With the school holidays looming, many parents will be finding themselves looking for excellent ways to keep children entertained during the summer. If you’re in need of some inspiration, then fear not – the Mercury has found five of the best kid-friendly attractions in North Somerset.

Weston Mercury: Puxton Park in Hewish.Puxton Park in Hewish. (Image: Copyright Archant Ltd)

Puxton Park, Hewish

Located just outside Weston on the A370, this family park provides first-class entertainment for all ages. Aside from having a huge indoor play area, Puxton is also a working farm and is home to a number of farmyard favourites, such as cows, sheep and pigs. For adults, the park’s restaurant is second to none – and the neighbouring farm shop offers a wide range of delicious home-grown produce. Puxton regularly hosts family days and special events – visit its website for more information.

Weston Mercury: Noah's Ark Zoo Farm in Wraxall.Noah's Ark Zoo Farm in Wraxall. (Image: Archant)

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Wraxall

With more than 100 species of zoo animal on site, Noah’s Ark is a sure-fire hit with youngsters. The park offers 12 indoor and outdoor play areas, meaning a good time is guaranteed no matter what the great British weather has in store. Children are also permitted to hand feed smaller animals such as goats, camels, deer and llamas, and can even hold barn owls at the end of flying displays. For more information – including some fascinating zookeeper experience opportunities – click here.

Weston Mercury: The Grand Pier, on Weston seafront.The Grand Pier, on Weston seafront. (Image: Archant)

Grand Pier, Weston

For kids, no visit to the seaside is complete without rides and amusements – and the Grand Pier does not disappoint. The Pier is already widely used by tourists and Weston residents alike, but that does not detract from its charm. Full of fairground favourites such as dodgems, a haunted house and a helter skelter, the Pier offers something for even the smallest of thrill-seekers. For adults in need of a rest from all this excitement, Tiffany’s Tea Room serves a wide range of cream teas and snacks – find out more here.

Weston Mercury: Portishead Lido.Portishead Lido. (Image: Archant)

Portishead Lido, Portishead

On a scorching summer’s day, we’d be hard pushed to think of a better way to spend an afternoon than diving into an open air pool. The lido is typically maintained to a temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, and a children’s pool means smaller swimmers can still enjoy splashing around. To find out more about the lido click here.

Weston Mercury: Weston-s-Mare SeaQuarium.Weston-s-Mare SeaQuarium. (Image: Archant)

SeaQuarium, Weston

Always a safe bet on a rainy day, both young and old will enjoy learning about the sea and its creatures at Weston’s SeaQuarium. The aquarium showcases a range of freshwater, marine and tropical species from around the world in 10 different zones. In addition, more than 30 exhibits are on offer for fish fans to enjoy, such as a tropical reef zone and a rainforest river zone. If you like what you’re reading, then click here to visit the website.

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