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?)
Here at Happity we believe that parents are the ones who know their community best. So, if there’s anything we’ve missed let us know because we are super keen to hear about the classes, activities and businesses that are making life with babies and toddlers that little bit easier (and fun!). Better still, 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
This is soft play with a difference because the layout and equipment has been designed to allow your little one to enjoy as much independence as possible without you having to supervise all the time. This in turn means that your child can enjoy themselves and learn new skills but without you as a parent having to squish yourself into tiny tunnels or hang upside down from the monkey bars (unless you want to join in of course!)
Find them here: Riverside Retail Park, Yate, BS37 4FT
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.
Happity is the UK’s biggest platform dedicated exclusively to baby & toddler classes. We’re expanding in Bristol and are keen to hear about more classes and activities for little ones – get in touch if you can help!
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:
The Gossip Play Cafe is the first Montessori inspired play cafe. It provides a calm and relaxing environment for parents and the perfect interactive play area for 0-4 year olds. The menu has delicious vegan options available too.
Find them at: 166 West St, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 3LY
This community run cafe serves cakes, tea and coffee and hot food between 11.30-2pm. There is an upstairs room where customers can relax with sofas, highchairs available and lots of toys. Volunteers who run the cafe are always open to having a chat so it’s a great place to visit with little ones if you are new to the area and looking to build a support network.
Find them at: St Mark’s Baptist Church, St Mark’s Road, Easton, Bristol, BS5 6HX
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
Would you consider yourself a local expert?
Happity is the UK’s biggest platform dedicated exclusively to baby & toddler classes.
We’re expanding in Bristol and are keen to hear about more classes and activities for little ones – get in touch if you can help!
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