A Family Day Out on Poole Quay: Pottery, Pirates & Poole Museum Fun
Discover the perfect family day out on Poole Quay; from painting pottery at Paint a Pot at Studio Poole and exploring the new Poole Museum to crabbing, amusements, and hands-on fun at Lush Poole.
A Perfect Family Day by the Sea
If you’re looking for a fun and memorable family day out in Poole, Poole Quay is bursting with activities for kids of all ages. With creative workshops, fascinating history, classic seaside fun, and plenty of restaurants overlooking the water, it’s the perfect place to explore together, whatever the weather.
We spent the day discovering just how much there is to enjoy along the Quay – from painting pottery at Studio Poole, and exploring the new Poole Museum to getting hands-on at Lush Poole, trying the amusements, and finishing the day with dinner by the harbour.
Paint Pottery at Studio Poole
Our day began at Studio Poole, a must-visit destination for families on Poole Quay. It’s a huge store packed with Poole Pottery, homeware, gifts, and toys, but the highlight for families is the Paint a Pot section.
Children can choose their own pottery piece, from mugs and plates to fun seasonal items – and paint it right there in the studio. You can even have your creations fired in the kiln for a glazed finish, which my daughter did for her mug, ready to treasure for years to come.
It’s a relaxing, creative start to the day and a perfect rainy-day activity in Poole too.
Step Back in Time at the New Poole Museum
Next, we headed to the brand-new Poole Museum, which has recently reopened after a major transformation – and it’s fantastic. The museum tells the story of Poole’s rich maritime history in a way that’s immersive and hands-on for children - and completely free of charge!
From trying on RNLI uniforms to writing letters home as shipmates, every exhibit invites young explorers to get involved and learn through play. It’s educational, engaging, and completely free to visit, making it one of the best things to do with kids in Poole.
There's also a fantastic cafe in Scaplen's Court so perfect for a refreshment and snack for all the family.
Stop at Lush Poole for a Sensory Experience
Just a short stroll from the Quay, Lush Poole is a brilliant addition to your family itinerary. This vibrant flagship store which is the home of fresh, handmade cosmetics welcomes kids to get hands-on with the products, from bath bombs to bubble bars.
The staff are always friendly and happy to show little ones how things work, making it a fun and sensory experience for the whole family. It’s a lovely way to add colour (and sparkle!) to your day, and you might even pick up some eco-friendly gifts while you’re there.
Seaside Fun on the Quay
No trip to Poole Quay is complete without a bit of classic seaside fun. The amusements arcade is a family favourite – grab some change for the penny machines, try your luck on the grabbers, or race each other on the driving games.
Then, head to the water’s edge for crabbing or fishing, one of the Quay’s most-loved free activities. All you need is a simple crabbing line, some bait, and a bucket. The kids will love the excitement of seeing what they can catch, and it’s a great way to relax and take in the harbour views.
Stroll and Soak Up the Views
Take a leisurely wander along Poole Quay, stopping for an ice cream or to browse the gift shops. You’ll find plenty of benches to sit and watch the boats go by, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a ferry heading for Brownsea Island. The Quay’s walkable traffic-free layout makes it easy to explore with younger children.
Dinner with a Sea View
After a full day of exploring, we recommend dinner at Da Vinci's on Poole Quay overlooking the harbour. There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants offering freshly caught seafood, stone-baked pizzas, and local produce.
If you’re visiting in spring or summer, you can enjoy al fresco dining with stunning sea views – the perfect end to a fun-filled family day out on the Quay.
Plan Your Visit
Poole Quay is easily accessible with nearby parking, and most attractions are within a short walking distance, making it simple for families with younger children. Whether you visit on a bright summer day or a cosy winter afternoon, there’s always something to discover.
