Schools out for summer! It’s been a tough few months for parents across the UK so let’s make the most of what our city has to offer this summer by squeezing in as many of these 25 family-friendly activities as we can while staying safe. Don’t forget to like Broke in Bristol – & beyond on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to never miss an update.
Mon July 20
Bricklive Ocean @Bristol Zoo Gardens
Get your money’s worth out of a trip to the zoo by visiting while Bricklive Ocean takes over Bristol Zoo Gardens until Sept 6. See if you can spot sea turtles and octopuses among the 50 sculptures made out of half a million toy bricks. It’s not the cheapest day out with prices starting at £11 for children but should be well worth it especially after such a long period of being stuck indoors.
Mon July 20 onwards
Adventure playgrounds
You’ll need to check the individual websites before heading on out but most of our city’s outdoor playgrounds have now reopened including Felix Road Adventure Playground and this really is a fab way to spend a free afternoon during the school holidays.
Mon July 20 onwards
Drive Thru Mini Safari @Avon Valley Adventure park
The Adventure Park in Keynsham is currently open for pre booked mini safari and Riverside Walk sessions and staff are working hard to open up the park a bit more in August. The Drive Thru Mini Safaris are a safer way to visit the park and cost just £3.50 per car.
Friday July 24
Drive-in Movies @Ashton Gate Stadium
Step back in time and take the family to a drive-in movie at Ashton Gate where you can watch Anchorman on Friday July 24. It’s £25 per car – so if you have a family of five it works out at a bargain price of just £5 each and you don’t have to be sneaky about bringing your own popcorn, sweets and drinks either – although you can purchase them there.
Friday July 24
Toddler Takeover online
Put a tent up in your living room or garden and join We the Curious and Lachlan for some toddler fun and games. Whose friendly, furry faces will you meet? And how will Lachlan EVER get to sleep when he’s so afraid of noises outside in the dark? Sounds like fun, this Toddler Takeover event is most suitable for under 5s.
Friday July 24
Haunted and Hidden
The Haunted and Hidden Bristol Walking Tour is now running every Friday night at 8pm for advance bookings only. Tickets are £5 or £3 for children, check out the event’s Facebook page.
Sat July 25
Drive-in Movies @Ashton Gate Stadium
On Saturday you can take the family to see Cool Runnings at 9:15pm. Doors actually open two hours prior and there will be entertainment as well as the chance to buy food and drink if you feel like pushing the boat out.
Saturday July 25
Bristol Food & Film Festival
Woodlife Presents: The Bristol Food & Film Festival where you can binge watch films from midday til 8pm. For full details check out the Bristol Food & Film Festival Facebook page.
Saturday July 25
Fishponds Massive Sale Trail
Fishponds is hosting its very own sale trail with stalls outside various addresses in Fishponds between Eastville Park and Straits Parade including the Fishponds community orchard. This is a free event from 11 ’til 3pm, check out @Fishfest on Facebook.
Date tbc
Luke Jerram’s Sky Orchestra
Bristol artist Luke Jerram has a real treat in store for us this month! Sky Orchestra will take over the city’s skyline at dawn and lift the spirits of Bristolians after months of isolation due to lockdown. No-one knows what date this is going to take place so keep an eye on Broke in Bristol – & beyond and I’ll let you know as soon as I do.
Monday July 27
Bollywood Fit At Home
Farrah is running online classes where the whole family can learn Bollywood for just £5 per household. Some weeks there will be a bit of Bhangra thrown in too – tune into the live stream at 6pm on Monday’s or catch up on YouTube later.
Sunday July 28
The Bristol Coddywomble
From 6pm performers will step out of their front doors filling the streets with music, circus and visual treats for The Bristol Coddywomble. Audiences can watch from their windows and doorways, or come outside to interact with the entertainers from their doorsteps.
Wed July 29 onwards
Avon Gorge Trips
All aboard for a half day trip along the Avon Gorge this summer!. It’s not the cheapest option at £18.50 per adult but these three and a half hour boat trips are a great way to see the city’s sights while putting your feet up.
Thursday July 30
The remarkable life of Alfred the gorilla @Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Apparently, to a generation of war-time Bristolians, Alfred the gorilla and Rosie the elephant personified a visit to Bristol zoo. This free online talk will explore the fascinating story of Alfred the gorilla but you’ll need to book in advance.
Friday July 31
The Goonies (12A) at Cowley Manor, near Cheltenham
Prices start from £13 so again it’s not the cheapest but it could be the perfect family treat day after months of being stuck indoors. Check out their Facebook page for more films and don’t forget to book in advance.
Friday July 31
Bspoke16 Artists, Makers & Designers
This Artist, Makers and Designers Trail runs across three days in the BS16 area starting on Friday 31 July through to August 2. Exhibitors will display their creations outside their homes following social distancing guidelines.
Sat Aug 1
Froglets Sports Sessions
Wick Football Club has now reopened and these 50 minute sports sessions should help tire your little ones out with prices starting from £6.50.
Sat Aug 1
Witchcraft & Wizardry
Think you have what it takes to solve a mystery? Grab your wands and don your cloaks as you hit the streets of Bristol on Saturday the 1st of August 2020. This spell-binding outdoor adventure game will take your team on a mysterious and magical journey across town. £36 for a ticket for six people – kids play free.
Sat Aug 1
Jurassic Park (PG), Gloucester
Check this out – you can enjoy the Oscar-winning Jurassic Park in the outdoors on the big screen. Tickets start at £10 and you’ll need to book in advance.
Thu Aug 6
Staple Hill & Friends Scarecrow Trail
Join in the Scarecrow Trail in Staple Hill and surrounds from the 6th to Sun Aug 9. Make a scarecrow of a famous person or people, display it outside your home and enjoy looking at other scarecrows in the neighbourhood. This is a free event that all the family will love.
Friday August 21
Drive-in Movies @Ashton Gate Stadium
Get the family together for this screening of Mamma Mia showing from 9:15pm with entertainment starting two hours before. It’s £25 per car and you’re allowed six people if you can squeeze them all in!
Thursday August 6 to Sunday 9
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
A highlight of Bristol’s event calendar, the fiesta is back this year but not as we know it. There will be a Fiesta Flypast and Virtual night glow but organisers say Ashton Court will not be open to visitors and urge people to stay and watch the balloons from their gardens.
Saturday August 8
Giggling Gecko Kids Club
It’s back! Every month, younger visitors to The Galleries shopping centre will be able to get creative with a range of exciting and stimulating arts and crafts at the free Giggling Gecko Kids Club – giving parents the excuse to go shopping!
Friday August 28
Dirty Dancing by Alfresco Film Co @Mercure The Grange Hotel, Bristol North
It’s not the cheapest, but you could treat yourself to this alfresco cinema experience and reminisce with friends while watching this classic. Tickets start at £12 and the film is suitable for 12 years plus.
Sunday August 30
Beer, Cider & Sausage Festival @The Swan, Tytherington
Due to health and safety reasons, the festival is ticketed this year and prices start at £5.00 which include a branded festival cup and a free ale or cider from the outside bar. Children under 18 can come along for free but you’ll need to let organisers know when you book your ticket.
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