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 Events and Activities in Dorset
Long sunny days, light evenings and six whole weeks of play – what’s not to love about the summer? Here’s just a few suggestions to help make your summer supersonic!
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Unique children’s birthday parties at RockReef on Bournemouth Pier
Young adventurers can celebrate their birthday with RockReef parties from £22 per child. The Clip ‘n Climb party includes 90 minutes activity time on 28 fun-themed indoor climbing challenges, add HighLine or Pier Cave with a Combo Party, followed by food in the café. The birthday child receives a free Vertical Slide experience and Clip ‘n Climb Gift Voucher. Parents can join by watching the fun from the mezzanine. Minimum 8 children.
Birthday parties are popular so make sure to book early to secure a date.
To book, call 01202 983983 and find out more at www.rockreef.co.uk
Get Out & Discover with Wessex
If you’re staying in Weymouth, South or West Dorset for your holiday, there’s an extensive range of buses that can beat the car on cost and convenience.
Local Wessex buses serve all of Weymouth, Dorchester and Portland, while the Jurassic Coasters serve the spectacular coastline from Poole in the east to Lyme Regis and Axminster in the west via West Bay and Bridport, with stunning views to be had from the top deck of the bus.
There are open-top buses in the summer, which are a family favourite.
For routes, times and fares: www.firstbus.co.uk/wessex
Explorers wanted! 
Start your nature adventure at RSPB Arne this summer. Families and children of all ages are welcome at Arne. With amazing views, stunning shorelines and family friendly nature trails you can create special family memories out in nature.
Enjoy a bumper events calendar from bug hunting and getting crafty at Nature Tots (age 2-5 years) to camping out in the wild at one of their Big Wild Sleep Outs! Plus - explorer backpacks - binocular hire - self-guided activities - shop – café and shuttle bus. Free bookings for schools.
Find out more at events.rspb.org.uk/arne
Summer school at Razzamatazz Bournemouth
This summer, the highly experienced team at Razzamataz Bournemouth will be offering a fun filled 5 day summer school from the 7th – 11th August, for young people aged between 4 and 16, inspired by ‘SING!’ the 2016 Illumination film!
They will get to experience a range of different performance styles, as well as some of the backstage elements such as prop making and stage craft, and also get the opportunity to perform at the end of the week for family and friends.
Contact Amber to book on 07821856704 or email bournemouth@razzamataz.co.uk.'
Free School Meals & Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme
“Here at Dorset Council, we want to make sure that we are providing your child with the best education and support we can. Healthy free school meals have obvious benefits. They can help pupils establish good eating habits for life and improve their readiness to learn. Those eligible for free school meals can also benefit from a wide range of funded holiday activities - watersports, soccer camps, arts activities and forest school to name a few. Activities take place all across Dorset.
Please see our full-page advert on page 7 for details.”
Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park
Take a fascinating journey to the ocean depths at Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park and explore over 2,000 creatures across 15 zones. Spend time with their cheeky Humboldt colony and magnificent harbour seals. Spot majestic sharks and rays as they glide over you in the ocean tunnel. You can also meet the world's smallest penguins at Fairy Penguin Island.
Join them on a Pirate Treasure Hunt this Summer!
Can you help Captain Careless find all the lost treasure that is hidden around the aquarium? Learn all about their 'treasures of the ocean' and take part in pirate-themed games, crafts and activities before winning a prize for taking part!
This event is included with SEA LIFE admission.
Find out more at www.visitsealife.com/weymouth
ShoreSports is back for its 12th Year!
Same faces, same high standards, same perfect location at Mudeford Quay, Dorset.
ShoreSports offers Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Sailing, Windsurfing, Wingsurfing and Raft Building on the safe and shallow waters of Christchurch Harbour.
They have expert instructors, high quality kit and no hidden charges. Their kids clubs run for ages 6-16, choose from Multi activity, Windsurfing and Sailing Specific clubs.
Equipment Hire, lessons and tours are available for all the family so it's not just the kids that can have fun.
Booking online is simple or email nick@shoresports.co.uk for further details.
Scan the QR code for further details; https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/shoresports/?full-items=yes
A summer of fun at Dorset’s top family cHAtheme park!.jpg)
Adventure Wonderland is the perfect destination for family fun in Bournemouth this summer! There is so much to enjoy during your next visit including all your favourite rides and attractions! Make a splash on Jungle Falls log flume or ride the waves of the Ghostly Galleon. Fly high on the Flying Elephants and get in a spin on the Turbo Teacups! Jump for joy on The Buccaneers Bouncer! and relax in The Caterpillar’s Sensory Garden.
Your ticket also includes the huge indoor play centre, Wild Thing!, Alice at the Movies crazy golf, Pony World animal area and explore the Alice in Wonderland Maze.
Take your seats in The Theatre for their brand new show, ’Tik Tok Time!’ Starring Alice, the Queen of Hearts and Mr Rabbit!
It’s a summer full of event-ure! Adventure Wonderland will also be welcoming some very special guests during the summer holidays. Go and see JJ from Cocomelon on 27th July, Peppa Pig on 10th August and Chase from Paw Patrol on 24th August 2023.
Book your visit now. Visit www.adventurewonderland.co.uk
Celebrate summer at the award-winning Museum of East Dorset
Step into the historic house and discover the fascinating stories of the people who lived and worked there over the centuries, all within 11 brand new galleries.
There are a host of family trails, crafts and hands-on activities to be found in the museum itself and throughout the beautiful walled garden.
And don’t forget to treat yourselves to an ice cream or slice of cake in their bright and airy Tea Room.
Find out more at www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk
Free entry for kids at Dorset Museum
Dorset Museum is delighted to announce that all children aged 15 and under will be able to visit and enjoy 250 million years of history for free. In addition, all adult tickets will now allow for unlimited visits for a whole year!
The fun starts this summer as the Natural History Museum’s world-famous exhibition ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ runs from 21st July – 29th Oct. Over 100 powerful photographs shine a light on species from around the world and show the impact of human activity on the planet.
Save 10% when booking online: www.dorsetmuseum.org
Summer at Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre
Monkey World– Ape Rescue Centre is challenging your little monkeys to learn about primate rescue & rehabilitation this summer! With a huge list of fun challenges and activities to complete, there’s plenty to keep little minds busy!
Monkey World is home to over 250 primates of more than 25 different species. Many of the park’s residents have been neglected, kept in unnatural conditions, or experienced unbelievable cruelty. At Monkey World, they can enjoy company of their own kind in a safe and natural environment.
Book online to save up to 10% off gate prices at www.monkeyworld.org/book-tickets/
Thinking about holiday childcare and activities?
Dorset and BCP Council’s friendly team can help you find fun activities, holiday clubs and childcare over the summer holidays.
There is something for all ages and you may be able to get help with the cost by using your Tax-Free Childcare account.
Visit their online directories for up-to-date information, funding details and much more.
They are here to help you find the right options for your family.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole:
E. familyinformation@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
T. 01202 093131
Dorset:
E. familyinfo@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
T. 01305 221066
The 115 Holiday Club – 24th July to 18th August
Sessions take place from 8am - 5.45pm with a free breakfast 8 - 8.30
· Beach Life – beach related games and activities! Trip to Hengistbury Head
· Adventure play – Lets see where the adventures take you!
· Show week – a chance to show off your skills. Trip to Moors Valley
· Water week – Prepare to get wet! Trip is Blashford Lakes
· They are also running an 11+ club full of exciting activities
20 days full of fun activities are available with amorning and afternoon snack included, just take a packed lunch.
Find out more at www.115club.co.uk