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Family Summer Holiday activities in Dorset 2024

With things returning to normality this summer after long last, there are lots of fantastic things for families to do in Dorset for the 2024 summer holidays.

See below for a selection of fantastic ways for kids and their adults to spend their time this summer, some of which are free.

Don't forget to also check out our frequently updated Dorset family listings guide for hundreds more family friendly days out, activities and events taking place this summer and beyond

 

Weymouth Food and Family Festival

Experience a culinary extravaganza at the Weymouth Food and Family Festival on July 28th & 29th! Indulge in a delightful array of mouth-watering dishes from local vendors, showcasing the best flavours of the region. Treat your taste buds to a fusion of traditional and contemporary cuisines, while enjoying live music and entertainment for the whole family. Discover artisanal treats, refreshing beverages, and exciting activities for kids. Don't miss this vibrant celebration of food and community in the heart of Weymouth. Join in for a weekend filled with delicious discoveries, laughter, and lasting memories! #WeymouthFoodFestival

Find out more at www.weymouthfoodandfamilyfestival.co.uk

 

Raise money for Macmillan Caring Locally at Run Bournemouth

Take part in the kids’ kilometre, junior 1.5k or junior 2k for Macmillan Caring Locally and your child can RUN FOR FREE!

Join one of the fastest growing events on the South Coast at Run Bournemouth on Saturday 12th October and enjoy a great atmosphere whilst the crowds cheer your children on!

Register your interest with barry@macmillanlocal.org and get your child signed up FOR FREE!

 

Little Readers Online Tutoring

“Keep your child motivated and avoid the summer slide with our phonics and reading specialist; tutoring children aged 4-10. Don't lose those precious reading skills over the summer! We try our best to make each session as engaging, energetic and interactive as possible whilst meeting the needs of your child. We also offer free Zoom consultations for a meet and greet, answering any question you may have about what we offer.

Try our two lesson trial for just £40, each session lasting 30 minutes, including a personalised reading evaluation.

Book your two lesson trial today to keep the motivation going!

 Let's make reading fun this summer!

For more information about us visit our website www.little-readers.co.uk or follow us on Instagram and Facebook @UKlittlereaders for reading tips and phonics games.”

 

Cinema Under the Stars with Purbeck Film Festival

With 7 fantastic films in 5 sensational venues this summer, it is no wonder that Purbeck Film Festival is an annual must-do for many families in the area. Don your wizard robes, grab your wand and hop aboard the magical heritage train to the ancient Corfe Castle to watch Harry Potter and Wonka – fun fact, the Sunset Shuttle train tickets are a special discounted evening rate. If you're a fan of all things spooky and mysterious, head over to the beautiful Durlston Country Park to watch the original Ghostbusters. Both spots offer exciting trails and activities for kids by day.

Or, one more for mums, Barbie will be screening next to the pink-lit swimming pool at Knoll House Hotel in Studland. Be sure to grab yourself one of their pink-themed drinks too! If you love a RomCom, then Room with a View and Moulin Rouge! will fit the bill perfectly, both screening adjacent to the very vivid blue pool at The Blue Pool. Pick any of these films and get ready for an unforgettable evening.

 Head to purbeckfilm.com to find out more.

Summer is a brilliant time for kids and families to visit Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve.

A Wild Play Trail will lead you through Durlston’s beautiful clifftop woodland, while their Pirates of Purbeck Activity Trail gives you the chance to find the hidden treasure. 340 acres of meadows and downland are filled with colourful flowers and spectacular butterflies, while Durlston Castle offers interactive displays, a great café and in the gallery you can enjoy an exhibition on ‘The Art of Motherhood’ by artist Sharon James. The Park and Castle are free to visit – for more details, go to www.durlston.co.uk

 

This summer at Brownsea Island

Seasonal family bushcraft workshops – Friday 26 and Saturday 27 July 10.30 - 1.00pm and 2.00 - 4.30pm. These workshops will then run every Friday and Saturday in Aug with the same timings.

New for 2024 seasontake your parents along to these seasonal family bushcraft workshops with local expert Joe Peartree. From wood carving, fire lighting skills, animal tracking to foraging and den building, the sessions will vary according to the season. Suitable for age 7 + through to teens and adults! All adults and children attending will need to purchase a ticket.

Summer activity trail – Free trail available throughout the school holidays from 20 July and throughout August.

Have a go at the fun and playful activities on the interactive self-led family trail. See who can build the best den, make some wild art on the weaving loom, and try their animal yoga poses. Finish at the natural play area where you can leap, climb, and scamper like a red squirrel.

Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island

 

Enjoy a Very Hungry day at the zoo

This summer, Marwell Zoo hosts a fun interactive trail inspired by Eric Carle’s bestselling children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

The trail tells the popular children’s story through a series of supersized 3D installations guaranteed to thrill fans.

Guests will follow The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s many, many footsteps, winding their way through the giant apple, pear archways and plum tunnels!

Count one apple, two pears, three plums, four strawberries and five oranges before arriving at a virtual feast of cheese, sausages, cake and sweets!

The zoo is the perfect place for little ones to learn about nature, explore the great outdoors and run off some steam.

This trail is just long enough for little legs but those with energy to spare can enjoy learning about the rare and endangered resident animals around the 140-acre park.

Don’t forget the fantastic value family tickets which admit a family of five for £85. These tickets must be booked online, and groups must consist of a maximum of two adults and a minimum of one child. Charity Marwell Wildlife owns and operates Marwell Zoo, home to more than 140 animal species including a red panda, tigers, snow leopards, rhinos, penguins and giraffes.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.marwell.org.uk

 

Family Adventure Awaits at the Museum of East Dorset!

A summer of family discovery awaits at the Museum of East Dorset. With 11 family friendly galleries, filled with games, puzzles and hands on activities, there’s plenty to get stuck into.

Dress up as a valiant Roundhead or a stylish Cavalier in  current exhibition, Rebellion & Revolt: Unrest in Dorset in the 1600s. Family trails cater to everyone, from toddler-friendly "spotter guides" to themed summer adventures and quizzes. Unleash creativity with our free monthly craft table, and step back in time in the Victorian School Room – take charge and lead a (hopefully!) well behaved class.

Explore local history through captivating videos and digital interactives, perfect for the whole family. And the best part? Museum entry grants you free admission for a whole year! So you can come back and rediscover the fun throughout the summer and beyond.

Plan your unforgettable family adventure: www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk

 

ShoreSports have the same prices as last Year!

They want welcome back customers from last year, and draw in new ones. Their priority is quality, fun watersports at affordable prices, with no hidden extras. They offer Kids clubs every week of the holidays or hire, lessons and tours for the whole family. Try sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding, raft building or the new sport of Wingfoiling! ShoreSports at Mudeford Quay is the perfect location, due to the safe shallow waters of Christchurch Harbour and the fantastic staff. Even if it's raining there is outdoor fun to be had, Just put on their included wetsuits and make a splash. Book online  at https://www.shoresports.co.uk/ or email nick@shoresports.co.uk

 

 

Are you searching for an exciting summer adventure?

Join them at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery and immerse yourself in their captivating collections and exhibits, featuring the renowned exhibition Wildlife Photographer of the Year from the Natural History Museum.

Engage with their interactive displays, step into the shoes of Dorset’s famous historical figures through dress-up activities and partake in a variety of wildlife-themed events during July and August.

The Museum is participating in this year’s Festival of Archaeology by offering tours, workshops and activities, as well as relaxed opening hours for visitors with autism or other sensory conditions to enjoy.

Find out more at www.dorsetmuseum.org

 

Summer at Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre

Splash into action with a variety of adventure sports at Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre. The Dorset Council run facility is in the heart of the Jurassic Coast and offers everything from paddlesports though to rock climbing and coasteering.

Wild Sessions are a mix of water and land-based activities for 8-to 14-year-olds. The summer holiday program also provides free spaces as part of the Hot Food and Activity scheme (HAF).

If you are looking for a family adventure, a kayak, paddleboard or Coasteer taster sessions could be an option or join in the centres 60th birthday celebrations at the open day on Monday 29th July.

Find out more at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/sport-leisure/dorset-outdoor-education-service/weymouth-outdoor-education-centre/weymouth-outdoor-education-centre

 

Discovery Village

Dorset's soon-to-open Discovery Village is an immersive role-play centre and café perfect for children aged 1-8 and their families. With nine carefully crafted role-play areas, each themed around a shop or service, there is something to spark every child's imagination. Play sessions are guided by talented performers who encourage children to take part in the Village’s exciting story of the day, which is filled with song, dance, and imaginative play. What will you discover?

Find out more at www.discoveryvillage.co.uk

 

Purbeck Valley Folk Festival

Taking place 15-18 August, secure your tickets to the best of folk and roots music from around the world, on offer across 5 stages.

This year’s highlights include TikTok shanty sensation The Longest Johns, African kora player Seckou Keita with his 8-piece Senegalese band, BBC 6Music favourite John Smith, and Gentleman Jack theme tune writers/singers O’Hooley & Tidow.

There is absolutely loads for kids (all included in the ticket price!): storytelling, rock-climbing, archery, dinosaurs, crafts, circus skills, bouncy castles, fancy dress, street theatre, maypole dancing and much more!
The craft area is fantastic with workshops in cyanotype printing, tie-dye, blacksmithing, pottery, origami, and more.
Great value at £175 (£85/£40) for 4 nights, including camping.

For more information - www.purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk

 

Message from NHS Dorset – new neurodiversity website

Neurodiversity celebrates the fact that everyone’s brain is unique. NHS Dorset has worked alongside people with lived experience of autism and ADHD to co-produce content for a new neurodiversity information hub (website) for Dorset, as well as experts from the NHS and local charities. The website includes signposting to a wide range of support for all ages, as well as articles and blogs written by members of Dorset’s neurodivergent community, and video interviews with neurodivergent people and their families.

Find out more by visiting nhsdorset.nhs.uk/neurodiversity

 

Cinema Under the Stars with Purbeck Film Festival

With 7 fantastic films in 5 sensational venues this summer, it is no wonder that Purbeck Film Festival is an annual must-do for many families in the area. Don your wizard robes, grab your wand and hop aboard the magical heritage train to the ancient Corfe Castle to watch Harry Potter and Wonka – fun fact, the Sunset Shuttle train tickets are a special discounted evening rate. If you're a fan of all things spooky and mysterious, head over to the beautiful Durlston Country Park to watch the original Ghostbusters. Both spots offer exciting trails and activities for kids by day.

Or, one more for mums, Barbie will be screening next to the pink-lit swimming pool at Knoll House Hotel in Studland. Be sure to grab yourself one of their pink-themed drinks too! If you love a RomCom, then Room with a View and Moulin Rouge! will fit the bill perfectly, both screening adjacent to the very vivid blue pool at The Blue Pool. Pick any of these films and get ready for an unforgettable evening.

Head to purbeckfilm.com to find out more.

 

A fun-filled Summer Holidays at RockReef on Bournemouth Pier!

If you are looking for fun & adventure this Easter, there’s lots to keep all the family entertained at RockReef on Bournemouth Pier. The popular attraction is based on adventure sports and features 28 Clip ‘n Climb fun, themed indoor climbing walls. There’s also a Vertical Drop Slide, a Leap of Faith Challenge, a HighLine ropes aerial obstacle course and the Pier Cave!

From Wednesday 24th July until Sunday 1st Sept, RockReef indoor activities will be open from 10am every day.

Outside is the awesome PierZip, the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire open 7 days a week during Summer!*

 Find out more at www.rockreef.co.uk

*PierZip opening weather dependant. Check online for the latest updates.

 

The Tank Museum -Summer Holidays: Ingenious Inventions, 22 July – 1 September

This summer, enjoy invention-themed activities suitable for all ages. Get involved with hands-on games and interactives, see tanks roar round the arena, and experience a tracked vehicle ride. Enter the new ‘Design Your Own Tank’ Competition and explore the tank-themed outdoor playpark for mini-tank enthusiasts. Experience the biggest day out in history with 10 exhibitions, 300 tanks, kids’ activities, and more at Dorset’s largest indoor attraction. Book online and save 10%, plus tickets include a free annual Pass.

Find out more at www.tankmuseum.org

 

Oceanarium Bournemouth

Dive into an aquatic adventure this summer and discover over 200 different species of creatures above and below the waves at the Oceanarium! Adjacent to Bournemouth seafront, take an underwater voyage around the world and get up close to stunning sharks, colourful clown fish, playful penguins and more. NEW for 2024, you can explore their quiz trails catered for all ages! Don’t miss their daily animal feeding times where you can watch ‘FINtastic’ sharks, happy Humboldt’s, adorable otters and a ‘Turtley’ awesome Turtle getting fed! Don’t forget, our tickets are valid all day. Planning on visiting more than once? Why not join the gang and become a member – for a JAWSOME 30% off! HURRY! Offer ends 31 July 2024. (T&Cs apply.)

Find out more at www.oceanarium.co.uk

Abbotsbury Swannery

All aboard the Periwinkle! The Brambly Hedge Trail at the Abbotsbury Swannery is already a popular new activity on a visit to the Swannery. Sea Story is a book in the Brambly Hedge Collection series. With a delightful tale about a journey to the sea, the trail brings to life this magical story in the perfect location. With story posts, stamp points, characters to meet and a souvenir activity booklet and sticker, alongside the colony of mute swans and the growing cygnets it’s a perfect time to visit this summer. Free car parking, Café, Gift Shop and Play area. Plus, willow swan maze, pedal go-karts and mass daily swan feeds to join in with.

Find out more at www.abbotsburyswannery.co.uk

 

Wimborne Model Town

Discover Wimborne’s Little Treasure from the 1950s. Meet the Wareham Bears, make music in the Sensory Garden, drive a train in the Model Railway, discover “Life Before Lego” and wonder at the detail in the Beryl Dade Dolls’ House Collection. Play a game of Crazy Golf for a small charge! Enjoy coffee or lunch in the tea room.

How did we build our Model of the Model? And the Model of the Model of the Model?  What did children use to make models before we had Lego? Find out all about it and make your own models at the Model Building Day on Sunday 14th July.

Your entry ticket gives you unlimited return visits for a year!

Visit www.wimborne-modeltown.com to find out more.

 

Join Party Time Pets for a one-to-one therapeutic and hands-on experience with friendly animals in a peaceful open space. You can spend time with their alpaca, ponies and pygmy goats, enjoy a cuddle with the rabbits and guinea pigs, visit the lovely rescue hens and hands a variety of reptiles and insects (for an extra charge)

They offer only private bookings, with each unique session created around your own requests. Fees are charged per adult/child with additional people being charged at half price. They are fully insured and licensed and available to attend schools, care homes, parties and more.

Contact them and find out more at www.facebook.com/partytimepets or contact Tina on 07940003472 or Evan at 07436842362

 

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Take your little monkeys along to meet their primate cousins at Monkey World- Ape Rescue Centre this summer! The sanctuary in Dorset is home to over 260 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes.

Combining fun with conservation, half-hourly keeper talks explain all about man’s closest living relative and after visitors have seen the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Life’, they can monkey around in the large playgrounds! As well as the regular faces, visitors can see the newest arrivals; Marcel, who was found in a conservatory in Wolverhampton, Neevah, a saki monkey from Combe Martin and little Lloyd- a baby woolly monkey who was only born in February!

Monkey World is open every day from 10am to 5pm. Book online to save up to 10% off gate prices.

Find out more at www.monkeyworld.org

 

Stagecoach Performing Arts.

“Stagecoach Ringwood, Wimborne and Bournemouth are delighted to continue their Performing Arts classes this Autumn; the registers are now open!

We have had amazing year with every student over 6 performing in our very own Charity Gala evening at the Bournemouth Pavilion which raised over £3000 for charity! Next term the fun continues with every child receiving their script to take part in our annual show. We also have Christmas Community performances at The Ringwood Furlong, Castlepoint and The Allendale Centre.  EVERY student is invited!

With over 36 years experience, Stagecoach Performing Arts offers weekly classes in Singing, Dancing and Drama to students aged 4-18 years. With an expert team of teachers, Stagecoach believes in instilling creative courage for life, no matter what your child’s age or ability! Student inclusion is the upmost priority. We believe in making special memories that children will treasure forever, whilst building a sense of self-esteem that they will carry with them through life.”

For more information or to join a FREE 2 week trial, contact Emily at ringwood@stagecoach.co.uk or bournemouth@stagecoach.co.uk. They currently have spaces in the following locations:

St Ives Primary School, Sandy Lane, BH24 2LE

The Allendale Centre, Wimborne, BH21 1AS      

The Winton YCMA, Winton, BH9 2QD

 

Discover the rhythm of island life

Hayling Island Holiday Park is now part of Meadow Bay Villages! With new ownership and new investment, it is entering a brand-new era that offers an even better on-park experience. Enjoy the rhythm of island life like never before, with great facilities including a brand-new outdoor lido and dining experience launched for the school summer holidays, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an adventure playground, a charming cafe and bar for evening entertainment. Plus, with lush green fields and gorgeous Blue Flag beaches just a stone’s throw away, it’s the ideal destination for exploration and adventure. The park is kicking off its best summer yet with plenty more excitement to come!

Hayling Island Holiday Park, Manor Rd, Hayling Island, PO11 0QS
Tel: 02393 552 796, meadowbay.com/haylingisland

 

Bay Paddle Boarding

Bay Paddle Boarding offer standup paddle boarding lessons and paddle board hire in West Bay with qualified instructors and are fully insured and licensed. 

Their Beach Kids Club takes place on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 3pm and includes fun on the beach, paddle boarding, swimming, exploring and games for ages 8 to 14 years.  The Club is a great way to explore the coast, learn about tides, currents and sea and river safety as well as have fun.

The Litton Lakes Adventure Club takes place on Mondays from 10-2:30pm and enables participants to explore the Lake with paddleboarding, games, exploring, den building and river fun.

Find out more and book at www.baypaddleboards.co.uk

 

Splashdown Dorset

For all the fluming good fun then Splashdown, on Tower Park just outside Poole town centre, is the place to be. All slides are open right now and through to October half term.  And it’s open every day throughout July and August, with late opening until 9pm most evenings why not make a day of it with a trip to the beach, grab some food and still have time for an epic trip to Splashdown with a sunset splash ticket, great value too! With tumbling tyre rides, body slides and swirling chutes, a visit here will keep tots, tweens and beyond occupied for hours.  Birthday parties are a blast at Splashdown Poole too, why not book yours now.

 Visit www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk/poole  for online booking in advance is essential and with the new ticketing system it’s never been easier to get your fluming fix this summer

 

Lemur Landings

How much fun can your children have at one of the largest indoor play centres in the south?  The answer, you’ll be delighted to hear is, of course, loads and loads! If they are having fun – you are having a breather!

So, if you are fed up with them staring at screens or saying they’re bored, here is your answer. Lemur Landings is suitable for little ones and kids aged up to eleven, there’s oodles of space for them to let off steam. Their imaginations can run free too, it’s a colourful place where they can invent magical games and exercise their minds as well as their bodies. Best of all it’s an outing the weather cannot spoil!

Lemur Landings is open every day except Christmas and Boxing Day – online booking in advance is essential, sessions operate during the summer holidays, please see website for full information –at www.lemurlandings.co.uk

 

From California to Dorset: A New Chapter for Clarkie Photography

After a decade in Los Angeles, award-winning photographer Rich Clarke has recently relocated to Dorset. His website, www.clarkiephotography.com, showcases his experience capturing weddings and natural family moments around the globe. Since the move, he has embraced Dorset’s stunning scenery, focusing on family photography sessions that highlight the area's natural beauty and his love for working with fun, creative families. Rich is dedicated to capturing genuine, heartfelt memories that families will cherish forever. Visit his website to explore summer 2024 offers and packages. Clarkie is thrilled to bring his creative vision to this beautiful part of the world.

 

 

 

 

 

Young Vets Club

“Young Vets Club is for children who believe that every animal matters. Created by vets and teachers, it inspires children to champion animal welfare, get outside, and explore careers in science. Members make a difference for animals around the world by supporting Worldwide Veterinary Service in rescuing, treating, and rehabilitating those in need of veterinary care.

Bobo, an orphaned baboon, came to WVS in Malawi after his mother was killed. Baboons depend on their mothers for their first two years, so Bobo needed lots of reassurance. WVS vets provided treatment and care, then transferred him to a facility to find a foster mother and help him return to the wild.

Members adopt a dog, cat, donkey, or monkey. They receive a welcome pack with a cuddly toy of their adopted animal and everything they need to become animal champions. Regular magazines and newsletters, adoption updates, insights into WVS’s work and fun games and challenges keep them learning outside of school.

Our members love knowing what a difference they make. ‘I’m a Young Vet Adventurer because I have always wanted to save as many animals as possible. I like how caring it is,’ Rosa, Young Vets Club Champion.”

Find out more at www.youngvetsclub.com