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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Secrets of the Shadows Family Quest
29th August-29th November 2025
Venue: Corfe Castle
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle
Family quest to learn about the ghostly figures roaming the castle ruins
The Dorset Open - Celebrating Creativity Across the County
18th October-30th November 2025
Venue: Dorset Museum
Website: www.dorsetmuseum.org
Brand-new major art competition
Christmas at Russell Cotes
1st November-4th January 2026
Venue: Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
Website: www.russellcotes.com
Christmas themed event with Trail and the opportunity to find out more about Christmas traditions and collection items linked to this time of year
Discover Sharklife
3rd-30th November 2025
Venue: SeaLife Weymouth
Website: www.visitsealife.com/weymouth
Learn all about sharks with a fun activity trail and challenges throughout the aquarium, visual games and activities and more
Standing with Giants: Falklands Tribute
5th-30th November 2025
Venue: Nothe Fort
Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture
Find out about the fascinating world of the Bats with Jennie from Upton Country Park, and make your own flapping bats to take home - suitable for 4 to 8 year olds
Christmas in Bournemouth
13th November-4th January 2026
Venue: Bournemouth
Website: www.christmasinbournemouth.co.uk
See the website for details
Sixpence Day
14th-14th November 2025
Venue: Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
Website: www.russellcotes.com
Discover the Art Gallery and Museum for the 1922 admission price of sixpence. Entry on this day will be free, but they welcome anydonation of 6p or more
A Dorset Christmas
15th-16th November 2025
Venue: The Tank Museum
Website: www.tankmuseum.org
Over 70 stall holders, Christmas lunch, Santa arriving in a tank, live entertainment and more
Autism Friendly Day at Monkey World
15th-15th November 2025
Venue: Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre
Website: www.monkeyworld.org
Monkey World opens an hour early at 9am, exclusively for neurodivergent visitors and their families
Shire Hall Christmas Market
15th-16th November 2025
Venue: Shire Hall
Website: www.shirehalldorset.org
Market hosting local businesses
Christmas at Russell Cotes
18th-4th November 2025
Venue: Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
Website: www.russellcotes.com
Follow the Christmas Trail to find out more about Christmas traditions and collection items linked to this magical time of year. There will also be a festively themed trail for families to enjoy
Christmas Afternoon Tea
19th November-23rd December 2025
Venue: Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
Website: www.russellcotes.com
Christmas themed Afternoon teas
Allendale Christmas Craft Fair 2025
22nd-22nd November 2025
Venue: The Allendale
Website: www.theallendale.org
Handpicked arts and crafts items available
Christchurch Christmas Lights
22nd-22nd November 2025
Venue: Christchurch
Website: www.christchurch-tc.gov.uk
Light switch on event - see website for details
Christmas Lights Switch On at Lyme Regis
22nd-22nd November 2025
Venue: Lyme Regis
Website: www.lymechristmaslights.co.uk
Kingston Lacy's magical Christmas ball
22nd November-4th January 2026
Venue: Kingston Lacy
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy
Explore the house and gardens, decorated for a spectacular Christmas ball