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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Cool Coast Ice Rink
1st January-22nd February 2026
Venue: Bournemouth International Centre
Website: www.coolcoasticerink.co.uk
Ice skating experience - see website for details
Coastal Combat Festival
7th-8th February 2026
Venue: HMP Dorchester
Celebration of music and combat teams
The Walled Bug Trail
7th-22nd February 2026
Venue: The Walled Garden, Moreton
Website: www.walledgardenmoreton.co.uk
Follow your map, explore the gardens, complete the quiz, find the ladybirds and claim your prize
Celebrate Snowdrops at Springhead
11th-11th February 2026
Venue: Springhead Trust
Website: www.shaftesburysnowdrops.org
Lakeside gardens open to the public
Snowdrops at the The Old Vicarage`
13th-13th February 2026
Venue: The Old Vicarage (NGS)
Website: www.shaftesburysnowdrops.org
1.7 acre established garden and wildlife garden with hundreds of different snowdrops, crocus and many other bulbs and winter flowering shrubs
Snowdrops at Westcroft Garden
13th-13th February 2026
Venue: Westcroft Garden
Website: www.shaftesburysnowdrops.org
See the floor carpeted with drifts of snowdrops with a growing collection of well over 400 named varieties
WW2 Week Half Term
13th-22nd February 2026
Venue: Nothe Fort
Website: www.nothefort.org.uk
Explore Weymouth's role in World War II
Adventure Valley Land Rovers
14th-22nd February 2026
Venue: Moors Valley
Website: www.moors-valley.co.uk
Exciting off-road journey in mini electric Land Rovers
Become a Nature Detective in February Half Term
14th-22nd February 2026
Venue: Studland Bay
Website: www.nationaltrust.org,uk/visit/dorset/studland-bay
Visit the Knoll Beach visitor reception between 10am to 3pm to borrow one of the Nature Detective bags to help you on your nature dtecting journey. In addition, a small number of sensory bags are avilable
Community Weekend
14th-15th February 2026
Venue: Swanage Railway
Website: www.swanagerailway.co.uk
Rare chance to peek behind the scenes of a working heritage railway - Dorset residents receive 50% off tickets - see website for details
Gilbert the Godwit Trail
14th-22nd February 2026
Venue: Studland Bay
Website: www.nationaltrust.org,uk/visit/dorset/studland-bay
Pick up a trail sheet from Knoll Beach Visitor Reception where you can follow the numbered posts as you help Gilbert on your way around the trail. Find out what he needs to help him prepare for a long...
Moors Valley Railway
14th-22nd February 2026
Venue: Moors Valley
Website: www.moors-valley.co.uk
Ride on an authentic steam train around Moors Valley Country Park
Pancake Bonanza
14th-15th February 2026
Venue: Gullivers Farm Shop
Website: www.gulliversfarmshop.co.uk
Family friendly celebration of all things pancakes with kids' nature craft activities, nature trail and competitions over the weekend alongside marshmallow toasting, live music and fun messy play area,...
Seed planting and half term crafts
14th-14th February 2026
Venue: Kingston Lacy
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy
Plant a seed and have a go at a seasonal craft
Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival
14th-14th February 2026
Venue: Shaftesbury
Website: www.shaftesburysnowdrops.org
See the website for details of activities
The Things We Love Trail
15th-22nd February 2026
Venue: Highcliffe Cstle
Website: www.highcliffecastle.co.uk
Indoor trail running Sunday to Thursday along with activities. Crafts available on Tuesday and Thursday and included in Castle admission
Wild Science! The Ways of Water
15th-15th February 2026
Venue: The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre
Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Carry out your own investigations on the magical, chemical and physical properties on the water molecule
Railway 200 Exhibition Train
16th-18th February 2026
Venue: Swanage Railway
Website: www.swanagerailway.co.uk
Exhibition offering a fascinating look at how Britain's railway shaped travel, engineering, communities and everyday life
February Half Term Fun
17th-19th February 2026
Venue: Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
Website: www.russellcotes.com
Crafts and house trail celebrating Chinese New Year
Learn to draw manga
17th-17th February 2026
Venue: Blandford Library
Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture
Learn to draw in manga and comic styles at Blandford Library as part of the National Year of Reading
Make a snowdrop hanging ornament
17th-17th February 2026
Venue: Shaftesbury Library
Website: www.shaftesburysnowdrops.org
Craft workshop
Pancake Day
17th-17th February 2026
Venue: Gullivers Farm Shop
Website: www.gulliversfarmshop.co.uk
Freshly made pancakes, kids crafts, refreshments and more
Print Making Workshop
17th-17th February 2026
Venue: Lyme Regis Railway
Website: www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk
Session with artist Alison Bowskill - free with admission
Ranger Den
17th-20th February 2026
Venue: Moors Valley
Website: www.moors-valley.co.uk
Learn about the native birds, engage with the knowledgeable rangers and get crafty with a selection of activities
Stormy Seashore Scavenger Hunt at Chesil
17th-17th February 2026
Venue: The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre
Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Join in for a guided walk along Chesil to search for wildlife treasure that has washed up on the beach after winter storms
The WOW Bubble Show For Kids
17th-17th February 2026
Venue: Dorchester Arts
Website: www.dorchesterarts.org.uk
Fun-filled and laughter packed performance for children aged 3 to 8 mixing bubbles, music and comedy
50% off Famiy Day
18th-18th February 2026
Venue: Highcliffe Castle
Website: www.highcliffecastle.co.uk
Wnjoy 50% off admission for the special family day - see the website for details
Free Youth Dance Workshop
18th-18th February 2026
Venue: The Mowlem
Website: www.themowlem.com
Join Dorset Youth Dance for a session filled with dance, creativity and fun - see the website for details
Kids Around Dogs
18th-18th February 2026
Venue: Corfe Mullen Library
Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture
Special, expert-led session in the library that hopes to encourage children to feel safe and confident aorund four-legged friends
Kingcombe's Feathered Friends and Nests
18th-18th February 2026
Venue: Kingcombe Visitor Centre
Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Short walk looking for signs and sounds of spring birds, then try your hand at making your own nest
Family Nestbox Making Workshop
19th-19th February 2026
Venue: The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre
Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Make a nestbox for the birds in your garden
In the Footsteps of Mary Anning
19th-19th February 2026
Venue: Lyme Regis Museum
Website: www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk
Interactive session - free with admission
Light Up The Prom
27th-27th February 2026
Venue: Bournemouth Pier and Beach
Website: www.uhdcharity.org
Evening of remembrance and togetherness
Stagecoach Charity Gala
28th-28th February 2026
Venue: Bournemouth Pavilion
Website: www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk
Evening with entertainment provided by Stagecoach Performing Arts school featuring songs from a variety of famous musicals raising funds for local charities
Family Neurodivergent Nature Walk
7th-7th March 2026
Venue: Studland Bay
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/studland-bay
Walk for neurodivergent families to connect and enjoy nature together - see the website for details
Abbotsbury Swannery reopens
14th-14th March 2026
Venue: Abbotsbury Swannery
Website: www.abbotsburyswannery.co.uk
Swannery opens for the summer season
Mother's Day Afternoon Tea
14th-15th March 2026
Venue: Farmer Palmer's Farm Park
Website: www.farmerpalmers.co.uk
See the website for details
Daffodil Week
15th-19th March 2026
Venue: Mapperton
Website: www.mapperton.com
Enjoy daffodils, crocuses and primroses as the gardens open for 2026
Mother's Day Afternoon Tea
15th-15th March 2026
Venue: Mapperton
Website: www.mapperton.com
Relaxed afternoon tea experience
Mother's Day Afternoon Tea
15th-15th March 2026
Venue: Gullivers Farm Shop
Website: www.gulliversfarmshop.co.uk
Afternoon tea event - see website for details
Park to Pier Walk
Venue: Swanage Pier/Durlston Castle
Website: www.swanagepiertrust.com
Guided walk from Durlston Castle to Swanage Pier learning about the wildlife geology and history of Durlston Country Park and Swanage