From free trails like Bristol Light Festival, to various events at Bristol’s award-winning attractions and entertaining theatre shows, here is Visit Bristol’s round-up of family-friendly fun this February half term
Bristol Light Festival (pictured above – photo Andre Pattenden / www.visitbristol.co.uk)
3- 12 February, covering the first weekend of February half term.
Bristol’s award-winning winter festival returns 3-12 February with a stunning interactive and captivating light installation trail. The ten-day, free-to-visit event will showcase a collection of 11 artworks by local, national and internationally renowned light artists including the return of the much-loved ‘Swing Song’ installation (light-activated musical swings) and new artworks including ‘Scream the House Down:Bristol’ by Marcus Lyall, ‘Halo’ (pictured above) by illumaphonium and a brand new commission by Morag Myerscough called ‘Let Us Shine’.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/bristollightfestival
Undersea Fantasy at Bristol Aquarium
11 – 26 February
Meet a mermaid and hear her magical sea stories or walk the plank with the playful pirate Captain Cannonball at Bristol Aquarium. For any Minecraft fans, there are also five smiley-faced axolotls to see. Bristol Aquarium have started monthly Keep Calm sessions, specifically catering for people who benefit from quieter visits.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/undersea-fantasy-at-bristol-aquarium-p3233933
Hide and Peek at Wild Place Project
11-26 February
A new hidden door trail launches at Wild Place Project this February half term taking visitors on an outdoor adventure to learn about some of the world’s most amazing animals.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/hide-and-peek-at-wild-place-project-p3238713
Eat your way to Australia at Brunel’s SS Great Britain
11-19 February
Experience what life was like for steerage passengers travelling to Australia on the SS Great Britain. The 1850s weekly ration has been recreated for 2023, based on historical evidence so visitors can discover what, where and how steerage passengers dined on board. Entrance tickets are valid for return visits all year, so you can visit again in the next holidays too.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/eat-your-way-to-australia-at-ss-great-britain-p2415143
Build and fly your own helicopter at Aerospace Bristol
11-17 February
Visit Aerospace Bristol during February half term and build your own paper helicopter alongside the helicopter exhibits. Learn all about Bristol’s vast aviation history, hear from volunteers during Spotlight talks about helicopters, and experience a visit from the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity. Entrance tickets are also valid for return visits all year, so you come back as many times as you like.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/february-half-term-at-aerospace-bristol-p2419783
Charcoal Creations at Westonbirt Arboretum
14-16 February
Children can create their very own charcoal drawing inspired by wonders of winter gathered from the arboretum in the Learning Centre. Activity is free with general admission.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/winter-wonders-activity-trail-at-westonbirt-arboretum-p3225573
Building Blocks at Tyntesfield
11-19 February
Planned by a trained facilitator of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, there will be six building block stations set up in the converted Sawmill that cover the architectural phases of Tyntesfield. Visitors can use building blocks to recreate the ornately designed Gothic Revival masterpiece, Tyntesfield house.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/building-blocks-at-tyntesfield-p3234723
Slapstick Festival
14-19 February
This celebration of silent and classic screen comedy returns to Bristol this February with an impressive line-up of stars including Michael Palin, Rob Brydon, Lucy Porter, Stephen Merchant and Harry Hill. Events take place at Bristol Old Vic, the ex-IMAX cinema at Bristol Aquarium (including a special visit from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on 14 February), St George’s and Watershed.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/slapstick-festival-p2197783
The Big Hideout at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre
11-26 February
This half term WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre have turned their bird hides into hideouts for visitors to discover the incredible wetland wildlife this winter. Hideout experts will be on hand to explain tips to help you explore.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/the-big-hideout-at-wwt-slimbridge-wetland-centre-p3233873
GLOW in Grove Park
15-18 February
GLOW (Glorious Lights of Weston) Festival in Weston-super-Mare returns this February half term to light up the town with a dazzling array of illuminated works and performance. Expect stunning light displays, interactive activities and sensory experiences.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/glow-in-grove-park-p3055853
Marvellous Medicine workshops at John Wesley’s New Room
16-17 February
Learn about John Wesley’s interest in natural remedies and medicines, how herbs can be used for their healing properties and make their own mini herb garden to take away this half term at John Wesley’s New Room.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/marvellous-medicine-workshops-at-john-wesleys-new-room-p3241843
Airhop After Dark
Every evening 10-19 February, and every Friday and Saturday from 3 February
Airhop is turning up the music and switching on the disco lights for their new After Dark sessions for a cool club atmosphere in Bristol’s trampoline park. The After Dark sessions start every Friday and Saturday evenings from 3 February, and will run every evening through half term, 6-7:30pm.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/after-dark-at-airhop-bristol-p3244883
Theatre
Mog The Forgetful Cat at Bristol Old Vic
14-18 February
For some family-friendly theatre, join Mog and the Thomas family on a journey through one year in the life of a really remarkable cat, as she catches a burglar, gatecrashes a cat show, goes to the V.E.T. and gets to eat lots and lots of eggs.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/mog-the-forgetful-cat-at-bristol-old-vic-p3200583
My Fair Lady at Bristol Hippodrome
15-25 February
Following a triumphant run on the West End, the Lincoln Center Theater’s multi-award winning production of the iconic favourite, My Fair Lady comes to Bristol Hippodrome.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/my-fair-lady-at-the-bristol-hippodrome-p3190893
The Smartest Giant in Town at Redgrave Theatre
11-12 February
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling book The Smartest Giant in Town has been adapted by the Little Angel theatre and Fierylight in a musical, puppet-filled adventure.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/the-smartest-giant-in-town-at-the-redgrave-theatre-p3223843
The Tap Dancing Mermaid at the Wardrobe Theatre
12-16 February
It’s time to hear the Moon’s story, one you will NEVER forget… This beautiful puppet show – aimed at ages 3-8 and their families – is a celebrated solo production by Tessa Bide.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/the-tap-dancing-mermaid-at-the-wardrobe-theatre-p3231323
Morgan & West: Unbelievable Science at Redgrave Theatre
15 February
Expect captivating chemistry, phenomenal physics, and bonkers biology, as well as trademark wit from this daring duo, Morgan & West in their family science extravaganza.