THINGS YOU CAN DO FOR FREE IN BRISTOL THIS SUMMER

The summer holidays are now well under way, with more than a month of fun still on the horizon.

But for many families the idea of weeks upon weeks to fill with activities can be daunting, especially when it comes to the cost.

With that in mind, here are eight ideas for summer activities in the city - none of which will cost you a penny.

1. Take on the summer reading challenge

A symbol of the holidays themselves for many, children across Bristol are invited to take part in the summer reading challenge - this year themed around Marvellous Makers.

Free of charge, children can earn stickers and a medal for reading six books throughout the holidays.

Councillor Stephen Williams, chair of the public health and communities committee that covers the city's libraries service, said: "Books are your friends for life.

"You can be entertained, you can learn things from them, they're free and accessible through the city's library service - everyone's in walking distance from a library in Bristol."

Standing in Bristol's Central Library, he added: "This building is an absolute treasure house of knowledge and entertainment, and that's what you get from books. You can learn in a fun way, you can be entertained all the way through too."

2. Slip down Bristol's most unique slide

An easily missed but distinctly Bristolian attraction, the stone slide only exists because generations of families have visited in pursuit of a free thrill.

Worn smooth by decades-worth of people slipping down the cliff face, it is not an official playpark, but perched directly next to the suspension bridge and Clifton Observatory it has some of the best views in the city.

3. Do your bit for the butterflies

Getting out into the garden or another green space this summer could help more than just your own wellbeing.

Experts are urging people to count butterflies as part of an annual survey, something that can be done from anywhere.

There is even an app for the Big Butterfly Count, helping you identify what you have spotted and even turn the project into a game.

Angus Walker, a project officer at Butterfly Conservation, told the BBC: "It's something anyone can get involved with, you don't need to be an expert.

"We rely on the data as an organisation to inform our work and help guide our efforts," he added. "Without data collection from the public we wouldn't stand a chance."

But it is not just good for the butterflies - getting out in nature is good for you too.

"It's just an opportunity to stop," Mr Walker said. "Life can be so busy nowadays, with loads on conflicting things - work, money, social life, and having a focus on butterflies, or whatever kind of wildlife you like, helps you switch your mind off for a bit."

4. Do not forget to look up

It is a classic for a reason. The Balloon Fiesta is one of the city's most iconic events, and it is completely free to go along to.

Running across three days, from 9 August to 11 August, the festival at Ashton Gate is open not only for its famous mass ascents and night glows, but a whole host of lesser-known attractions suitable for the whole family.

These include a children's entertainment stage, a motorbike stunt team, model planes, "meet the pilot" sessions, police dog displays and a samba band.

Parking does come at a cost, as does the funfair and food stalls on offer, but the site is easily accessible on foot, by bike, or via the shuttle bus.

For a full programme of events, you can visit the official website here.

5. Splash away the summer heat

They may have been dashed so far, but hopes of summer heat are not quite dead yet - and what better way to cool off than finding a spot to splash about in.

Bristol may not be bursting with beaches, but that does not mean there are no opportunities for kids to enjoy the water.

One such space is the free water garden at Cribbs Causeway, returning for 2024 and offering a wooden pirate shop, a giant bubble machine and a gentle stream, all suitable for kids to enjoy.

If you are in the city centre, there are also the water features in Millennium Square, perfect for a cooling splash after a day in town, or the water fountains at Cascade Steps.

It is important to note that these are open water features, so care should be taken before jumping in to check for sharp or dangerous objects, with footwear advised.

6. Discover a dinosaur

If you are looking for something educational as well as fun, there are no better places to head than the city's free museums.

You could explore the history of the city, told through personal stories, artefacts and interactive displays at M Shed on Bristol's harbourside, or delve into a treasure trove of Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs and natural wonders at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.

While these are possibly the two most popular free museums in the city, there are other hidden gems perfect for a rainy day.

The Georgian House Museum, on Great George Street, offers an insight into what a sugar plantation and slave owner's home might have looked like in the late 18th Century.

Entry is also free to the Red Lodge Museum, on Park Row, a property with a long history ranging from 16th Century "royal party house" to Victorian school house.

6. Escape to the country

Pigs, cows and goats are not necessarily the first things you would imagine seeing in the city.

However, Bristol has no fewer than three city farms open to the public - Windmill Hill, Hartcliffe and St Werburghs, all of which boast peaceful gardens, a selection of animals and green space in which to take a deep breath.

7. Get on your bike

If you are looking for a full day's exercise in the great outdoors, one of the best options is taking on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path.

Its 13 miles are completely traffic-free and almost entirely flat, meaning it is suitable for the whole family.

There are popular picnic-friendly spots along the way at Bitton and Warmley Stations, and a variety of sculptures to enjoy as you cycle past.

You can choose to undertake the whole route there and back again, or, with railway stations close to either end of the route, could opt for a one-way trip returning by train.

8. Grab the popcorn

Great weather is not guaranteed, so it is useful to have some wet-weather options up your sleeve for a rainy day such as the cinema.

The cost of taking an entire family to see the latest film can be prohibitive, but the good news is that throughout August there will be weekly free screenings held at John Wesley's New Room on The Horsefair.

Held each Friday, families can watch the following:

August 2nd - Wonka (PG)
August 9th - Migration (U)
August 16th - Cats In The Museum (PG)
August 23rd - Wish (U)

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