Features / Things to do at Easter
11 things to do in Bristol over the Easter holidays 2024
With the first shoots of spring and egg-shaped chocolate treats stacked on supermarket shelves comes the Easter Holidays.
It’s no yolk trying to entertain the kids for an entire two weeks, but never fear, Bristol24/7 has compiled an egg-cellent activity guide to see you through (and no more puns, we promise)
From play parks to performances, animals to egg hunts and much more, we’ve got you covered.
is needed now More than ever
Mary Anning at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
On until April 10
Aspiring young palaeontologists are invited to hear the story of the famous fossil hunter Mary Anning. Expect puppetry, epic marine reptiles and facts about the world’s biggest (and boniest) eyeball in this theatrical performance for children between the ages of seven and 11.
Price: Free but performances are ticketed so book early
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/whats-on/family-activity-mary-anning
The Zoo That Comes To You at Wardrobe Theatre
April 5-7
Bristol’s Scarlet Oak Theatre presents a celebration of puppetry, humour and unforgettable characters in a show for children aged five to 11 that invites people to join the conversation about animal conservation.
Price: £10 (children aged two and under go free)
www.thewardrobetheatre.com/livetheatre/the-zoo-that-comes-to-you
Down on the farm
Every day (check websites for opening hours at each farm)
You don’t have to leave the city to go down on the farm, roam outside and come face to face with animals. Bristol is lucky enough to have a number of city and community farms and many host special activities during the school holidays.
Price: free
www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk
www.hartcliffecityfarm.org.uk
www.swcityfarm.co.uk
www.lwfarm.org.uk
www.grimsburyfarm.org
You don’t have to leave the city to go down on the farm – photo: Ellie Pipe
Making waves
Any day
On the subject of staying in the city (or at least very close by), you don’t need to head to the coast to catch the surf. The UK’s first inland surf lake at Easter Compton can be a day out for the whole family. There’s a cafe, a children’s play area, the surf lake and (if you’re lucky) maybe some sunshine.
Price: from £39 for a child’s surf lesson (entry to the site and play area are free)
www.thewave.com
The UK’s first inland surf lake at Easter Compton can be a day out for the whole family – photo: Global Shots
Easter egg (or treasure) hunt
Any day
For many, this time of year will be synonymous with searching for a trail of chocolate delights. But for those who don’t celebrate Easter, or people seeking to avoid the joys of sugar-hyped children, a treasure hunt can be just as fun. Hide objects around the garden or park, put together a map if you’re feeling creative and send the kids off to hunt for their goods.
Price: free (or the cost of some Easter eggs)
Zog and the Flying Doctors at Bristol Old Vic
April 2-14
A truly modern take on a classic fairytale, Zog and the Flying Doctors sees Princess Pearl, with the help of Zog and Sir Gadabout, and half a pound of cheese, set out to prove princesses can be doctors too.
For ages three and up. Zog and the Flying Doctors has relaxed and signed performances
Price: £15
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/zog-and-the-flying-doctors-1
Park life
Any day
Now the weather is (hopefully) getting a bit warmer, this is the perfect time to explore Bristol’s many parks and all they have to offer. Try Oldbury Court for its playground, giant wooden sculpture and river walks, Stoke Park for woodland adventures and a chance to meet some goats, take a football to Greville Smyth Park, hit the climbing frames at Hengrove Park or go on a nature trail on Royate Hill.
Price: Free
If you’re lucky, you might get to meet Stoke Park’s resident goats – photo: Stephen Sumner
Explore Arnos Vale Cemetery
A cemetery may be a strange choice for a day out at first glance, but then Arnos Vale is no ordinary cemetery. This unique 45-acre site, which can be accessed via Bath Road at the bottom or just off the aptly-named Cemetery Road in Totterdown at the top, combines nature, architecture and history with plenty of trails to explore. There’s also a cafe.
Price: free
www.arnosvale.org.uk
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Bring Bristol’s stories to life at M Shed
From a history of protest to balloons, buses and Bristolians, M Shed brings the stories of the city and its people to life. Head down to the 1950s transit shed by the harbourside’s distinctive cranes for a fun, thought-provoking and free day out.
Price: free
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed
The toppled Colston statue is now part of a permanent exhibition at M Shed – photo: Martin Booth
A sense of adventure
Fed up of your house being turned into a makeshift Takeshi’s Castle every day? Head to one of the city’s adventure playgrounds and let the kids burn off some excess energy and explore.
Price: most are free but check individual websites for details and opening times
www.eastsidecommunitytrust.org.uk/our-places/felix-road
www.stpaulsventures.org.uk
www.facebook.com/SouthmeadAdventurePlayground
www.thevench.co.uk
The Vench in Lockleaze runs sessions for children of all ages – photo: Emily Shimell
Jet off to Aerospace Bristol
Aspiring engineers and aerospace enthusiasts can learn about the sector’s rich heritage in the city, get up close with planes from days gone by and go on aerospace adventures.
Price: from £12 for children over four, £19.50 for adults. Children under four go free. Family tickets available
www.aerospacebristol.org
Go on an aerospace adventure at Aerospace Bristol – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Evoke Pictures
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