If you are looking for some ideas on what to do in Bristol this weekend with the kids, here’s my usual round-up of what’s on!
There are some great events which kids will particularly enjoy such as ‘Make Sunday Special’, an Archaeology day, a funny play about Shakespeare, boat rides on Bristol Harbour and a Medieval pageant in which everyone can join in.
But that’s just a few examples of what’s on this weekend – please read on for the full list!
SATURDAY 23rd JULY
Bristol’s Brilliant Archaeology: Blaise Castle House Museum
A chance to find out more about Bristol’s brilliant archaeology along with a host of local history societies, re-enactors and field archaeologists in a day packed full of fun tours, demonstrations, displays and archaeological activities.
Kids can become archaeologists for the day, have a go at geophysics, handle real artefacts and explore objects from some of Bristol’s most recent archaeological sites. They can also dress up and make a Roman gladiators helmet or an Iron Age collar to take home!
Take a tour to archaeologist Amelia Edward’s grave or Blaise Castle, have a go at a ‘mini excavation’, watch demonstrations by Roman soldiers and see a mini exhibition of paintings showing Roman Sea Mills.
- 11am – 4pm
- Pay what you think
- Henbury Rd, BS10 7QS
- More details
The Ruff Guide to Shakespeare: Redgrave Theatre, Clifton
Commemorating the 400th anniversary of his death, The Ruff Guide to Shakespeare tells the tale of William Shakespeare (well, what we know of him!).
Seven actors from The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School will take you on a journey through his life, his plays and the Elizabethan stage.
Designed for all the family, this is an inclusive show with audience participation. So, expect some silly songs, daft dance routines and some of his most famous speeches as you learn all about… The Greatest Playwright of All Time!
Suitable for Year 2 and above.
- Dates: Saturday 23rd July & Sunday 24th July
- Time: 2.30
- Tickets: £8
- Venue: Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, Clifton BS8 3LE
- Visit http://redgravetheatre.com/event/2016/07/the-ruff-guide-to-shakespeare/41/
A free trail to find of 30 squirrels and other furry woodland animals in windows around Chipping Sodbury. Children of all ages can take part in the trail. Simply pick up a trail map from one of the local libraries, the Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre, under the clock tower or from any of the participating businesses.
Children handing in completed maps will receive a certificate and be entered into a draw to win one of the 30 furry animals!
- FREE
- More details
Mayflower Rides on Bristol Harbour
Explore the Harbour aboard Bristol’s oldest steam tug boat, built in Bristol in 1861. Trips last 30 minutes.
- Tickets adults £6, children £4 – buy tickets on board on the day
- More details
A festival for children and families including games, music, arts, workshops and more.
- 1 – 5pm
- More details
The Story of Children’s Television From 1946 to Today: M Shed
An exhibition tracing the fascinating history of children’s television, bringing together 70 years of iconic objects, memorabilia, merchandise, clips and images. From puppetry to CGI and live shows to dramas and fantasy, it looks at how the magical programmes of our childhood have created memories and nostalgia in adults and children alike.
Enjoy a wander down memory lane in a celebration of children’s television past and present.
- Tickets: Adults £5, Conc. £4, children under 16 free
- Free days on 13th July and 7th September
- More details
Upfest – The Urban Paint Festival: Bedminster & Southville
Britain’s largest, free street art and graffiti festival, attracting over 300 artists painting 28 venues throughout Bedminster and Southville from 23rd – 25th July.
- 11am – 5pm
- FREE
- More details
‘Tiny Steps’ Dance Performance with Odva Contemporary Dance Company
A family dance performance for families in a relaxed environment for babies, toddlers and their families. 30 minutes of dance performance and interactive workshop with dancers Svetlana Ovsyannikova and Federica Scuto – young children invited to join in! This event is ideal for the 0-4 age group but all ages are welcome.
- 10.30 – 11.30am
- BUY TICKETS
- Redland Park United Reformed Church, Whiteladies Road, BS6 6SA
- More details
2016 St Anne’s Day Celebrations & Pageant
A free community event and an opportunity for you to dress-up in medieval costume and re-create the pilgrimage made by King Henry VII to st Anne’s Well. The FREE pageant will start at midday and progress through Brislington to Nightingale Valley, then on to St Anne’s Woods and end at the St Anne’s Well.
- 11am – 3pm
- FREE
- More details
SUNDAY 24th JULY
The Ruff Guide to Shakespeare: The Redgrave Theatre, Clifton
Commemorating the 400th anniversary of his death, The Ruff Guide to Shakespeare tells the tale of William Shakespeare (well, what we know of him!).
Seven actors from The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School will take you on a journey through his life, his plays and the Elizabethan stage.
Designed for all the family, this is an inclusive show with audience participation. So, expect some silly songs, daft dance routines and some of his most famous speeches as you learn all about… The Greatest Playwright of All Time!
Suitable for Year 2 and above.
- Dates: Saturday 23rd July & Sunday 24th July
- Time: 2.30pm
- Tickets: £8
- Venue: Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, Clifton BS8 3LE
- Visit http://redgravetheatre.com/event/2016/07/the-ruff-guide-to-shakespeare/41/
Make Sunday Special: Bristol City Centre
A free event for children and families, Make Sunday Special events bring everyone together and showcase the best Bristol has to offer.
Roads will be closed to traffic in the centre of Bristol, including Corn Street, Small Street, Clare Street, St Stephen’s Street and Glass Arcade so your kids can cycle, scoot or skateboard in safety.
This particular Make Sunday Special will be a special celebration of Bristol’s diverse culture.
- 11am – 4.30pm
- FREE entry
- More details
Mayflower Rides on Bristol Harbour
Explore the Harbour aboard Bristol’s oldest steam tug boat, built in Bristol in 1861. Trips last 30 minutes.
- Tickets adults £6, children £4 – buy tickets on board on the day
- More details
A free trail to find of 30 squirrels and other furry woodland animals in windows around Chipping Sodbury. Children of all ages can take part in the trail. Simply pick up a trail map from one of the local libraries, the Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre, under the clock tower or from any of the participating businesses.
Children handing in completed maps will receive a certificate and be entered into a draw to win one of the 30 furry animals!
- FREE
- More details
The Story of Children’s Television From 1946 to Today: M Shed
An exhibition tracing the fascinating history of children’s television, bringing together 70 years of iconic objects, memorabilia, merchandise, clips and images. From puppetry to CGI and live shows to dramas and fantasy, it looks at how the magical programmes of our childhood have created memories and nostalgia in adults and children alike.
Enjoy a wander down memory lane in a celebration of children’s television past and present.
- Tickets: Adults £5, Conc. £4, children under 16 free
- Free days on 13th July and 7th September
- More details
Upfest – The Urban Paint Festival: Bedminster & Southville
Britain’s largest, free street art and graffiti festival, attracting over 300 artists painting 28 venues throughout Bedminster and Southville from 23rd – 25th July.
- 11am – 5pm
- FREE
- More details
Bristol Mum 