Family Days Out in Somerset: Summer Holidays 2024

Whether you’re looking for a beach day, a family activity, outdoor pool or country park, there is no end of things to do with kids in Somerset.

The school summer holidays are approaching and as a parent, I like to have some activities and days out with the kids planned. So if you’re looking for some ideas and inspiration then read on.

Here are our top picks of fun family days out, events and what’s on for kids in Somerset this summer.

Somerset Summer Holiday Events

If you’re looking for a family-friendly walk, take a look at our Best Family Walks in Somerset. Or, if the great British weather is not great and you’re looking for some indoor activities, check out our post on Things to do in North Somerset with kids when it’s raining. Alternatively, if it’s hot and you want somewhere to cool down, see our post on The Best Water Parks and Outdoor Pools in Somerset. If you like strawberry and fruit picking or PYO sunflowers, check out The Best Pick Your Own Farms in Somerset.

Festivals in and around Somerset this summer

Valley Fest

When: Thursday 1st August  – Sunday 4th August, 2024

Where: Denny Lane, Chew Magna, Bristol, BS40 8SZ . Overlooking Chew Valley Lake.

Experience Somerset’s family-friendly Food and Music Festival. Music from The Feeling, Tinie Tempah, Sister Sledge and Sophie Ellis-Bextor who headline the weekend. There is also a food programme with demonstrations, cooking masterclasses, street food and fine local food producers. The Community Farm, will be running their popular tours and wildlife walks and the wild and wonderful Woodland Tribe collaborating with Arcadia to create a bespoke adventure playground for kids.

To purchase tickets click here.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

When: Friday 9th August  – Sunday 11th August, 2024

Where: Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9JN

Europe’s largest ballooning event comes to Ashton Court. This FREE festival is a great day out for families and is jam-packed with lots of activities. The highlights include the spectacular mass ascents which happen early morning (6am) and evening (6pm), the Night Glow (9pm Friday and Saturday) and lots of family fun including fair rides, stalls and kids shows.

Click here for car parking tickets.

Kids Fest 2024

Where: Farrington’s Farm, Home Farm, Farrington Gurney, Somerset, BS39 6UB

When:  Saturday 6th, Sunday 7th, Saturday 13th or Sunday 14th July 2024 10am – 4pm.

Celebrate summertime on the farm with a family day of fun! The line-up includes magic shows, bubbles, inflatable MEGA slide, and Super-Pirates will be bringing big energy for a day of inflatables, interactive field games and fun activities! The rhubarb and custard circus tent will set the stage for entertaining solo circus shows, expect high-energy silliness and tricks, with plenty of laughs!

Recommended age 2 – 8 years old.

Advance tickets only, click here to book.

Harvest Home Family Festival

Mendip Outdoor Activity Centre, Lyncombe Drive, Churchill, BS25 5PQ    

Friday 30th August to Sunday 1st September 2024

This three day festival in North Somerset is being held at Mendip Basecamp. There’s music, circus inflatables, circus skills, nerf battles, archery, frisbee golf, an outdoor cinema, a fire show, a campfire circle and much more entertainment for the whole family.

To book tickets, click here.

For more Somerset Festivals this summer, read our Guide to The Best Festivals in Somerset 2024.

Animal and Adventure Park Days out in Somerset – Summer Holiday Events

North Somerset Bird of Prey Centre

Smallway Leisure Park, Smallway, Congresbury, BS49 5AA

Visit the North Somerset Bird of Prey Centre during the Open Days on:

See over 60 resident birds of prey, exotic mammals and reptiles.

All activities, handling and talks are included in the admission price. No pre booking required, just pay on arrival and you can come and go all day.

Opening times 10.30am-4.30pm. Cash or cheques only. 

Adults £6, Children/Concessions £4, Under 2s free.

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm 

Clevedon Road, Wraxall, North Somerset, BS48 1PG

Noah’s Ark Zoo is celebrating its 25th anniversary this July. Get set for a fantastic experience this summer. Ticket prices include:

• Indoor and outdoor play areas
• Visit the animals
• Trails – don’t forget to pick up your trail maps at the ticket office
• Keeper talks
• Birds of Prey display 
• Britain’s longest hedge maze 
• Free all day parking

Open 7 days a week from 10.30am to 5pm. For prices and to book tickets, click here. 25% discount this July, use code LOCAL25

Bristol Zoo Project (formerly Wild Place Project) 

Blackhorse Hill, Bristol, BS10 7TP

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is at Bristol Zoo Project this summer! Get ready to swish, splash and squelch your way through a new sensory trail. The much loved story will be brought to life through a series of interactive installations — follow in the characters’ footsteps to brave the elements.

Discover wildlife from the UK and around the world including bears, giraffes, cheetahs, lemurs and more. Plus try out the barefoot trail, play areas and Leap of Faith. Click here for prices and more info (10% off when booking online).

Summer Fun at RSPB Ham Wall

Meare, Ashcott, Glastonbury, BA6 9SX

Look no further than RSPB Ham Wall for a summer packed full of events. There is something for the whole family with minibeast safaris, family pond dipping (for children aged 5-12 years) and a Wildflower Wonderland Family Nature Trail. There is a picnic area and children’s play area. Venture out as dusk falls and join the Big Wild Summer PJ Party with stories and marshmallows around the campfire.

Don’t miss the Family Friday Fun Day! Marvellous Mammals! on 23rd August starting at 11.00 am (members £6; non-members £7.50)

Open from dawn until dusk, visitor centre open between 10am – 4pm. 

Entrance is FREE but donations are welcome.

Car parking is £3 (card only), or free for RSPB members.

Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park 

Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham, BS31 1TP

Summertopia has arrived at Avon Valley. Discover a whole host of fun summer activities.

• Sand and Water play area
• Giant Slip n Slide
• Huge paddling Pool
• Bubble Station
• Foam parties

Also included in the price is: Dinosaur Valley, Mini Jeep Safari, animal interactions, sand and water play, miniature railway and lots of other activities.

You can also stay here by booking a camping or Glamping holiday, click here for details.

WWT Slimbridge 

Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT

Become a Summer Code Breaker at WWT Slimbridge and experience a unique adventure that blends fun, education, and the beauty of nature!

This summer, the stunning wetlands are transformed into a HUGE interactive puzzle adventure that will captivate kids and adults alike. You’ll embark on an exciting quest that promises unforgettable memories for the whole family.

For more information, prices and to book tickets, click here.

Puxton Park 

Cowslip Lane Hewish, North Somerset, BS24 6AH

Summer of fun at Puxton Park!

Visit Puxton Park for an unforgettable family adventure during the summer holidays! There is a fantastic line up of daily entertainment, magic, comedy shows, discos, animals, rides, and attractions that will make your summer the best one yet. Packed full of activities like the high ropes, tractor rides, miniature railway and bumper boats. From animal encounters to indoor soft play, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

For more information, prices and online tickets, click here.

Court Farm Country Park

Visit a real working farm and see lots of friendly animals from ponies to pigs with lots going on every day. Included in the price are tractor rides, outdoor adventure playgrounds, the milking show, trampolines and two indoor playbarns. There is a tea room and picnic area.

For more information and prices click here.

Chew Valley Animal Park

Chew Hill, Chew Magna, Somerset, BS40 8SB

Discover all the interesting animals at Chew Valley Animal Park with animal encounters and keeper talks. Click here to see the animals at the park. Get up close and handle some of the smaller animals.

The cafe serves food throughout the day.

The Park View Restaurant is open Wednesday to Saturday evenings, 4pm – 10pm and Sunday 12 -3pm for a traditional Sunday lunch. 

For more information and prices, click here.

Bath City Farm

Kelston View, Whiteway, Bath, BA2 1NW

Bath City Farm is a living, working farm, that’s also a much loved visitor attraction and a charity too. Visit the farm animals, feed the goats (£1/bag), community cafe and farm shop, children’s playground, woodland and nature trails (£1/trail guide).

During the summer you’ll find their Summer Holiday Farm Club (on selected dates), Summer Forest School (age 4 – 7 year olds) and a Magic Show on the Farm (22nd August). 

Entrance is free however donations are very welcome.

Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 9am – 4pm

Open Sundays, 9.30am-4pm 

Animal Farm Adventure Park

Red Road, Berrow, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset.

A full day out at the park includes animal encounters, indoor play barn, a wallaby walk-through, the adventure play castle, crazy golf and trampolines.

Open every day, 10am – 5pm. No booking required.

Farrington’s Farm

Farrington Gurney, Somerset, BS39 6UB

Visit Farrington’s Farm Park in August for PYO sunflowers, pack your swimmers for the slip and slide water area (from 20th July), see the farm animals, jump into the straw pool, run off some steam in the indoor soft play and enjoy refreshments in the play barn cafe.

There’s also a pop-up funfair for little ones, from 20th July until 11th August. 

Open Monday – Saturday, 9am until 5pm.

Sunday 9am until 4pm.

For more information click here.