What's On in Avon

Biodiversity Detectives

Venue: Westonbirt Arboretum

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/family-trail-spring

Discover what lives at Westonbirt through a trail challenge and activities. Collect your detectives activity sheet from the Welcome Building to complete as you go, and return to collect your reward at...

Yate Shopping Centre’s Beach

Venue: Yate Shopping Centre

Website: www.yateshoppingcentre.co.uk

There will be fun all summer at Yate Shopping Centre’s Beach, open all day, every day, until Saturday 30th August. It’s their 60th anniversary and to celebrate they have themed events throughout the...

Gromit Unleashed 3 Trail

Venue: Bristol

Website: www.grandappeal.org.uk/gromit-unleashed/trails/gromit-unleashed-3

Welcome to the world of Gromit Unleashed! Together with Aardman Animations, we’ve created three unique, award-winning character sculpture trails in the UK and beyond, to raise funds for Bristol Children’s...

Alfie and Amelia Fact Finding Trail

Venue: Aerospace Bristol

Website: www.aerospacebristol.org/whats-on

Take off on an aviation adventure with Alfie Fox and his sister Amelia. Download your Alfie and Amelia comic book story ahead of your visit, or pick up a free copy in admissions.

Eat, Play, Explore at IKEA

Venue: IKEA Bristol

Address: Eastgate Road

Website: www.ikea.com/gb/en

Enjoy a great day out throughout the summer holidays at IKEA Bristol, where there’s plenty going on! From their Wonderful weekday dishes, where you can get 50% off all mains and children’s meals with...

King Pins

Venue: Cabot Circus

Website: https://kingpins.co.uk

Experience the Crown Jewels of bowling at King Pins this summer! Enjoy state-of-the-art Ten Pin bowling lanes, as well as tech darts, ice-free curling, shuffleboard, a huge arcade, private karaoke party...

Little Stoke Junior Parkrun

Venue: Little Stoke Park

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/littlestoke-juniors

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2K event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) every Sunday at 9am. Free to join but you must register before your first run. The aim is to have fun, so go along and join in...

The Climbing Academy

Venue: The Arc Chippenham

Address: Westmead Lane

Website: www.theclimbingacademy.com/the-arc

Climb indoors with bouldering for all ages - no booking needed - plus auto-belays and roped climbing for ages 6+. Friendly instructors are always around to help. The fun continues outdoors with a free...

The Outdoors Project

Venue: Horfield Common, The Ardagh and Sefton Park School

Website: www.theoutdoorsproject.co.uk

Their mission is to encourage children to spend time outdoors, away from screens. They have lots of exciting activity-themed days to choose from such as Wildcraft vs Minecraft Day, Bushcraft, Viking Day,...

The Stick Man Trail at Westonbirt

Venue: Westonbirt Arboretum

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-the-national-arboretum

The interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree. Enjoy the wonderful world of Stick Man as you complete lots of fun stick-based activities, discover...

The Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge

Venue: Nationwide

Website: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Throughout the summer, children joining ‘Story Garden’ can discover new books, participate in free activities at their local library, and explore the link between reading and the great outdoors, where...

We The Curious

Venue: One Millennium Square, Anchor Road

Website: www.wethecurious.org

With two floors brimming with interactive exhibits, the science centre on Bristol’s Harbourside is the perfect destination for families of all ages, school groups or grown-ups, and those with a curious...

Somerset Food Trail

Venue: Various locations, Bath

Website: www.somersetfoodtrail.org

Farmers, growers and food producers will be opening their doors to the public over a 10-day period. From biodynamic vineyards to community-funded food forests; aquaponic market gardens to milk-based vodka...

Live Science Show — Brilliantly Bad Ideas

Venue: Techniquest, Stuart St, Cardiff

Website: www.techniquest.org

Step into a world of wild inventions, daring experiments, and gloriously terrible ideas — inspired by Wallace and Gromit! From flying teabags to fiery calamities, Brilliantly Bad Ideas is packed with...

Planetarium Show — Star Tours

Venue: Techniquest, Stuart St, Cardiff

Website: www.techniquest.org

Find out more about some familiar constellations, the planets, how stars are born and how they die. Techniquest digital planetarium can take you through space for a close-up look at some of nature’s...

Planetarium Show — We Are Aliens

Venue: Techniquest, Stuart St, Cardiff

Website: www.techniquest.org

Are we alone in the universe? Could there be life on other planets? Embark on an epic space adventure as we search for signs of extraterrestrial life! This thrilling film delves into the question of whether...

Summer of Fun and Games at Wrest Park

Venue: Wrest Park

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk

It’s all fun and games at Wrest Park this summer, with loads of activities for the whole family to get stuck into. From soft play and mini golf to archery and den building, there’s all sorts of fun...

Workshop — Gromit Claystation Workshop

Venue: Techniquest, Stuart St, Cardiff

Website: www.techniquest.org

Join this hands-on Gromit model-making session. You’ll be able to get creative with clay and make your very own Gromit to take home with you. Includes a screening of Wallace and Gromit Cracking Contraptions...

Mario The Maker Magician

Venue: Bristol Old Vic

Website: www.bristololdvic.org.uk

Robots and magic and slapstick… oh my! Contagiously upbeat and full of heart, the ever-endearing Mario leads you through a romping explosion of energy and belly laughs punctuated with moments of heart...

Summer Holidays at Aerospace Bristol

Venue: Aerospace Bristol

Website: www.aerospacebristol.org/whats-on

Be one of the first to visit Hangar 16R: Home of the Rolls-Royce Aerospace Collection, celebrate the 150th anniversary of Bristol Tramways and Mark VJ Day - the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII - with...

Summer of play at Dyrham Park

Venue: Dyrham Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Go to Dyrham this summer for art sessions, nature explorer trails and play activities running through the school summer holidays.Activities will be free of charge, normal admission charges apply.

Crafty Cathedral

Venue: Bristol Cathedral

Website: www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk/event/crafty-cathedral-family-activities

This Summer, Crafty Cathedral returns with free, hands-on craft activities for children and families at Bristol Cathedral. Held in the Cathedral Nave, these sessions invite children aged 3–11 (and all...

Feast On

Venue: Clifton Downs, Stoke Road

Website: https://bristol.feaston.co.uk/

Bristol’s highly anticipated Feast On festival is back for its second year, and attendees can look forward to a buzzing atmosphere complete with live music, cooking demos, sustainability talks, family...

Horrible Histories - Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians Live on Stage

Venue: Glastonbury Abbey

Website: www.glastonburyabbey.com

We all want to meet people from history! The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare for Horrible Histories live on stage with the acclaimed production of Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians!...

Rhythm of the Dance

Venue: The Playhouse

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Featuring world class musicians who play live on stage, star vocalists singing live and world champion dancers, this mesmerising show is a completely captivating experience of pulsating rhythms...

The Zoo That Comes To You

Venue: The Wardrobe Theatre

Website: www.thewardrobetheatre.com

Bristol’s Scarlet Oak Theatre present a celebration of puppetry, humour and unforgettable characters that invites everyone to join the conversation about animal conservation, for ages 5-11 and their...

Dinosaur World Live

Venue: Bristol Old Vic

Website: www.bristololdvic.org.uk

The Olivier Award-winning Dinosaur World Live returns! Dare to experience dangers and delights in this roar-some interactive show for all the family.A special meet and greet after the show offers all our...

Outdoor Theatre: Twelfth Night

Venue: Dyrham Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men invite you to join them this summer for Shakespeare's greatest romantic comedy.With a history stretching back to William Shakespeare himself, they present this great play as...

Ceilidh Come and Dance!

Venue: Ham Farm Cottage

Website: www.hamfarmfestival.com/ceilidh.html

All ages are welcome to participate in this family-friendly ceilidh. Children are very welcome, but not necessary! Third Time Lucky are a local ceilidh band who have performed at festivals across the...

Circus Spectacular

Venue: WWT Slimbridge

Website: www.wwt.org.uk

Discover a dazzling line-up of dragonfly-themed events and activities at WWT Slimbridge this summer. Head to their festival hub in the Visitor Centre to find out what’s on during your visit and mark...

Musician! Family Concert

Venue: Ham Farm Cottage

Website: www.hamfarmfestival.com

Featuring an amazing array of instruments including 6 recorders, a conch, a hosepipe, and boomwhackers - alongside the more traditional oboe, cor anglais, trumpet and piano - this show is sure to spark...

Dinosaur Day

Venue: Berkeley Castle

Website: www.berkeley-castle.com

Join Berkeley Castle for Dinosaur Day and come face-to-face with two incredible dinosaurs as they stomp, roar, and entertain from the safety of their arena. Watch as these prehistoric creatures come to...

Junk Drumming Workshop

Venue: Ham Farm Cottage

Website: www.hamfarmfestival.com/junk-drumming-workshop.html

Join in some noisy, creative, fun, by making a Junk band with experienced workshop leader and percussionist Paul Midgley. Learn to play some great rhythms using the drums provided (including bicycle wheel...

Play in a Week - Age 8-10

Venue: Theatre Royal Bath

Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Led by a professional director and a team of technicians, the group will start with a theme and then work as a theatre troupe to create all aspects of the play in just 5 days. At the end of the week, this...

Nature Explorer Sessions

Venue: Dyrham Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Explore and get to know nature and have a go at fun activities such as hunting for bugs, exploring trees and grass and identifying different plants. Sessions will run through the summer holidays on Tuesdays...

Sea Themed Soap Making Workshop

Venue: Weston Museum

Website: www.westonmuseum.org

Get ready to embark on a journey into the world of soap making. A skilled instructor will walk you through the step-by-step process of crafting exquisite bars of seashell soap. All Equipment Provided....

Special Event — Relaxed Session

Venue: Techniquest, Stuart St, Cardiff

Website: www.techniquest.org

Relaxed Sessions run on a Sunday morning once a month, usually on the first weekend, where the usual operational model is dialled down a little to allow guests to enjoy a slightly more relaxed experience...

Tudorly Terrible History

Venue: Berkeley Castle

Website: www.berkeley-castle.com

Packed with interactive entertainment and activities, Tudorly Terrible History promises fun for all the family. From tales of political plots to royal romances, there’s something to intrigue visitors...

Summer Messy Play

Venue: Weston Museum

Website: www.westonmuseum.org

Prepare for a fun-filled session, with a different range of sensory and messy play activities for your little ones to build, imagine, experience, investigate, and create. During this session, you will...

Free Family Craft Days

Venue: The George Muller Museum

Website: www.mullers.org/museum

Great for a wet morning or an hour of air con on a hot day with a lovely play park nearby! Includes free tea, coffee, snacks and craftiness! Also 13 and 20 August. Museum open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm....

Magic at the Museum

Venue: The Helicopter Museum

Website: www.helimuseum.com/events.html

Special Holiday Activity Day for families at the museum with different activities every week. Watch a live magic show, witness incredible balloon modelling, marvel at the slight of hand illusions. Climb...

Beach-Themed Pick and Mix Crafts Workshop

Venue: Weston Museum

Website: www.westonmuseum.org

Unleash your inner artist and join this delightful workshop where we’ll have a wide range of seaside-themed activities to choose from, for you to have full choice on what two activities you want to do!...

Calm Session at Wake The Tiger

Venue: Wake The Tiger

Website: www.wakethetiger.com/calm-sessions

These Calm Sessions are for anyone who could find a visitor attraction overwhelming when open to the general public, particularly SEND and neurodivergent people of all ages. So if you perhaps prefer less...

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Venue: Ashton Court Estate

Website: www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

This is a free to attend, three-day event that celebrates the city and its heritage links to the remarkable world of hot air ballooning. The event is free to attend but as a not-for-profit organisation...

Amazing Artefacts – Home Educators Monthly Sessions

Venue: Weston Museum

Website: www.westonmuseum.org

Each season explore a new theme, which for the Summer Season will be ‘Performing Viking Myths.' Sessions are designed to be active and accessible for a mix of ages and abilities with two separate sessions...

National Children's Orchestras Summer Concert 2025

Venue: Bristol Beacon

Website: www.bristolbeacon.org

NCO’s concerts are for everyone. Join Bristol Beacon as they appreciate the sheer joy and energy that can be experienced nowhere else than in the presence of a wonderful children’s orchestra and introduce...

The Mushroom Show

Venue: The Wardrobe Theatre

Website: www.thewardrobetheatre.com

A brand new children’s show full of fun, fungi, music and science for ages 5+ and their families from Exeter’s Scratchworks Theatre.Join the party and discover how fungi grow, connect and help the...

Wind in the Willows

Venue: Berkeley Castle

Website: www.berkeley-castle.com

Take the whole family and follow the charming adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger, and the mischievous Mr. Toad as they explore friendship, bravery, and the wonders of nature. This enchanting adaptation...

Young Theatre Makers: Ages 8-10 – Summer School 2025

Venue: Tobacco Factory Theatres

Website: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Working with highly experienced theatre practitioners’ young people will develop their drama skills through games, imaginative play, role play and storytelling. Suitable for ages 8-10. Bursary places...

Family drop-in workshop: Dinosaur Party

Venue: The Holburne Museum

Website: www.holburne.org

A family of dinosaurs have arrived at the museum in Nicolas Party’s exhibition! Create your own dinosaur character through playful art making. This workshop is aimed at early years artists, aged 3+....

Family Wildlife Photography

Venue: WWT Slimbridge

Website: www.wwt.org.uk

A practical and enjoyable day for budding young wildlife photographers (aged 8 or above) and their guardians to learn how to get great shots of wildlife. This event is suitable for all skill levels and...

Wind in the Willows - Illyria

Venue: Glastonbury Abbey

Website: www.glastonburyabbey.com

Multiple award-winning Illyria celebrates Kenneth Grahame’s timeless tale of friendship, laughter, the longing for home and the lure of adventure. Enjoy it where the story is set: in the great British...

Old Down Estate Country Fair

Venue: Old Down Estate

Website: www.olddownestate.co.uk

From live entertainment shows to market stalls and good food. It’ll be a great day for the whole family to enjoy (including the dog!) Includes animals to see, delicious food and a range of different...

Raver Tots

Venue: Bristol Ampitheatre

Website: www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Bristol/Bristol-Ampitheatre/Raver-Tots-Outdoor-Festival-Bristol-2025

Raver Tots is coming to Bristol for the biggest and best family-friendly outdoor festival yet! All ages welcome (0+) for an exciting day of music, attractions, and entertainment including free funfair...

The Koala Who Could

Venue: The Playhouse

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

An empowering and chuckle-out-loud story about embracing change — whether we like it or not.Join Kevin, King of the staying-still-kings, and his friends kangaroo and wombat in an Australian Outback adventure,...

The Joust

Venue: Berkeley Castle

Website: www.berkeley-castle.com

The legendary Knights of Nottingham ride back into Berkeley Castle for a day of thrilling medieval action and family fun! The mischievous Sir Frederick will have the whole family in fits of laughter with...

Food and Drink Festival

Venue: Old Down Estate

Website: www.olddownestate.co.uk

Get ready for a jam packed Bank Holiday Monday full of mouthwatering street and artisan food from top vendors, local wines, craft beers and refreshing cocktails, entertainment and music. Take your appetite...

Hoo-Ha! 2025

Venue: Bristol Beacon

Website: https://bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/hoo-ha-2025

Get ready Bristol! Hoo-Ha! festival, the city’s biggest, FREE family festival is back with a bang this August! Expect two jam-packed days as Bristol Beacon will be transformed into a whirlwind of fun...

Foodies Festival

Venue: Royal Victoria Park

Website: www.foodiesfestival.com

The Kids Cookery theatre gives children a chance to taste new flavours and learn basic cooking skills. Kids can try out cooking with specialist teachers who make learning fun! Free sessions will introduce...

Much Ado About Puffin

Venue: The Wardrobe Theatre

Website: www.thewardrobetheatre.com

A funny tale about a man all alone, a friendly puffin and a whole lot of fuss over nothing for ages 3-8 and their families. Using skilful puppetry, beautiful music and good old fashioned storytelling,...

Dragonfly Discovery

Venue: WWT Slimbridge

Website: www.wwt.org.uk

Discover more about the weird and wonderful world of dragonflies in an interactive Science Show in the Living Wetland Theatre. Full of fun facts and tips, you’ll be ready to fly around the wetlands and...

Falconry

Venue: Berkeley Castle

Website: www.berkeley-castle.com

Watch in awe as majestic birds of prey take to the skies, showcasing their speed, grace, and power in thrilling displays that will captivate the whole family. The event is included in the standard admission...

Transformers and Dino Day

Venue: The Helicopter Museum

Website: www.helimuseum.com/events.html

End the Summer School Holidays with a real treat. Meet Bumblebee, HotRod and their Dinosaur friends. View the Transformer Car and helmet display, climb into some helicopter cockpits, and have your photograph...