I used to dread the school holidays because it meant spending more money to keep Little Miss Diva entertained. Many people will be feeling the same this October half-term as the cost of living crisis leaves people with very little money in their pockets.
One thing I love about Bristol is there are so many things to do with the kids no matter what your budget. I’ve picked out the best free and affordable family-friendly activities this half-term so that the school holidays can be filled with fun without breaking the bank.
- During half-term M Shed’s Think Global: Act Bristol exhibition explores big environmental questions affecting people in Bristol and the world.
- Clifton Suspension Bridge is running History Handling Sessions which are free to attend but must be booked in advance through the website.
- Younger children will love Bristol Cathedral’s free Crafty Cathedral event running every morning during the school holidays.
- The Royal Photographic Society is hosting fun family activities at Paintworks including a Stop Motion Animation and Paper Light Drawing Workshop and family film screenings on the 24 and 30 October.
- Afterwards, pop across the road to Arnos Vale for an autumnal picnic if the weather’s nice where kids can play in the play park and go wandering in the woods after.
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7. 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.
8. If the weather’s nice check out one of Bristol’s Adventure playgrounds – there’s one in St Pauls, Southmead, Felix Rd and Lockleaze. Kids can play for free.
- There’s a free puppet building workshop at St Georges on Wednesday 26th and a spooktacular lantern carnival through the city centre on Sunday October 30th.
10. We always like to have one treat day too and the good news is that doesn’t have to be expensive either. We are planning a day trip to Weston-super-mare to see See Monster which is an old oil rig which has been transformed into one of the UK’s biggest free art installations.
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11. Kids will be able to hop onboard and there are events for younger ones like storytelling running throughout half term week.
12. On Tuesday October 26 Disney’s Encanto is showing at the Blakehay theatre and you can buy a group ticket for £12.50 – this is a film showing rather than a theatre performance but singing along is encouraged.
13. There’s also spooky goings on taking over the Grand Pier for half-term week with free face-painting to keep the little ghouls happy.
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 the latest deals, discounts and days out.
