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!
Summer activities for children in Dorset
Updated: 1/5/2015
A sizzling summer it is sure to be with these top tips! Open up the diaries and fill the empty pages with fun activities that all the family will be able to enjoy. Of course, there’s so much to do in the area that will accommodate all tastes and interests – and we’ve included many of them here...
Explosive summer action at The Tank Museum
Imagine the awesome power of tanks brought to life in front of your very eyes! It’s incredible! So, this summer don’t miss the explosive Tank Action Displays that will take place every weekday during the school holiday. Watch in awe as the tanks roll into action in the arena, with thundering engines and life-like explosions!
Complete with expert commentary discover how tanks work, how they developed and how they are used on the battlefield. Then explore The Tank Museum's five powerful exhibitions, including the new Warhorse to Horsepower exhibition and come face to face with over 200 battle hardened armoured vehicles. This summer The Tank Museum is also holding an event on 4 August to commemorate 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War, which will feature arena displays, talks, vehicle rides and living history. For more information call 01929 405096 or go to www.tankmuseum.org
Top Tip - Take up the Summer Reading Challenge!
A fantastical adventure awaits children who decide to take part in the 2014 Summer Reading Challenge. This year’s theme is ‘Mythical Maze’ which ties into the publishing trends for books that introduce children to the inventive world of legend and mythology. Young book-loving adventurers are encouraged to explore the Mythical Maze, simply by reading six books from the library. To find out more go to www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk or pop into your local library
Meet the New Crocs and Baby Turtles at the Oceanarium this summer!
Kids go free, when accompanied by a full paying adult, this summer on presentation of the Oceanarium voucher on page 13 of this magazine - so treat the family to a turtle-y, otter-ly, fin-tastic underwater adventure!
Meet the newest additions to the aquariums ever-growing aquatic family; the adorable baby loggerhead turtles and a snappy pair of crocodiles. View a whole world of oceans under one roof and get face to face with hundreds of beautiful creatures from stunning sharks, curious sea turtles, peculiar pufferfish, colourful clownfish and graceful stingrays.
Be enchanted by the very cute yet mischievous family of Oriental small clawed otters. Watch them swim, splash, feed and play in their exotic, naturally themed oasis.
Special family activities include free face painting, interactive creature sessions, competitions, feeding presentations and lots more. See www.oceanarium.co.uk for more details
Top Tip - Spruce up the garden
Help nurture a lifelong passion for gardening in your child by devoting a patch of the garden, back yard or window box just for them. Children will love the chance to get muddy, remove worms, inspect tiny bugs and explore this tiny piece of wilderness. For ideas and inspiration on how to do this check out www.gardeningwithchildren.co.uk
Learn to climb at The Project
The Project is a new climbing centre based in the centre of Poole, providing climbing for the whole family. It offers various instructed courses in bouldering - that's low-level free climbing without the use of ropes and harnesses, instead using crash mats for protection.
Junior Casual Sessions provide an excellent opportunity for kids of all abilities to climb in a fun and safe environment, under the supervision of instructors. For those looking for a more progressive approach to learning to climb, there's the Junior Club, a series of structured lessons aimed at taking kids from being complete beginners to competent and confident climbers.
Then there's the Family Course, designed to introduce families to an activity that can be enjoyed together, regardless of age and ability. Visit www.theprojectclimbingcentre.co.uk for more details on these sessions and courses, as well as information on additional summer holiday sessions and Outdoor Climbing Days
Top Tip - Roam the countryside
It’s National Parks Week from 28 July to 3 August and this year’s theme is warmly titled ‘Space to Grow’. During this week families will be encouraged to get out and explore the great outdoors and enjoy the freedom that nature brings. To find out more visit www.nationalparks.gov.uk and follow the links to National Parks Week 2014.
If a trip to a national park is not possible then plan time to allow the kids to freely roam the countryside, woodland or country park near you. Plan to make the visit as exciting and interesting as possible by organising a nature treasure hunt or by making dens. For more ideas visit www.countrysidelearning.org
Young musicians head to Blandford Pop Club this summer
This summer, on Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 August, children aged 8 to 18 are encouraged to take an instrument to Blandford Pop Club for an opportunity to be taught some great songs and learn stage and recording craft. Those who can play at a standard of approximately Grade 3 upwards on any instrument are welcome. Sessions will take place at St Peter and St Paul's Church in Blandford and cost £60 per day. Pre booking is essential. Visit www.musicalsam.com or call 01258 489008 or 07811 804012 for more information
Top Tip - Celebrate Love Parks Week – 25 July to 3 August
Take advantage of the free activities that many local authorities host in recreation grounds during the summer months such as family fetes, live music and even big lunches! Notably, Love Parks Week takes place between 25 July and 3 August. To find out more go to www.loveparksweek.org.uk
Pavilion Dance Summer School presents its Icon Summer School
School is out and a summer full of fun can begin! The Pavilion Dance South West Summer School kicks off at the end of July for a week dedicated to film, musicals and all things performance.
From Monday 28 July to Friday 1 August, youngsters can enjoy age appropriate workshops that will bring out the performer in them. There are ‘Show Reel’ and ‘Music Video’ sessions for children aged 5 to 8, and ‘Soundtrack’ sessions for children aged 9 to 13. The cost for the week is £75 which includes 2 tickets to the final show on Friday 1 August at 6pm. For more details contact Pavilion Dance on 01202 203630 or go to www.pdsw.org.uk
Top Tip – Last chance: Enjoy a free tennis taster!
There’s still chance to enjoy a free taster session at The Lawn Tennis Association’s final Great British Tennis Weekend on 19-20 July. During this weekend some tennis parks, clubs and venues in the area will open their courts to members of the public and offer free taster sessions. To find a participating venue close to you go to www.lta.org.uk
This summer ditch the car and go Vélo!
For a healthy, happier and more exciting lifestyle the Vélo Électrique Cargo trike is not only a fun ride but saves you money on travel! A family run Dorset business, Vélo Électrique assemble the bespoke electric family cargo trikes tailored to your requirements. With a Vélo Électrique cargo trike you don’t need a parking space; you can carry 4 kids or take the dog and fill the trike with picnic stuff, beach gear or even camping or festival clobber. Take your trike where cars cannot go.
Ride straight into the park or onto the beach. Don’t get stuck in those summer traffic jams just jump on the Vélo and go! For more information visit www.veloelectrique.co.uk or email info@veloelectrique.co.uk Alternatively to arrange a test drive or have a chat about the trike call Joe on 07790 307635
Top Tip – Visit the local attractions
Those six weeks can crawl idly by, so a welcome treat to a local family attraction will inject a spark of excitement for all the family. Local theme parks and adventure parks are teeming with a variety of thrilling rides and slides that will stretch the imagination of both the bold and the bashful child. Plus, by meeting up with other parents during the school break will allow you to enjoy some adult conversation and swap holiday stories, content in the knowledge that the children are having a great time close by
Two new dinosaurs at Dinosaur Museum
There are two new life-size dinosaur reconstructions to see on a visit to the Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester. They are of two of the most iconic dinosaurs and both fierce predators - Tyrannosaurus and Velociraptor, made famous by the film ‘Jurassic Park’. The new arrivals at the museum are all part of the celebrations for the Dinosaur Museum’s 30th anniversary this summer. The Tyrannosaurus can be seen outside the museum in its courtyard adjacent to an old favourite of everyone’s - ‘Tricky’ the Triceratops.
Meanwhile the Velociraptor is on display within the museum. They add to an impressive collection of other reconstructions at Britain’s original dinosaur museum including Deinonychus, Stegosaurus and a Pterosaur. These combine with fossils, skeletons and hands on and interactive displays for a fun and entertaining visit. The Dinosaur Museum is a great all weather attraction open every day. Go to www.thedinosaurmuseum.com for more information
Tennis Summer Camps for children aged 4 years+
Tennis for All is running holiday camps throughout the summer holidays at Everyone Active Ashdown and Purbeck Sports Centre. Fun and games will be held on the court for children aged 4+, and run as either a morning camp or full day.
Also, in September, Tennis for All’s termly courses will begin at Everyone Active Ashdown and Purbeck Sports Centre plus The Haven Hotel in Sandbanks - including sessions for adult beginners and Tots Tennis (3 years+).
Their exciting coaching courses offer quality, affordable tennis for children in the local community and encourage youngsters to lead an active lifestyle and have fun playing sports they enjoy. They are supported by the L.T.A and Poole Borough Council, guaranteeing coaches who are DBS-checked, insured, and qualified to L.T.A standard, to ensure a parent’s peace of mind for their child’s supervision.
Places are limited so book soon to reserve a place! For more details contact Will Singleton on 07813 966112, or email tennisforall@gmx.co.uk or go to www.tennisforall.org
Top Tip – Encounter some friendly animals
A smile will drift warmly to any youngster’s face at the prospect of an animal encounter. They will squeal with delight watching mischievous meerkats playing in a den, rush at every opportunity to cuddle a cute little pink piggy and giggle wildly at the perky penguins as they go on parade. There are plenty of places to visit an assortment of animals so whether you’re planning on a visit to a zoo, an aquarium, a sea life park, a safari park, a farm park or a specialised animal centre such as a donkey sanctuary or pony centre, children will not only enjoy seeing the animals but they will learn a great deal from the experience.
RockReef Activity Centre calls all adventurers!
RockReef Activity Centre on Bournemouth Pier is a wondrous place to be for fun and thrilling times. There are a variety of activities to try including Clip ‘n Climb fun climbing challenges; the Pier Cave adventure that includes 3 different levels of challenge – young daredevils will simply love it - and the HighLine aerial obstacle course which offers a high flying experience to be remembered.
RockReef is an exciting combination of fun with physically and mentally challenging activities. For children who are not 100% confident - ask for one of the Instructor led sessions to help conquer fears and experience the most sensational adventure.
RockReef is also an ideal venue for Birthday parties. Everything is catered for - from the digital invites on the website to whatever that will make the party special. For ticket enquiries and more details visit www.rockreef.co.uk or call 01202 983983
Explore a town in miniature this summer
Wimborne Model Town’s is an extraordinary attraction that has been appealing to family visitors since 1951 and features a faithful and now vintage reproduction of Wimborne’s architecture in one tenth scale.
New additions to the attraction include a six track interactive 00 gauge nostalgic model railway where you will see Thomas the Tank engine working most days, plus there is a new dolls house collection which is amazingly detailed, in fact each house has a different story to tell.
The Sensory Garden area has been developed with sensory impairment in mind and has water and wind features, a new tactile courtyard, Good Life vegetable plot and story teller’s chair. Wendy Street is the safe play area for younger visitors; for a challenge try putting and giant chess.
An action packed entertainment programme runs throughout August featuring family fun and magic on Tuesdays and Thursdays, whilst on Wednesdays there are craft sessions by day and by evening there will be illuminations with a range of events including, family theatre, music and storytelling. To find out more call 01202 881924 or go to www.wimborne-modeltown.com
Top Tip – Become a super soaker!
Inspired by the aquatic athletes at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games? If so there are sure to be many chances to dive in the deep (and shallower) waters of the local swimming pools, diving centres, seaside resorts and wondrous water parks. Many swimming schools run crash course programmes throughout the summer holiday which can really bring children up to speed and improve ability. Have a look at the ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) website - www.swimming.org/asa
New Rides and Visiting Characters at Adventure Wonderland
With over 30 great rides and attractions Adventure Wonderland offers a full day’s fun for all visitors, including the new Mini Wheels Roundabout, the Battle Boats water ride, Dragon’s Drop Megaslide, Cuddle Corner Farm, Wild Bill’s Runaway Train, The Ghostly Galleon and so much more. There’s also the vast Wild Thing indoor adventure play centre, the Happydrome Theatre and a natural hedge maze - all in a delightful parkland setting. Plus, of course, there’s Alice, the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit and Queen of Hearts!
What’s more, throughout the summer holidays there are a number of fantastic visiting characters. These include Poppet from Moshi Monsters who will be taking a short break from her latest mission on the streets of Monstro City to be at the park on the 29 July. Also, celebrating 10 years of muddy puddles, children’s favourite Peppa Pig will be at Adventure Wonderland to delight her many fans old and new on the 12 August. Be sure to arrive early to take advantage of the opportunity to see her.
Finally, Fireman Sam has some leave from the busy fire station in Pontypandy and will be travelling to Adventure Wonderland on the 27 August. All these children’s favourite characters will be appearing at various intervals throughout the day. For more information visit www.adventurewonderland.co.uk or call 01202 483444
Coastal Activity Park’s Summer Programme
For those who are looking for some fresh inspiration this summer, then a host of 30+ activities for all ages are en cue at the new Coastal Activity Park at Boscombe Pier. A special programme of activities will run throughout the school holidays including instructor led sessions in volleyball, football, slacklining and snorkelling. Family members can learn what it takes to become a life guard in the Family Baywatch session or youngsters can join the Kids Club for sport, adventure and creativity!
Make a splash with watersports this summer, including stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, or sea kayaking. Try something new with a dance, fitness or yoga session. Or how about something free - the boulders beside the pier are a huge hit but there is also table tennis, swing ball, the gym trail and the musical trail. Alternatively simply kick back and enjoy an ice-cream while taking in the action. Check out the full programme of activities at www.coastalactivitypark.co.uk or call 01202 451186
Top Tip – Sign up for sport
The FIFA World Cup, Wimbledon, the Tour de France and the Commonwealth Games are sure to motivate and encourage youngsters to get active this summer. Support this enthusiasm by visiting the fitness pages of the NHS website which lists a number of really useful tips and advice on how all family members can get active. Just go to www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/Activelifestyle to find the best sport for you.
Lego based events at Dorset County Museum
Family activities continue to be free at Dorset County Museum thanks to the generous sponsorship from Battens Solicitors. There is an exciting programme for the summer holiday including looking at Stone Age art and making a Celtic Mirror.
A recent addition to the Jurassic Coast Gallery is a large Lego® model of a fierce Megalosaurus dinosaur, plus there are two Lego-based events on 12 and 20 August, where children can build a giant mosaic of a Megalosaurus out of Lego bricks. Aimed at children aged 5-10, spaces will be limited and every child will receive a brand new Lego model to put together at home. The cost is just £10 per child.
A new Young Archaeologists’ Club, for children aged 8 to 17, is also being established at the Museum, running on the first Saturday of every month. To find out more about the Club and Lego events call 01305 756827
Alice’s Weymouth Adventure Trail - summer fun for all the family!
Alice’s Weymouth Adventure Trail is a fun filled activity, which guides families on a journey of discovery around Weymouth Town to find and see many points of interest that normally go unnoticed. Successful families who are able to solve all the clues could be in with a chance of winning a brand new iPad Air!
Clues and answers either link to the Alice in Wonderland theme or to historical Weymouth, making it both fun and educational. Trail packs cost just £2 each and are available from the Weymouth BID office at 15 St Alban Street, Weymouth, DT4 8PY as well as other outlets in the town. See www.weymouthbid.co.uk/alice for full list or call 01305 779410. The closing date for entries is 6 September
Top Tip – Step back in time
During the summer months plenty of museums and art galleries run a number of child friendly events at very affordable prices. Notably, this year many attractions are hosting World War 1 commemorative events providing a wonderful opportunity to teach youngsters about this important part of history.
Fitness fun all summer long
Summer is really hotting up at Purbeck Sports Centre from Wednesday 23 July to Tuesday 2 September as an energy-packed diary of sport and children’s activities has been scheduled. The variety of sport includes kayaking, cricket, clay target shooting, snorkelling, free running, pop dance, football, climbing, archery, trampolining, ballet, tennis, badminton, bikeability, Scuba and much more.
In addition there are SportZone and Brightsparks Holiday Clubs with fantastic childcare for children from 4-12 years! These include themed activity mornings, development of sporting skills and a daily swimming session run by experienced and qualified staff in a healthy and safe environment. Also, AllStars and Purbeck Sports Centre offer a superb range of supervised children’s parties with the option of a hot buffet. To find out more or to download a summer brochure go to www.dorsetforyou.com/purbecksportscentre
Embark on a summer adventure in Poole
Poole is packed with boredom busting, memory making activities for the whole family this summer.
Start the adventure by discovering cliff top woodland walkways, pirate play areas or by climbing giant woodland insects dotted along Poole’s three miles stretch of award winning golden sands. The family friendly Blue Flag beaches offer the perfect place for seashore detectives to play, explore and sharpen their sandcastle skills whilst for the more adventurous, Poole Harbour’s safe, shallow waters are ideal for trying one of over 25 water based activities.
Poole Quay is ideal for a quayside quest. Catch the relatives of Jurassic predators with a traditional crabbing net or explore the town’s rich pirate history at Poole Museum and medieval Scaplen’s Court with tactile trails, arts, crafts and hands on activities. Walk the self-guided Cockle Trail or Treasure Hunt available from Poole Welcome Centre or use a mobile to follow the interactive Poole Trail which features film and photos of the town’s past. See artists creating new designs at Poole Pottery’s studio or paint-a-pot and create a unique masterpiece. Learn more about the RNLI with an interactive tour which includes the lifeboat simulator at their College Headquarters.
From Poole Quay, voyage across the sea to Brownsea, the National Trust’s island of adventure to build dens, unearth mini beasts, spot squirrels and sika deer or try the new play trail.
With 43 to choose from Poole’s parks offer a picnic paradise for every day of the summer holiday. Poole Park has something for everyone, with play areas and cricket pitch or try tree climbing, pitch and put, go-karts, watersports taster sessions with Rockley Park or ride the famous miniature railway. Tower Park is the one stop shop for family fun and entertainment, where the cinema, bowling, waterpark, soft play and many restaurants provide everything for a fantastic day out for everyone.
Not tired yet? Throughout the summer evenings Poole Quay plays host to a multitude of fantastic family events ranging from the magical motorbikes of Tuesday night’s BLD Dream Machines to Summer Breeze on the Quay, live music, street entertainers and fantastic fireworks every Thursday from 7pm, 24 July - end of August. For more details visit www.pooletourism.com or call 0845 2345560
Top Tip – Become a nature detective
Re-engage with nature by taking part in fun interactive activities such as rock pooling, nature trail quizzes, bat watching and searching for wild reptiles. The Woodland Trust has a list of 150 free things for children to do in their ‘Big Summer Challenge’ which can be found at www.naturedetectives.org.uk/summer The website includes downloadable charts for children to identify trees, flowers and wildlife in woodlands, their gardens and the local park. Another section has several ideas for scavenger hunts. Alternatively, find out what is happening at your local nature reserve, forestry commission or national park or go to www.rspb.org.uk or www.wildlifetrusts.org or www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Wild Skills, Xtreme Falconry and BBQs at Honeybrook
There’s so much fun happening at Honeybrook Family Farm and Riverside Park this summer holiday, kicking off with Wild Skills sessions every Wednesday for children aged 7 to 12. Youngsters can enjoy some good old fashioned outdoor adventure, building dens in the woods and learning to light campfires without matches. Also Xtreme Falconry is back by popular demand with twice daily displays of their magnificent birds of prey on several dates in August. There will be plenty of opportunities to look at the birds at close quarters and talk to their handlers who are on hand for questions.
To take full advantage of the August Bank Holiday there will be a special Hog Roast and Cider Day on the 25 August.
As well as the special scheduled activities, there’s a Water Jet Splash Pad - perfect to cool off on hot sunny days, plus there’s the Bouncy Pillow, regular tractor rides, pets corner sessions, and enormous outdoor spaces for fun and exploration.
Places on Wild Skills sessions are limited, so prior booking is highly recommended. For further information or to make a booking call 01202 881120, email info@honeybrook.org or visit www.honeybrook.org
Fluming good fun at Splashdown this summer
Say hello to summer at Splashdown Poole, the South’s favourite waterpark. There’s something for everyone - for family, friends, groups and parties - from big kids to little ones - with some of the UK’s most exciting water rides.
Flume into darkness, spin around the Spacebowl, tumble through twisting tubs on tyres and brave the high speeds and sheer drops outside. Afterwards soak up the sun on the buccaneer beach and sun terrace; whilst the toddler pool and splashzone complete with starter flume and interactive water play area, are perfect for little ones to splash about.
Open every day from 9am-9pm throughout the summer. Follow brown tourist signs for easy access from all routes. Remember to check the opening times before travelling. Call 01202 716123 or visit the website for prices and details. Beat the queues and book online at www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk
Enjoy a jungle of fun at Lemur Landings
Discover a jungle of fun at Lemur Landings, an empire of indoor soft play for the under 12’s.
Join Lewey and friends on their massive multi-level playframe; complete with multi-slide,
bridges, tunnels, ball pool and cannons. Children can play in the dedicated toddler and super sensory areas for under 5s, scale the climbing wall, create a bear in The Ted Shed or romp around after hours with a phaser gun! Perfect for groups and birthday parties, Lemur Landings is open every day from 9.30am - 6pm. Call 01202 740500 or go online for details. Why not enjoy a splash and a play all in one day? Book your combo tickets for both Lemur Landings and Splashdown at www.lemurlandings.co.uk
Summer taster workshops at Hartley House Dance Club
Students from the Hartley House Dance Club recently performed and joined the walking parade at the Lord Mayor’s Day and have also taken Royal Academy of Dance Ballet exams this summer term. In addition Rosettes and Medal assessments have been awarded to all Melody Bear pre-school dancers aged 2-4 years.
This July there will be some taster workshops for pre-school children in Ballet, Tap and Musical Theatre, plus some new classes will be added for reception/foundation in September. Mums and dads will also have the chance to join beginner adult classes in ballet and tap dancing. For details call Linda on 07763 494417
Get arty this summer at Short Courses 9-16
The Arts University Bournemouth Short Courses 9-16 (formerly Saturday Art School) offers courses in Art, Design and Media for young people aged 9 - 16. Whether your child is eager to try new techniques or is passionate about a creative career path and wants to gain more experience, these courses offer an opportunity to study in a specialist university. From Young Artists, for the younger students, right through to the Portfolio Preparation course, which is created to enhance portfolios ready for the next stage of education, there are classes for students in school years 5 – 13.
Arts University Bournemouth is a great place to learn, with an excellent reputation both locally, nationally and internationally. Courses have won awards and the campus offers a series of modern, purpose-built studios, workrooms and teaching areas. It is the ideal place to take a love of art to the next stage. Short Courses 9-16 are held on Saturdays, from 9.30am – 12.30pm. For further information call 01202 363030, email sc9-16@aub.ac.uk or to book a place visit www.aub.ac.uk/sc9-16
Summer fun with the ponies at Pony Palace
This summer Pony Palace is offering a 5 hour pony fun day every Wednesday from 10am-3pm during the school holiday. These fun days will involve looking after the ponies, pony hacking, gymkhana games, arts and crafts and lots more. Afterwards, there will be prizes and rosettes for the pony loving youngsters to take home. In addition Pony Palace is still taking bookings for lessons and pony trekking. The Pony Fun Club is still held during the weekends and includes 3 hours of pony riding and pony care. To book a place call 01202 473506 or check out www.pony-palace.co.uk
Budding archaeologists head to The Priest’s House
The Priest’s House Museum and Garden in Wimborne Minster has fun for all the family this summer. At the Earth Detectives event on Saturday 19 July, budding archaeologists will be given the opportunity to wear a hard hat and try their hand at a mini excavation, along with quizzes, trails and other hands-on activities. The Toyland event on Thursday 21 August, offers fun art and craft activities for all the family. Meanwhile storyteller Tim Laycock will perform local yarns, rollicking folk songs and curious tales from Wimborne and beyond on Friday 15 August in the evening.
Visit the website for further events and activities, and to find out more about the annual pass which offers free admittance for up to 2 children per adult (excluding some special events). You will find the Priest’s House Museum and Garden at 23-27 High Street in Wimborne Minster. For more information call 01202 882533 or go to www.priest-house.co.uk
Go potty for painting at Poole Pottery
This summer pop into Paint a Pot at Poole Pottery and have fun designing and painting a mini masterpiece. Choose from a wide selection of pieces from plates, mugs and bowls to money boxes, picture frames and ornaments. It’s a great way to while away an afternoon and it is very affordable too as prices start from just £6 – see the Poole Pottery advert in this magazine for a money-off voucher.
In addition, Paint a Pot is ideal for children's parties and group bookings. Paint a Pot is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 10.30 – 4pm. Contact Paint a Pot at Poole Pottery on 01202 -668681 or email enquiries@poolepotteryretail.co.uk
Kids Week: 1-31 August 2014
The annual London theatre initiative Kids Week returns once again for the whole month of August. Kids Week, now in its 17th year and run by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), encourages young people to experience the magic of live theatre. During Kids Week one child aged 16 or under can go free to more than 30 participating shows when accompanied by an adult paying full price, and up to two extra children can go for half price.
Children can also take part in a fantastic range of free activities and events on stage and backstage at many of the West End’s iconic venues, often with the cast and crew of the resident shows.
Tickets for Kids Week are on sale via the website www.kidsweek.co.uk or 0844 248 5151
Summer Water Safety Tips to Save Lives
The weather is hotting up and the UK’s drowning prevention charity – the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK) - has issued water safety tips that could save lives this summer.
Top 10 Water Safety Tips At Home
-Do not allow your child to use a paddling pool without adult supervision
-Ensure paddling pools are emptied as soon as they are finished with for the day
-Check the garden regularly for anything that could collect water like buckets
-Supervise children closely when in parks or other places near water
-Ensure all members of your family know to wave and shout help if they get into difficulty
-Take extra care on river banks - they are often slippery
-Take notice of warning signs
-Never swim alone
-If swimming in open water, be aware of underwater hazards and currents
-When around water, stay back from the edge.
-Be aware that more people drown in inland waters than at sea
For more water safety advice or details on lifesaving courses suitable for children and adults visit www.rlss.org.uk or call 01789 773994
Skate over the BIC for an action packed summer
This summer is packed full of enthralling entertainment for all the family at the BIC! Roller Coast Roller Rink is back from 17 July – 2 September alongside the exciting new Monster Creepy Crawlies Exhibition, an invasion of giant mini-beasts, open from 19 July – 31 August. STOMP is returning to Bournemouth Pavilion, after celebrating its 11th year in London, combining percussion, dance and comedy with new routines and music from 5 – 9 August. Plus, the memory returns…
Don’t miss CATS, Andrew Lloyd-Webber's extraordinary record-breaking, smash-hit musical as it arrives at Bournemouth Pavilion on 11 August for one week only! The Big Bournemouth Family Fun Day returns for 2014 on Saturday 2 August with a host of free activities for children on the Pavilion Terrace. There’s also the Bournemouth Pavilion Summer Youth School for children aged 9-16, starting on 9 August for an 8 day long series of workshops, including master classes with the casts of CATS and STOMP. For full event listings visit www.bhlivetickets.co.uk
Swish of the Curtain presents its Musical Theatre Summer Schools
Get ready for a fast paced week of performance training with Swish of the Curtain Theatre School this July and August during the summer holiday and perform a whole musical in just one week! Children aged between 3 and 6 years will get to perform 'The Jungle Book' and for those aged 7-14 years it's 'Grease the Musical'.
This is a great opportunity for children to learn new performance skills but also to make new friends and have a fantastic time in a safe and educational environment. The Musical Theatre Schools will take place in Bournemouth, Poole and Ringwood and all of the professional performing arts teachers are first aid trained and DBS certified. Prices for the whole week start from just £125 and a deposit secures a booking. Full details can be found at www.swishofthecurtain.com or call 01202 418999
Book now for Kids Camera Action’s 5 Day Summer Film School
During the summer holiday Kids Camera Action is running one of its most popular events; the 5 Day Summer Film School from 4 - 8 August.
Students spend the five days working as a film crew making their own mini feature film which is then screened at a special glittering red carpet Kids Camera Action premiere in the autumn. This year the crews will be using the spectacular manor house and grounds at Yarrells Prep School as their location with special guest workshops throughout the week. There is the added bonus of a free breakfast club to help working parents.
All films are uploaded to the Kids Camera Action vimeo channel and each child receives a free DVD of their work. So if your child has always wanted to experiment with green screen technology, try out a camera trick or learn how to act for camera, Kids Camera Action is the place to be this summer. For more details call 01202 509089 or go to www.kidscameraaction.co.uk
Fossil fun at the Dolphin Shopping Centre
The Dolphin Shopping Centre is calling on young archaeology enthusiasts to join in on its free summer event, ‘The Mini Poolaentologists’, taking place on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August.
The fun, educational event will take over the centre for one weekend, where a team of dedicated actors will set up an archaeologist site and encourage youngsters to help dig for fossils.
As well as mini sand pits there will be an array of fun and engaging activities on offer. Children will have the opportunity go on an adventure to discover the hidden secrets of the Dolphin Shopping Centre and be interviewed by a roving reporter for ROAR TV, a mock television station, on their findings.
The event will take place on both days from 11am to 4pm on the ground floor unit next to Thorntons. For further information on this event visit www.dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk
Summer holiday ‘boredom busters’
Children and teenagers in Dorset can fill their holiday with activities and clubs this summer, come rain or shine, thanks to the Dorset Family Information Service.
Its online directory is packed with all the latest information about what’s on, for tots to teens, over the summer break – and they have information about finding childcare for busy parents too.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teenager or childminder, the Dorset FIS know that the summer holidays can feel like a very long time if there’s nothing to do. With so much choice there’s no need for the children to feel bored – Dorset has a wide variety of activities, catering for every interest, throughout the holiday for children and young people to enjoy.
Take a look and see what’s out there for your family at www.dorsetforyou.com/fis or call 01305 221066
Big Little Theatre presents Broadway Showtunes and Showmakers
Big Little Theatre will be presenting its latest performance of Broadway Showtunes on the 17 to 19 July at the Pavilion Theatre Bournemouth so don’t forget to purchase some tickets! In addition, Big Little Theatre will be running a five day Musical Theatre course – Showmakers -
culminating in a show for 5-12 year olds in Bournemouth on Monday 28 to Friday 1 August 2014 and also in Ringwood on Monday 4 to Friday 8 August. To find out more go to www.biglittle.biz