What's On in Avon

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Venue: Bristol Zoo Project

Website: www.bristolzoo.org.uk

The award-winning animation, based on the much-loved picture book, will be brought to life through a series of interactive installations — follow in the characters’ footsteps to brave the elements....

Cathedral Music Trail at Bristol Cathedral

Venue: Bristol Cathedral

Website: https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/cathedral-music-trail-at-bristol-cathedral

Collect your trail map and musical kit bag to complete the interactive Music Trail. Learn more about music at Bristol Cathedral alongside the Organ Exhibition in a hands-on way.This immersive experience...

Summer Explorer Quest

Venue: Beeston Castle

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/beeston-castle-and-woodland-park

Take part in the Summer Explorer Quest, a fun adventure helping Noble the dog to find his shadow, complete with a historical twist. Book online and save 15%.

Marvellous Makers Summer Reading Challenge

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/library-zone

This year’s Challenge is called Marvellous Makers and it’s all about creativity! From dance to drawing, junk modelling to music, there’s something for everyone. Regional variations may apply, so...

Avon Valley Summertopia

Venue: Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park

Website: www.avonvalley.co.uk/events/dinosaur-valley-live

The Summer season is going to be a splash with the sand and water play area, giant slip n slide and foam party! Pay standard entry on your first visit and pick up a Boomerang Ticket to get 25% off your...

Summer at the SS Great Britain

Venue: Brunel's SS Great Britain

Website: www.ssgreatbritain.org

Get hands-on in Brunel’s Brick Building experience. Inspired by Brunel’s dramatic bridges, daring tunnels and record-breaking ships. Families can get creative with brick building, assemble designs...

Summer Code Breakers

Venue: WWT Slimbridge

Website: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge

Become a Summer Code Breaker at WWT Slimbridge and experience a unique adventure that blends fun, education, and the beauty of nature! This summer, the wetlands will be transformed into a HUGE interactive...

Axel Scheffler A Life in Illustration

Venue: Weston Museum

Website: www.westonmuseum.org

This family-friendly exhibition offers the most extensive public display of Axel’s illustrations in the UK, providing visitors the opportunity to delve into his artistic brilliance. Known for creating...

Roald Dahl and The Imagination Seekers

Venue: The Wardrobe Theatre

Website: www.thewardrobetheatre.com

Especially made for ages 5 and up, the show develops both creative and literacy skills through performance, games and creative play, while exploring Roald Dahl’s extraordinary stories, including The...

Activity Trail: The Wildest Show in Town

Venue: Bristol Old Vic

Website: www.bristololdvic.org.uk

The Wildest Show In Town is an interactive activity trail for 4–10 year-olds. Watch Sonny’s story, then use your adventurer skills to hunt down QR codes throughout the theatre. Each code unlocks a...

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.

Bristol Family Hubs

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.bristol.gov.uk/bristol-family-hubs

Family Hubs can help any family with children aged 0–19 years old, and up to 25 years for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.There is support for every stage of your child’s...

Bristol Treasure Hunt - The Mystery of The Sabotaged Balloon

Venue: Starting point: Cafe Revival, 56 Corn Street

Website: https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/bristol-treasure-hunt-the-mystery-of-the-sabotaged-balloon

Turn the streets of Bristol into a 'whodunnit' treasure hunt adventure! Discover Bristol's amazing history and secret hidden gems. Combine your skills to crack the clues and unravel the epic tale. This...

Community Scrapstore

Venue: Community Scrapstore North Somerset

Address: 66 Gazelle Road

Website: https://communityscrapstore.org.uk/

An Aladdin’s cave full of marvellous and sometimes quirky resources that will fire the imagination and spark creativity and play. Build a den, make a model, a costume or a collage. They are a creative...

Free Perform class

Venue: Venues in Brislington, Henleaze, Larkhall, Redland, Saltford, Weston-super-Mare

Website: https://try.perform.org.uk/home

Sessions packed with drama-based games, singing and dancing allow reserved children to come out of their shell and give energetic children the perfect outlet to express themselves. Every child is welcome...

Gruffalo Party Trail

Venue: Westonbirt Arboretum

Website: https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/gruffalo-party-trail-at-westonbirt-arboretum

This interactive family trail features all sorts of party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts to teach you about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures. Follow the trail...

Kumon Study Programme

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.kumon.co.uk

The Kumon Method of Learning builds key maths and English skills along with the ability to learn independently and gain confidence and enthusiasm by helping students study at just the right level, regardless...

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 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,...

We Are Family Arnold Art Cart

Venue: Arnolfini

Website: https://arnolfini.org.uk/whatson/arnold-art-cart

Arnolfini’s fabulous Makers in Residence, Let’s Make Art ensure it is kept topped up with a range of creative materials and exhibition-inspired activities. There are also table top easels to use too....

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...

The Old Pier

Venue: Theatre Royal Bath

Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Using live music, vocal soundscapes and poetic storytelling, Jordan weaves a tale of adventure that explores the forgotten memories of Weston-super-Mare’s iconic Old Pier - and the magic that can be...

Bittersweet

Venue: Theatre Royal Bath

Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Two children, two communities at war, one quest to find the best sweets in the world...What are your favourite sweets? Sour ones? Chewy ones? Minty, fruity or chocolaty? What memories do they conjure of...

Squelch!

Venue: Theatre Royal Bath

Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Full of bombastic slapstick comedy, puppets, and monsters! Inspired by old children’s cartoons and the theatrical style of Bouffon venture into the disgusting in search of beauty along the way – exploring...

Wake the Tiger Amazement Park - SEND Sessions

Venue: Wake the Tiger Amazement Park

Website: www.wakethetiger.com/sensory-sensitive-sessions

For anyone who could find a visitor attraction overwhelming when open to the general public, perhaps preferring less people and where any sensory-stimulation is managed, including the lights and sounds....

Heritage Open Day at Dyrham Park

Venue: Dyrham Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/bath-bristol/dyrham-park

Visit Dyrham for free on Saturday 7 September as part of the Heritage Open Days scheme. The parkland, garden and house will be open as well as the play area and café in the parkland, shop and tea-room.

Teddy Bears Picnic

Venue: Avon Valley Railway

Website: www.avonvalleyrailway.org

All children will travel for free on this special weekend if they bring their Teddy Bear! Enjoy a 50 minute train ride and back at Bitton Station enjoy magic shows, balloon modelling and face painting...

Bristol Theatre Parents Network

Venue: Bristol Old Vic

Website: www.bristololdvic.org.uk

Bringing together local parents across the theatre industry to explore barriers, solutions, and changes to their working practice since having children, and sharing knowledge, experience and ideas. Babies/children...

Amazing Artefacts - Home Educators Monthly Sessions

Venue: Weston Museum

Website: www.westonmuseum.org

Each season, explore a new theme, which for the Autumn Season will be ‘History Detectives – how do we learn about the past?’ Sessions are designed to be active and accessible for a mix of ages and...

Bristol Aquarium – Even Calmer Days

Venue: Bristol Aquarium

Website: www.bristolaquarium.co.uk

Even Calmer days create a more relaxing sensory experience for any customers who may need it. The music and children’s rides are turned off and they increase lighting in some of the darker areas throughout...

Aftermirth: Daytime Comedy Club for New Parents

Venue: The Wardrobe Theatre

Website: www.thewardrobetheatre.com

The journey of parenthood is a magical and maddening one so what better way to cope with it than through stand up comedy! Aftermirth is an adult comedy club that you can bring your baby to.Babies under...

Sky Safari at Longleat

Venue: Longleat

Website: www.visitbristol.co.uk

A spectacular host of hot air balloons will again take to the skies over the Longleat Estate in their very own hot air balloon festival. Led by Longleat’s very own lion shaped balloon there will also...

Icons of the Sky at Longleat

Venue: Longleat

Website: www.visitbristol.co.uk

This year's air display promises to wow audiences like never before, as specialist performance aircraft take to the skies above Longleat. Watch gyroplanes perform an exhilarating flight display amid dramatic...

Jane Austen Festival

Venue: Various locations in Bath

Website: https://janeausten.co.uk/

Full of bonnets, soldiers, and drummers the backdrop of Georgian Bath transports visitors back to the time of Jane Austen. The 10 day event Includes guided walks, costumed balls, theatrical performances,...

Dinosaur Dance Party at Pavey House

Venue: Pavey House

Address: Clifton

Website: www.visitbristol.co.uk

Get ready to embark on a prehistoric adventure at the Dinosaur Disco Family Fun Party! Designed for children aged 2 to 6, this event promises an exciting day filled with drama, games, dressing up, crafts,...

Amazing Animals

Venue: Redgrave Theatre

Website: www.redgravetheatre.com

The only show around that you see life sized puppet; crocodiles, Sloths, Reindeer, dinosaurs, penguins, Orangutans and maybe even a spraying skunk bursting out onto the stage right before your very eyes. Packed...

Bristol Sea Shanty Festival

Venue: Brunel's SS Great Britain

Address: Great Western Dockyard

Website: www.ssgreatbritain.org

Enjoy 42 sets of nautical numbers from the best shanty bands, choirs and groups in the region. Performances will begin on Brunel Square from 12 noon to 6pm as well as at Underfall Yard and other iconic...

Little Red Riding Could

Venue: Theatre Royal Bath

Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Little Red Riding Hood is no longer little, she no longer wears a hood and she wants to be called by her real name. She’s questioning everything. And so are Mother, the Woodcutter and even the Wolf!...

Slime Workshop

Venue: Weston Museum

Website: www.westonmuseum.org

Let your creativity flow and unleash your inner scientist and artist as you dive into the world of slime making. The experienced instructor will guide you through the process, sharing tips and tricks to...

The Deep Sea Seekers

Venue: The Wardrobe Theatre

Website: www.thewardrobetheatre.com

Join Alph, Betty and Gammo for an exhilarating, warm, audience driven children’s show that journeys through our oceans meeting incredible creatures, exploring unmapped shores and tackling unwelcome plastic....

Vintage Wheels Classic Car Rally

Venue: The Helicopter Museum

Website: https://helimuseum.com/events.html

A day of Vintage and Classic Cars and bikes at The Helicopter Museum with a selection of vehicles on display from the 1950s to 1990s. View them all around the iconic WWII Control Tower in our grounds and...

500 Words

Venue: Various locations

Website: www.bbc.co.uk/teach/500-words

The UK's biggest children's story writing competition will be open for entries on Tuesday 24 September. There will be two age categories: 5-7 and 8-11 year-olds. The winners will be revealed on World Book...

BBC Young Musician Grand Final 2024

Venue: Bristol Beacon

Website: https://bristolbeacon.org

Join Bristol Beacon as they look to the future of classical music with the Grand Final of BBC Young Musician 2024, the much-loved biennial talent competition, as three exceptional young instrumentalists...

The Little Prince

Venue: Theatre Royal Bath

Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Enter a world of endless sunsets, where people are like flowers, and grown-ups are, well, pretty peculiar. They think serious things are silly and silly things are serious. They’ve forgotten how to look...

Bath Children's Literature Festival at Bath Assembly Rooms

Venue: Bath Assembly Rooms

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/bath-bristol/bath-assembly-rooms

This year's festival features a programme of over 80 events, with special guests including Michael Rosen, Cressida Cowell, Rob Biddulph, Harry Hill, Andy Day, Jacqueline Wilson, Ben Miller, Robin Stevens...

BSL Animal Talks at the Zoo

Venue: Bristol Zoo Project

Website: www.bristolzoo.org.uk/events/bsl-animal-talks

These fun and fascinating talks will be delivered alongside the usual animal talk timetable by volunteers who are Trainee Sign Language Interpreters. These pilot events offer the opportunity for both the...

Pumpkin Patch

Venue: Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park

Website: www.avonvalley.co.uk

Make Pumpkin Picking a family tradition, enjoy the great outdoors and some of the spooky entertainment and small fairground. Includes theatrical performers and fire shows, pumpkin paintball, seasonal slingshot...

Kiota Kids – How Lightning Came To Be

Venue: The Wardrobe Theatre

Website: www.thewardrobetheatre.com

A special afternoon Kiota performance of How Lightning Came To Be for ages 5+ and their families. Devised and performed by Deepraj Singh and Aisha Ali, expect movement, music and a lot of silly voices!

Bristol Aquarium – Even Calmer Days

Venue: Bristol Aquarium

Website: www.bristolaquarium.co.uk

Even Calmer days create a more relaxing sensory experience for any customers who may need it. The music and children’s rides are turned off and they increase lighting in some of the darker areas throughout...

Wake the Tiger Amazement Park - SEND Sessions

Venue: Wake the Tiger Amazement Park

Website: www.wakethetiger.com/sensory-sensitive-sessions

For anyone who could find a visitor attraction overwhelming when open to the general public, perhaps preferring less people and where any sensory-stimulation is managed, including the lights and sounds....

The Music of Harry Potter

Venue: St George’s Bristol

Website: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

The music of the beloved film series based on the eponymous novels by J.K. Rowling. Harry Potter soundtracks — the most enchanting event of the season for the whole family, an experience that cannot...

Little Red Riding Could

Venue: The Wardrobe Theatre

Website: www.thewardrobetheatre.com

A playful and mischievous retelling of the familiar fairy tale, with original songs and signature Roustabout silliness, that dares you to step off the path and write your own story.

Chocolate Sundays

Venue: Avon Valley Railway

Website: www.avonvalleyrailway.org

Discover more about the steam locomotive from the old Fry’s chocolate factory in Keynsham. Enjoy a full round trip of the line hauled by resident steam locomotive and a short brake-van ride hauled by...

Amazing Artefacts -Home Educators Monthly Sessions

Venue: Weston Museum

Website: www.westonmuseum.org

Each season, explore a new theme, which for the Autumn Season will be ‘History Detectives – how do we learn about the past?’ Sessions are designed to be active and accessible for a mix of ages and...

Dinosaur World Live!

Venue: Theatre Royal Bath

Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Grab your compass and join the intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing and remarkably life-like dinosaurs! Meet a host of impressive creatures, including...

Halloween Light Trail

Venue: WWT Slimbridge

Website: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge/whats-on/events/halloween-light-trail

When the sun goes down, a whole new world lights up at WWT Slimbridge. Discover the Marsh Witch and her potions, pumpkins, shipwrecks, scarecrows, bats, broomsticks, and much more. Make a wish with her...

The Sticky Dance

Venue: Theatre Royal Bath

Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Three dancers' shimmy through the audience weaving a tapestry of sticky tape in this tactile dance performance for young children. They invite you to tape, stick and groove, to see and feel sound or to...

Gaia: Our Home Planet

Venue: Bristol Cathedral

Website: https://bristol-cathedral.co.uk/whats-on

Step into a world of wonder as Gaia, a 7-metre Earth artwork by renowned Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram, takes centre stage in Bristol Cathedral. Amplifying this awe-inspiring display is an immersive...

Dear Zoo

Venue: Redgrave Theatre

Website: www.redgravetheatre.com

Dear Zoo the timeless children’s classic book returns to the stage! Help your children learn as the book leaps onto the stage and share a magical experience as the story unfolds with child-engaging puppets,...

Curious Creatures Family Concert

Venue: Bristol Beacon

Website: https://bristolbeacon.org

Join musicians from across the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra on a musical journey through the natural world, in this special family concert. The concert is topped off with a sing-along favourite from...

It's a Hoot

Venue: Avon Valley Railway

Website: www.avonvalleyrailway.org

Go on a steam-hauled train ride and be entertained by Gizmo the Magic Wizard. Then, back at Bitton, see birds of prey from Pitcombe Rock Falconry and enjoy the autumnal trail around the station. But, best...

MiniBeats Krazy Keyboards!

Venue: St George’s Bristol

Website: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Put on your spookiest Halloween costume and join Presenter Laura Tanner, the fantastic MiniBeats pianists and two of the very grandest of grand pianos, for a fun and interactive introduction to the crazy...

Santa Specials

Venue: Avon Valley Railway

Website: www.avonvalleyrailway.org

Once onboard our festive trains the whistle will sound and you’ll depart on your fifty minute train ride. Tickets for the railway’s Santa Specials are now on sale. Last year all seats were sold by...

Drawn to Water

Venue: WWT Slimbridge

Website: www.wwt.org.uk

While other parts of the natural world hibernate, WWT Slimbridge comes to life as over-wintering species move in for the colder months. So grab your best bobble hat, pick up a Quentin Blake ‘Drawn to...