Including free and cheap activities
If you’re looking for a fun-filled adventure, then look at Bristol, which offers many fantastic budget friendly and free places to visit that are family friendly whatever the weather.
Going out for the day with the family can be expensive, so here’s my top 5 tips to keeping your day out in Bristol within budget:
- Before you plan your visit, remember to check out Groupon, who have some top deals on things to do in Bristol including rock climbing and laser tag. Tickets tend to be cheaper as you’re booking in advance.
- Go with friends. The more of you the better. You can get better discounts on 10 or more people, even if you book online.
- Pick attractions that offer multiple use. A lot of places offer you a day ticket and a second return for free, meaning you can go again that week for nothing!
- If you book online then remember to have a look at the cash back websites. Look at your reward points and see if you can use any to get money off.
- Bring your own snacks. We all remember lunch but when it comes to snacks we normally have to reach into our pockets. Keep a load of goodies separate for when you all need a pick me up.
So without further ado, here are 15 things to do in Bristol that everyone will enjoy no matter their age and that are easy on the purse strings.
15 Bargain Things To In Bristol That The Whole Family Will Enjoy
M Shed
M Shed lets you explore over 2000 years of Bristol’s history and gives you access to over 150 restored films. You can learn about Bristol’s music scene, industry, and technology through the ages. Oh, and it’s completely free!
The Bristol Harbourside Treasure Hunt
The trail is around 1.5 miles long and takes around 2 hours to complete. It features a short ferry trip across the water so remember to bring some cash. The last boat trip is 3 pm. This is a self-guided trail but with the downloadable map, you can search for clues around the city and really learn about Bristol.
Bristol Zoo Gardens
Set among 12 acres of beautiful grounds, Bristol Zoo Gardens has over 400 exotic and endangered species. There are an adventure playground and an on-site restaurant.
Picnics are welcome and it’s completely pushchair and wheelchair friendly.
SS Great Britain
Step back in time and walk around this 170-year-old ship and see what life on board for a Victorian sailor was like.
The ship rests on a glass sea so it’s safe from saltwater that could destroy the hull, so you can walk underneath to see the bottom of the ship!
Clifton and Durdham Downs
This is a gorgeous green landscape. There are various trails you can enh=joy along with a host of activities to do from horse riding and cycling to kite flying and football.
Windmill Hill City Farm
Formed in 1976, this is an educational farm with community gardens, picnic area, a cafe serving homemade food, an adventure playground, and five-a-side pitch.
There is on-street parking which is a short stay. For longer visits, there are local multi-story car parks nearby.
Pirate Petes Walking Tour
Tours stat from 2 pm on Saturdays & Sundays throughout the year and offer the whole family a fun filled time.
Dress up, bring your camera and enjoy a fun walk around Bristol. The walk is flat and has wheelchair and buggy access.
Bristol Aquarium
With its underwater tunnels and deep pools, the kids will love spotting their favorite fishy friends. The aquarium is home to over 1000 creatures and hosts a botanical house.
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery host a range of amazing objects from sea dinosaurs to magnificent art.
It’s interactive, so the whole family can enjoy finding out how big their hands are compared to a gorillas or try and spot the hidden animals.
There’s an onsite restaurant, easy parking and it’s perfect for a buggy or wheelchair.
The Matthew of Bristol
Near the M Shed, The Matthew of Bristol is a replica of the English ship found in North America.
Visit the Bristol Floating Harbour and chat to the well-informed volunteers. You can even book a trip around the harbour!
Laser Fusion
Think laser quest crossed with sugar!
Like living in a computer game, Laser Fusion is a high tech game of cat and mouse.
Its multilevel arena offers audio-visual effects and gets the whole family involved.
The suits are designed for 6 years and up or those over 3ft 4.
Bristol Ferry Boat Co
Come and see Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge by sea and spot the wildlife on the banks or the who bridge from the unique view of the water.
The public trips offer education, adventure, and fun for the whole family.
Take in the sights of the harbor into The Avon Gorge with commentary from highly respected wildlife expert Ed Drewitt.
Pricing starts at £1.50 and it opens daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
Clifton Observatory
Standing on a hill by the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Clifton Observatory is the perfect place for a family selfie (the views are outstanding) then head inside to see the famous Camera Obscura within the tower, one of the last fully original operational models in Britain!
The Camera Obscura reflects what you see on the outside.
There’s also a huge 100 feet underground cave with 136 steps leading to it. Get the kids to count on their way down!
Bristol Packet Boat Rides
There are so many boat rides to choose from depending on how long you want to stay.
You can have a small trip around Wrapping Wharf which is 45 minutes and offers a historical commentary.
If the kids can handle longer, then try the Avon Gorge Cruise which is 3 hours, but with a view of the Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge, through to the stunning Avon Gorge and straight down the Bristol Channel it’s certainly worth it.
Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf
This is crazy golf like you’ve never seen it before. This course consists of 2 full 18-hole courses with an amazing depth of atmosphere and decor!
There are sound and light effects throughout helping turn a simple game into a proper adventurer’s treat.
They offer double up deals if you want to try the full 36 holes making this a fun and bargain trip out!
Laura x
If you enjoyed this post and would like some more free kids activity ideas, then head over to my cheap days out section here on Savings 4 Savvy Mums where you’ll find over 30 cheap posts dedicated to helping you save money while you’re out with the kids. There’s enough tips to help you save over £300 a month! You could also pop over and follow my budget days out Pinterest boards for lots more cheap family friendly days out, deals and free family activities you can do together; Cheap Family Days Out UK, Free Kids Activities and Deals, Sales and Offers.
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