Top 10 Best Family Activities In Bristol In 2026

Location: Cabot Circus, Upper Ground, Bristol BS1 3BQ.

Treetop Golf in Cabot Circus turns a simple round of mini golf into an adventure your kids won't stop talking about.

There are two immersive 18-hole courses to choose from, Tropical Trail and Ancient Explorer, and both are packed with colourful obstacles, jungle scenery, and enough competitive moments to keep the whole family entertained.

The courses are imaginative enough to captivate younger children while still giving older kids (and adults) a proper challenge.

It's all indoors, so rain is never a problem, and the relaxed atmosphere means nobody feels rushed.

You can grab a slice of pizza at Pizza Cabana or refuel at the Jungle Buzz Café once the scores are settled.

Walk-ins are welcome, but booking in advance is a smart move if you're visiting on a weekend.

➡️ You're already in the heart of Cabot Circus, so it's easy to keep the day going with food, drinks, or a browse through the shops.

Location: Cabot Circus, Upper Ground, BS1 3BX (a 15-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads).

Escape Hunt in Cabot Circus gives families a chance to work together in ways that no board game at home ever could.

You pick a themed room, gather your team of two to six players, and then have 60 minutes to solve puzzles, find hidden clues, and escape before time runs out.

Each room is built around a strong storyline with detailed sets and clever surprises that make you feel like you've stepped into a film, such as Dracula and Journey to Atlantis.

It's brilliant for families because everyone naturally falls into a role, whether that's the clue-spotter, the puzzle-solver, or the one keeping everyone calm when the clock is ticking.

Even younger family members can get involved, and the sense of achievement when you crack a tough puzzle together is hard to beat.

The team at Escape Hunt are friendly and helpful, making it easy for first-timers to jump straight in.

➡️ Once you've escaped (or run out of time trying), you're right in Cabot Circus, so it is easy to carry on with food, a film, or a bit of shopping.

Location: Cabot Circus, Upper Ground, BS1 3BX.

King Pins in Cabot Circus is the kind of place where one activity quickly turns into three.

The bowling lanes are the main draw, but beyond that, you'll find karaoke rooms, ice-free curling, pool tables, and a large arcade, all under one roof.

It's a brilliant setup for families because everyone can pick their own thing and still be in the same place.

The atmosphere is lively, and the staff are great at keeping things running smoothly, especially with younger visitors.

When the hunger kicks in (and it will), King Pins has a solid food menu and a drinks list big enough to keep the adults happy, too.

The venue also has baby-changing facilities, highchairs for little ones, and step-free access throughout.

➡️ With Escape Hunt, Treetop Golf, and ODEON Luxe all nearby, Cabot Circus has enough to keep the family entertained for the entire day.

Location: Cabot Circus, Top Floor, BS1 3DX.

A trip to the cinema might sound like a simple plan, but ODEON Luxe Bristol in Cabot Circus turns it into something the whole family will remember.

Even the kids notice the difference here, sinking into luxury reclining seats with proper legroom and a screen so big and bright that every film feels like an event.

Here's the bit families really love: kids can watch for just £1* every Saturday and Sunday, and every day during the school holidays.

*Selected cinemas only. Tickets for ODEON Kids are £1 when you book online and in-cinema. Tickets for ODEON kids are £0.90 when you book online and in Cinema as an Extras Plus member. Price information is correct at the time of publication but is subject to change at any time. Excludes Girl guide showings.

When you're booking online, look for the green "Kids" label to find eligible screenings.

There are eight screens of movie magic, including state-of-the-art IMAX and iSense experiences that stretch floor to ceiling and wall to wall, with precision audio powered by dozens of speakers placed all around you.

For an extra treat, you can upgrade to a VIP Bed for the biggest seat in the house, or try the Luxe Suite's two-seater Pods for a cosier, more private experience.

The cinema runs a wide mix of family films, blockbusters, and new releases, so there's almost always something on that fits the bill.

There are tables as part of the seats as well, so you can treat yourself to some nachos, hot dogs, or chicken strips or share popcorn at your seat in front of the film.

➡️ We'd recommend checking screening times and booking online before you head over, as popular family showings can fill up quickly.

As ODEON Luxe is inside Cabot Circus, guests can enjoy up to four hours of parking for just £2.50 before 5 PM, and a flat rate of £2.50 between 5 PM and 6 AM. Tickets need to be validated at the cinema to qualify.

A family day out lives or dies by the food stop, and Cabot Circus has enough variety to keep even the fussiest eaters happy.

Whether your lot gravitates towards spicy chicken, big bowls of noodles, Mediterranean sharing plates, or something with chips on the side, you won't have to wander far.

Here are some of the best spots:

Frankie and Benny's

Location: Unit SU 83B, Cabot Circus, Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3BX.

Frankie and Benny's does crowd-pleasing comfort food with real warmth, covering everything from burgers and pasta to grills and a generous dessert menu.

Set menus start at £9.95 and include a free soda, making it one of the better-value family lunch options in the centre.

Vegan, gluten-free, and kids' menus are all on the table, too.

Dave's Hot Chicken

Location: Cabot Circus, BS1 3BX.

Dave's Hot Chicken landed in Bristol from LA, and it doesn't do anything quietly.

The menu centres on crispy, hand-breaded chicken tenders and sliders served Nashville-style, and you choose your own heat level across seven tiers, from mild all the way up to the Reaper for anyone who fancies a real challenge.

Pair it with fries or mac and cheese, and it's a proper family feast in a relaxed, no-fuss setting.

Wagamama

Location: Cabot Circus, Upper Ground floor, BS1 3BX.

Wagamama delivers big, nourishing bowls of Asian-inspired food, from katsu curry to ramen, with sides that are made for sharing across the table.

The kids' menu is solid, dietary options are clearly marked throughout, and the atmosphere is quick and easy without feeling rushed.

Highchairs, baby-changing, and step-free access are all available, so families with younger children are well looked after.

Wingstop

Location: Cabot Circus, Ground floor, George White St, BS1 3BX.

Wingstop brings serious flavour and big portions, with a menu built around chicken wings in ten-plus sauces, loaded fries, and signature dips.

Everything is cooked fresh when you order, and the atmosphere is energetic without being overwhelming for younger visitors. 

➡️ All of these restaurants are within Cabot Circus, so you can easily pair a meal with mini golf, bowling, or a film and make a full day of it.

Some of the best moments in a family day out happen between the main activities, and Cabot Circus has a handful of shops that kids treat like attractions in their own right.

Here are some worth stopping at:

LEGO®   Store

Location: Cabot Circus, Ground floor, BS1 3BX.

LEGO®   Store lets kids build their own Minifigure, dig into the Pick and Build Wall, and get hands-on with the latest sets at the Demonstration Table.

Adults get pulled in just as easily, and you'll lose track of time in here.

LEGO®   Insiders members get early access to new releases and rewards, which is worth knowing if your family are regular builders.

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Location: Cabot Circus, Upper Ground floor, BS1 3AU.

Flying Tiger Copenhagen is one of those shops where every shelf has something unexpected: games, craft kits, party supplies, quirky homeware, all from a Danish brand that keeps nearly everything under a few pounds.

Kids enjoy the treasure-hunt feel of browsing through the colourful aisles.

It's a great place to pick up rainy-day activities or small treats at an affordable price point.

The Entertainer

Location: Cabot Circus, Upper Ground, BS1 3BX.

The Entertainer covers toys, games, and crafts for every age group, from babies to tweens and up.

The staff know their stuff and are always happy to help you track down the right gift, even if you're not sure what you're looking for.

Click and Collect is there if you'd rather order ahead and grab it on the day.

Typo

Location: Cabot Circus, Ground floor, George White St, BS1 3BX.

Typo is an Australian-designed store selling stationery, room accessories, and gifts that are bold and a bit offbeat.

Older kids and teenagers tend to gravitate here for things that feel more personal and less predictable.

There's a student discount too, which is a nice bonus for families with sixth-formers in tow.

Scribbler

Location: Cabot Circus, Ground floor, George White St, BS1 3BA.

Scribbler stocks the kind of greeting cards that make you actually laugh out loud, alongside a strong Jellycat range and well-chosen gifts.

If you've got a few birthdays coming up, their loyalty programme helps stretch the budget. It's meant to be a quick stop, but rarely is.

MINISO

Location: Cabot Circus, Ground floor, Brigstowe St, BS1 3BH.

MINISO draws kids in with its bright colours and shelves loaded with collectables, from Sanrio and Pokémon figures to blind boxes and character merch at prices that won't empty your wallet.

The range changes regularly, so there's usually something new to discover on each visit.

It has a playful, almost arcade-like energy that younger visitors love.

➡️ All of these shops are dotted across Cabot Circus, so you can weave them into a day of activities and let the kids lead the way between stops.

Location: Brandon Hill, off Park Street, Bristol BS1.

Brandon Hill is Bristol's oldest park, and the walk up to Cabot Tower at its summit is one of the most rewarding free activities you can do as a family.

The tower stands 105 feet tall and was built in 1897 to mark the 400th anniversary of John Cabot's famous voyage to North America from Bristol.

Climbing the 100+ steep, spiralling steps is a proper little adventure for kids, and the panoramic views from the top stretch across the whole city and beyond.

Back on the ground, there's a children's play park near the top of the hill, open green spaces perfect for picnics, and a nature conservation area where you can spot squirrels and birds.

The park is open daily and free to visit, though the tower may close in particularly bad weather.

💡 Local tip: The best time to visit is late afternoon on a clear day, when the light over the city is at its most dramatic.

Location: Broad Weir, Bristol BS1 3XB.

Castle Park sits right in the centre of Bristol, a generous stretch of green that feels like a deep breath between the buzz of the shops and the river.

There's real history here too, with the atmospheric ruins of St Peter's Church, which was destroyed during the Bristol Blitz, standing as a quiet reminder of the city's wartime past.

You can also explore the remains of Bristol Castle's medieval keep and vaulted chambers, which gives the visit an unexpected educational edge.

The park is free, open at all times, and sits just a short walk from Cabot Circus and the harbourside.

💡 Local tip: Pick up the Castle Park Tree Trail leaflet from the Bristol City Council website before you visit, and turn your walk into a nature hunt through the park's trees.

Location: Philip Street, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4EA.

Windmill Hill City Farm is a proper Bristol gem, a 4.5-acre community farm tucked into the heart of Bedminster where families can meet goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, and poultry just half a mile from the city centre.

Children love the outdoor adventure playground, the community gardens, and the chance to get up close with the animals in the farmyard.

Entry is free, though donations are encouraged since the farm is a registered charity.

💡 Local tip: The farm is open seven days a week, but paths can get muddy when it's been raining, so wellies are a good idea.

Location: Various locations across Bristol (start at Stokes Croft or the Harbourside).

Bristol is Banksy's hometown, and your family can discover his original works scattered across the city on a free self-guided walking trail.

The city feels like a massive outdoor gallery where world-famous pieces sit alongside vibrant murals from other Bristol street artists.

You can spot iconic works like "The Mild, Mild West" in Stokes Croft, "Well Hung Lover" near Park Street, and "Girl with the Pierced Eardrum" close to the Harbourside.

Each piece tells its own story about Bristol's creative spirit and rebellious character, and kids enjoy the hunt as much as the art itself.

The trail takes you through some of the city's most colourful and alternative neighbourhoods, where the walls change constantly with new street art appearing all the time.

Your family can move at your own pace, and the whole thing feels more like an adventure than a traditional gallery visit.

💡 Local tip: Download a free Banksy trail map before you set off, or simply start at Stokes Croft and wander, as some of the best discoveries happen when you're not looking for them.

Cabot Circus in Bristol is more than just a shopping centre.

We designed it to be a place where families can find something new to enjoy together, whether that's a round of mini golf, an afternoon at the cinema, or a meal you'll remember.

Our destination offers surprises, entertainment, and must-see moments all year round in a stress-free, welcoming environment.

You can plan your visit to Cabot Circus here to see how to reach us by car, taxi, train, bus, or bike.

If you're driving, parking is easy with our smart parking solution designed to help you avoid tickets and reduce queues.