What's On in Dorset

Pliosaur the Terrifying Sea Rex

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

Venue: The Etches Collection

Website: www.theetetchescollection.org

See the Pliosaur skull discovery and learn more about how it lived, hunted and died

Visit the Seahorse Hotel

Venue: SeaLife Weymouth

Website: www.visitsealife.com/weymouth

Take part in an interactive trail around the aquarium, design your own seahorse, photo opportunities, get a reward for completing the trail

Men of Iron

Venue: Lighthouse Poole

Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

Exhibition honouring the faces, stories and craftsmanship of Poole's Foundry Workers

Gladiators of Britain

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

The Big Top Doodle Room

Venue: Red House Museum and Gardens

Website: www.hampshireculture.org.uk

Space to draw and doodle freely to help turn the gallery into an evolving artwork of doodles, dreams and imagination inspired by a Circus theme

Storytime with Angela McAllister

Venue: Shaftesbury Library

Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Celebrate the power of sharing stories during National Storytelling Week - suitable for ages 5+

The Baddies

Venue: Lighthouse Poole

Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

Performance based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Park to Pier Walk

Venue: Durlston Country park

Website: www.swanagepiertrust.com

Stroll from the Country Park down to the Pier on the way discovering the history, wildlife and geology of the bay

Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival

Venue: Shaftesbury

Website: www.shaftesburysnowdrops.org

Snowdrop related events - see the website for the full line-up

Treemendous Trees Children's Activity Trail

Venue: Durlston Country Park

Website: www.durlston.co.uk

Trip around the park to learn more about Durlston's 'Treemendous' Trees

Coming to England

Venue: Lighthouse Poole

Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

Joyful stage adaptation based on Floella Benjamin's award-winning and iconic book with music, storytelling and song

February Half Term at Corfe Castle

Venue: Corfe Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle

Take your own teddy or borrow a furty Corfe Castle veteran and get involved with the return of the family fabourite teddy bear zip wire and travel back to 1086 on 'The Conqueror's Castle' family quest

Half term fun on the Wii

Venue: Dorchester Library

Website: www.facebook.com/dorchesterlibrary

Drop into the library and challenge your friends to some Wii games competitions

Half Term: Camouflage in Combat

Venue: The Tank Museum

Website: www.tankmuseum.org

Enjoy family activities investigating how tanks kep themeselves hidden on the battlefield, from WWI to the present day

How to write a Haiku drop-in session

Venue: Shaftesbury Library

Address: Kings Lynn

Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Write a snowdrop Haiku for the Shaftesbury Snowdrop festival. Different age categories for the competition

World War II Week Family Activities

Venue: Nothe Fort

Website: www.nothefort.org.uk

Experience what life was life during WWII, have a go at Look Out Duty, be a Motorbike Dispatch Rider, join the Entertainment Corp, become an ARP Warden or even part of the Fort's Anti-Aircraft Defence....

Cirque Enchantment

Venue: Lighthouse Poole

Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

Magical production featuring choreography, live vocals and circus performers

Superslam Wrestling

Venue: Lighthouse Poole

Website: www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

Ring action from a team of five star wrestlers from around the UK

The Bubble Show

Venue: Dorchester Corn Exchange

Website: www.dorchesterarts.org.uk

Bubble show with fire effects, poetry, light displays, captivating music and brand new bubble masterpieces

Sam O'Shanty

Venue: Sixpenny Handley Village Hall

Website: www.artsreach.co.uk

Brand-new nautically comic show for all the family crammed with facts, fantasy and farce. From Angel Heart Theatre - for ages 4+

Snowdrop Festival crown craft

Venue: Shaftesbury Library

Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Make a snowdrop crown

Crafty Fools: Adventures in Science

Venue: Lighthouse Poole

Website: www.artsreach.co.uk

Show including magic, science and a good deal of tomfoolery

Relaxed Family Bubble Workshop: Squidge and Pop

Venue: The Red House Museum and Gardens

Website: www.hampshireculture.org.uk

Relaxed interactive bubble workshop for children with special educational needs and children with disabilities

Sam O'Shanty

Venue: Litton Cheney Community Hall

Website: www.artsreach.co.uk

Brand new nautically comic show for all the family crammed with facts, fantasy and farch. From Angel Heart Theatre - for ages 4+

Springtime story and craft

Venue: Gillingham Library

Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Story and craft both inspired by ancient springtime traditions. Suitable for ages 5+

Squidge and Pop Family bubble Workshops

Venue: Red House Museum and Gardens

Website: www.hampshireculture.org.uk

Show including magic, science and a good deal of tomfoolery

Wonderful World

Venue: The Mowlem

Address: Swanage

Website: www.artsreach.co.uk

Geography themed show from Squashbox Theatre and suitable for ages 4+ with puppetry, facts, slapstick, comedy and live music. Post-show puppet making workshops are available - see the website for details

Beautiful Bird Nests - Guided walk and family craft workshop

Venue: Kingcombe Visitor Centre

Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Short walk looking for signs and sounds of spring birds, then a craft activity

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Venue: Bournemouth Pavilion

Website: www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

Brand-new production of the much-loved family favourite

Fairytales, Fables and Other Assorted Nonsense

Venue: Dorchester Corn Exchange

Website: www.dorchesterarts.org.uk

Retelling of the popular story from Assembleth Theatre

Family Ceramic Workshop with The Touring Potter

Venue: The Red House Museum and Gardens

Website: www.hampshireculture.org.uk

Build and glaze your own Big Top themed ceramic in this workshop for ages 7+

Museum Make: Super Circus

Venue: The Red House Museum and Gardens

Website: www.hampshireculture.org.uk

Using card, paper and reclaimed scrap material, bring your imagination to life with this circus make. Suitable for children age 4+

Phaser Night at Lemur Landings

Venue: Lemur Landings

Website: www.lemurlandings.co.uk

Phaser tag event - see the website for details

Sam O'Shanty

Venue: The Exchange, Sturminster Newton

Website: www.artsreach.co.uk

Brand new nautically comic show for all the family crammed with facts, fantasy and farch. From Angel Heart Theatre - for ages 4+

Under the sea library gets lively

Venue: Dorchester Library and Learning Centre

Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Fun stories and crafts

Wild Wednesdays

Venue: Durlston Country Park

Website: www.durlston.co.uk

Have a go at painting, crafts and activities

Wonderful World

Venue: Broadwindsor Comrades Hall

Website: www.artsreach.co.uk

Geography themed show from Squashbox Theatre and suitable for ages 4+ with puppetry, facts, slapstick, comedy and live music. Post-show puppet making workshops are available - see the website for details

Family Magic Show:Mr Merlin and Okey Dokey the Dragon

Venue: The Red House Museum

Website: www.hampshireculture.org.uk

New show full of 'wows', wonder and giggles suitable for ages 3+

Family Nest Box Making Workshop

Venue: The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre

Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Family friendly workshop where you can build a nest box to take home for birds in the garden

Fun with LEGO

Venue: Gillingham Library

Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Enjoy making your own LEGO creations alongside other families at the drop-in half term event. No booking is required

Jurassic Earth

Venue: Weymouth Pavilion

Website: www.weymouthpavilion.com

Interactive dinosaur themed family show

Shrek the Musical

Venue: Bournemouth Pavilion

Website: www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

Production of the musical based on the Oscar-winning animated film from Swish

Signs of Spring - Family Activity Walk

Venue: Kingcombe Visitor Centre

Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Short walk looking for the signs and sounds of spring

Treehouse Theatre Storybox: Circus Adventure

Venue: The Red House Museum and Gardens

Website: www.hampshireculture.org.uk

Go dressed in your favourite Circus costume and join in for a hour of fun and silliness. Suitable for ages 3 to 7 years

Wonderful World

Venue: Alderholt Village Hall

Website: www.artsreach.co.uk

Geography themed show from Squashbox Theatre and suitable for ages 4+ with puppetry, facts, slapstick, comedy and live music. Post-show puppet making workshops are available - see the website for details

Bird Feeders Family Activity

Venue: Kingcombe Visitor Centre

Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Visit the wildlife garden's bird hide and a family craft activity making bird feeders

Christchurch Scout and Guide Gang Show

Venue: Regent Theatre

Website: www.theregent.co.uk

Variety of numbers with songs, dance, traditional Ralph Reader material, a journey through the seasons, a colourful number and a festival

Nature makers

Venue: Corfe Mullen Children's Centre and Library

Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Discover how bees, bugs and birds create their own nests and webs in this craft and storytelling session from the team at Upton Country Park

Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival origami snowdrops

Venue: Shaftesbury Library

Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Make an origami snowdrop bookmark or card - for ages 6 to 12

Princess Live!

Venue: Lighthouse Poole

Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

Princess pop party - all-singing all-dancing concert show

Wimborne Craft Supplies Jamboree

Venue: Allendale Community Centre

Website: www.theallendale.org

Materials, craft tools, template, haberdashery, demonstrations and more

Groove Onto The Moon

Venue: Lighthouse Poole

Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

Fun sci-fi adventure for children aged 3 to 7

Pancake Bonanza

Venue: Gullivers Farm Shop

Website: www.gulliversfarmshop.co.uk

Pancakes, coffee, live music and kids' nature crafts

The Three Little Pigs

Venue: Bridport Arts Centre

Website: www.bridport-arts.com

Stage show suitable for all the family (recommended for ages 3 to 10) from Stuff and Nonsense

Quiet at the Aquarium

Venue: SeaLife Weymouth

Website: www.visitsealife.com/weymouth

Discover a range of fascinating creatures from sharks to seahorses while the centre is quieter to create a more enjoyable experience for those with sensory experience for those with sensory sensitivities

Pancake Day

Venue: Gullivers Farm Shop

Website: www.gulliversfarmshop.co.uk

Pancakes, coffee, marshmallow toasting and kids' nature craft activities

World Book Day at World Book Day

Venue: Farmer Palmers Farm Shop

Website: www.farmerpalmers.co.uk

See your little bookworms whisked into the exciting World of Dinosaur Road and beyong, Ranger Reading sessions, meet the cheecky Dinosaur Squeak and enjoy stories

Dorchester Science Festival

Venue: Various locations

Website: www.facebook.com/dorchestersciencefestival

Schedule of events to celebrate British Science Week. See the website for the full schedule

Sixpence Day

Venue: Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum

Website: www.russellcotes.com/event/sixpence-day

Entry on this day will be free but they welcome any donation of 6p or more

Bing's Birthday

Venue: Lighthouse Poole

Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

Brand-new live stage show with lots of songs and joining in

Science Weekend at Nothe Fort

Venue: Nothe Fort

Website: www.nothefort.org.uk

Celebrating British Science Week with a fun and immersive Science Week, full of activities and demonstrations for all the family to enjoy

Chesil Winter Bird Walk

Venue: Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre

Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Join in for a guided bird walk to spot some of the winter birds found along Chesil Beach and Fleet Lagoon

The Jungle Book

Venue: Dorchester Corn Exchange

Website: www.dorchesterarts.org.uk

Adaptation of the classic story from Indigo Moon Theatre with shadow puppet theatre, original music and technicolour projections

Home Education Days

Venue: Monkey World

Website: www.monkeyworld.org

Session exclusively for home-educated children and their families - theme is Conservation and Rescue

Heroes and Superheroes

Venue: Lighthouse Poole

Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

Film themed musical concert from Bournemouth Symphonic Orchestra

Crafty Fools

Venue: Dorchester Corn Exchange

Website: www.dorchesterarts.org.uk

Science themed show suitable for ages 6+

Family Science Day 2025

Venue: Dorchester

Website: www.facebook.com/dorchestersciencefestival

Meet a real scientist, get involved with fascinating hands-on learning and experiments and experts on hand to ask questions. Tickets are free and can be obtained form the Dorset Museum website

Bournemouth Brick Festival

Venue: Bournemouth International Centre

Website: www.bic.co.uk

Day for families, sci-fi collectors, fans and displays, props, traders, celebrities from TV and the movies, cosplay and more

Bournemouth Comic Con

Venue: Bournemouth International Centre

Website: www.bic.co.uk

LEGO fan event with speed building competitions, large scale displays, activities, traders selling loose bricks, new LEGO sets, retired LEGO sets, minifigures and accessories plus a dedicated building...

Mothers Day at Farmer Palmers

Venue: Farmer Palmers Farm Park

Website: www.farmerpalmers.co.uk

See the website for details

Mums Go Free - Abbotsbury Swannery

Venue: Abbotsbury Swannery

Website: www.abbotsburyswannery.co.uk

Visit the Swannery over the Mothering Weekend with free entry for mums - see the website for terms and conditions

Mother's Day at Carey's Secret Garden

Venue: Carey's Secret Garden

Website: www.careyssecretgarden.co.uk

Explore the beautiful walled gardens. Pre-bookable cream tea and afternoon tea options available

Mothers' Day Afternoon Tea

Venue: Gullivers Farm Shop

Website: www.gulliversfarmshop.co.uk

Celebrate Mothers' Day with a delicious Afternoon Tea and mindful crafting

Protest

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

Creation Station Calendars

Easter Crafts at Broadstone Library

Website: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/libraries

Craft activities

Easter Crafts at Canford Heath Library

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

Hell's Bells

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,...

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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