Family / Free things to do with children
Seven things to do with the family in August 2020
Summer is here, and so it is that time of year when, as parents, we look for things to do to occupy our children. Unlike other times, it feels like our options may be restricted.
Before the lockdown, I must admit I didn’t look forward to the summer; six weeks felt really long. But now that we’ve managed all being together for more than four months, six weeks will be a breeze. Plus, we’re not confined to the house, which makes life a lot easier.
Here are seven things to do as a family during the summer holidays:
is needed now More than ever
Visit a green space
One of Bristol’s best assets is the amount of green space it has. Whether it’s somewhere to go for a picnic or just somewhere that needs to be explored. Discover ten green spaces to go with the family in Bristol
Explore the woods around the city. Photo: Maria Newman
Go for a walk
We love to go for a walk; it’s a great way to get some exercise and also spend quality time together. Plus, it’s free! We just pack a picnic and off we go. Here are ten walks to do with the family in and around Bristol
Go to the beach
It’s summer, so we expect sunny weather. When the sun does make an appearance, our family takes the opportunity to go to the seaside. Even if the sea is not that inviting, we can have hours of fun building sandcastles, having a picnic and taking in the fresh air.
From Bristol, there are four seaside options along the M5: Portishead, Clevedon, Weston-super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea.
Visit the local park
One of the things my kids enjoy the most is simply popping to the local park. It doesn’t cost anything, we can walk there and it’s a chance to release some of their stored-up energy!
Children play in the High Kingsdown playground. Photo: Martin Booth
Go see the animals
Like many children, my children love animals and there are a few options to choose from.
If we’re in the mood for the more traditional zoo experience, then we go to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. Set in more than 100 acres, there is an impressive variety of animals to see, from lions and elephants to chickens and rabbits. Plus, there is plenty of open space for the children to explore and lots to keep my little ones busy.
If attractions and rides are what your children enjoy, then Puxton Park is ideal. My two especially like the mini train that takes you on a gentle ride around some of the park. They find it hilarious pointing out the plastic animals and in particular the crocodile, which my son is adamant is real.
There’s also Slimbridge Wetland Centre if we’re in the mood for bird spotting. They have all five species of flamingo and also the rarest goose in the world. I love to watch my children try and feed all the birds that they see. It’s surprising how far a bag of bird food can go.
Feeding the ducks at Slimbridge. Photo: Maria Newman
Visit a railway
Who doesn’t love a ride on a steam train? We love it. And there are quite a few to choose from that aren’t that far away, including Avon Valley Railway, Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, East Somerset Railway and Perry Grove Railway.
Explore the outdoors
I never thought I’d say it, but I’m a fan of the National Trust. When I was young, I remember my parents dragging me around these grand houses and not being remotely interested, mainly because children weren’t actively encouraged to get involved. How things have changed!
Dyrham Park is an ancient deer park, 17th-century house and garden. Photo: National Trust
We regularly visit the properties that are on the outskirts of Bristol, Tyntesfield and Dyrham Park. Both are set in beautiful grounds and have lots of outdoor space for the kids to run wild and, as a parent, I have peace of mind knowing that they can’t get themselves into too much trouble.
If the National Trust isn’t your thing then you could try Puzzlewood or Westonbirt Arboretum.
Maria Newman is a writer for Bristol24/7 and runs her own blog, Mummy On A Break.
Main photo: Maria Newman
Read more: 10 walks to do with the family in and around Bristol
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