Don’t let the rain spoil your plans! Whether you’re looking for free museums, indoor adventures, creative activities or somewhere warm to enjoy a coffee while the children play, I’ve rounded up some of the best – many free/cheap – rainy day ideas across Bristol.
From babies and toddlers to older children, there’s something here for every family.
Do check out the Bristol Mum What’s On page to find out what’s on for kids this week!
🦖 Museums, Art Galleries & More
Rainy days are perfect for discovering somewhere new.
Whether your children love dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, transport, art or history, Bristol has plenty of fascinating museums packed with hands-on exhibits and family activities.
Ideas include:
- Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
- M Shed
- SS Great Britain
- Blaise Museum
- Georgian House Museum
- Red Lodge Museum
- George Muller Museum
- Glenside Hospital Museum
- Arnolfini
- Bristol Cathedral
- St Mary Redcliffe Church
- John Wesley’s New Room
🧸 Indoor Play & Soft Play
Need somewhere the children can burn off some energy?
From soft play centres to inflatable parks and climbing walls, these indoor attractions are perfect when the weather isn’t on your side.
Ideas include:
- Soft play centres
- AirHop Bristol
- Clip ‘n Climb
- Freedog
- Ninja Warrior
- Indoor climbing
- Inflatable parks
🎨 Get Creative
If your children love making things, Bristol has plenty of opportunities to get creative.
Try pottery painting, craft workshops, family art sessions or hands-on museum activities.
Ideas include:
- Pottery painting
- Craft cafés
- Hobbycraft workshops
- Family craft sessions
- Library crafts
- Seasonal workshops
☕ Family-Friendly Cafés
Sometimes all you need is somewhere cosy where the children can play while you enjoy a hot drink.
Bristol has some fantastic cafés with play areas, toy corners and plenty of space for families.
Ideas include:
- Cafés with play areas
- Garden centre cafés
- Farm cafés
- Independent cafés with toys
👶 Babies & Toddlers
Keeping little ones entertained on wet days can be challenging.
Fortunately, Bristol has plenty of activities especially for babies and toddlers.
Ideas include:
- Baby sensory classes
- Stay & Play groups
- Music sessions
- Storytime
- Toddler gymnastics
- Soft play toddler mornings
🏊 Burn Off Some Energy
Need to tire the children out?
Swimming pools, trampoline parks and our local indoor sports centre are ideal for energetic youngsters.
Ideas include:
- Swimming
- Trampolining
- Gymnastics
- Indoor football
- Climbing
- Dance classes
🎳 Bigger Adventures
If you’re looking for something a little different, why not enjoy a family adventure indoors?
Perfect for older children and teenagers.
Ideas include:
- Bowling
- Escape rooms
- Crazy golf
- Axe throwing (older teens/adults)
- VR experiences
- Indoor climbing
📚 Rainy Day Reading
Sometimes slowing down is exactly what’s needed.
Spend an hour browsing books, joining a story session or taking part in a library activity.
Ideas include:
- Bristol Central Library
- Your local library
- Summer Reading Challenge
- Family reading sessions
- Children’s bookshops
🎬 Cinema & Theatre
Treat the family to a rainy day out with a film or live performance.
Keep an eye out for:
- Family cinema screenings
- Toddler screenings
- Children’s theatre
- Puppet shows
- Interactive performances
🌂 Know a Great Rainy Day Activity?
Have I missed your favourite indoor attraction or hidden gem?
Get in touch and let us know! I would love to hear your recommendations and may even feature them in this guide.
Email bristol_mum@hotmail.com
Bristol Mum 