Another of our Happity city guides. This time we focus on Bristol’s most-loved local classes, activities, businesses and more for babies, toddlers and parents.
So what is Bristol famous for?
Voted as one of 2022’s best places to live by ‘The Sunday Times’, It was also named as the UK’s first cycling city and with their annual walking festival it is the perfect place if you’re an active and outdoorsy person. For those who are looking for more chilled out activities, Bristol has always been known as a creative, arty, bohemian hub with the energy of other major UK cities.
You can tell that Bristol is a place popular with families as there are so many things to do and see. We have focused on a small selection of places and activities for you and your little ones to experience, suggested by our Local Experts (you the parents).They vary from relaxing spaces where you can catch your breath through to activities which will use up lots of energy so you get a good night’s rest as your reward (not guaranteed but we live in hope right?)
We’re always keen to hear about great classes, activities and businesses for babies and toddlers. If you’re a class provider, we would love to feature you in our listings – you can sign up below.
Bristol’s best… Soft play’s & Cafe’s
Fancy a bit of soft play action? We all know that soft play is the place where kids can use up lots of that energy (and parents can enjoy a coffee or two or even join in if they prefer). Here’s some of Bristol’s best:
Be Weird, Be Wild, Be Wonderful
This play hub offers a wide variety of activities for young children. It’s definitely a departure from the more traditional style of soft play (and offers a range of pre-bookable sessions including ‘open play’, ‘Mother and Baby Fitness’, ‘Creatively Curious,’ and ‘Baby Play’).There are also comfy, seated areas where parents can rest up whilst their little one plays. Ideal!
Find them here: 129-133 Bath Road, Longwell Green, Bristol, BS30 9DD
A not-for-profit soft play family centre in North Bristol, with play sessions exclusively for 0-5 year olds. They also offer events such as craft sessions, and you can hire the venue for parties. Join them for a cuppa!
Find them here: The Hub Gainsborough Square, Lockleaze, Bristol, BS7 9FB
This soft play awakens your little one’s imagination, it not only has a mini village to encourage role play but also ‘ocean-themed’ play areas,. for budding scuba divers and ocean explorers everywhere!
Find them here: Unit 11 Cheddar Business Park, Cheddar BS27 3EB
Bristol’s best… baby and toddler classes
When it comes to classes, Bristol has a wealth to choose from. We’ve just touched on a few here but the sheer variety and eclecticism is truly inspiring:
Maya provides interactive music classes for 0-5 year olds. Her USP is that she aims to expand childrens’ knowledge of music and how it’s made through introducing the concepts of pitch, timbre and rhythm. Her playlist is broad and will please parents and little ones alike – from classic Beatles tunes through to nursery rhymes. She also includes percussion, stories, parachutes, bubbles and more. A Happity High Five to Maya!
Email Maya for more details on locations or to book a party: [email protected]
Are you looking for a baby class that turns your little one into a mini-rocker? Or move away from the more traditional nursery rhyme fare so you and your little one can sing along to your favourite rock songs? Rock out Baby is the class for you. Classes are run by working musicians and you’re just as likely to hear the classics alongside some slightly heavier rock anthems. Leather trousers are not required!
Various locations in Bristol including: The Cafe on the Common, The Ardagh Kellaway Avenue, Bristol, BS6 7YL
If you’re looking for a little bit of peace and calm for you and your baby then why not sample a mini-zen class – these classes offer ‘Baby Massage’, ‘Baby Yoga’ and ‘Sensory Classes’. Baby massage and yoga is a great way to bring down the blood pressure and pick up a skill you can use at home whenever you need to create more of a restful atmosphere (and the benefits will be felt by both you and your baby). There are also more active sessions available.
Various locations check website to book an appointment.
Bristol’s best… Family Friendly Cafe’s
Bristol is famous for its rich and diverse cafe culture- there is truly something for every taste. So here’s a couple of cafe recommendations if you want to sip your matcha latte in a family friendly environment:
A community play space, cafe and event venue, this cafe was inspired by a forest school kindergarten. With good food too, this one is not to be missed!
Find them at: Unit 389, Block C, The Paintworks, Bristol BS4 3AR
Check out this play cafe that has a sensory play section for babies and imaginative play for toddlers. They also offer weekly classes such as baby massage and mum & baby yoga. A real gem!
Find them at: 4 Harcourt Road, Redland, Bristol BS6 7RG
Bristol’s best… Museums
Happity are definitely big fans of museums and so to wrap up our Bristol recommendations here’s a couple for little ones and grown ups alike:
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Fancy seeing some Egyptian Mummies? Or would you rather interact with a gorilla called Alfred? Or are dinosaurs more your cup of tea? There is so much to see including a specific area designed for under 5’s on the ground floor. and What makes it even better – entrance is free.
Find them at: Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Rd, Bristol, BS8 1RL
This is not strictly a museum as it’s a castle but who doesn’t love a day imagining they’re a knight? Or a Queen? In fact it is a folly built in 1766 and sits within the Blaise Castle Estate. There is also a children’s play area included.
Find them at: Blaise Castle Estate, Kings Weston Road, Bristol, BS10 7QS
Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
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