May Half Term Activities Bristol 2024
Find our picks of May Half Term Activities in and around Bristol below! May half term is Sat 24 May – Sun 2 June for Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire and North Somerset.
Jump to:
- Animal & Adventure Parks
- Gardens & Outdoors
- Museums, Caves & Trains
- Creative & Nature
- Theatre
- Other Events
- Free and Cheap Days Outs
Animal & Adventure Parks
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
A selection of activities for half-term, celebrating Love Your Zoo week. Book here
Steve Backshall Live at Longleat
25 May – 2 June. Exclusive new show for Longleat with Steve’s favourite animals and birds of prey. In new open air theatre. Book the show alongside your tickets. See Longleat’s newest additions African Painted Dogs. Book here
Dinosaur Valley: LIVE! at Avon Valley
25 May – 2 June. Huge collection of animatronic dinosaurs, trail and quest, meet dinosaurs, dinosaur shows, fossil excavation, as well as the rest of the adventure park! Book here
Bing’s Nature Explorers at Slimbridge
23 March – 2 June. Join Bing and Flop to become a Nature Explorer with activity trails, storytelling, character appearances and much more. See our post from our visit here. If you work in the public sector or civil service check out Boundless Membership as it gives you membership to the WWT for only £40 a year (and you can take +1 adult and +6 children with you!)
Mythical May at Bristol Aquarium
Learn how different cultures have tried to understand the weird and wonderful world of aquatic life through their myths and legends, from the 25th May – 2nd June. Meet a mermaid 10am-3pm 25 May – 2 June. Book here
May Half Term at Old Down Country Park
Soft play bus will be open on selected dates, there will be storytelling, a teddy bears picnic 30 May, arts and crafts and games. Check timetable
Gardens & Outdoors
Craft a Colourful Bird at Tyntesfield
Inspired by ‘Echoes from the Aviary’; a sound and collage installation filling Tyntesfield’s aviary this spring, have a go at creating your own colourful collaged birds in this free family drop in. Usual admission applies. 25 May – 2 Jun. More info
May half-term animal antics at Dyrham Park
Activities to get families out and active in the great outdoors will run from Fri 24 May to Sun 2 Jun. Activities will be free of charge. Usual admission applies. More info For Outdoor Theatre events, see theatre section below.
Endangered Animal Trail at Prior Park
Have fun this half term by finding the hidden animals and guessing which endangered species they are. 25 May – 2 June. Usual admission applies. More info
May Half Term at Newark Park
Get creative with art boxes around the gardens, animal spotters trail and lawn games. Booking not required More info
Half-term heroes at Stourhead
Children can discover ways they can protect the planet, learn about what Stourhead does to tackle climate change and enjoy plenty of outdoor games and play 25 May – 2 June. On the final day of half-term (2 June at 1pm) there will be the buzz-tastic bee balancing blundershow – a new, educational family-friendly musical designed to inspire young people to engage with environmental action. Usual admission applies. Booking not required. More info
Bristol Walk Fest
Bristol Walk Fest is on throughout May with various events. During half term: The Forester’s Story – storytelling walk best for 6-10 year olds 29 May Book here
Westonbirt Arboretum
- Minibeast Mimics – half term family activity exploring how creatures mimic each other, quiz, play games and get crafty. 28-30 May
- Spring family trail until 31 May
- Gruffalo Party Trail From 10 Feb Ongoing. Interactive family trail – help find the missing party items to give the Gruffalo a birthday to remember. Party themed activities, games and fun facts. In the Old Arboretum (no dogs allowed). Trail pack £4
Arnos Vale Cemetery
Beautiful Victorian Cemetery well worth a visit. It has some great free or inexpensive family activities. Free parking, nice cafe and free scavenger hunt:
• Den Building Workshop 28 May
• Natural Dyeing and Leaf Printing 28 May
• Fire Lighting Workshop 30 May
• Wild Cooking Workshop 30 May
Booking required for most of these events here
Round Bail Trail at Palette and Pasture
Palette and Pasture Round Bail Trail. The trails here are lovely, there is also an ice cream parlour, inflatables weather dependent, ride ons, a few animals and sand play! Open every day during half term. See our reel from a previous round bail trail! Book here
Ugly Bug Ball Trail at Hestercombe Gardens
Ugly Bug Ball Trail with activity sheet and prize. Interactive magnetic minibeasts, dress them ready for the ball! 25 May – 2 June Book tickets
May Flower Weekend at Sudeley Castle
A weekend of fun family activities, live music, and floral crafting workshops. Beautiful castle and gardens. 25-27 May. Book tickets
Unipiggle Rainbow Riddle Trail at Painswick Rococo Gardens
Unicorn pig trail around the gardens with puzzles to solve.Join Unipiggle and friends in unravelling the mystery of the dull rainbows that have lost their vibrant colours. 50p in addition to entry. 25 May – 2 June Book tickets
May Half Term at Bowood House & Gardens, Wiltshire
House and gardens with an amazing adventure play area! Extra activities on for half term. On 25 & 26 May expect puppet shows, face painting, activities, arts and crafts. From 25 May – 2 June pick up a Nature Explorers booklet and complete the activities around the grounds. Located around an hour east of Bristol, near Chippenham. See photos from our visit. Book tickets
The Merry Monarch and Knight School at Berkeley Castle
• The Merry Monarch – Living History Weekend with King Charles II, a 6 horse display, maypole dancing, and music 26 & 27 May
• Knight School – Learn sword fighting, watch the warrior show and see steel armour displays. For ages 5 – 12. £8 on top of admission requires pre-booking 28-29 May.
Museums, Caves & Trains
Passenger Takeover at SS Great Britain
During Malf half-term Victorian passengers will take over the SS Great Britain to bring the historic dockyard to life. Meet those who travelled on Brunel’s iconic ship and discover stories about what it was like on board from merchants and farmers to botanists and scoundrels. 25 May – 2 June Book tickets
Aerospace Bristol – Bristol Cars & Remote Control Car Racing
Try your hand at shaping a car body as well as racing a remote-controlled car alongside the last Concorde ever to fly. You’ll also have the chance to explore the craftsmanship of the iconic hand-built luxury cars and real Bristol Cars. Book here
Half Term Fun at Wookey Hole
Explore the caves, meet the witch of Wookey Hole, 4D cinema adventure, pirate themed adventure golf, soft play and a wild west circus show! There is also the “Magique Magic & Illusion Show” 29 May at 6pm which requires separate booking. Book tickets
Wildlife Wonders at Cheddar Gorge & Caves
Wildlife talks, how to sessions, help build a mega bug hotel, owl encounter 25 May, live bee hive display on 29 May & 1 June, arts and crafts. Book here
MShed Steam Train
MShed Steam Train Ride. Buy tickets on the day at the ticket office by the MShed platform. Single £3, Return £4.50. 25 – 27 May. More information here
Avon Gorge Cave Tour
A tour of the the Eastern (Clifton) side of the Avon Gorge, including caves, forts, tunnels and bunkers. Adults and children age 10+. 25 May Book tickets
Ashton Court Miniature Railway
Ashton Court Miniature Railway at Ashton Court 12-5PM 26 & 27 May.
Avon Valley Railway Brick Express
Avon Valley Railway “Brick Express” Train rides with Lego building workshops. Great for any train loving kids! 1 & 2 Jun. Book here
Big Kids Toys Week at Haynes Motor Museum
The British Motor Show will be at the Museum with a selection of fun family activities. Outdoor car displays are back for half term 27 May – 2 June Book here
Mr Doodle! Museum Mayhem at The Holburne Museum
New art show from Mr Doodle! Doodle and Draw Trail for kids and creative area next to the cafe. See our reel for what to expect! Book tickets
A Roman Writing Tablet at Roman Baths
- Closer to History Spring event with costumed characters, activity trail, children’s audio guide until 31 May
- Half-term activity Make a Roman writing tablet from plasticine and card 27 – 31 May Book tickets
Toulouse-Lautrec and the Masters of Montmartre at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath
New art exhibition with a family trail, and family crafts 10.30-2pm on 28-31 May inspired by the famour ‘Chat Noir’! Book tickets
Creative & Nature
UPFEST PRESENTS
17 day street art festival 17 May – 2 June. 75 murals will be painted across Southville, as well as workshops (lots for kids including lego printing, collage art, printmaking, POSCA character drawing, cardboard animals and more!), artists panels, comedy, theatre, street art tours. See what’s on
Festival of Nature
A celebration of the natural world with lots of free events 1-9 June! We enjoyed the Wild Weekend in Millenium Square last year. Take a look at the programme, some events need booking See what’s on
Bristol Old Vic “Birthday Family Day”
Birthday Family Day at Bristol Old Vic 11-3PM 30 May. Crafts, trails, workshops and more. Free but workshops can be booked in advance
Children’s Scrapstore
Various craft workshops available over half term. Book here
Play Time: A Woodland Wonder at The Egg
Play-along theatre adventures for 2-6 year olds and their grownups Book here
Kingfisher Forest School
Half Term Specials (Ages 1-7) – Teddy Bears Picnic 26 May & The Very Hungry Caterpillar 1 Jun Book here
Big Nature Play Day with Nature Makers
31 May Book tickets
Kids’ Pottery Workshop at American Museum and Gardens
Kids’ Pottery Sessions – admission required to the museum. Book here
Jungle Themed Craft Day at Emersons Green Village Hall 29 May
Theatre in the Garden at Redcatch Community Garden
Zion Bristol
- Free Board Game Day 28 May
- Lego Competition 29 May
- Pirate themed family theatre 30 May
- Slime sessions 30 May Booking details
- Pirate musical adventure 31 May
- Book tickets
Crafts at Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock
- Children’s Miniature Chelsea Garden Making 27-31 May
- Children’s Butterfly House Making & Decorating 1-2 June
- Book tickets
Clay at Create
Pottery Holiday Workshops for Children aged 7-16. 29-30 May Book tickets
Lush Cribbs Causeway Party Workshops
Make a limited edition bath bomb and play party games in store 25-26 May Book tickets
Adult and Child Bagels and Butter at The Little Kitchen
Make your very own flavoured bagels and fresh butter together! Age 6+. 30 May Book tickets There is also a children’s holiday cookery club (drop-off) 29 May more details
Theatre
Hamilton at Bristol Hippodrome
Age recommendation: 10+ and under 16s need to be accompanied by an adult Book tickets
Hags: A Magical Extravaganza at Tobacco Factory Theatres
24-25 May (Age 11+) Book tickets
Andy and the Oddsocks and Party Peeps at Good Times Yate
See Andy and the Odd Socks at Yate Town Football Club 26 May Book tickets
A Strange New Space at The Wardrobe Theatre
26-28 May (Age 4+ and their families) Book tickets
The Great Stink at The Egg
27-28 May (Age 7+) Book tickets
Minny Stynker at Tobacco Factory Theatres
29 May – 1 June (Age 3+) Book tickets
Shelf: The Kids’ Show at The Wardrobe Theatre
29 May (Age 3+) Book tickets
Les Miserables School Edition at The Redgrave Theatre
29 May – 1 June (Age recommendation: Family, under 18s accompanied by an adult) Book tickets
Skydiver at The Egg
30-31 May (Age 3+) Book tickets
Forest Fairy by Tidal Tales Collective
- The Community Farm 31 May Book tickets
- Heart of BS13 1 June
- Trinity Centre 2 June
- Bath City Farm 8 June Book tickets
Ages 3+ Book tickets
Wonderland at The Egg
1-2 June (Ages 6 months – 3 yrs) Book tickets
Alice in Wonderland Outdoor Theatre at Dyrham Park
1 June 6.30pm Book tickets
Other Events
Royal Bath and West Show
Action packed rural themed family day out 30 May-1 Jun in Shepton Mallet. Lots of activities, entertainment and demosntrations. Book here
Inflatable Theme Park
Inflatable Theme Park at Gatcombe Farm Shop, Long Ashton. 25 May – 2 Jun. More information here
The Wave
Free family fun activity – Plant a sunflower seed in a compostable coffee cup and take it home! Also has a play park, table tennis, boules, skate ramp, and surf lessons/Play in the Bay/Little Ripper sessions if you fancy getting in the water! Book here
Party Peeps On The Pier
Family Rave at The Grand Pier, WSM 31 May Book tickets
Severnvale Equestrian Centre
- Own a Pony Day’s 28 & 29 May. Age 8+ or children who can walk, trot and canter.
- Fun morning or afternoon 30 May Age 4+ no riding experience necessary Book here
Community Farmer Day at The Community Farm
Free Family friendly farmer day in Chew Valley 25 May & 1 June Book tichttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-community-farm-3065992760kets
Magical Moon Entertainment
- Mermaid Dance Party 30 May Ages 2-7 Book tickets
- Barbie Party & Elsa Appearance 30 May Book tickets
Wheelie Good Time
Wheel themed playgroup in Frenchay 25 May & Longwell Green 28 May Book tickets
Wonka Children’s Afternoon Tea at Aztec Hotel & Spa
1 June Book tickets
Silent Kids Disco at The Hideout
5-12 year olds 27 May Book tickets
Free and Cheap Days Out
Looking for a free or low cost activity? Check out this post for over 50 ideas of free and inexpensive days out that would be great half-term activities in Bristol!
Thank you for reading our Bristol May half-term post!
There are so many fabulous days out in and around Bristol. Please follow us on our Instagram (most active) or Facebook for more days out ideas, the latest openings and events!
Disclaimer: I do my best to provide accurate information, but it may be a good idea to double check details directly in case of any changes, cancellations or discrepancies.
