Free things to do with kids this summer!

See below a list of activities running during the summer holidays

Please note bus services listed may be subject to change, check our dedicated service change page for all information

Events

  • With a mix of live entertainment, magic, circus skills, face painting, inflatables, fairground rides and more, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy!

    The first edition of Party in the Park takes place at Brent House Farm Shop, on 30 July.

    Get there by bus – X1 to Weston-super-Mare, 20 to Lympsham followed by a 15-20 minute walk

  • The iconic Bristol International Balloon Fiesta returns for its 48th year, from 7-9 August. 

    It takes place in Ashton Court and celebrates the city and its heritage links to hot air balloons, featuring over 100 balloons of all shapes and sizes, plus a whole programme of activities and entertainment.

    Get there by bus – stopping near Ashton Court m2, 505, U2, X1, X4, X6. (There are also shuttle buses running from Bristol Temple Meads Station and Queen Square in the city centre – but not part of the Kids go free offer) 

  • Yate Shopping Centre’s Summer of Fun returns, with free events every Tuesday and Thursday from 28 July to 27 August.  

    From creative workshops to live entertainment, there’s something to keep children of all ages entertained during the school holidays.

    Get there by bus – any bus to Yate bus station 

  • The Ammerdown Centre in Radstock is hosting a day full of fun and entertainment for the whole family! Pop along on Monday 31 August from 1 – 4pm.  

    Get there by bus – 414, 424, 522, 172, 173, 174 

  • Keynsham’s much-loved ‘Bandstand in the Park’ returns this year, bringing free live music most weekends until 27 September in Keynsham Memorial Park. The programme features a mix of returning favourites and fresh new talent, so bring a picnic and enjoy! 

    Get there by bus – 43, 522, x39, K1 

  • The Ammerdown Centre in Radstock is hosting a day full of fun and entertainment for the whole family! Pop along on Monday 25 August from 1pm to 4pm 

    Get there by bus – 414, 424, 522, 172, 173, 174

  • Bath on the Beach is Bath’s ultimate summer spot! Bringing the seaside to the city, there’s everything from cabanas, beach games and mini golf. 

    Open until 2 August at the Royal Pavilion, Bath.  

    Get there by bus – 3, 4, 19, 39, X39, 20, 716 

Food and Drink

  • This Summer, Bill’s offers free meals for up to two kids aged 10 and under, when accompanied by a paying adult.  The offer runs Monday – Friday until 1 September. 

    Get there by bus – 3, 4, 19, 39, X39, 20, 700, 716, A4 (if not starting/ending at Bristol Airport)

  • Kids eat free everyday this Summer, including weekends, at Brewdog. Little ones can enjoy a Hoppy Meal, with everything from cheeseburgers to chicken tenders, fries or salad, plus a drink – with one full price adult’s meal. Booking required ahead of your visit.

    Get there by bus – 1, 41, 48x, 522, 76 

  • @ Bristol, Gloucester Road 

    @ Bath, Broad St 

    This year, widen their horizons (and maybe their palate too) by introducing them to something new in the school holidays: a taste of Sri Lanka! With Kids Eat Free running until 6 September. 

    *One child (10 and under) eats free per 1 paying adult. 

    Bristol:  

    Get there by bus, 70,74,75,76  

     

  • Little ones can enjoy a Toby Carvery for just £1 when purchased with an adult main meal or all-you-can-eat breakfast. 

    Available every day of the week until 4 September, including Sundays, your voucher can be redeemed by up to six adults and children. Download the Toby app before you visit to enjoy the offer! 

    @ Maes Knoll – Get there by bus – 16, 376, 2, 2a, 45, 374 

  • Kids Eat Free at LEON until 31 August, so treat them to a tasty, wholesome meal on the house. 

    To claim your free kids’ meal, all you have to do is enter the code LITTLEMEAL at checkout on the LEON Club App or on restaurant kiosks. 

    Get there by bus – 3, 4, 19, 39, X39, 20, 700, 716, A4 (if not starting/ending at Bristol Airport) 

  • Start the day strong with breakfast at Beefeater! Two kids under 16 eat for free with every adult unlimited breakfast so you can fuel up the whole family for less. 

    The Pavillion, Weston- Super-Mare
    Get there by bus (in WsM) – any bus to Weston town centre, If travelling from Bristol you can get the X1 from Bristol City Centre

    The Grifford, Filton
    Get there by bus –  m1, m4, 74, m3

City Farms

  • Situated on a beautiful 37-acre site, Bath City Farm is a working farm, much-loved charity and a popular visitor attraction. With stunning views over Bath with farm animals, children’s playground, woodland, nature trails, community café and farm shop – there’s lots to enjoy on a family day out. Entrance is free however donations are very welcome!  

    Get there by bus – 5 

  • Free to enter and open 7 days a week from 9am to 4pm, Hartcliffe City Farm is a working city farm in south Bristol.  

    Its facilities include a playful barn, café and community kitchen. There is a flower farm and market garden on site as well as farm animals and outdoor play areas. 

    Get there by bus – m1, 36, 75, 76 

  • Grimsbury Farm is a working community farm located in east Bristol. With free entry, the farm is a great place to have fun in the outdoors this summer. Visit the animals and see how a working farm operates!   

    Get there by bus – 19, 35, 42, 43 

  • The farm at Lawrence Weston is a community-led project offering a variety of activities. Check their website to see what’s on over the summer months. 

    Get there by bus – 3, 4, 40, 10 

  • Nestled in the heart of St Werburghs, the City Farm is a real community hub, connecting residents and visitors with animals and nature.  

    Featuring a small holding, a community garden, a bee garden, woodland and more this city farm is a must visit if you’re looking to reconnect with nature and community.  

    Get there by bus – 25, 70, 24 

  • Windmill Hill City Farm is a 4.5-acre green space in South Bristol with community gardens, a variety of farm animals, a play area, picnic areas, café and farm shop.   

    Free entry to all, it’s a great day out for the whole family!  

    Get there by bus – 75, 76 

Parks

  • Just a short stroll from the city centre, Royal Victoria Park is a beautiful expanse of green parkland, spanning 57 acres. Originally an arboretum, it is still home to botanical gardens, a fantastic kid’s playground and the Great Dell Aerial Walkway. 

    Get there by bus – 3, 4, 19, 39, X39, 20, 700, 716, A4 (if not starting/ending at Bristol Airport) 

  • Located in Staple Hill, Page Park boasts an impressive range of facilities, with multiple children’s play areas, cafe, tennis courts, and even a small aviary! 

    Get there by bus – 48, 48x, 49, 49x, 6, 7 

  • Just a stone’s throw away from the shops, Sydney Gardens is situated behind the Holburne Museum and offers a large play area with sand and water play, plenty of space to explore, and the museum’s cafe for refreshments. 

    Get there by bus – 11, D1, D1x, U1, X84, 94, Sky (Oakleigh) 

  • Snuff Mills is the perfect escape from the busy city without having to travel far!   

    Enjoy a beautiful and historic walk through the Frome Valley walkway which cuts alongside the Frome River. You may even catch sight of herons, foxes, owls and bats!  

    There’s a play area in the nearby Oldbury Court for hours of fun for the little ones and there’s even equipment for the older ones.  

    Get there by bus – 46, SB5, 50, m1, m3, m4, 47x, 48x, 49x  

  • Victoria Park is a great place to take the kids to let off some energy with a children’s play area and lots of grassy space to run around and play games. There’s also a skate park and ping pong tables as well as a basketball court.  

    Get there by bus – m1, 2, 2a, 43, 73, 74, 75, 76, P1, X91, 172, 374, 375, 376, 376a 

Outdoor Trails and Water Spots

  • Beazer Maze is a paving stone maze near Pulteney Bridge, Bath. Inspired by the city’s Georgian architecture, as well as Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s railway designs, its central location makes it an ideal spot for families to step into nature and enjoy a picnic.   

    Get there by bus – any bus to Bath Grand Parade 

  • Blaise Castle is a 650-acre parkland which includes a museum, castle and children’s play area. 

    At the museum, see how people lived through time though exhibits including Victorian toilets and baths to model trains and period costume. 

    Get there by bus – 1, 3, 4, 40, 76 

  • The super popular Bristol and Bath Railway Path is a great walking and cycling route between the two cities.  

    The 13-mile route is completely traffic-free and almost entirely flat as it runs along a disused railway line. 

    Along the way, you’ll find ideal stopping points for drinks and snacks at Bitton and Warmley stations, or you could enjoy a pub lunch at Saltford. 

    The path also features a variety of sculptures and working steam engines at the old train station at Bitton. 

    Get there by bus – you can reach the Railway Path at several points including Bath (buses include 3, 4, 19, 20, 39, 716, X39), Bitton (buses include 19, 42, 45, 532) or any bus to Bristol city centre. 

  • Clevedon Marine Lake is a seawater tidal pool on the Somerset coast. It’s a great place to play, swim and take part in water sports.   

    Get there by bus – X5, X6, X7, X7a, X10   

  • Free family fun at Cribbs Water Garden! Climb aboard the pirate ship, hide from the water jets under the huge umbrella – from bubble machines to ice cream – explore a summer water playground! 

    Open 7 days a week. 

    Get there by bus – 1, 2, 2a, 3, 4, Y6, 75, 76, 12, m1, m4, T7   

  • Fancy a day out at the beach? 

    Portishead Beach is a great spot to find all sorts of fossils from corals and crinoids and more!

    Battery Point is the best place to start your hunt! 

    Get there by bus – X4 , X10, X14  

  • Leigh Woods is a beautiful area of woodland set alongside the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. With well-marked trails and orienteering routes, as well as picnic spots and wildlife, Leigh Woods is a great day out for the whole family.  

    Get there by bus – X4 

  • St Andrew’s Park is a classic Victorian neighbourhood park with lots of green space. The playground is dog-free and has a sand pit, swings for toddlers, climbing frames, a slide, balancing rails and more. 

    And in the summer months the park has a paddling pool for children! Make sure you bring your own towel! 

    Get there by bus – 17, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77   

  • The magical Stoke Park sculpture trail is perfect for a family day out.  

    Take a walk through the scenic woodlands while spotting as many wooden sculptures as you can – from dragons and woodland creatures to an old wise man! 

    The trail is free to access, and you can download a map from the Bristol City Council website

    Get there by bus – m1, m3, m4, 24, 46, 50   

  • Sugar Lookout is a breathtaking viewpoint on Poet’s Walk along the Clevedon coast. Built in 1835 the historical structure is the perfect spot to look out over the sea and spot birds and wildlife. 

    Get there by bus – X5, X6, X7, X7a, X10 

  • Weston-super-Mare beach is one of the longest naturally occurring beaches in the UK and full of family-friendly attractions.  

    Sure to be a great day out, you can visit the pier, take a donkey ride on the beach or just lie back and soak up the sun.  

    Get there by bus (in WsM) – any bus to Weston town centre, 
    If travelling from Bristol you can get the X1 from Bristol City Centre 

Museums and Landmarks

  • Learn the story of Bristol’s amazing aviation achievements and climb aboard Concorde. Until 6 September, up to 2 kids go free with each adult ticket purchased. 

    Get there by bus – X10 or a short walk from Y6, 75 

  • An international art gallery on Bristol’s Harbourside, Arnolfini is a great space for children to explore and learn about modern art.  

    Every Tuesday and Wednesday in August (from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm) they are hosting free family workshops with Let’s Make Art – make sure to wear clothes to get messy in!  

    Free to take part and just turn up on the day. 

    Get there by bus – any bus to Bristol city centre 

  • Discover what makes Bath so unique at the Bath World Heritage Centre. Learn about the famous hot springs, Roman remains, Georgian architecture and much more.  

    The Centre is free to enter and features a host of interactive exhibits and displays designed to inspire, excite and inform. There are also free walking trails and guides to help visitors explore all Bath has to offer. 

    Get there by bus – any bus to Bath city centre   

  • Situated at the top of Park Street, Bristol Museum has collections including Bristol history, natural history, geology and Eastern art. 

    This summer there’s a Story Box every Wednesday for children aged 4-7 with themed interactive stories including dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals, world wildlife and tales from other lands. 

    There are also several other exhibitions being displayed this summer, look at their website or take a visit to find out more! 

    Get there by bus – 1, 2, 2a, 3, 4, 5, 8, 71, 72, 77, 505, U2, Y6 stops on Park Street or any bus to Bristol city centre with a 15 -20 minute walk up Park Street   

  • A trip to Bristol isn’t complete without a visit to the multi-award-winning Clifton Suspension Bridge. The bridge has a free museum where you can learn how, why and when Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s first bridge was built. They also run free tours throughout the year but be sure to book in advance!   

    Get there by bus – 505, 5, 8, 77 

  • With free entry, see amazing film and photographs, listen to moving personal stories and encounter rare and quirky objects. From prehistoric times to the present day, M Shed tells the story of Bristol and its unique place in the world.   

    Get there by bus – m1, m2, 24 or any bus to Bristol city centre with a 10 minute walk down Prince Street.   

  • From 19 July to 1 September Brunel’s SS Great Britain will host its Summer of Picnic and Play – a season of fun shows, hands-on activities, and history brought to life. For the first time, visitors are encouraged to bring along packed lunches and enjoy them on the ship’s newly restored weather deck, with views across the historic dockyard. 

    And kids go free! (one child per full-paying adult). 

    Get there by bus – m2, 70, 73, or any bus to Bristol city centre with a scenic 20 minute harbourside walk 

  • Bath’s first museum is home to over 10,000 objects as well as having a vibrant programme of art exhibitions. Along with free entry for under 18s there is something for all ages to enjoy. Families can take part in a variety of self-guided activities with activity trails, discovery drawers, spaces to make and sensory bags.  

    This summer Print like Picasso, a free family creative workshop is running on the 13th of August, inspired by Picasso’s animal prints, no need to book simply drop in on the day. 

    Fun Fact: For all the Bridgerton fans you may also recognise the façade of the Holburne museum as the location for many of Lady Danbury’s lavish balls! 

    Get there by bus – 11, D1, D1x, U1, X84, 94, Sky (Oakleigh) 

     

  • The American Museum and Gardens is a family friendly museum and outdoor centre, with a dedicated children’s garden, play areas, woodlands and natural springs for paddling. The Museum trail is also family friendly with Charlie the chipmunk, games and dressing up clothes. Admission is £2.50 per child/adult and kids under 6 go free. 

    From Bath City Centre, take U1 or U2 to the University of Bath, then a 15-minute walk. 

Art and Culture

  • Admire iconic Banksy murals like Grim Reaper, Girl with a Pierced Eardrum, and Paint‑Pot Angel. Explore central Bristol’s harbourside, Stokes Croft and Easton and discover local cafes along the way.  

    Get there by bus – any bus to Bristol city centre 

  • Founded in 2008, Upfest, is Europe’s largest street art and graffiti festival. Many of the artworks created for the 2025 festival are still in place, so why not take a walk around BS3 and have a look.  

    Download a map of the murals here 

    Get there by bus – 24

  • The public art museum is home to paintings, sculptures and decorative arts. From the 23rd of July to 21st of August  the gallery is running a free create and colour family activity designed especially for children u11 to get hands on with lots of different art materials, no need to book simply walk in at any point during the sessions 2-3pm and join in! 

    Entrance is free for the upper gallery, for temporary exhibitions however children under 6 are free and family tickets range from £14.50- £20.50 for 1 or 2 adults with up to 4 children. 

    Under 10-minute walk from Bath Centre and Bath Spa railway station  

    Park and Ride, and U1, U2, U3, 1,2,3,4, D1/D1x, D2/D2x, A4 

     

  • With an exhibition space, cafe, baby-friendly facilities and 100-seat auditorium the centre is an exciting venue. The centre is holding family live events on the 6th and 8th September with ‘the amazing bubble man’. 

    Under 5-minute walk from the centre of Corsham  

Other offers

  • Bloodhound summer HAF is a chance for kids aged 5-16 to get hands-on with real engineering challenges.

    Join a fun, inclusive environment where you can explore engineering at your own pace. Each session features a brand-new activity, so there’s always something exciting to build and learn. 

    Only available to kids eligible for free school meals. 

    Get there by bus – 

    The Park Centre, Kingswood – 6, 16, 17, 19, 35, 41, 42, 43, 86, 534 

    St Mary’s Church Hall, Thornbury – 60, T1 

    Aerospace Bristol – X10 or a short walk from Y6, 75 

  • This year’s Summer Reading Challenge theme is Read to the Beat and runs until 30 September. 

    Open to all children aged 4 – 11, read any book you like to collect stickers and rewards including a medal and certificate. 

    Pick up your free activity bag from any library across our region (excluding Gloucestershire County Council – Libraries) and join one of the many activities running throughout the summer as part of the challenge. 

    Get there by bus – check your local library 

*Disclaimer 

This information has been gathered from a variety of sources. Please check details of each attraction before you make your visit. This information is accurate at the time of publication. 

This list isn’t exhaustive. If you would like to see your free activity listed, please contact [email protected]