Rainy day favourites in Bristol - museums, soft play, indoor climbing and weatherproof family days out for when the forecast lets you down.
Aerospace Bristol · Bristol
A spectacular aviation museum at Filton housing the last Concorde ever built alongside decades of Bristol aviation history. The cockpit access and immersive displays thrill children and adults equally.
Bristol Aquarium · Bristol
A city centre aquarium on the harbourside with sharks, rays, and a stunning coral ocean tank. Smaller than the London equivalent but well-curated and easy to combine with a harbourside lunch.
Bristol City Council · Bristol
A grand free city centre museum with natural history, Egyptology, and fine art collections across multiple floors. Regular family trails and holiday activities keep younger visitors engaged.
Bristol Old Vic · Bristol
Britain's oldest continuously working theatre stages excellent family shows and holiday productions throughout the year. The building itself is stunning and free to look around during opening hours.
Cattle Country Adventure Park Ltd · Bristol
A farm-based adventure park with indoor and outdoor play areas, animal encounters, and seasonal activities. Kids can bottle-feed lambs, explore giant sandpits, and burn energy on the extensive play structures. The indoor barn ensures fun whatever the weather.
Longleat Enterprises Ltd · Bristol
Britain's biggest gorge features spectacular caves, dramatic cliff-top walks, and fascinating geological formations. Families can explore Gough's Cave with its stunning stalactites, tackle the 274 steps to Pavey's Lookout Tower, and learn about prehistoric finds. The museum brings ancient history to life.
Create Centre Ltd · Bristol
An environmental education centre with sustainable building displays, green technology demonstrations, and family workshops. Kids can learn about renewable energy through hands-on exhibits and explore the eco-garden. Regular craft and nature activities run during holidays.
Hamleys of London Ltd · Bristol
The famous toy store offers a magical experience with interactive demonstrations, play areas, and the latest toys across multiple floors. Staff perform magic tricks and demonstrate toys throughout the day. It's entertainment even if you don't buy anything.
Jungle Rumble Ltd · Bristol
Two jungle-themed indoor adventure golf courses with spectacular theming, waterfalls, and atmospheric lighting. The 18-hole courses wind through tropical scenery with interactive obstacles. It's air-conditioned and works whatever the weather.
Lollipop Play Ltd · Bristol
A vibrant indoor play centre with soft play zones, trampolines, and dedicated areas for different age groups. There's a comfortable café for parents and regular toddler sessions. Everything is clean, modern, and well-supervised.
Bristol City Council · Bristol
A free harbourside museum telling the story of Bristol through objects, images, and personal histories. The working cranes outside and restored locomotives make it memorable for young visitors.
Noah's Ark Zoo Farm · Bristol
A large farm and zoo near Wraxall with giraffes, rhinos, and giant play barns alongside the usual farm animals. A brilliant full day for younger children who love both animals and outdoor play.
Puxton Park Ltd · Bristol
A family attraction park near Weston-super-Mare featuring animal encounters, indoor and outdoor play areas, and seasonal events. Kids can meet farm animals, bounce on trampolines, and explore the massive indoor play barn. There's genuinely something for all ages and weathers.
RWA · Bristol
An art gallery in Clifton featuring changing exhibitions of contemporary and historic art. Family-friendly trails and activities help children engage with the artworks. The building itself is beautiful and there are often free family workshops during holidays.
Spark Bristol Ltd · Bristol
An indoor activity centre for young children featuring imaginative play areas themed as a village with shops, café, construction zone, and more. Toddlers and preschoolers can role-play, build, and explore in a safe environment. Parents can relax in the café area.
SS Great Britain Trust · Bristol
Brunel's revolutionary steamship sits in the Great Western Dockyard with immersive below-deck experiences and a fascinating museum. History comes alive in a way that genuinely grips children.
The Galleries Bristol · Bristol
A free soft play area in the Broadmead shopping centre, perfect for a quick energy release during shopping trips. It's compact but well-maintained with seating for parents around the edges. Ideal for keeping toddlers and young children entertained.
National Trust · Bristol
A stunning Victorian Gothic Revival house with beautiful gardens, woodland walks, and a working kitchen garden. Families can explore the house with discovery trails, play in the natural play area, and enjoy the extensive grounds. There are often family events and activities.
Warm Stones Ltd · Bristol
Bristol's only thermal spa experience offering family swim sessions in warm mineral pools. While primarily adult-focused, designated family times let parents introduce children to spa relaxation. The pools are maintained at comfortable temperatures year-round.
Watershed Arts Trust · Bristol
Bristol's cultural cinema and digital media centre showing independent films, hosting family-friendly screenings, and running creative workshops. The café bar overlooks the harbour and there are often free exhibitions. Weekend family film clubs are particularly popular.
We The Curious · Bristol
Bristol's science centre on the harbourside with hundreds of hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and live science shows. One of the best science centres outside London — endlessly entertaining.