Days Out with Kids In & Around Bristol. Where to Go, What to Pay, and What Nobody Tells You

The free stuff is brilliant (and I’ve written a whole post about that), but sometimes you want the kind of day out where someone else has done the thinking for you — the fenced play areas, the animal encounters, the café you can collapse into while the kids burn off energy. This is that list. Every place on here, we’ve been to as a family, and I’m giving you the full picture: what it costs, where to park, which ages it works for, and the bits nobody puts on the website.

Animal Days Out

Bristol Zoo Project

The old Clifton zoo has gone, but Bristol Zoo Project out near Cribbs Causeway is a proper day out in its own right. It’s set across a huge site with natural woodland habitats, and the animals have an impressive space. Bear Wood, where bears, wolves and lynx roam through the trees, is the highlight. But, check if the bears are in hibernation over winter months. The lemur walkthrough is brilliant for little ones, and the giraffe house always gets a reaction.

They’re currently building a new African Forest habitat for the western lowland gorillas, so parts of the site may be under construction when you visit, but there’s still plenty to see and do. There is also an undercover playground which is a godsend when the weather turns.

Prices: Family saver ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) is around £68-£75 depending on whether you add the optional donation. Individual adult tickets start from around £17.50, children from £12.50. Under 2s are free. Prices vary seasonally so check the website before booking.
Ages: All ages. The play areas are great for toddlers, the animal talks engage primary-age kids, and the woodland walks are lovely even with a buggy.
Parking: Free on-site car park. The zoo is just off junction 17 of the M5, near Cribbs Causeway.
Top tip: If you go more than twice a year, membership pays for itself after three visits and includes free entry to 10 other UK zoos. If the weather is good, take a picnic, there is loads of space to pitch up and let the kids charge around. They also have pretty good pizza.
The honest bit: Some of the paths can get very muddy in wet weather, wellies are a good idea between October and April. Also, animals in natural habitats aren’t always in plain sight. Take your time, ask the volunteers where to look, and enjoy the hunt rather than expecting zoo-in-a-cage views.
Book: bristolzoo.org.uk

Puxton Park

Puxton Park is the ultimate “throw everything at the kids and drink coffee” day out. It’s a working farm near Weston-super-Mare with a massive indoor soft play barn, outdoor adventure areas, bumper boats, high ropes, go-karts, a bouncing pillow, animal petting areas, and a falconry display. You could arrive at 9am and still be dragging them out at closing time.

Prices: Off-peak (weekdays) — adults around £11.50, kids (2-16) around £12.50, family ticket (4 people) around £46. Peak (weekends, holidays) — adults around £15.50, kids around £16.50, family ticket around £62. Under 2s are free. Pre-book online to be safe, especially in school holidays.
Ages: Toddlers to about 10 is the sweet spot. There’s a dedicated toddler area in the soft play and the bigger rides suit 4-8 year olds perfectly. Older kids (11+) might find it a bit young for them.
Parking: Free on-site car park.
Top tip: The on-site restaurant does a surprisingly good Sunday carvery with home-reared meat. Worth knowing. In the summer, some of the rides have big queues so get to those first thing.
The honest bit: It’s a working farm, so it can get muddy, bring wellies. Some activities like the electric tractors and mini golf are a small extra charge (£1-2) on top of entry. The soft play barn can get chaotic on rainy weekends. Go midweek if you can.
Book: puxton.co.uk

Cattle Country, Berkeley

About 30 minutes north of Bristol in Gloucestershire, Cattle Country is a brilliant farm park with a proper countryside feel. Two big indoor play barns mean it works in any weather, and outside there are adventure playgrounds, a boating lake, a jumping pillow, mini golf, and a farm trail with animals. It’s less “theme park” than Puxton and more relaxed, which I actually prefer for younger kids.

Prices: Children (4-17) around £17.50, toddlers (1-3) around £14.50, adults around £14.50. Under 1s free. Book online to save about £1.50 per ticket. Free parking.
Ages: Really strong for toddlers through to about 8. The indoor play barns are split by age, which is a relief when you’ve got a wobbly two-year-old and a fearless five-year-old.
Parking: Free on-site.
Top tip: Berkeley Castle is literally next door and worth a quick look if the kids have any energy left.
The honest bit: It’s not a huge site, you’ll see everything in 3-4 hours. But for younger kids that’s actually a plus rather than a minus. Nobody needs an overtired four-year-old in the car at 6pm.
Book: cattlecountry.co.uk

Chew Valley Animal Park

This is the small, family-run option, tucked away in the Chew Valley about 20 minutes south of Bristol. It’s not a zoo and it’s not trying to be. What it is, is a lovely collection of animals you can get genuinely close to: wallabies you can hand-feed, a cuddle corner where the kids can hold rabbits and guinea pigs, pygmy goats you can go in with, plus more unusual residents like meerkats, camels, and red squirrels.

Prices: Around £12-15 per person. Check the website for current prices as they vary. Under 1s are free.
Ages: Best for under 7s who love the hands-on animal handling. Older kids might feel they’ve seen everything within an hour or two.
Parking: Free on-site.
Top tip: The pizzeria on site is good and can do gluten free, worth eating there rather than bringing a packed lunch.
The honest bit: It’s small and opinions on value for money are divided. If you go in expecting Bristol Zoo you’ll be disappointed. If you go in expecting a cosy couple of hours hand-feeding wallabies and cuddling guinea pigs, you’ll love it. Manage expectations and it’s a lovely little trip.
Book: chewvalley-animalpark.co.uk

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm

This is the big one if your kids are proper animal-mad. Over 100 species across 100 acres. Elephants (the largest elephant facility in the UK), lions, tigers, a rescue tiger called Aqua, giraffes, rhinos, bears, and capybaras among others. There’s also Britain’s longest hedge maze, 10 play areas including indoor soft play, and keeper talks every 30 minutes throughout the day. It’s easily a full day out.

Prices: Adults around £19.75, children (2-16) around £15.75, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) around £68. Under 2s free. Book online for a discount. Closed Sundays.
Ages: All ages. The under-5s soft play is great for toddlers, and the animals engage every age group. The hedge maze and play areas keep older kids busy too.
Parking: Free on-site. About 6 miles from Bristol, near Wraxall off the A370.
Top tip: The keeper experiences (giraffe feeding, elephant encounters) are absolutely worth the extra cost if you can book one. Check availability early as they sell out.
The honest bit: It’s a big site on a working farm, so paths can be muddy and it’s very spread out, comfortable shoes are essential. Some visitors feel strongly about the creationist ethos of the farm (the signage includes references to creation alongside the animal information). Something to be aware of.
Book: noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk

Avon Valley Adventure Park

Right between Bristol and Bath near Keynsham, Avon Valley is a 90-acre adventure park packed with activities. Animatronic dinosaurs in Dinosaur Valley, a mini Jeep safari, go-karts, a miniature railway, bumper boats, climbing wall, giant air pillows, sand and water play, and a big indoor play barn for wet days. It’s also a working farm with animal petting sessions. They run brilliant seasonal events too, the Halloween and Christmas ones are particularly popular.

Prices: Prices vary by date and ticket type, check the website for current pricing. Book online at least 24 hours ahead for a £2 per ticket discount. Under 2s free. NHS, military and emergency services get 10% off with valid ID.
Ages: Brilliant for 2-10 year olds. The dinosaurs are a hit with toddlers (though some might find them a bit scary), and there’s enough variety to keep primary-age kids occupied all day.
Parking: Free on-site for 900 cars, you won’t struggle.
Top tip: They only open on selected weekends and school holidays outside of summer, so always check the calendar before you go. In summer they’re open daily 10am-6pm.
The honest bit: Entry feels pricey compared to some other parks, and some extras (food especially) add up. Bring a picnic if budget matters, there are outdoor picnic areas.
Book: avonvalley.co.uk

Old Down Country Park

A lovely, manageable country park on the outskirts of Bristol near Tockington. 66 acres with a Victorian walled garden, woodland walks, animal encounters (alpacas, goats, highland cows, wallabies, parrots), an adventure playground with zip wire and jumping pillow, a dedicated toddler area, and views over the Severn Estuary. It’s less intense than the bigger parks, more of a relaxed half-day than a full-on action day, which is sometimes exactly what you need.

Prices: Adults £15, children (2-15) £10.50, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) £45. Under 2s free. Late entry after 3pm just £5. They’re currently running a £5 entry offer until end of March 2026 — check the website. Dogs welcome on leads.
Ages: Perfect for toddlers through to about 7. The toddler play area is well designed, and the animal encounters (daily at 11am and 2pm) are a highlight for little ones. Older kids might need topping up with a walk through the woodland.
Parking: Free on-site.
Top tip: The farm shop sells lovely local produce, and the Sunday lunch in the Manor is apparently excellent. Worth combining the park visit with a meal if you fancy treating yourself.
The honest bit: They’re currently refurbishing some areas (the animal paddocks at the adventure park are being updated), so parts may be closed when you visit. Check before you go.
Book: olddownestate.co.uk

Windmill Hill City Farm

This one is completely different from the others, it’s a free community city farm in Bedminster, right in the middle of Bristol. No need to drive anywhere or spend a fortune. There are pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, sheep, and rabbits, plus a lovely garden and a community café. It’s small, relaxed, and perfect for a casual morning out with toddlers who just want to look at animals and eat a biscuit.

Prices: Free entry. Donations welcome and they’re a charity so do pop something in the box if you can.
Ages: Ideal for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Older kids might only need 30-45 minutes here, but for the little ones it’s magic.
Parking: Street parking in the surrounding Bedminster streets. No dedicated car park.
Top tip: The on-site café is genuinely good. homemade cakes, decent coffee, and a lovely courtyard. Worth visiting even without kids. If it’s full, Bristol Loaf opposite is also very good.
The honest bit: It’s small. Don’t go expecting a zoo, this is a city farm and it’s wonderful for what it is, but you’ll be done in an hour. Combine it with a wander around North Street’s indie shops for a proper Bedminster morning out. Lack of dedicated parking can be annoying.
Link: windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk

Science and Discovery

We The Curious

This is Bristol’s interactive science centre on the harbourside and it’s one of the best things in the city for kids. Two floors of hands-on exhibits, daily live science shows, and the UK’s only 3D planetarium inside a giant silver ball. My kids have been half a dozen times and still find new things to do every visit. It’s one of those places where they’re learning without realising they’re learning, which I think is the dream.

Prices: Adult standard tickets from around £15-£18, child tickets from around £10-£12. Planetarium shows are an extra £4 per person. Book online at least a day ahead for a 5% discount, and groups of 3+ get an additional 10% online. After 3pm tickets are cheaper. Under 1s are free but still need booking.
Ages: Brilliant from about 2 upwards. The ground floor has plenty for toddlers, and the exhibits get more complex as you go up, primary school kids can easily spend 3+ hours here. There are also adult-only evening events if you fancy a night out.
Parking: Millennium Square car park is closest, up to 2 hours around £3.50, up to 4 hours around £6.50. Or walk from the city centre (it’s right on the harbourside).
Top tip: School holidays book up fast. Pre-book online as early as you can, especially for planetarium shows. Weekday term-time visits are blissfully quiet.
The honest bit: It can get noisy and chaotic during school holiday mornings. Go after lunch or book an after-3pm ticket for a calmer experience. The café is decent but pricey — you can bring your own picnic.
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5pm in term time. Open daily in Bristol school holidays. Closed Mondays during term time.
Book: wethecurious.org

Wake The Tiger

This is unlike anything else on this list and unlike anything else in Bristol, honestly. Wake The Tiger is the UK’s largest immersive art experience, described as “the world’s first Amazement Park.” It’s a walk-through labyrinth of over 40 surreal, interactive spaces hidden inside an industrial estate building in St Philips. You push buttons, pick up phones, crawl through tunnels, discover hidden rooms, and wander through installations that feel like stepping into a very beautiful, very weird dream.

Prices: Adults from around £16.50, children from around £13.50. Under 5s free. Book 3+ days ahead for 20% off automatically. Walk-in tickets have a surcharge. A £0.50 transaction fee per booking.
Ages: Suitable for all ages, but some spaces are dark with sound effects that could unsettle sensitive or very young children. Best from about 4 upwards for full enjoyment. Takes 45 minutes to 2+ hours depending on how curious you are.
Parking: On-site car park, first 3 hours free via the RingGo app, then £5 for up to 6 hours.
Top tip: Read the backstory on their website before you visit, it makes the whole experience much richer. And go on a weekday if you can for a calmer, more immersive visit.
The honest bit: Some people feel it’s overpriced for the time you spend, especially if you rush through in 45 minutes. Take your time, explore properly, and it’s a genuinely unique experience. The on-site café is vegetarian/vegan and really good.
Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-6pm (last entry 4:30pm). Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Book: wakethetiger.com

Bristol Aquarium

Right on the harbourside next to We The Curious, Bristol Aquarium is a solid option for a shorter day out , especially good for rainy days. It’s not enormous, but the underwater tunnel with sharks overhead is always a hit, and there are touch pools, tropical fish, seahorses, and ray feeding sessions. It works well combined with a harbourside walk or a trip to We The Curious next door.

Prices: Adults around £17-19, children around £12-14. Under 3s free. Book online for the best price.
Ages: All ages. Toddlers love the tanks and the touch pools. Primary school kids enjoy the talks and feeding times. You’ll get 1.5-2 hours out of it.
Parking: Millennium Square car park is closest. City centre parking rates apply. Easily walkable from Temple Meads.
Top tip: Check feeding times online before you go, the shark and ray feeds are the highlights and they only happen at set times.
The honest bit: It’s on the smaller side compared to bigger aquariums like the one in Plymouth. For the price, some parents feel it’s not quite enough. Best combined with another harbourside activity rather than as a standalone full-day trip. If you have an under 3, a season ticket is a good rainy day option throughout the year.
Book: bristolaquarium.co.uk

Big Days Out (Worth the Drive)

Bowood House and Gardens, Wiltshire

About 40 minutes east of Bristol near Chippenham, Bowood is one of our favourite summer “big day out” destinations. It’s a stunning Georgian country house set in 100 acres of Capability Brown parkland, but the real draw for families is what might be the best adventure playground in the South West. We’re talking a life-sized pirate ship, aerial rope walkways, zip wires, a famous 19-foot “Space Dive” drop slide, scramble nets, and huge jumping pillows. There’s also a separate under-7s play area called the Partridge Pen, plus a new water play area for 2026.
The gardens and house are beautiful too, interesting for adults while the kids charge around. New for 2026, they’re also adding a dry garden in the walled area.

Prices: Day tickets from around £17.50. Includes access to the house, gardens, and adventure playground. Under 2s free. Free parking.
Ages: The adventure playground suits 3-12 brilliantly. Under-7s have their own dedicated area. The house is more suited to older kids and adults, but the grounds and play areas keep all ages busy for a full day.
Parking: Free on-site car park.
Season: Open Friday 27th March to Sunday 1st November 2026. Closed over winter.
Top tip: Pack a picnic, the grounds are stunning and there are loads of spots by the lake. The on-site cafés are OK but you can save a lot bringing your own food.
The honest bit: The walk from the car park to the adventure playground is a fair distance, fine for older kids but worth knowing if you’ve got a reluctant toddler. Be prepared to give a piggyback to get to the car at the end of the day. Allow at least 3-4 hours; most families stay the whole day.
Book: bowood.org

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

If your family needs a slower, more peaceful day out, Westonbirt is it. It’s the national arboretum near Tetbury, about 45 minutes from Bristol, with 15,000 trees, 17 miles of paths, and the kind of quiet that makes you realise how noisy your normal life is. There’s a Gruffalo trail for younger kids, a natural play trail, and guided walks with volunteer experts who are brilliant at engaging children. One half is dog friendly, the other doesn’t allow dogs.
It’s stunning in every season, but autumn is absolutely spectacular, the colours are worth the trip alone.

Prices: Adults from around £13, children (5-18) from £4. Under 5s free. Free parking included with entry. Prices vary seasonally and may be higher in peak autumn.
Ages: All ages. The Gruffalo trail is perfect for 2-6 year olds. Older kids enjoy the natural play trail and the sheer adventure of a massive woodland. Buggies can manage the main paths but some woodland trails are uneven.
Parking: Free on-site once you’ve paid entry.
Top tip: Dogs are welcome in Silk Wood (but not the Old Arboretum), so it’s a good one if you’ve got a family dog. Hire a mobility scooter in advance if anyone in your group needs one, they’re available free of charge. You can also take scooters and small balance bikes/pedal bikes for little ones which is useful.
The honest bit: Some visitors feel the entry price is steep for “a walk in the woods.” Personally I think it’s worth it, especially with kids, but it does depend on how much you enjoy being outdoors. We love it and have a season ticket. If your children’s main interests are soft play and bumper boats, this isn’t the one.
Book: forestryengland.uk/westonbirt

Wookey Hole Caves, Somerset

About 40 minutes south of Bristol near Wells, Wookey Hole is one of those days out where you get far more than you expected. The guided cave tour through the underground caverns is the star, massive stalactites, an underground river, and the legend of the Witch of Wookey Hole, but there’s also a dinosaur valley with animatronic dinosaurs, adventure golf, a 4D cinema, a Victorian penny arcade, soft play, a museum, and circus shows during school holidays. All included in one ticket.

Prices: Adults around £18, children (4+) around £12. Under 4s free. No family ticket available, but book online the night before for an automatic 15% discount. NHS, teachers, police, fire and forces get 10% off with valid ID. You can use Tesco Clubcard vouchers to offset the cost.
Ages: The cave tour is best from about 4 upwards — under that age, children need to be carried through the caves as there are lots of steps and uneven surfaces. No buggies in the caves. The above-ground attractions work for all ages.
Parking: Free on-site.
Season: Open weekends year-round, plus daily during school holidays (follows Somerset school calendar). Closed mid-week November to mid-February. Check the website before visiting.
Top tip: Make sure little ones go to the toilet before the cave tour, there are no facilities inside the caves and the tour lasts about 40 minutes. Book the early morning slot to avoid the busiest crowds, especially in school holidays.
The honest bit: The cave tour groups can be large, and the caves echo, crying children and large groups don’t mix well. Go mid-week during term time if you can. Some visitors feel the price is steep, but you do get access to over 20 attractions on one ticket. Pack a picnic to avoid the restaurant prices.
Book: wookey.co.uk

The Verdict

If I had to pick just five from this list, it would be We The Curious for a rainy day (brilliantly hands on), Bowood for a sunny adventure day (that playground is something else), Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm for animal-mad kids (the scale of it is impressive), Wake The Tiger for something completely different (there’s nothing else like it), and Windmill Hill City Farm for a free, no-pressure morning with toddlers.

But honestly, they’re all worth it at least once. And if you go during term-time weekdays where you can, you’ll have a completely different (and much calmer) experience at almost all of them.

More Bristol guides, honest product reviews, and local recommendations coming soon, follow along at @thejuggleedit on Instagram.