingswood Community Centre from 1:30 ‘til 4:30pm. All proceeds will be doubled by Lloyds Bank and will go towards helping children less fortunate.
9. Sun 30 Oct. Mexican Day of the Dead
One highlight of the Bristol Family Arts Festival is Mexican Day of the Dead at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery on 30 October. Here, children can make sparkly skulls and Mexican style decorations and dress up for a selfie with La Catrina.
10. Sun 30 Oct. Pumpkin Carving
Carve pumpkins and listen to some spooky stories with Kids Cre8 at the Tobacco Factory Market this Sunday from 11:30 – 2pm. Pick up a pumpkin for £1 or bring your own. Free event, donations welcome.
That’s 10 free things to do with the kids this autumn half-term. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page for the best local money-saving tips.
