Total Guide to Dorset: 7 Reasons to Visit Tower Park This October Half Term

Wondering what to do with the kids this October half term in Dorset? We've visited several times over the last few weeks with our girls (age 9 and 6) and Tower Park should definitely be on your radar.

The Poole leisure and entertainment destination has had some huge updates recently, with exciting new arrivals including Nando's, Wagamama and a brand-new Starbucks, adding even more choice to an already brilliant line-up of family attractions, restaurants and entertainment.

And if you haven't been for a while, you might be surprised by just how much there is to do.

From bowling and huge waterslides to soft play, cinema trips and plenty of places to eat, Tower Park has become a proper all-day family destination. You can park for free, choose from loads of activities, stop for lunch or dinner and keep everyone entertained without having to drive anywhere else.

Even better for an October half-term day out? So much of it is indoors, meaning the unpredictable Dorset weather doesn't have to ruin your plans.

We've been trying out some of Tower Park's attractions with the kids ourselves – and here are 7 reasons we think it should be on every family's October half-term list.

1. You can spend the whole day here

One of the best things about Tower Park is just how easy it is to turn a couple of hours out into a full family day.

Start with an activity, stop for lunch, head to another activity for the afternoon, before finishing with dinner or a film – all without getting back in the car.

For parents trying to fill an entire half-term day, that is a BIG win.

2. Have a family bowling competition

Bowling is one of those activities that works brilliantly when you have different ages to entertain – and Hollywood Bowl at Tower Park is an easy half-term crowd-pleaser.

Get competitive with the kids, add some arcade games afterwards and you've already got a good chunk of your half-term day sorted.

I actually did this as a play date and the kids had some friends with them - it was lovely to see them all having so much fun together and cheering each other on (and the big kids helping the little ones too). It's a great option for birthday parties too.

3. Make your cinema trip feel like an occasion

A cinema trip is always a half-term classic, but the luxe experience at Vue takes it up a level.

We recently took the kids to see Toy Story 5 and they couldn't believe the enormous reclining seats!

With loads of family films to choose from over half term, it's a particularly good option for those inevitable rainy October days.

4. Let them burn off some energy at Lemur Landings

If you've got younger children with energy to spare, Lemur Landings is an obvious addition to the day.

It's one of Dorset's biggest indoor children's entertainment centres where kids can jump, climb and swing their way through the SkyTykes Low Ropes Course and climbing walls, making it perfect when the weather isn't playing ball - and it's been recently updated too so even if you've been before there are new areas to experience.

And because you're already at Tower Park, you can combine it with lunch, bowling, the cinema or another activity afterwards.

5. Take on the slides at Splashdown

Want something a little more adventurous?

Splashdown is home to an incredible selection of flumes and water rides and makes a brilliant half-term activity for families.

Thrill-seekers can brave the sheer drop of Screamer, spin through Infinity’s laser-lit slide or plunge into darkness on Black Thunder. For those who prefer to take things at a more leisurely place, drift along the Red River Roller before diving back into the aquatic fun.

Better still, you don't need sunshine to enjoy it – so you can plan your visit without obsessively checking the weather forecast!

6. There's even more choice for lunch and dinner

Tower Park's recent arrivals have made it an even better place to make a full day of it.

You can now grab a family favourite at Nando's, head to Wagamama for noodles, ramen and katsu, or choose from the other restaurants and food options across the park.

And perhaps the most important development for parents tackling a full day of half-term activities: there's now a Starbucks too.

Keep an eye out for restaurant offers and family deals while you're planning your visit.

7. It's an EASY family day out

Possibly the most underrated reason of all.

There's free parking, everything is in one place and there's enough indoors to make Tower Park a genuinely weather-proof October half-term option.

You don't have to plan five different locations or spend the day driving around Dorset. Pick a couple of activities, book somewhere to eat and you've got an entire day sorted.

Plan your October half-term day at Tower Park

Cinema. Bowling. Soft play. Waterslides. Restaurants. Coffee.

Whether you've got a rainy afternoon to fill or want to make a full day of it, Tower Park is one of the easiest places in Dorset to keep the whole family entertained this October half term.

And if you haven't visited recently, now is a very good time to rediscover it.

Our tip? Don't just choose one thing. Make a day of it.

Tower Park October Half Term FAQs:

What is there to do at Tower Park during October half term?

There’s loads for families to do at Tower Park in Poole, including bowling a strike at Hollywood Bowl, watching a film at Vue, indoor play at Lemur Landings and take on 13 mega flumes and water rides at Splashdown. You can easily combine several activities to create a full day out.

Is Tower Park good for a rainy day in Dorset?

Yes. Tower Park is one of the best all-weather family day-out options in the Poole and Bournemouth area because many of its main attractions are indoors. You can go bowling, watch a film, visit Lemur Landings, enjoy Splashdown and eat at one of the restaurants without relying on good weather.

Is parking free at Tower Park?

Yes, Tower Park has free parking for visitors, making it particularly convenient if you're planning to stay for several activities, food and a film.

Can you spend a whole day at Tower Park?

Absolutely. You could start with bowling or soft play, stop for lunch, spend the afternoon at Splashdown and then finish with dinner or a film. With activities and restaurants all in one place, it's easy to turn a visit into a full family day out.

Where can families eat at Tower Park?

Tower Park has a great choice of family-friendly restaurants and places to grab food and drinks, including Nando's, Wagamama, Pizza Express, Turcuisine and Slim Chickens, plus plenty of other options. There's also a new Starbucks for coffee, drinks and snacks.

Is Tower Park suitable for different ages?

Yes. One of the advantages of Tower Park is the variety of activities available, making it a good option for families with children of different ages. Younger children can enjoy Lemur Landings, while bowling, the cinema and Splashdown can work brilliantly for older children and families.

Do I need to book Tower Park activities in advance for October half term?

It's worth booking your chosen activities directly with the individual venues in advance, particularly during busy periods such as October half term. Check each attraction for availability, session times, prices and any age or height restrictions before travelling.

Where is Tower Park?

Tower Park is in Poole, Dorset and is within easy reach of Poole, Bournemouth and surrounding areas, making it a convenient option for a family day out during the school holidays.

What can you do in Poole with kids this October half term?

If you're looking for things to do with kids in Poole during October half term, Tower Park is a great all-in-one option. Families can combine bowling, swimming and waterslides, soft play, a cinema trip and eating out in one destination, with free parking too.

Is Tower Park good for October half term?

Yes. With indoor attractions, activities for different ages, restaurants and free parking all in one location, Tower Park is particularly handy for October half term when the weather can be unpredictable.