From Wake the Tiger’s spectacular reopening with its new OUTERverse, 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. No wonder Time Out named Bristol the best place to visit in the UK in 2024…
Events
Wake the Tiger reopens with new OUTERverse
The world’s first Amazement Park, Wake The Tiger has expanded and opened a brand new level of the revolutionary art walk-through experience, complete with ten new rooms, installations and new areas in this symbolic new phase for Wake the Tiger and the alternative world of Meridia, complete with two slides no less. Prepare for your mind to be blown and your senses to be re-awakened!
https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/wake-the-tiger-p3098333
Shipwrecked! at Bristol Aquarium
10-18 February
This February half term Bristol Aquarium is diving into the wild and wonderful world of island creatures from all around the globe. Find the captain’s scattered notes around the aquarium to discover answers to questions about animal life on the shipwrecked island.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/shipwrecked-at-bristol-aquarium-p3446353
Zoo Detectives at Bristol Zoo Project
10-18 February
Join this interactive trail featuring ‘crime scenes’ where you can cross off suspects to find out the mystery animal who has travelled through Bristol Zoo Project. Children in costume will receive 20% off admission to the zoo (T&Cs apply).
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/zoo-detectives-at-bristol-zoo-project-p2614383
Plants crossing continents at Brunel’s SS Great Britain
1 February – 31 December
Try flower pressing, Victorian floral crafts and create cyanotypes (an early photography technique) at Brunel’s SS Great Britain this February half term, where a new living exhibits on the top deck is lunched featuring ferns, orchids and other specimens that were transported on board the ship.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/plants-crossing-continents-at-brunels-ss-great-britain-p3431973
Miracle on the Severn at Aerospace Bristol
10-18 February
Find out why the pilot of a Bristol Britannia was forced to attempt a daring emergency landing on the Severn Estuary and how, seventy years ago this February, his bravery and skill saved the lives of everyone on board, at Aerospace Bristol.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/miracle-on-the-severn-at-aerospace-bristol-p3442653
February half term fun at Wookey Hole
10-18 February
Discover the famous caves at Wookey Hole this February half term which are usually warmer than outside! Find out about the Witch of Wookey Hole who once roamed the caves, challenge your friends to adventure golf, experience a brand new show in the 4D cinema or let the kids run off steam in the huge soft play indoors at the Mill.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/february-half-term-fun-at-wookey-hole-p3446463
Signs of Spring at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
9-21 February
Embark on the BSL (British Sign Language) inclusive trail taking you on a journey throughout the Zoo this February half term. There will be talks from the on site team and an opportunity to try out your detective skills in identifying zoo poos and enjoy a light hearted game of whack-a-poo!
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/signs-of-spring-at-noahs-ark-zoo-farm-p3451853
South West Attractions VIP pass
1 February – 2 June
Save money with the South West Attractions VIP pass, available to all visitors who purchase a full-priced ticket with any of the exclusive list of participating attractions including Wookey Hole, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm (listed above), Brean Leisure Park, Cheddar Gorge and Caves, Puxton Park and West Country Water Park. VIP pass holders will automatically qualify for a 20% discount off of the admission price to the five other attractions between February and June 2024. For info and more special offers, see the link:
https://visitbristol.co.uk/special-offers/school-holiday-offers-o7271
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023 at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Now – 21 April
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is hosting the 59th Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, meaning you can experience these incredible images alongside the museum’s fascinating natural science collections. The exhibition features soundscapes, videos, expert insights and stunning photography that capture animal behaviour, spectacular species, and breath-taking diversity of the natural world.
The Wave
February half term and ongoing
Take a dose of ‘vitamin sea’ and winter wellness by surfing or swimming at The Wave inland surfing lake, just north of Bristol city centre this February. Now with saunas to warm you up after your cold water experience, there are surf sessions and coaching session for all levels from beginners to advanced pro surfers, as well as swimming sessions. Winter wetsuits, wetsuit boots and surfboards are included in coaching session costs.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/the-wave-p2691163
Slapstick Festival
14-18 February
The annual celebration of silent and classic screen comedy returns to Bristol with stars including Hugh Bonneville, Samira Ahmed, Sir Michael Palin, Marcus Brigstocke, Tim Vine and Lucy Porter to name just a few.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/slapstick-festival-p2197783
10-18 February
Mudfest at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Get ‘stuck in’ the mud fun at WWT Slimbridge with muddy puddle jumping, mud kitchens, mud nest craft, mud painting and sculpting and mud slinging. Connect with nature and discover the magical powers of mud for wildlife and play.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/mudfest-at-wwt-slimbridge-p3442603
GLOW in Grove Park
13-17 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 in this ‘pay what you decide’ ticketed event (under 16s go free).
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/glow-in-grove-park-p3055853
Theatre
Funny family day at Bristol Old Vic
14 February
Themed on The Farmer and The Clown (the half term show at Bristol Old Vic), get silly with the crafts, trails, dress up, workshops and music on this free family day.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/nanny-at-bristol-old-vic-p2859513
Wicked at The Bristol Hippodrome
Now – 25 February
The West End and Broadway musical phenomenon returns to The Bristol Hippodrome, telling the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/wicked-at-the-bristol-hippodrome-p2831663
The Gruffalo’s Child at The Redgrave Theatre
10-11 February
Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler at The Redgrave Theatre.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/the-gruffalos-child-at-the-redgrave-theatre-p3415863