Things to do in Bristol with the kids this Winter (part two)
Happy New Year! This is part two of our Winter guide giving some post-Christmas inspiration for blowing away the cobwebs in January and February! Here are our top 5 family-friendly events, attractions and activities across Bristol for children under 5 at the start of 2025…
Buggy-friendly walks in Bristol
It's January and everyone is going stir-crazy from being cooped up inside and the little ones are bouncing the walls… It’s time to get outside in wellies and puddle suits but you don’t want the buggy getting stuck in the mud when the little legs have tired. Here are three places you can go for a good stomp to blow away the cobwebs and burn off some energy!
Leigh Woods – Park in the car park in the middle of the woods (Abbots Leigh Road) where you’ll often find the coffee van parked to warm/ perk you up on your walk. There’s a great network of buggy-friendly hard-surfaced paths. Follow the colour-coded signs – the purple trail is recommended for families with prams. There are also some fab natural play areas to discover along the way. Find out more info here.
Baddocks Wood – this beautiful nature reserve backs onto the playing field behind our North Bristol nursery Raised in Bristol at the Greenway Centre. You’ll find on-street parking on Lakewood Road or Doncaster Road where you can access the reserve. There’s a tarmac path with some great circular routes. The river Trym flows through the reserve and there’s a shallow stream (perfect for paddling in wellies) and a wildlife meadow to explore. Find out more info here.
Snuff Mills and Oldbury Court Estate – This riverside walk meanders alongside the River Frome in Snuff Mills Park. You can park for free at the Snuff Mills car park where you will also find public toilets and a little tea hut. Suitable for buggies although sometimes can get a little muddy. If you want to have a longer walk then head over the bridge and make a left towards Oldbury Court Estate, another beautiful park which is also home to a great children’s play area with a pirate ship play frame. Find out more info here.
Cinderella Panto at the Greenway Centre
This was originally billed to take place in December but was rescheduled due to pesky Storm Daragh! Head to the Greenway Centre on Saturday 11th January for Southmead’s community extravaganza at the Greenway Centre. Enjoy this new take on the well-loved tale of Cinders and her rags-to-riches story. Join in with thrills and spills for all the family.
When: Saturday 11th January with shows at 12 pm and 3 pm
Where: Greenway Centre, Doncaster Road, Bristol, BS10 5PY
Tickets: £5
Winter Lights
Winter Lights is a community event for the whole family – celebrating moments of joy and light. The project is led by nationally celebrated local children’s theatre company, Travelling Light. As part of their 40th year celebrations, they’re collaborating with children, young people and the community to create pieces of art which will be included in the culmination of Winter Lights at a special Lantern Parade – preschool children from our Easton nurseries will be taking part in these workshops! Bring the family and immerse yourselves in an afternoon full of fun: enjoy storytelling workshops, craft activities and creative workshops, watch captivating performances by Travelling Light’s youth theatre, create lanterns inspired by urban animals, and join the magical lantern parade through Barton Hill to the Urban Park. There will also be face painting, live music, and tasty refreshments to keep everyone entertained throughout the afternoon.
When: Sunday 26th January 1-5.30 pm and lantern parade 5.30–6 pm
Where: Wellspring Settlement, 43 Ducie Road, Barton Hill, BS5 0AX
Tickets: Free
Rock The Tots at The Wardrobe Theatre
Rock the Tots are back at The Wardrobe Theatre with two shows in January and February. On Thursday 23rd January their show ‘Freinds are the best’ is a celebration of friendship. Performing songs from The Beatles to Bill Withers, The Rembrants to Rihanna and of course, they’ll have their puppet friends, inane dance moves, stories, memes and more! Then on Thursday 27th February they return with their show ‘Around the World’ Expect to hear some super tunes with destinations in their titles and lyrics. There might be some Toto, there may well be some Beach Boys, and who knows, George Ezra might feature!
When: Thursday 23rd January and Thursday 27th February 11 am–12 pm
Where: The Wardrobe Theatre
Tickets: £10 (ages 2 and under go free)
Bristol Light Festival 2025
Bristol Light Festival returns in January and February 2025, bringing 10 days of stunning light-based installations to brighten winter nights. This year’s highlights include the world premiere of The Whilers by Air Giants, featuring interactive robotic creatures that communicate through non-verbal sounds for a mesmerising experience. Bruce Munro’s Ramandu’s Table transforms a flock of white flamingos with shifting dawn-inspired hues, blending nature and artistry. Returning favourites Illumaphonium debut of new piece Somnius, a cosmic installation where light and sound react to audience movement, creating an immersive and playful environment. A great activity for all the family, this festival promises a magical celebration of creativity and innovation.
When: 31st January–9 February
Where: Locations across the city (see website for details)
Tickets: Free
