Forget the usual tourist traps! This weekend (Jan 31st/Feb 1st) Bristol is buzzing with proper local fun—from helping count fish to welcoming Spring at a city farm. Grab your wellies and let's dive into the obscure and hands-on activities happening right on our doorstep!
Quick Picks
Family Activity: Happy Scrappy Saturday at M Shed
M Shed, Wapping Road, Bristol
Free drop-in session to make silly scrap costumes for National Storytelling Week!
Immersed in Starlight at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Last chance to explore the universe in the museum after dark—a unique, cool experience.
Imbolc Celebration at Windmill Hill City Farm
Windmill Hill City Farm, Bedminster, Bristol
Get hands-on welcoming Spring at this ancient festival on the farm.
· January 31
5HORRIBLE HISTORIES THE CONCERT : The CBBC show songs are coming to life! If your kids love the history show, this is their perfect (and suitably 'Horrible') introduction to a live concert.It’s the first time the popular CBBC show actors and songs have been live in Bristol – perfect for an engaging, musical introduction to history.
FAMILY ACTIVITY: HAPPY SCRAPPY SATURDAY AT M SHEDFREE : Kick off National Storytelling Week by getting messy! Head to M Shed for a free drop-in session making DIY scrap costumes. Super easy weekend fun.It's FREE, hands-on, and perfectly timed to launch National Storytelling Week—ideal for making something unique.
IMMERSED IN STARLIGHT AT BRISTOL MUSEUM & ART GALLERY : This is your absolute last chance to see this immersive universe experience after dark. Sounds like a super cool, dark-room adventure for curious minds.It's the LAST DAY! This is a rare chance for kids to experience a science exhibit after hours, making a museum visit feel totally different.
CHINESE NEW YEAR EXTRAVAGANZA : Catch Jinlong’s vibrant show celebrating the Year of the Horse. Expect awesome stage acts and colours perfect for a fun family outing.A great cultural experience for the family to celebrate Chinese New Year with colourful, high-energy performances.
FANTASTIC FISH COUNT AT BRISTOL AQUARIUM : Turn your normal aquarium visit into a mission! Help the staff count the amazing animals swimming around this weekend.It turns a standard paid visit into an active, goal-oriented event where kids get to help the experts—great for engagement.
· February 1
2IMBOLC CELEBRATION AT WINDMILL HILL CITY FARM : Mark the ancient festival of Imbolc (start of Spring) with a day of farm activities. Get out into the fresh air and welcome the new season!Celebrating an ancient, local seasonal festival on a city farm is wonderfully obscure and perfect for getting active outdoors on Sunday.
FAMILY ACTIVITY: STORY SUNDAY AT M SHED : Wrap up the weekend soaking up some myths and folk tales with Bristol storyteller Marcus Fagon at M Shed. Check their site for session info!A perfect, cozy Sunday wind-down with a local storyteller (Marcus Fagon), offering immersion away from screens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free, hands-on family events are on in Bristol this weekend?
The best free option is the 'Family Activity: Happy Scrappy Saturday' at M Shed on Saturday (Jan 31st), where you can make DIY scrap costumes.
Are there any unique cultural activities happening on Sunday?
Yes! Head to Bedminster for the 'Imbolc Celebration' at Windmill Hill City Farm on Sunday (Feb 1st) to mark the ancient start of Spring with farm-based activities.
We missed the Starlight exhibition—is there anything else unusual happening?
If you love science, try the 'Fantastic Fish Count' at Bristol Aquarium on Saturday (Jan 31st) to turn your visit into a fun animal counting mission!