May Half term Survival Guide for Bristol & North Somerset

Published On: May 21st, 2026

The May half term is here again, and if the thought of keeping the kids entertained for a solid week sends a cold shiver down your spine, don’t panic. You don’t need to empty your savings account to have a brilliant week out.

From the heart of Bristol to the rolling hills of South Gloucestershire and the coast of North Somerset, our region is packed with cracking stuff to do. Best of all? A lot of it won’t cost you a single penny. Here is your local guide to the best free (and nearly free) family days out this May.

1. The Big City Adventure: Bristol Harbourside & M Shed

You can’t beat a day down the docks when the weather plays ball. Start your day with a stroll along the Harbourside, letting the kids marvel at the boats, before ducking into the M Shed.

This fantastic museum is completely free to enter and is brilliant for kids of all ages. They can jump aboard historic bus and train carriages, discover Bristol’s quirky history, and burn off some energy. This May, they usually have interactive family trails running through the galleries.

Once you’re done, grab some chips and sit by the water—just watch out for the fiercely local seagulls.

Address: Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol, BS1 4RN
Parking: The nearest facility is the Wapping Wharf car park (pay and display), but it fills up fast. Better yet, park further out and get the Bristol Ferry into the centre.
Website: M Shed

2. Into the Wilds: Kingsgate Park, South Gloucestershire

If you need the kids to run themselves ragged so they’ll actually sleep past 7:00 AM, head out to Yate. Kingsgate Park is widely regarded by South Glos parents as one of the best free parks in the area.

It features a massive, modern adventure playground divided into areas for older kids and toddlers, complete with zip wires and climbing frames. There’s also a beautiful swan lake, plenty of ducks to feed, and sprawling grassy fields perfect for a family picnic. If you’re lucky, the local community often hosts free nature-spotting trails or outdoor games during the school holidays.

Address: Elmwood Avenue, Yate, BS37 4LB
Parking: There is a dedicated free car park at the entrance off Elmwood Avenue, plus plenty of nearby street parking (just be mindful of neighbours).
Website: Kingsgate Park

3. Coastal Exploring: Clevedon Marine Lake, North Somerset

If the kids are bouncing off the walls, a dose of sea air in North Somerset is the ultimate remedy. Skip the expensive theme parks and head straight for Clevedon Marine Lake.

This massive, historic tidal pool is entirely free to visit. If the sun is cracking the flags, braver kids (and adults) can head in for a splash or a crabbing session along the slipway. Even if it’s a bit chilly, it’s a stunning spot for scooter-riding along the promenade, skimming stones, and walking up towards the iconic pier.

Address: Salthouse Fields, Clevedon, BS21 7XN
Parking: Use the large Salthouse Fields pay-and-display car park right next to the lake and playground.
Website: Clevedon Marine Lake

4. Get Creative: Bristol Central Library

If the British weather does what it does best and chucks it down, make a break for College Green. Bristol Central Library is a stunning building, but the real treasure is the vibrant children’s section.

During half-term, Bristol libraries run brilliant, free “drop-in and draw” craft sessions, LEGO clubs, and storytelling hours. It’s a lovely, calm oasis where you can sit down, dry off, and let the kids dive into a mountain of books without spending a bean.

Address: College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TL
Parking: No on-site parking. The closest option is the Trenchard Street multi-storey car park (pay and display), a five-minute walk away.
Website: Bristol Libraries

Whatever you end up doing, enjoy the break, pack plenty of snacks, and remember—term time is just a week away!

See the latest What’s on in Bristol at https://directlocalbristol.co.uk/whats