How are you spending August?

Summer is here, and so it is that time of year when, as parents, we look for things to do to occupy our children. Unlike other times, it feels like our options may be restricted.

Before the lockdown, I must admit I didn’t look forward to the summer. Six weeks felt really long. But now that we’ve managed over four months, all being together, six weeks will be a breeze. Plus we’re not confined to the house, which makes life a lot easier.

So here’s my list of 7 things to do during August

Visit a green space

One of Bristol’s best assets is the amount of green space it has. Whether it’s somewhere to go for a picnic or just somewhere that needs to be explored. Here are my top 10 places to go with the family in the Bristol area.

10 GREEN SPACES TO GO WITH THE FAMILY IN BRISTOL

Go for a walk

We love to go for a walk. It’s a great way to get some exercise and also spend quality time together. Plus, it’s free. We just pack a picnic and off we go. Here are 10 places to explore and take the family for a walk.

10 WALKS TO DO WITH THE FAMILY IN AND AROUND BRISTOL

 Go to the beach

It’s summer, so we expect sunny weather! When the sun does make an appearance we take the opportunity to go to the seaside. Even if the sea is not that inviting, we can have hours of fun building sandcastles, having a picnic and taking in the fresh air.

From Bristol, we can easily get to the seaside as there are 4 options along the M5 Portishead, Clevedon, Weston Super Mare and Burnham on Sea.

Where would you go?

Visit the local park

One of the things my kids enjoy the most is simply popping to the local park. It doesn’t cost anything. We can walk there. And we’ve even taken a picnic. Plus, they get the chance to release some of their stored up energy!

Have you got a favourite park?

 Go see the animals

Like many children, my kiddies love animals and there are a few options to choose from.

If we’re in the mood for the more traditional zoo experience then we go to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. Set in over 100 acres, there is an impressive variety of animals to see from lions and elephants to chickens and rabbits. Plus there’s plenty of open space for the children to explore and lots to keep my little ones busy.

If it’s more attractions and rides, then Puxton Park is ideal. My two especially like the mini train that takes you on a gentle ride around some of the park. They find it hilarious pointing out the plastic animals and in particular the crocodile, which my son is adamant is real.

There’s also Slimbridge Wetland Centre if we’re in the mood for bird spotting. They have all five species of flamingo and also the rarest goose in the world. I love to watch my children try and feed all the birds that they see. It’s surprising how far a bag of bird food can go.