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!
Half Term in Dorset 21
There is a bumper schedule of activities that families can get involved with in Dorset this October half term. Check out our details below for some recommended highlights for October half term 2021 and don't forget to check our frequently updated online listings here as well as our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Adventure Wonderland is the Home of Halloween!
There’s a chill in the air this half term as Adventure Wonderland transforms into a spooky world of magic and mystery! The team are busy conjuring up a spooktastic selection of eerie entertainment for you to enjoy.
This half term, Adventure Wonderland’s hedge maze is turned into the fa-BOO-lous interactive spooky experience, ‘Enchanted’. Based on the spellbinding stories of the popular Grimm’s fairytales, step inside the shadows of the hallowed hedges and meet characters from Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, The Elves and the Shoemaker and Rumplestiltskin.
Don’t miss the fang-tastic new show, ‘Little Monsters’ live on stage in the Happydrome Theatre. Join our hocus pocus party of creepy characters and Halloween smash hit songs. And enjoy all your favourite rides and attractions including Alice at the Movies Crazy Golf, Wild Bill’s Runaway Train, The Turbo Teacups, Wild Thing Indoor Play, The Ghostly Galleon and many more!
Not too spooky! Adventure Wonderland is a fun environment for little witches and wizards to enjoy half term Halloween fun! Book now and enjoy a frightfully fun day out for all the family!
Adventure Wonderland Halloween event is everyday from 23rd to 31st October 2021.
Visit the website for all the info and to book. Log on to www.adventurewonderland.co.uk
Alebrije Augmented Reality Trail in Weymouth
Join us for a superb family day out in Weymouth throughout October.
Take part in their FREE, magical augmented reality trail hidden in shop windows across the town. Simply scan the QR codes and take selfies.
When you’ve found the characters, download your free e-book, a lovely keepsake of your day and remember to enter the competition for a Nintendo switch.
Brought to you by We Are Weymouth.
Start the trail by going to www.alebrijetrail.com to see the trail map.
Join Poole Museum and Birds of Poole Harbour for a season of events.
Join Poole Museum from October for a special season of events and activities in association with local charity, Birds of Poole Harbour. The team of wildlife experts will be setting up their temporary HQ in Poole Museum’s exhibition galleries until the springtime, sharing their knowledge of birds as well as offering a range of programmed talks and tours. Whether you’re a keen birdwatcher or an amateur environmentalist, this is a great chance to discover more about local birdlife, their habits and habitats. Fly on over and enjoy some flapping good fun.
For more information on the work of Birds of Poole Harbour and their programme, please visit: www.birdsofpooleharbour.co.uk/
Museum of East Dorset
So much to see and do at the Museum of East Dorset this half term. Alongside the normal exhibits, you can check out:
- Creepy Crafts and Spooky Spells on 26th October 2021. Join the museum for Halloween fun in their garden with creepy crafts, spell making, spooky stories and more.
- Museum By Torchlight on Saturday 30th October. Dress up and bring your torch for a spooky time in the galleries where the museum will be open out of hours and in the dark. Find out about the witches marks on the wall and the story of the mummified cat. handle some real skulls and bones and join the cook in the museum kitchen to decorate a Jack O'Lantern biscuit. Suitable for ages 5+ and booking is advised. £4 per person.
Find out more at www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk
Beastly Belle - 23rd October
Be charmed and surprised by a new twist on an old tale, inspired by the iconic era of 1920s and 30s cinema.
Our young heroine Belle is plucked from a life of poverty by Merill, a greedy film producer who sweeps her off her feet and into fame and fortune in the movies. Caught up in the glitz and glamour, Belle forgets her roots and is ensnared by a world obsessed with good looks - but looks aren’t everything, right?
A journey of discovery which explores perceptions of physical beauty and how two strangers can overcome their differences. Will Beauty come to understand and accept the Beast? Featuring a skilful mix of puppetry, film projections and an original musical score.
Find out more and book via the Lighthouse Poole website.
Autumn Adventure this half term at RockReef and PierZip
Located on Bournemouth Pier, take part in 28 climbing challenges, an aerial obstacle course, pier-to-shore-zip wire and even more activities.
Check their website for session times and to book at www.rockreef.co.uk
Half Term Fun at Purbeck Sports Centre
A bumper week of activities for kids this October half term:
Football Fun Day - 26th and 28th October for ages 6 to 14. £9 per session or both sessions for £15. Tournaments, skill challenges and prizes to be won.
Kids Tennis - 27th October for ages 4 to 14. £16 per session. Coaching and fun games, competitions and prizes. Rackets provided if you are unable to bring your own. Sessions follow LTA guidelines on social distancing and safe play.
Mini Medics - 26th October for ages 6 to 11 years and costs £25. The course is kept at a basic level with no use of confusing terminologies. The course will show complete respect for the child's ability, make it educational and practical and will instil the importance of helping someone who is poorly or injured.
AFC Bournemouth Football Camp - 29th October, for ages 7 to 14. £11 per session booked in advance or £12 on the day. Train with AFC Bournemouth coaches for a fun filled day of football.
Archery - 30th October for ages 8 to 14. £13.15 per session. Learn Archery with the Bowmen of Lytchett
Nerf Gun Fun - 30th October for ages 7 to 12. A fun hour of Nerf gun battles and skill shots in the main sports hall.
Wipeout World - 31st October for ages 5 to 15. Themed event in the main Sports Hall. Dash through the 50ft obsacle course, tumble form the big red balls and be swept off your feet by the Spinning Wipeout Beams. Unlimited use of all the activities for 1 hour and 15 minutes for just £9.99
Intensive Swimming Lessons Early Steps 1 - 25th to 28th October for ages 3 and over
Action Zone - 25th to 28th October for ages 10 to 14 years. A chance for younger customers to use the gym with the first session being an induction.
Pool inflatable sessions - Various sessions from Monday 25th to Sunday 31st. Sessions run for 45 minutes, suitable for children 5 and over. Under 8's must be accompanied by an adult.. Children must be able to swim 25m unaided.
Also: Parent and Baby classes and Playzone
Find out more details and how to book here
Poole Museum/Scaplen's Court
The Bubble Show - Bridport Arts Centre
Coming to Bridport Arts Centre on 30th October - join Mr Bubbles with his extraordinary soap bubbles in all shapes and sizes!
Enjoy bouncy bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, smoke bubbles, square bubbles, giant bubbles and even fire bubbles! The Bubble Show is a unique blend of magic, storytelling and bubble art!
Actor, storyteller and Guinness World Bubble Record holder, Eran The Bubble Man is one of the top bubble artists in the world and brings you an interactive, fun, international award-winning bubble extravaganza!
Suitable for ages 3-12 . Duration 60 minutes – No interval. Check out the website to find out more about a £25 family ticket offer.
Find out more at www.bridport-arts.com/event/the-bubble-show-14-8-concs-25-family-4-ticket/
Kids on Quadz
Kidz on Quadz offer a variety of quad sessions varying from birthday parties to family session.
Follow their Facebook page to get the latest news about what they are offering and also see their website
Fang-tastic Family Fun at Farmer Palmer’s
Halloween Half Term at Farmer Palmer’s is a great alternative to traditional ‘Trick or Treating’, designed specifically for little ones! Giggling ghouls, silly spooks, and extra optional activities added to the timetable; “Soak-a-Spook” Tractor Trailer Rides* and a brand NEW Pumpkin Pick* for 2021.
Limited tickets, avoid disappointment and BOOK EARLY! If, in the event of another lockdown or restrictions out of our control, we will offer a full event ticket refund. *Additional charge applies. Find out more at farmerpalmers.co.uk/whats-on-and-events/
Dorset Museum
Celebrate 250 million years of Dorset's history and enjoy the richness of the county's natural, historical and cultural heritage through their world-class collections.
Currently exhibiting at the museum is 'The Colourful World of David McKee'
First stop will be Elmer’s world, where visitors will be greeted by a giant Elmer jigsaw and enjoy the ultimate Instagram moment. The adventure continues as guests walk through Elmer’s jungle, encountering characters and stories along the way.
As well as illustrations from the Elmer series there will be original artwork from Not Now Bernard, Mr Benn and King Rollo as well as the opportunity to dress up in fancy dress from the costume shop featured in Mr Benn.
Visitors will be able to explore David McKee’s vibrant illustrations in great depth through the use of many multi-sensory elements including colour, texture and sound plus visualise McKee’s use of perspective through an interactive mirrored walkway.
Wimborne Model Town
With no booking necessary, Wimborne Model Town is open every day 10am – 5pm until 31 October. For half term, visit and enjoy the Halloween Quiz Trail, searching for clues around the miniature 1950s buildings.
How about Crazy Golf and the Wendy Street play area for younger visitors or simply enjoy the NGS listed gardens?
The Wareham Bears have been enjoying their new home and October is the last chance to see them before they go into hibernation until next year.
The LIFE BEFORE LEGO exhibition celebrates the history of British building toys from pre-war tinplate to MiniBrix and Bayko. The scale dioramas feature model vehicles, buildings and Triang trains from yesteryear.
Operating with touchless motion sensor controls, the MODEL RAILWAY awaits train drivers of all ages with day and night-time running. Thomas helps out on most days too.
The Tea Room offers seasonal Halloween snacks and surprises with a wide range of hot drinks, homemade cakes and lunches. The Gift Shop has some great end of season offers.
See the Model Town’s website for more details.
Crealy Spookfest - 23rd to 31st October
Crealy Spookfest in Devon is back for 2021 featuring some of your favourite spooky attractions, live shows and spooktacular entertainment all included in your Theme Park ticket price,
New for 2021: Book of Spells Live Show
New for 2021: Buddy and Blossom's Halloween Bash
New for 2021: Haunting of the Wilderness
New for 2021: Escape From The Crealy Hotel
Also: Scarecrow Scaremaze and Pumpkin Patch's Plot which also includes a FREE pumpkin.
Find out more and book here