Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
What's On in Dorset
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Pliosaur the Terrifying Sea Rex
1st-2nd January 2026
Venue: Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - The Etches Collection
Website: www.theetchescollection.org/giant-sea-monster
See the amazing Pliosaur skull discovery and learn more aobut how it lived, hunted and died in the Jurassic seas of Kimmeridge
Giant Sea Monster
1st-1st January 2026
Venue: The Etches Collection
Website: www.theetetchescollection.org
See the Pliosaur skull discovery and learn more about how it lived, hunted and died
Gladiators of Britain
25th January-11th May 2025
Venue: Dorset Museum
Website: www.dorsetmuseum.org.uk
A British Museum Partnership exhibition with Colchester and Ipswich Museums delving into the lesser-known history of gladiatorial contests in Roman Britain
Easter at Farmer Palmers
5th-21st April 2025
Venue: Farmer Palmer's Farm Park
Website: www.farmerpalmers.co.uk
Bunny Rescue Tractor Rides and Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Egg Hunt at Brownsea Island
5th-21st April 2025
Venue: Brownsea Island
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island
Fun, interactive trail to discover the amazing lives of birds with a tasty chocolate prize at the finish
Easter Egg Hunt at Corfe Castle
5th-21st April 2025
Venue: Corfe Castle
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle
Spring themed games and activities and a trail
Easter Wonderland
5th-22nd April 2025
Venue: Nothe Fort
Website: www.nothefort.org.uk
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland activities including Easter Egg Hunt, Wonderland croquet, Raven's Riddle Competition, Easter Bonnet Dress Up, Spot the White Rabbit trail, The Hatter's Tea party games
Gladi-egg-tor Trail
5th-21st April 2025
Venue: Dorset Museum
Website: www.dorsetmuseum.org
Explore the Museum as you search for hidden Roman and gladiator-themed eggs scattered throughout the exhibits
Easter Holiday Activities - Highcliffe Castle
6th-21st April 2025
Venue: Highcliffe Castle
Website: www.highcliffecastle.co.uk
Indoor activities and crafts and woodland trail - see the website for schedule details
Spring Family Fun at Lulworth
6th-21st April 2025
Venue: Lulworth
Website: www.lulworth.com
Enjoy the trails, games, hunts and crafts included in the admission price
Easter Quiz at Wimborne Model Town and Gardens
18th-21st April 2025
Venue: Wimborne Model Town and Gardens
Website: www.wimborne-modeltown.com
See the website for details
Lyme Regis Easter Bonnet Parade
20th-20th April 2025
Venue: Broad Street, Lyme Regis
Website: www.lovelymeregis.co.uk
Take part in the parade or go alongs to watch the colourful spectacle of entrants - see website for details
Easter Extravaganza
21st-21st April 2025
Venue: Larmer Tree
Website: www.larmertree.co.uk
Back by popular demand, the Larmer Tree Easter Extravaganza is back ! Taking place on Monday 21st April between 10.00am and 4.00pm for all the family. This year you can enjoy live music on the lawn by...
Lyme Regis Easter Monday Duck Race
21st-21st April 2025
Venue: Windsor Terrace, Lyme Regis
Website: www.lovelymeregis.co.uk
Fun duck race event
Springtime Egg Hunt
21st-21st April 2025
Venue: The Red House Museum and Gardens
Website: wwww.hampshireculture.org.uk
Egg Hunt themed around animals and folklore. Have fun tracking down all the eggs and discover more about animal myths and legends associated with Srping - children take home a chocolate bunny
The Original Harlem Globetrotters
22nd-22nd April 2025
Venue: Bournemouth International Centre
Website: www.bic.co.uk
Performance showcasing basketball wizardry, outrageous athleticism and endless entertainment
Bournemouth Writing Festival
25th-25th April 2025
Venue: Various locations
Website: www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk
Three day literary and writing festival across Bournemouth with talks, walks, panels, performances and networking
Character Development For Young Writers
26th-26th April 2025
Venue: Patch
Website: www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk
Fun and interactive workshop helping young writers create and develop their characters - for children 8+. Part of Bournemouth Writing Festival
Classic Vehicle Event
26th-26th April 2025
Venue: Pikes Farm
Address: Organford, Poole
Website: www.organfoldclassicevents.co.uk
Classic vehicles display, kids activities, live music and refreshments
Destructive Writing for Young People
26th-26th April 2025
Venue: Patch
Website: www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk
Writing workshop for ages 9+. Part of Bournemouth Writing Festival
Free activities at Bournemouth Writing Festival
26th-27th April 2025
Venue: Various locations
Website: www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk
Free activities to inspire children to write including 'Writing On the Beach' on Saturday from 10:30, Poetry in the Bandstand (Saturday and Sunday), Words for Wellbeing at the Russell Cotes Museum (Satruday...
Free activities for Children
26th-26th April 2025
Venue: Patch
Website: www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk
Free, facilitated drop-in activities from 10am to 5pm
Meet the Kingston lacy lambs
26th-26th April 2025
Venue: Kingston Lacy
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy
Drop-in sessions where you will get a chance to see some lambs up close
Tiger Day Spring
26th-26th April 2025
Venue: The Tank Museum
Website: www.tankmuseum.org
See a WWII tank display and explore The Tank Museum on a day dedicated to the world's most infamous tank. Live tanks in action, expert lectures, Living History and more
What Makes an Exciting Screenplay
26th-26th April 2025
Venue: Patch
Website: www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk
Workshop focusing on storytelling for film, exploring ideas of conflict, character, theme, dialogue and visual storytelling - for young people aged 9 to 16. Part of Bournemouth Writing Festival
Write Like Shakespeare
26th-26th April 2025
Venue: Patch
Website: www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk
Let Shakespeare inspire your creative writing with magic, mystery, history and rhymes - suitable for ages 8+. Part of Bournemouth Writing Festival
Frankham Farm Open Gardens
27th-27th April 2025
Venue: Frankham Farm, Sherborne
Website: www.findagarden.ngs.org.uk
3 1/2 acre garden open event - kids go free. See the website for details
Magic Wand Making Workshop at Rock and Rose Rituals
27th-27th April 2025
Venue: Upton Country Park
Website: www.uptoncountrypark.com
Explore the secrets of wand making - for ages 4 and up
Poole Baby Event
27th-27th April 2025
Venue: Gather, Poole Dolphin Centre
Website: www.facebook.com/samanthaprewettphotography
Free entry, goody bags, taster classes and demos. Tombola style raffle in aid of Spring Support
UK Trail Running Festival
27th-27th April 2025
Venue: St Giles House, Wimborne
Website: www.uktrailrunningfestival.co.uk
Running events including a Junior Race
Camping at Farmer Palmers
2nd-5th May 2025
Venue: Farmer Palmer's Farm Park
Website: www.farmerpalmers.co.uk
Family friendly camping experience
Teddy Rocks
2nd-2nd May 2025
Venue: Charisworth Farm, Blandford
Website: www.teddyrocks.co.uk
3 day family friendly charity music event
Bear Weekend
3rd-4th May 2025
Venue: Wimborne Model Town and Gardens
Website: www.wimborne-modeltown.com
See the website for details
Dorset Spring Show
3rd-4th May 2025
Venue: Birch Lane Showground, Puddletown
Website: www.dorsetcountyshow.co.uk
Agricultural show with lots of activities, stalls and entertainment including BMX Arena, The Sheep Show, Axemen, Shetland Pony Racing, Heavy Horse Logging, Falconry, Titan the Robot, Food Village, Gardeners...
Quiet Opening at Dorset Museum
3rd-3rd May 2025
Venue: Dorset Museum and Art Gallery
Website: www.dorsetmuseum.org
Openings especially suitable for visitors with autism and other sensory conditions
VE Day Celebrations
3rd-11th May 2025
Venue: Nothe Fort
Website: www.nothefort.org.uk
Themed celebration crafts, themed treats and cream tea platter, party games
Experience the magic of tree climbing
4th-5th May 2025
Venue: Larmer Tree Gardens
Website: https://larmertree.co.uk/
Experience the magic of tree climbing this Bank Holiday in May with The Great Big Tree Climbing Company at Larmer Tree Gardens! Discover the gardens from a whole new perspective—perch among...
Family Fun Session
4th-4th May 2025
Venue: Lemur Landings
Website: www.lemurlandings.co.uk
Easter disco party featuring fun and games and all the usual play and climbing activities
Milkshake! Live: Milkshake on Holiday
4th-4th May 2025
Venue: Weymouth Pavilion
Website: www.weymouthpavilion.com
Show featuring Milkshake! Characters and presenters
May Bank Holiday: Tracks and Wheels
5th-5th May 2025
Venue: The Tank Museum
Website: www.tankmuseum.org
Event combining tanks and wheeled vehicles or all kinds with gravity-defying cycling feats, supercars, motorbikes and more
Pig Heart Boy
7th-10th May 2025
Venue: Lighthouse Poole
Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
Adaptation of Malorie Blackman's novel for ages 9+
Poole Runners Upton Summer Series 2025
7th-7th May 2025
Venue: Upton Country Park
Website: www.uptoncountrypark.com
Six races spread over the summer for all abilities. Races and routes for children and adults - register online
Best of West Dorset
10th-11th May 2025
Venue: Symondsbury Estate
Website: www.mapperton.com
See the website for details
Fearlessly Taylor
10th-10th May 2025
Venue: Sturminster Exchange
Website: www.stur-exchange.co.uk
Taylor Swift tribute show with a live band and dancers
The Wiggles: Bouncing Balls Tour
10th-10th May 2025
Venue: Bournemouth Pavilion
Website: www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk
Interactive and engaging live show experience aiming to spark creativity, curiousity and love of learning through The Wiggles signature mix of entertainment and education
Nature Journalling for Kids
11th-11th May 2025
Venue: Studland Bay
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/studland-bay
Using words and pictures, kids will start off or add to a nature journal, taking a walk through woodland, dunes or the beach
Magic of Thailand
17th-18th May 2025
Venue: Harbourside (Baiter) Park
Website: www.magicofthailand.co.uk
Authentic Thai cusine, Thai crafts, produce and clothing, traditional dance and music, Muay Thai Boxing, Children's Rides and more
The Cheese and Chili Festival
17th-18th May 2025
Venue: Christchurch
Website: www.cheeseandchilifestival.com
Chilli challenges, live music family entertainment, cooking theatre, wrestling, taste tent, bubble party, stalls and more
Protest
5th-9th March 2024
Venue: Theatre Royal Plymouth
Website: https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/protest/
For ages 7+. Running is Alice’s happy place – you might even say it’s in her DNA. She’s the best runner at her school but is struggling to prove her worth. Jade is slowly coming to realise that...
30% off Oceanarium memberships
Venue: Oceanarium
Address: Bournemouth
Website: www.oceanarium.co.uk
See the website for details
Attenborough's Giant Sea Monster - Sea Rex
Venue: The Etches Collection
Website: www.theetchescollection.org/giant-sea-monster
Pliosaur Skull Discovery - see the amazing creature and learn more about how it lived, hunted and died in the Jurassic seas of Kimmeridge 150 years ago
Beautiful Bournemouth Mini Exhibition
Venue: Russell Cotes Museum
Website: www.russellcotes.com
Discover the evolution of Bournemouth through this display in the Print Room
Easter Hunt at Moors Valley Country Park
Venue: Moors Valley Country Park
Website: www.moors-valley.co.uk/easter
Find the hidden giant Easter egg shapes around Moors Valley - solve the riddles, spot the eggs and write down the letters to work out the hidden answer
Fantazy
Venue: Babbacombe Theatre
Website: www.babbacombe-theatre.com
Variety show with comedy, illusion, vocalists and dance
Pieces of our Past
Venue: Highcliffe Castle
Website: www.highcliffecastle.co.uk
Experience the history of the Castle with never before seen photographs and artefacts
Rebellion and Revolt
Venue: Museum of East Dorset
Website: www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk
Thought provoking exhibit delving into two pivotal national struggles that profoundly impacted Dorset: the English Civil War of the 1640s and the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685. Themed trail around the Museum,...
West Bay In The War
Venue: West Bay Discovery Centre
Website: www.westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk
Discover what happened locally in WW2. Find out about local memories, coast defences and more