Planning a family trip to Bristol gives you plenty of options for keeping kids entertained without spending the whole weekend rushing from place to place. The city has a mix of museums, outdoor spaces, hands on attractions, shopping, and family friendly activities that work well for short breaks and longer stays.

Staying at PREMIER SUITES Bristol Cabot Circus also puts you close to many of Bristol’s best family attractions, which makes getting around easier with children. With apartment style accommodation, extra space, and kitchen facilities, it gives families more flexibility during their stay in the city.

If you are looking for things to do in Bristol with kids, here are some of the best family friendly activities to add to your plans.

Visit We The Curious

We The Curious is one of the best family attractions in Bristol, especially for younger children and primary school age kids.

The science centre focuses on interactive exhibits rather than traditional museum displays, so children can get involved instead of just walking around reading information boards.

Inside you will find:

• • Hands on science exhibits

• • Space themed activities

• • Water play areas

• • Creative workshops

• • A planetarium

It is a good option for rainy days and usually keeps children entertained for several hours.

Explore Bristol Aquarium

Bristol Aquarium is located near the Harbourside and works well for families with younger children.

The aquarium includes tropical fish, sharks, seahorses, rays, and underwater tunnels that kids tend to enjoy. It is compact enough to manage comfortably without turning into an all day activity.

The Harbourside location also means you can combine it with lunch or a walk nearby afterwards.

Spend Time at Bristol Harbourside

Bristol Harbourside is one of the easiest places in the city for families to explore.

There is plenty of open space, cafés, ice cream stops, and walking routes along the water. During warmer months, the area becomes especially busy with street performers and family activities.

You can also take boat trips around the harbour, which younger kids usually enjoy.

Visit SS Great Britain

SS Great Britain gives families something slightly different to do in Bristol.

The restored ship allows children to explore different parts of the vessel while learning about Bristol’s maritime history in a more interactive way than a traditional museum.

There are:

• • Family trails

• • Interactive exhibits

• • Ship cabins to explore

• • Costumed staff demonstrations

• • Outdoor dock areas

It works particularly well for school age children.

Explore Bristol Zoo Project

Bristol Zoo Project is worth adding to your trip if your children enjoy animals and outdoor activities.

The site focuses on larger outdoor habitats and conservation projects. Families can spend several hours walking around the grounds while seeing animals including bears, wolves, lynxes, and giraffes.

Because much of the attraction is outdoors, comfortable footwear and weather appropriate clothing are a good idea.

Cabot Circus Shopping and Entertainment

One advantage of staying at PREMIER SUITES Bristol Cabot Circus is being close to Cabot Circus itself.

Alongside shopping, the area also includes:

• • Family friendly restaurants

• • Cinema facilities

• • Casual dining options

• • Coffee shops

• • Easy access to central Bristol

For families, having restaurants and entertainment nearby can make evenings much easier after a full day exploring the city.

Take a Walk Across Clifton Suspension Bridge

Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of Bristol’s best known landmarks and worth visiting during your stay.

Older children often enjoy seeing the views across the Avon Gorge, and the surrounding Clifton area has cafés, green spaces, and walking routes nearby.

It is a good activity for calmer mornings or afternoons away from busier attractions.

Visit M Shed

M Shed focuses on the history of Bristol and includes transport displays, interactive exhibits, and family friendly areas.

Entry is free, which also makes it useful if you are planning a more budget friendly family trip.

The museum sits along the Harbourside, so it is easy to combine with other nearby attractions during the day.

Family Friendly Food Spots in Bristol

One thing Bristol does well is casual dining that works for families. Around Cabot Circus and the city centre you will find:

• • Pizza restaurants

• • Burger spots

• • Cafés

• • Street food markets

• • Child friendly dining options

St Nicholas Market is another useful stop if your family likes variety, with multiple food vendors in one location.

Why Apartment Stays Work Well for Families

Family trips are usually easier when you have more space.

At PREMIER SUITES Bristol Cabot Circus, families benefit from:

• • Separate bedrooms and living spaces

• • Kitchen facilities

• • Dining areas

• • Space for children to relax

• • More flexibility around meals and routines

• • Central location near attractions

For longer stays, having laundry facilities and self catering options can also help reduce costs and make travelling with children feel less stressful.

Plan Your Family Trip to Bristol

Bristol works well for family breaks because many attractions are located close together, making it easier to explore without spending hours travelling around the city.

Staying centrally at PREMIER SUITES Bristol Cabot Circus also gives you flexibility to return to your apartment during the day, which can make family travel much more manageable.