February Half Term Fun for the Kids in Bristol
Posted on: 06 Feb 2018No sooner have the little 'uns returned to school than they're seemingly off for another few weeks. No matter. Just as the post-Christmas frenzy has subsided and the prospect of keeping the kids entertained once more seems a challenging, daunting prospect, let us gently nudge you in the right direction with a few suggestions of things to do in Bristol.
From camp fire skills to welly wanging, a fairytale trail to the glories of the region's aviation past, we've (just about) got you covered when it comes to keeping the youngsters (and their parents) busy throughout the February half term.
Various events at Bristol Museums.jpg "Bristol Museums")
Marvel at some of the sensational snaps which make up this years Wildlife Photographer of the Year which runs at M Shed until 8th April, while the venue's old steam train will be tooting its whistle and belching out steam as it takes people up and down the Harbourside on 10th-11th and 17th-18th February. Meanwhile, dinosaur devotees can wow at the giant Jurassic Pilosaurus at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery until 14th February.
(1)(1).jpg "Airhop trampoline park in Bristol")
In AirHop, Bristol is in possession of the world’s biggest trampoline park. Not only comprised of a staggering 135 interconnected trampolines, the complex also incorporates a series of miscellaneous features including slam-dunk lanes, dodgeball courts, slack lines, battle beams and a ‘Total Wipeout zone’. Half-term is the perfect time to explore this fun-filled indoor play park with your children, who will benefit not just from hours of enjoyment but also physical exercise - which may just tire them out enough for you to have the afternoon off! There are also dedicated bouncing sessions for under 5s.
Clip 'n Climb is composed of a wide selection of climbing-based activities providing healthy, challenging fun for all the family! Test your resolve and determination across all of their separate challenges - climb commando style on the Jungle Gym, reach new heights on the Skyscraper, take the Speed Climbing challenge, tangle yourself in Spaghetti, dare to tackle the Lightning Crack or race your friends up the Stairway to Heaven. No climbing experience is necessary and full briefing is provided.
.jpg "The Matthew Ship of Bristol")
500 years after John Cabot’s ship The Matthew crossed the Atlantic in 1497, a replica of the ship was made to repeat the journey. Ever since returning from the States, the carbon copy has been moored in Bristol’s floating harbor and regularly takes trips around the vicinity.
Zoo Detective at Bristol Zoo Gardens (10th-25th February).jpg "Bristol Zoo Gardens")
Ingeniously titled a Zoodunnit?, this half term mystery fun will involve exploring the massive 12-acres of the zoo to, Sherlock Holmes-style, uncover clues, crack codes, deduce suspects and show off your sleuthing skills at the interactive pop-up detective school.
Nature's Wonders at Wild Place Project (10th-18th February)
At Wild Place Project you'll be able to explore the mysteries and delights of nature through their habitat-themed parkland areas, battle your wits against the rangers, challenge family and friends to a game of Nature Bingo, crack some mind-bending Ranger Riddles and complete an orienteering course, amongst other things. There's also a Leap of Faith adventure course and indoor Fun Fort.
Meet Pirates and Mermaids at Bristol Aquarium (10th-25th February).jpg "Bristol Aquarium")
The sea-based juxtaposition of pirates and mermaids makes for an intriguing, entertaining day which includes a pirate treasure trail and learning about those shimmering, mysterious fish-tailed maidens of the deep. Amidst the tales of pirate and mermaid life, there will also be plenty of photo opportunities.
The Highway Rat Activity Trail at The National Arboretum
Meet characters, collect food rubbings and revel in a myriad fantastic activities on this awesome trail around the Old Arboretum inspired by the BBC's animation of the same name created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. You can pick up a Highway Rat Activity Pack (£3) from the Welcome Building and download activity sheets before you go.
Plenty of Fun at Arnos Vale Cemetery.jpg "Arnos Vale Cemetery in Bristol")
A few events going on here, including Forest Fun (13th February) for kids aged eight and over who can build their own winter den and learn campfire and bush craft skills; Stained Glass Window Workshop (16th February); and Detective Project Kids Workshop (16th February), a kind of CSI Bristol Kids where 8-12 year olds train in the skillful art of crime scene investigation.
Fairytale Fun at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park
Three fairytale-themed trails will be taking place around the park this February: The Unicorn Trail, The Fairytale Trail, and a spot of beanstalk planting with Jack during the half term weekends. From 9th - 18th February, witness the miracle of ewes lambing twins and triplets in the indoor animal handling barn, learn about the lambing process through daily talks, and even get the chance to name the newborns.
Welly Wanging at Tyntesfield
Tyntesfield is a fabulous Victorian Gothic revival house with stunning gardens and parkland, and the wow factor alone should stun the little 'uns into awed silence. For 30 seconds, at least. Still, they're kids, so chances of them staying schtum for too long are very slim indeed - so a spot of vigorous, enthusiastic welly wanging (basically hurling a Wellington boot as far as humanly possible) should more than keep them entertained.
Bristol Cathedral Crafty-ness
More for the under 11s, the monolithic magnificence of Bristol Cathedral will be home to tours and trails of the arty, creative variety on Thursday 15th February from 10am-12pm.
Adventures at Puxton Park
UK weather can be, erm, disappointing and unpredictable, to say the least - but that doesn't matter a jot at Puxton Park due to the venue's fabulous range of indoor activities. So, come rain or shine, there's always something to get stuck into here whether it's bumper boating, a high ropes course, karting, sliding, soft play, bouncing, animal feeding, and a whole load more. They'll also be putting on a few extra activities over half term too, including free face painting, fancy dress disco, cookie decorating, Valentine's crafts and magicians and fairy story time.
Article by:
Jamie is a writer, blogger, journalist, critic, film fan, soundtrack nerd and all-round Bristolian good egg. He loves the music of Philip Glass, the art of Salvador Dali, the writings of Charles Bukowksi and Hunter S Thompson, the irreverence of Harry Hill, and the timeless, straw-chomping exuberance of The Wurzels. You can sometimes find him railing against a surging tide of passing cyclists, or gorging himself senseless on the Oriental delights of a Cosmos all-you-can-eat buffet.
