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!
Halloween events in Dorset
(Updated 21/10/2024)
Summer might be over – but there’s loads to love about autumn…
Autumn brings with it an amazing array of colours and contrasts, so whatever your plans are, step outdoors and make the most of this awesome season…
See our full family Dorset listings here
Sail With Santa – Poole City Cruises
Experience the magic of Christmas with their Sail with Santa Cruise in Poole! Join City Cruises for a festive voyage where children can meet Santa, enjoy games with his Elf and receive a special gift. Delight in holiday music, seasonal treats and breath-taking views of Poole Harbour. Perfect for families, this enchanting trip creates unforgettable memories. Book your tickets now for a holiday adventure filled with joy and wonder. Don’t miss out on this limited-time event - Santa’s waiting to set sail with you!
Find out more at www.cityexperiences.com/poole/city-cruises
Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum, Bournemouth’s NO.1 GIANT Panto is full of festive fun!
Behold, this fee-fi-fo-fabulous reimagined romp through a classic tale you thought you knew!
When a heinous henchman kidnaps a cow and a princess from the downtrodden town of Boggy Bottom, young Jack finds himself on an adventure he thought only existed in story books!
Expect a wholesome hero, a punch-packing princess, a feisty fairy, a simple sibling, a witty widow, a slippery servant, a kind-hearted king... and a cow with some beef. Oh... and a very large magical plant, of course!
Find out more and book at www.bhlive.org.uk
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Christmas Fun in Weymouth!
Kick off the festive season on November 30th with Dorset’s largest Elf Street Party! Watch as Father Christmas parades through the Town Centre, led by hundreds of elves, a marching band, local dance troupes, face painters, and stilt walkers. Don your elf outfits and join the fun to make this the biggest celebration yet!
From December 6-8, dive into a fantastical Steampunk Christmas with ghost tours, Steampunk Fashion & Market, upcycle workshops, and the Annual Steampunk Promenade.
On December 14-15, enjoy traditional Christmas events like a Nativity trail, carols, a ‘follow-the-star’ parade, and a Christmas tree festival.
Finally, on December 21-22, Santa returns with his stilt-walking elves, and don’t miss the exciting pudding run too!
For more details, visit www.WeAreWeymouth.co.uk
Looking for spooky family fun this half term?
Join in at The Blue Pool Nature Reserve & Tearooms from the 26th - 31st October for a fun-filled Halloween experience! No booking needed—just go along and enjoy pumpkin carving, spooktacular arts & crafts, bushcraft sessions, and eerie woodland walks. Cosy up by the fire with marshmallow toasting and tasty hot chocolate. Activities start from just £5! Don’t miss out—perfect for the whole family. Normal admission fees apply.
For more information visit https://bluepooltearooms.co.uk/
Tanks on Film at The Tank Museum – 26 October to 3 November
Enjoy family-friendly activities this October Half Term at The Tank Museum, Dorset’s largest indoor attraction. Alongside the 10 powerful and interactive exhibitions, there will be additional film-themed activities, including trails, puzzles and colouring, dressing up, and much more. Mini-tank fans can let off steam in the soft-play or tank-shaped outdoor play park. With free parking, an onsite restaurant and a fully wheelchair accessible site, there’s enough to keep your family engaged and entertained all day. All regular tickets include an Annual Pass and online bookers get 10% off.
Find out more at tankmuseum.org
Rockreef
Voted ‘2024 Travellers’ Choice’ by Trip Advisor, RockReef is an indoor activity attraction located at the end of Bournemouth Pier. RockReef includes 28 Clip ’n Climb fun, themed, indoor climbing walls providing varying degrees of exciting challenges suitable for all abilities and all ages from 4-94.
For those that just want to watch all the action, there is a lovely café located on a mezzanine level inside RockReef where, on one side of the café, you can watch all the exciting indoor activities and from the other side you can enjoy.
Check availability and book online at www.rockreef.co.uk
Halloween at the Abbotsbury Swannery
Discover the mad professor skeletons and crazy aliens around the Swannery!!!
Also within the Swannery Classroom is an extra activity, book your spot in advance with
Professor Lee from Mini Professors Science for a spooky science workshop. Hands-on experiments, potions, and explosions!
Kids for £1 with a full-paying adult at the ticket office on the day of visiting (each adult can bring a maximum of 3 kids). Please note if wanting to do the Science Workshop this is an extra paid for activity booked directly with Mini Professors (£6 per child).
Full details on the Mini Professors website (workshop suitable for 2-8 year olds) http://www.miniprofessors.com/weymouth
BFX Festival 2024
28 October – 2 November 2024
The South West’s leading event for visual effects, animation, and games!
Join us for a week of creativity and inspiration at the BFX Festival, designed to ignite the imaginations of the next generation of talent. Experience engaging studio presentations, captivating animated film screenings, and hands-on workshops led by industry professionals.
Family Day: Saturday, 1 November
Especially for young creatives aged 8-16, our Family Day is packed with exciting, interactive workshops. From Character Design and Virtual Sculpting to Stop-Motion Animation, Gaming, and VR, there’s something for every budding artist and tech enthusiast. Plus, enjoy a specially curated selection of animated short films.
Discover more and book your tickets at: www.bfxfestival.com
Family Fun at Brownsea Island this Half Term
Half term red squirrel trail – Oct 26 to Nov 3 – 10am to 4.30pm - This event is free, no booking required.
Leap, scamper, and climb, get nutty about red squirrels this October half term on Brownsea Island. Wear a squirrel mask and follow the interactive family trail to see what amazing facts you can discover about these fascinating furry creatures. Have a go at their pine cone toss game, see if you can build a drey and take part in some squirrel inspired games.
Seasonal family bushcraft workshops – Nov 1 and 2 – 11am to 1pm and 2 to 3pm - £10 per child for a 2 hour session – booking advised.
Learn how to survive and thrive in the outdoor world. Join local bushcraft specialist, Joe Peartree on these fun and informative sessions. Take part in a series of activities and experience nature in a fun and engaging way. From knife skills, wood carving and fire lighting to animal tracking, foraging and shelter building, there is something for everyone to learn. Activities will vary according to the season. All children will need to be supervised by an adult. The price does NOT include entry fee (NT members free) and boat fare which will be payable upon arrival.
Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island
Two hours of play, pampering and positivity!
Shine Project parties are designed to encourage positive wellbeing, develop helpful self-care practices whilst having fun with friends. The party covers everything girls aged 8-12 years could want to know about skin, nail and hair care, with demonstrations and time to practice on each other. They promote healthy wellbeing practices that can support them emotionally as they grow. An amazing way for your child to celebrate their birthday, connect with others and feel special and valued. All profits go directly towards their charitable purposes.
For more information or to book please go to www.shineproject.org.uk/parties or call Anne on 07780 604 643
Ghostly Gala – Family Activity Trail at Upton Country Park
Join in for a thrilling Halloween adventure! Follow the trail, meet spooky characters, and solve the puzzles to uncover your invitation to the Ghostly Gala. Fancy dress encouraged! £4 per trail map, includes cuddly prize. Trail maps available daily from the Welcome Centre, 10am – 3:30pm. Facepainting, an autumnal market, and more will be in the activity area at the end of the trail (additional charges may apply). Halloween-themed refreshments will be available in Tea Rooms throughout October!
For all Halloween activities and other events, visit uptoncountrypark.com
Halloween at Lulworth Castle
This autumn half term enjoy a host of Halloween themed fun at Lulworth Castle. Seek out the pumpkins and find the funny bones on the autumn trails. Practice your sporting skills with the themed pitch’n’putt. Get crafty at the activity table and complete your quizbooks for a prize. Climb the tower, visit Peacock Park playground and enjoy ice creams, cakes & cream teas in the Castle Tearoom. PLUS Back by popular demand the ZOMBIE BARN! Will you be brave enough to enter? (Not suitable for younger visitors). Dogs on leads welcome in the castle & grounds.
For more details please visit: https://lulworth.com
Halloween is “spook-tacular” at Monkey World!
On 31st October, children in full Halloween fancy dress will receive free entry to Monkey World! Best costume will receive a prize, in the FREE fancy dress competition! As well as over 230 rescued monkeys and apes to see, 3 play areas, kids can also take part in our fang-tastic trail, and creepy crafts throughout half term!
Visit www.monkeyworld.org for more details
Little Murmur by Aakash Odedra Company at Pavilion Dance South West – 26th October
Little Murmur is a new dance theatre show for families and schools, that features groundbreaking projection, an extraordinary soundscape and a blizzard of paper and confetti! Go and enjoy this half term treat of a show and workshop. A moving and heartfelt tale of overcoming dyslexia and finding hope.
This stunning visual treat is an honest and heart felt conversation about the trials and tribulations of living with dyslexia, facing challenges and overcoming the odds.
Watch bodies and words fly like flocks of birds, a murmuration, a little murmur.
Suitable for ages 5+
Experience The Little Murmur Workshop:
For the full experience why not take part in The Little Murmur workshop before or after the performance at 2.30pm for the chance to express yourself! Show and workshop are £8 each or why not book both performance and workshop for £12.
“This was one of THE most beautiful pieces of children’s theatre I have ever seen… which also made me feel very seen” (Audience member)
More info and booking at: https://www.pdsw.org.uk/whats-on/little-murmur-by-aakash-odedra-company/
Upcoming events at Corfe Castle
Teddy zip-wire: 26 October – 3rd November
Teddies are invited to help with conservation work, inspecting the castle walls while feeling the wind in their fur on the popular teddy zip-wire. Take your own teddy or borrow a furry Corfe Castle veteran.
Castle critters family Quest - 9 September - 22 November
Join in with this family quest to find the hidden critters that call the castle home. Explore the ruins to discover how they help or hinder the looking after of the castle. Complete a quest sheet to earn your conservation token.
Pumpkin display: 26 October – 3 November
Go and take your photo in the middle of their pumpkin display with the castle as your backdrop.
Guided bat walk: 31 October
As the sun goes down, join in on a walk around the castle ruins in pursuit of the fascinating night-time aerobatics of bats. This will be a rare chance to access the castle grounds at dusk and don’t forget your spooky costume! Booking essential
Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle
Studland’s Wicked Wildlife Trail: 26 Oct to 3 Nov
Check out Studland's Wicked Wildlife Trail this October half-term. Are you brave enough to take on the spiders web or welly walk or find out what’s in the box? This half-term family trail will take you along the beach, dunes and woodland giving the whole family fresh air and fun. £3 per child from Knoll Beach Office. Booking not required.
October half term at Kingston Lacy
Fire up your creativity at Kingston Lacy at half term. Pick up an autumn adventures booklet, packed with ideas to make the most of the woods, parkland and garden. Hunt out the autumn hideaway for a snuggly read, make music with the trees and help create some leaf art. (Re)discover the inspirational magic of words at the vintage telephone tables (7th to 27th October ) or roll your own beeswax candle (29th October to 3rd November).
Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy
Discovery Village
Solomon Skeleton’s Trick or Treat Adventure is a heart-warming story where children learn that everyone is equal no matter what they look like on the outside. Join the live performer as they explore the Halloween themed role play village discovering what makes each child special and beautifully unique. With a trick or treat trail, bat finding game, songs, dance and imaginative play included with each ticket there is something for every child.
Find out more at www.discoveryvillage.co.uk
HALF TERM HAUNTINGS AT MUSEUM OF EAST DORSET
A perfectly spooky day out for your own “little terrors” will be spirited up at Wimborne’s award-winning Museum of East Dorset this October half term.
Join in the ghost hunt to spot the spooks, enjoy hands-on creepy craft activities and dressing-up fun plus lots of interactive museum exhibits.
And the prices won’t frighten you! The Trail is free to visitors paying museum entry.
Children up to age of four are eligible for free admission. Children 5 to 16 years £5.50 and adults £12 each. Family admission tickets also available. And don’t forget that with your admission price you get 12 month’s free entry!
Find out more at www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk
The Polar Express in Swanage
With the children settling back into school, now is the perfect time to look ahead to Christmas and book a magical festive family experience right on your doorstep. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Swanage will be returning from 23rd November through to 24th December 2024 and tickets are selling fast!
Bringing the magic of the movie to life, this is an experience the family will never forget!
- A full immersive theatrical performance with singing and dancing featuring the movie’s characters – performed on the platform before boarding the train and during the train ride
- An opportunity to meet the iconic characters from the movie
- Delicious hot chocolate and a tasty cookie, delivered to you in your carriage by the chefs
- A visit from Santa with a special gift
- A magical heritage stream train ride departing from Swanage Station, lasting nearly 1.5 hours
- Pyjamas and dressing gowns are encouraged!
Find out more and book at www.swanagethepolarexpresstrainride.co.uk
Laserguys
Laserguys are located in Blandford Forum, right in the middle of Dorset, and offer private birthday parties for all ages and themed events during half terms.
During October, they are hosting Halloween specials with exciting activities such as Halloween special laser tag (for ages 6+), Dark Special Laser Tag (for ages 8+ recommended), Halloween Archery (ages 8+) and spooky axe throwing (ages 12+). Also don’t miss the spooky candy hunt and Scream Survival Game.
If you are looking ahead to the festive season, they also offer ‘Save Santa’, fun laser tag games where participants aged 6 and above can help save Christmas!
Find out more at www.laserguys.co.uk
Halloween and half term at Oceanarium
Embark on a spook-splash-tic underwater journey with the family this half term at the Oceanarium! From 26 October – 03 November, learn about the venomous creatures, embark on a spooky trail, and do you dare to discover the “What’s in the Box?” activity! Don’t forget to go in fancy dress and tag @OceanariumBournemouth to be in with a chance of winning a family four return ticket! For more details visit www.oceanarium.co.uk. T&Cs apply.
Give them the best IntroDUCKtion to swimming
Swim Academy is brought to you by the experts at Puddle Ducks. The weekly lessons are for 4–10 year olds across across Poole, Parley and Wimborne. On your child's swimming journey they will be taught the right technique, in the right environment, with the best people, enabling them to swim strongly, make friends and have fun.
“Swim Academy is highlight of my son’s week. His teachers are amazing, clearly passionate about their job. It's brilliant, I highly recommend!” Pam
Book a FREE Trial lesson! Just visit www.puddleducks.com/local-teams/dorset/offers/primary-times-swim-academy-free-trial or scan the QR code.