Things to do in Bristol with the kids this winter (part one)
We thought we’d do this guide in two parts, with the first one pre-Christmas with a few highlights for events to take the little ones to over the festive period and part two with some post-Christmas inspiration for blowing away the January blues! Here are our top 5 family-friendly events, attractions and activities across Bristol for children under 5 this December…
Family Arts: Winter Craft at Children’s Scrapstore
Join Children’s Scrapstore on Friday 13th Dec for this free, drop-in workshop where they’ll be exploring different craft projects inspired by winter. As well as being an amazing resource for creative supplies (and a great spot for Christmas shopping and your gift-wrapping supplies), the Children’s Scrapstore also runs regular weekly messy play sessions for under 5s.
When: Fri 13th Dec at 1.30–5 pm
Where: Children’s Scrapstore, Sevier Street, St Werburghs, BS2 9LB
Tickets: Free
Toddler’s Carols at Bristol Cathedral
Head to Bristol Cathedral for an informal carol service for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. The Cathedral will be decorated for Christmas and there’ll be the chance to sing all your favourite carols. No need to worry about noise or wrigglers!
When: Wed 18 Dec at 09:30 am
Where: Bristol Cathedral, College Green, BS1 5TJ
Tickets: Free
The Stickman Trail at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway
Wind your way through the magical Stick Man trail at Cribbs, following the beloved Christmas character as he finds his way home to the family tree. Settle down with Santa and his Forest Elves for storytelling, festive fun and elfish entertainment. All the fun is totally free for all to enjoy with no need to book, just turn up to join the festivities.
When: From the 28th November (see the website for Santa story times)
Where: The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, BS34 5DG
Tickets: Free
Mother Deer at Circomedia
Mother Deer, taking place at Circomedia this December, is a beautiful and playful show for family audiences that captures their imaginations in a celebration of our natural world. Blending aerial acrobatics, dance, and sensory theatre Mother Deer is a magical story for children and their families.
When: Sun 22 – Tue 24 Dec at 11 am & 2:30 pm
Where: Circomedia, St Pauls Church, Portland Square, BS2 8SJ
Tickets: £15 for adults and £10 for children/concessions. 10% off any tickets for groups of 3 or more people.
Shaun the Sheep ‘Find the Flock’ at Bristol Zoo Project
Shaun the Sheep is at Bristol Zoo Project this December! Join the exciting family art trail, and find twelve ewe-nique sculptures at locations across the zoo. It's the perfect festive activity, free for visitors and packed full of baa-rilliant adventures! In collaboration with Aardman, and in partnership with global art producer Wild in Art, each super-sized sculpture, standing at 160cm tall, has been individually designed by artists from across Bristol and beyond. This attraction is running until the 12th of Jan so it could be a great one to do in Twixmas (in between Christmas and New Year) to walk off the Christmas pud!
When: Runs til 12th January 10 am–4 pm (last entry 3 pm)
Where: Bristol Zoo Project, Black Horse Hill, BS10 7TP
Tickets: Included in the general admission price
