There’s no getting away from the fact that school holidays are more expensive than term time but you can still have fun without breaking the bank. Here’s my pick of 14 fun things to do with the kids this February half -term which are either free or cheap. Feel free to leave your suggestions for things to do with the kids on the Broke in Bristol (& beyond) Facebook page and don’t forget to check out 12 places kids can eat free or for £1.
M Shed: During half-term you can book a free behind the scenes tour of the M Shed where the whole family can learn about Bristol’s industrial and maritime past. There are tours on Wednesday: 11.30am and 3pm, Thursday: 11.30am and Friday: at 11.30am. You can book a space on a tour at the Box Office at M Shed or by calling 0117 352 6600. The M Shed is free to enter although there is a charge to enter some exhibitions and donations are welcome.
Clifton Suspension Bridge: The Visitor Centre is open daily from 10am to 5pm and entry is free. Free tours of the bridge take place on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays at 2pm from November through to March. Reserve a place or simply turn up on the day.
Weston-Super-Mare: The sun is shining so why not pop along for a walk along the beach? I took (not-so-little) Miss Diva yesterday along with my dog Caramel and we had a lovely sunny walk and popped into a few charity shops before heading on back to Bristol. We didn’t go on the pier as we had the dog, but Visit Bristol is running a competition to win wristbands for a family of four (2 adults 2 children) at The Grand Pier in Weston-super Mare. Check out their Facebook page before midday on Wednesday February 15 for your chance to win. There’s also a free scavenger hunt and free face painting in the Coral Room.
GLOW Festival returns to Weston from February 15 to 18 and promises to light up the town with a sparkling display of illuminated works and performances. Tickets are pay what you decide and must be booked in advance.
Avon Valley Railway (10, 11, 15, 17 and 18 February). Book a ride on the steam railway train in Bitton this half term and they will be half price so £3.50 for 15s and under.
12 places kids can eat free or for £1 this February half-term
Cinema: Every morning during the school holidays you can take the kids to the cinema to watch a kids film from just £2.49 – not the latest releases but at least it will get you out of the house for a few hours. Check The Vue and Odeon websites for what’s on this February half-term.
Bristol’s Adventure playgrounds: there’s one in St Pauls, Southmead, Felix Rd and Lockleaze. Kids can play for free where they can make new friends and have some outdoorsy fun.
Blaise Castle: talk a walk in the woods, explore the estate and have fun at the playpark after. Pack a picnic and a flask to save even more money.
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Merchants Academy Sports Centre: You’ll have to be quick but there’s a free sports day happening today for children aged 6 t0 16 – you’ve got ’til 2pm today February 14. It’s worth checking out the Hartcliffe Club for Young People as there is always lots going on for kids and teens.
Bristol Museum: The play area has reopened since the pandemic and there’s loads of stuff for kids to do. Entry is free although donations are welcome.
History Walk: Old City: Discover some of the events, people and places that earned Bristol a place in national history, culture and the arts. This is a 1.8 mile walk so is not suitable for younger children.
The Great Bristol Elephant Adventure: Bristol’s cultural venues are running a week of free activities over February half term, with RWA, Bristol Old Vic and M Shed taking part. Pick up a free trail booklet for A Great Bristol Elephant Adventure from any of the participating venues.
Aerospace Bristol: Families of children who receive free school meals can enjoy a free visit to Aerospace Bristol this February half-term. Up to two adults and three children can get in for free and the offer is not just during school holidays, but all year round. It would usually cost £65 for a family of five but they can revisit as many times as they want throughout the year for free.
Curious Cure Museum Trail at John Wesley’s New Room: Hidden in the museum are mysterious potion bottles and kids are encouraged to explore John Wesley’s World of marvellous medicines.
Have I missed anything? Share other events on the Broke in Bristol (& beyond) Facebook page and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for all open the latest deals, discounts and days out. You can also check out 12 places kids eat free in Bristol this February half-term.
