20 Things to do with Teens in Dorset

AirJumpX

Where: BH Live Active Sir David English, East Way, Bournemouth BH8 9PZ

About: AirJumpX is a great option for your teens to be entertained and get rid of some energy! Air Jump is Sir David England's super-sized infoor inflatable obstacle course! As well as enjoying time on the bouncy castle obstacle course, AirJumpX also includes; the slam dunk, a giant side, a jelly mountain, wipe-out balls, and an assault course!

Opening Hours:

• Mon-Thurs: 6:30-22:00
• Friday: 6:30-21:00
• Sat-Sun - 9:00-17:00

Teen Fun Rating: 5/5

Upton House Food and Music Festival 2024

About: Upton House Food & Music Festival 2024 is a brilliant family festival that provides the perfect day out full of high quality street food traders that offer various cuisines, divine selection of artisan and local produce from Dorset's best suppliers, and stalls from rum, gin and wine producers that give you the chance to visit some exceptional beer tents, prosecco and cocktail bars.

After grabbing yourself something to eat or drink, enjoy sets from some brilliant tribute acts and local bands! 

Dates: Friday 14th - Sunday 16th June 2024

Poole Harbour Festival 2024

About: Poole Harbour Festival is Poole's annual live music festival extravaganza! The festival offers live entertainment throughout the whole day, and entertainment for the kids.

The 2024 line-up includes incredible bands and tribute acts, including:

• Razorlight
• The Coral
• Reef
• The South
• Toploader
• Tribute Bands for - Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Madness, P!NK, Amy Winehouse and more!

Dates: Friday 26th - Sunday 28th July 2024

PAULTONS PARK HOME OF PEPPA PIG WORLD

About: Paultons Park is ony 45 minutes away from Poole and provides a great day out for toddlers and adults! This theme park has a selection of incredibly thrilling rides for all ages. From roller coasters, water rides, to train rides and flat rides, this amusement park provides an unforgettable day out. 

They have an array of themed worlds but one in particular we think your toddler would love is Peppa Pig World. From Peppa's Big Balloon Ride, George's Dinosaur Adventure, to Grampy Rabbit's Sailing Club and Daddy Pig's Car Ride, your little ones will have a blast in this park.

TGt Recommends: If your little one is a massive Peppa Pig fan and you can see yourself spending considerable time at this part of the park then we highly recommend getting the Peppa's Early Play Pass. 

This then gives you the special opportunity to meet Peppa Pig and George personally before the Park opens between 9.00 - 10.00am on selected dates and enjoy 30 minutes early access to the rides in Peppa Pig World from 9.30am, with Peppa's Early Play & Ride Pass.

Address: Ower, Romsey, SO51 6AL

Tel: 023 8081 4442

The Pavilion

About: The Pavilion in Bournemouth Town Centre is a great spot for both local and famous talents! Enjoy a range of live music events, comedy shows and theatre; there will be a range of different events running for everyone! View their list of events below.

Events: View here.

Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU

Telephone: 0300 500 0595

Bournemouth International Centre

About: The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is one of Bournemouth's hotspots for live entertainment! Enjoy a range of live music events, comedy shows and performances; there will be a range of different events running for everyone! View their list of events below.

Events: View here.

Address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Rd, Bournemouth BH2 5BH

Telephone: 0300 500 0595

Mega Slip and Slide

About: This August, tick off summer’s must-do activity, the 360ft long Mega Slip and Slide near Corfe Mullen. The Mega Slip and Slide is the perfect watery summer adventure that teens will love

Address: Mill Street,Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3RH

Opening Hours: Check their website for the timetable of shows. 

Teen Fun Rating: 5/5 

Centre VR

About: Centre VR are Europe’s largest virtual reality venue. They provide the ultimate day out for your teenagers. You can play all the best single and multiplayer games: 

Crazy Golf 
Laser Tag 
Group Adventures 
Action Adventures 
Motion Rides 
Simulations 
Art 
Excursions & Educational Titles 

You can choose to play solo, against each other or cooperatively. 

Address: Richmond Gardens Leisure & Shopping Centre, Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 1EN 

Telephone: 01202 878300 

Opening Hours: Mon-Fr 12pm – 8pm / Sat 10am-8pm / Sun 10am – 4.30pm 

Teen fun rating:   5/5 

ROCKLEY WATERSPORTS

Where: Rockley Point, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4RW 

About: Rockley Watersports provides school and group activity trips in the UK and France, holiday camps, birthday parties, RYA courses for all levels and ages and residential holidays, as well as a Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Adventure courses. 

They host some fantastic multi-activity days that are perfect for keeping your teenager entertained. Their multi-activity days take place at either Rockley Beach or Poole Park Lake and occur during the school holidays. 

Your teenager can have fun doing an array of activities, such as: 

Windsurfing 
Kayaking 
Canoeing 
Stand up paddleboarding 
Raft building 
Dinghy sailing 
Crabbing 
Orienteering...and more 

Teen Fun Rating: 5/5 

ODEON

About: ODEON is the largest and best-known cinema chain in the UK. ODEON Bournemouth has 10 screens showing 2D and 3D films and is located at BH2 amongst plenty of places to eat. At this cinema you’ll be spoilt for choice with a range of premier and recliner seats. 

Address: BH2 Leisure, Exeter Crescent, Bournemouth, BH2 5AU 

Telephone: 0333 014 4501 

Teen Fun Rating: 5/5 

SPLASHDOWN

Where: Tower Park, Poole BH12 4NY 

About: Splashdown Poole is a large waterpark situated just 4 miles from central Poole in Tower Park. It was built in 1990 and has been a firm favourite with families ever since; it attracts a whopping 180,000 visitors every year. There are 13 indoor and outdoor flume rides! Check Splashdown's website for their Family Combo Ticket options to make sure you get the best deal. 

Food and Drink: There is a cafe but with limited seating. We recommend you take your own food and drink. 

Teen Fun Rating: 5/5 

Visit The Beach

Where: Sandbanks, Shell Bay and Branksome Chine for the safety, soft golden sands and amenities and Studland for the different scenery and adventure. 

About: You can’t beat beach life! You can rent beach huts, barbecues, play beach volleyball or just have a picnic and enjoy spending some time with your teen on some of the UKs safest and cleanest beaches. If your teenager is looking for some adventure, then we recommend you look in to some of the watersports activities on offer in Poole. These range from Stand-Up Paddleboarding to surf lessons, sailing and snorkelling.

TGt Favourites: 

EasyRiders is a dedicated watersports school that offers the best tuition from beginner to expert in all Kitesports, Stand Up Paddleboarding and Foiling disciplines for novices to intermediates through to instructor courses and high end coaching.

SUP Safari is a specialist Stand Up Paddleboard and Kayak Centre based in Sandbanks, Poole. They offer all-inclusive SUP club, lessons, rentals, tours and sales. 

Shaka Surf is one of the best surfing schools in Poole. They provide watersport equipment hire and lessons. They offer brilliant fun for all ages and abilities as well as teaching you the core skills to go out and catch some waves. 

Check out our in-depth guide to Poole's best beaches here. 

Food and Drink: Take your own picnic or hire a barbecue or stop at one of the many beachside cafes and restaurants in Poole. View our favourite BBQ & picnic spots in Poole here. 

Teen Fun Rating: 4/5 

PADDLEBOARDING

About: Paddleboarding has become increasingly popular. Here in Dorset there are plenty of places to paddleboard with your teenager this summer and if this is a new hobby for you to try then we recommend taking some lessons together. Don’t forget your waterproof phone pouch so you’re ready to capture those memories (or belly laughing moments).

Paddleboard Hire:

SUP Safari is a specialist stand up paddleboard and kayak centre based in Sandbanks, Poole. They offer all-inclusive SUP club, lessons, rentals, tours and sales. Keep up to date or contact them via their Facebook Page. 

Rockley Watersports provide paddleboarding hire from 9th April for £10 per 30 minutes. 

Shaka Surf offer stand up paddleboarding lessons and equipment hire, they're located at Branksome dene chine and even have a kids surf club throughout the summer which offers paddleboarding and surfing activities. 

South Coast Adventures provides introductory lessons to both paddleboarding and kayaking. They offer a variety of guided water based trips, adventurous days out and instructor personal development courses. If you've seen those idyllic images of paddle boarders in picturesque places and want it to be you. Then look no further as South Coast Adventures have experienced instructors to take you to the next level! 

They are also AALA recognised, as well as British Canoeing watersports school. They offer paddleboard and kayak hires from £10p/p per hour. You can follow them on social via Instagram or Facebook. Book online to ensure your slot.

TGt's favourite Paddleboarding spot: Sandbanks Peninsula for experiencing the beauty, calmness and clear waters 

Teen Fun Rating: 4/5 

Dorset Adventure Park

About: If you’re looking for an exciting and memorable experience, Dorset Adventure Park is the perfect destination for you! With its vast 18 acres of picturesque woodland, the park offers a wide range of fun and challenging activities that will appeal to all ages and interests. Here, you’ll find an inflatable outdoor water park like no other. The Waterpark is a floating total wipeout style course with over 200m of inflatable obstacles set on two beautiful fully lifeguarded lakes. There’s also a mud trail obstacle assault course – this is pure muddy mayhem! It’s 2km with over 50 obstacles. Dorset Adventure Park is rated as one of the best places to visit in Dorset and is sure to provide you and your teenage children with a fun-filled wild day out that you will never forget.  

Address: Dorset Adventure Park, Arfleet Mill Lakes, Studland Road, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5JG 

Telephone: 01929 505030 

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 9am - 5pm 

Teen rating: 5/5 

Snowtrax

About: This family friendly centre is full of exciting activities for teens! You can try out skiing, snowboarding or spin down the slopes in a Ringo. All their slope activities are carried out under the close supervision of our qualified staff, leaving you to enjoy the day. 

?Address: MATCHAMS LANE, HURN, CHRISTCHURCH, DORSET BH23 6AW, UK 

Telephone: 01202 499155 

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am-9pm, Friday 10am-10pm, Saturday 8.30am-10pm, Sunday 9am-6pm ? 

Teen rating: 4/5 

Hollywood Bowl

About: You can’t beat some bowling fun! A bit of fun and healthy competition with state-of-the-art bowling alleys, delicious food, drink and awesome arcades.  

Address:  Tower Park Leisure Complex, Yarrow Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NY and 382 Poole Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 1DA 

Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm most days (check their website) 

Teen Fun Rating: 4/5

Rock Reef

About: RockReef is an all year, all-weather attraction based on adventure sports and 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! Other activities include a Vertical Slide drop, a HighLine high ropes aerial obstacle course and the Pier Cave which is a 65-linear metre indoor fun cave experience.

Address: Bournemouth Pier, Bournemouth BH2 5AA

Telephone: 01202 983983

Teen Fun Rating: 5/5

Go Ape

About: Nestled between the New Forest and the south coast beaches, Moors Valley Country Park is a picture-perfect location for an active day out near Bournemouth.? 

With a whopping five Dorset outdoor activities, there's an adrenaline-filled?experience for all thrill-seekers of all ages. Your teenager will love the TreeTop Challenge! 

Address: Horton Rd, Ashley Heath, Ringwood BH24 2ET 

Telephone: 01425 470721 

Opening Hours: Gates open at 8am every day. 

Teen Fun rating: 5/5 

Eastmoors Riding School

About: Eastmoors provide a really enjoyable experience for the whole family. Head out for a 45 minute or a 1-hour trek on the Westmoors Plantation amongst beautiful woodlands. With absolutely no roads, you can ride straight from the yard into the woods! Trekking is suitable for any ability of rider from total beginners through to the advanced rider. If you’ve never ridden before, don’t worry! They will look after you and make sure you have a great time. Children from 7 years old are welcome. 

Address: Eastmoors Lane, Ringwood Road, St Leonards, Dorset, BH24 2SB 

Telephone:  ?07904902188 

Opening Hours: Rides operate Wednesday through to Sunday at 10am, 11.15am and 2.15pm. Booking by telephone is essential. 

Teen rating: 5/5 

Laser Quest

About: Great fun for any teenager! They’ll love the adrenaline pumping exhilaration of stalking their opponents and unleashing a volley of laser fire in the battle-zone of the next century! The experience is exhilarating and immersive… with fun lurking around every corner. This is the ultimate in interactive entertainment! Laser Quest provides a unique venue with the emphasis on exhilarating fun and excitement whatever the occasion. 

Address: Glen Fern Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2LZ 

Telephone: 01202 556888 

Teen Fun Rating: 5/5 

Insanity Retro Gaming

About: Over 60 gaming machines and consoles available across 2 floors! A great destination for a family day of fun. They also have an in-house bar and grill that provide a great selection to keep those hungry teens full of energy throughout their session. 

Address: Insanity Gaming Arcade, 42 Harwell Road, Nuffield Industrial Estate, Poole,?Dorset, BH17 0GE 

Telephone: 01202 118853 

Opening Hours: Check their website for school holiday opening times. 

Teen Fun Rating: 4/5 

FTY Lab

About: This is the world’s first FTY, the hi-tech football inspired gym.  Made for everyone and all ages, whether you want to train hard or simply play for the fun of the game and popular with both boys and girls. This super fun football training centre uses the latest training technology to enhance a players technical, physical, and mental skills. Experience this alone or with a group of team mates. You can even do Fitball if you’re over 16 and be put to the test with one of their coaches.
 
Address: Redlands Retail Park, Unit C1B, Poole BH12 1DN

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am – 8pm / Saturday 9am – 7pm / Sunday 9am – 5pm
 
Teenage rating: 5/5
 

Prevail Skatehouse

About: The Souths leading indoor skate park fully loaded with foam pit, numerous ramps, bowls, recently fitted resi jump box and quarter. Prevail Skatehouse is made for teenagers with a large indoor skate area to practiceskills (you don’t have to worry about the weather!) They do also have an outdoor skate track for when the sun is out. 

Address: Prevail Skatehouse?Kinson Pottery Estate 65,?67 Ringwood Rd?BH14 0RG

Telephone: 01202 280123

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10am – 10pm / Saturday 9am – 10pm / Sunday 8am – 10pm
 

Land and Wave

About: Based in Swanage, Land and Wave are popular for school trips, Duke of Edinburgh, stag and hen do’s and kids holiday clubs. However, if you’re looking to maximise the fun with your teenager this summer then why not get the family together, or a group of friends and book to do coasteering – basically you play in the sea, explore caves and leap from rocks. You can also do paddleboarding and bushcraft. Exhilarating fun this summer!

Address: Prospect Business Park, Unit 14 Jaden Centre, Victoria Ave, Swanage BH19 1EJ

Telephone: 01929 423031

Teen Fun Rating: 5/5

Mr Mulligans

About: Mr Mulligans brings you crazy golf with a difference 18 crazy holes that teens will love! As well as electro-darts, shooting gallery, pool & ping pong plus a fantastic bar and a restaurant! 

Address: Exeter Rd, Bournemouth BH2 5AF

Telephone: 01202 837850

Teen Fun Rating: 4/5 

Marvo Mysteries Escape Room

About: You enter the world of M.A.R.V.O as Volunteers looking to recover a Mysterious Artifact. All is not what it seems. Old stories give a glimpse into another world, a mirror world, a wonderland filled with powerful Artifacts. Has someone found a way to travel between them? You must search for clues, solve the mystery, recover the Artifact and Escape the room, all before Time runs out. You’ll have great fun in this award winning escape room adventure! Recommended for those aged 12+ and under 16’s must be supervised by an adult – so the perfect excuse to join in. You and your teen will have so much fun!

Address: 664 Christchurch Rd, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH7 6BT 

Telephone: 01202 386525 

Teen Fun Rating: 4/5