Museums In Bristol For Children
If you’re looking for a fun and educational day out with your little ones, Bristol has some of the best museums for kids in the country. From interactive exhibitions to hands-on activities, these museums offer a fantastic opportunity for children to learn and discover in a fun and engaging way. Whether your child is interested in science, history, or art, there’s something for everyone in Bristol. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best kid-friendly museums in Bristol and what makes them so special. So, get ready for a day filled with learning, exploration, and lots of fun!
The Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
The Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is a must-visit for families visiting Bristol. The museum has an impressive collection of art and artefacts from around the world, including ancient Egyptian mummies and dinosaurs. The museum also has interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, making it a fun and engaging experience for kids of all ages.
One of the most popular exhibits for kids is the ‘Bristol Life’ exhibit, which tells the story of the city’s history through interactive displays and exhibits. Kids can dress up in period costumes, explore old shops and houses, and even ride a Victorian carousel. The museum also has a dedicated play area for younger children, where they can play with toys and games from different periods in history.
The Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is free to enter, although donations are appreciated. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and there are often special events and workshops for kids during school holidays and weekends.
We The Curious
We The Curious is an interactive science museum that aims to inspire curiosity and creativity in kids of all ages. The museum has over 300 interactive exhibits, including a planetarium, a giant slide, and a 3D printing workshop. Kids can explore the wonders of science and technology through hands-on activities and interactive displays.
One of the most popular exhibits at We The Curious is the ‘Animation Station,’ where kids can create their own stop-motion animations using LEGO and other materials. There’s also a dedicated area for younger children, with soft play areas and sensory exhibits.
We The Curious is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and tickets can be purchased online or at the museum. The museum often hosts special events and workshops throughout the year, so be sure to check their website for the latest information.
At-Bristol Science Centre
At-Bristol Science Centre is another fantastic museum for kids interested in science and technology. The museum has over 300 exhibits, including a giant ball pit, a planetarium, and a motion simulator. Kids can explore the wonders of science through hands-on activities and interactive displays.
One of the most popular exhibits at At-Bristol Science Centre is the ‘Live Lab,’ where kids can watch real scientists at work and even participate in some experiments. There’s also a dedicated area for younger children, with soft play areas and sensory exhibits.
At-Bristol Science Centre is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and tickets can be purchased online or at the museum. The museum often hosts special events and workshops throughout the year, so be sure to check their website for the latest information.
M Shed
M Shed is a museum dedicated to the history of Bristol, with exhibits and artefacts covering everything from the city’s industrial past to its role in the slave trade. Kids can learn about the city’s history through interactive displays, films, and exhibits.
One of the most popular exhibits at M Shed is the ‘Cranes’ exhibit, which tells the story of Bristol’s dockyards and the cranes that were used to load and unload cargo. Kids can climb aboard a real crane and learn how it was operated. There’s also a dedicated play area for younger children, with soft play areas and sensory exhibits.
M Shed is free to enter, although donations are appreciated. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and there are often special events and workshops for kids during school holidays and weekends.
Arnolfini
Arnolfini is a contemporary art gallery that hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year. While not specifically aimed at kids, the gallery is a great place to introduce children to art and creativity. Kids can explore the exhibits and create their own artwork in the gallery’s dedicated ‘Family Activity Room.’
One of the most popular exhibits at Arnolfini is the ‘Drawing Room,’ where kids can create their own art inspired by the current exhibitions. The gallery also hosts a variety of workshops and events for kids throughout the year.
Arnolfini is free to enter, although donations are appreciated. The gallery is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm, and there are often special events and workshops for kids during school holidays and weekends.
Blaise Castle House Museum
Blaise Castle House Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of Bristol’s social history, with exhibits covering everything from the city’s industrial past to its role in the slave trade. Kids can learn about the city’s history through interactive displays, films, and exhibits.
One of the most popular exhibits at Blaise Castle House Museum is the ‘Victorian Toys’ exhibit, where kids can see and play with toys from the Victorian era. There’s also a dedicated play area for younger children, with soft play areas and sensory exhibits.
Blaise Castle House Museum is free to enter, although donations are appreciated. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and there are often special events and workshops for kids during school holidays and weekends.
The Georgian House Museum
The Georgian House Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of Bristol’s Georgian era, with exhibits covering everything from the city’s architecture to its social history. Kids can learn about the city’s history through interactive displays, films, and exhibits.
One of the most popular exhibits at The Georgian House Museum is the ‘Dressing Up’ exhibit, where kids can dress up in period costumes and explore the house. There’s also a dedicated play area for younger children, with soft play areas and sensory exhibits.
The Georgian House Museum is free to enter, although donations are appreciated. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and there are often special events and workshops for kids during school holidays and weekends.
SS Great Britain

SS Great Britain is a museum dedicated to the history of the SS Great Britain, a historic ship that was built in Bristol. Kids can explore the ship and learn about its history through interactive displays and exhibits.
One of the most popular exhibits at SS Great Britain is the ‘Dockyard’ exhibit, where kids can explore the dockyard and see how ships were built in the 19th century. There’s also a dedicated play area for younger children, with soft play areas and sensory exhibits.
SS Great Britain is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and tickets can be purchased online or at the museum. The museum often hosts special events and workshops throughout the year, so be sure to check their website for the latest information.
Tips for visiting museums with kids
Visiting museums with kids can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. Here are some tips to help make your visit a success:
Choose age-appropriate exhibits: Make sure to choose exhibits that are suitable for your child’s age and interests. Younger children may prefer hands-on activities and sensory exhibits, while older children may be more interested in history and science.
Plan ahead: Check the museum’s website before your visit to see what exhibits and activities are available. Some museums may require timed entry or have limited capacity, so it’s best to book in advance.
Take breaks: Visiting a museum can be tiring, especially for young children. Take breaks and rest when needed and bring snacks and water to keep everyone hydrated and energized.
Engage with the exhibits: Encourage your child to ask questions and explore the exhibits. Discuss what they are seeing and learning and make it a fun and interactive experience.
Have fun: Most importantly, have fun! Visiting museums with kids can be a great way to bond as a family and create lasting memories.
Conclusion
Bristol is home to some of the best museums for kids in the country, with a wide range of exhibits and activities to suit all interests and ages. From science and technology to history and art, there’s something for everyone in Bristol. So, why not plan a day out and explore all that this great city has to offer? Your little ones are sure to have a blast!