Family Days Out Within an Hour of Dorset

Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

About: Farmer Palmer's Farm Park will keep you and the kids entertained all day with their fantastic indoor and outdoor play areas, farm animals, woodland trails and seasonal events. And you won't go hungry either as they have the 'Hen House Restaurant' serving delicious home-cooked food. 

Donkeys, Guinea Pigs, Goats, Chickens, Ducks, Deer, Cows, Sheep and Pigs; there are so many animals to meet. And every half an hour, there is a chance to feed, stroke and cuddle some of the animals.

TGt Recommends:  There are seasonal events and activities throughout the year so there's always a reason to re-visit Farmer Palmer's Farm Park. Keep an eye on their website for updates.

Address: Wareham Rd, Organford, Poole BH16 6EU, United Kingdom

Tel: +44 1202 622022   

Take a Cruise with Coastal Cruises

About: Coastal Cruises offer a variety of different cruises, routes, destinations and themes leaving from both Poole Harbour and Salisbury! Take you little ones onto the sea to explore the Jurassic Coast. Coastal Cruises offer fun and unique cruises for you to pick from, including Birdwatching cruises and Fish and Chips dining cruises!

View a list of all their cruises and events here.

Website: View here.

Swanage Railway

About: Swanage Railway offer a variety of family days out and themed railway trips! Each station along the route tells its own story. The railway features stations at Corfe Castle and Harman’s Cross, along with a halt at Herston on the outskirts of Swanage.

Swanage Railway host a variety of themed events, view here.

Fun Rating: 5/5

Hamworthy Park and Beach

Hamworthy Park and Beach can sometime's be overlooked as it's not right in the heart of Poole but it is such a gem and well worth a visit.

There is plentiful free parking, a fantastic children's play park, stunning and safe beach for the kids (it can also be a good spot for water sports and kite-surfing when the conditions are right too!), there are beach huts, a fishing pier,  and a seasonal paddling pool.

It's also open all year round to dog-walkers but dogs must be kept on a lead on the promenade.

TGt Recommends: Take along a picnic or visit the park cafe and make a full day of it, there's plenty to enjoy at Hamworthy Park.

Address: Lulworth Ave, Hamworthy, Poole BH15 4DH

Splashdown Poole

Where: Splashdown, Tower Park

About: Located in Tower Park, Poole, one of the South's premier leisure complexes, Splashdown is home to 13 thrilling indoor and outdoor flume rides and 2 under 5's splash zones (one inside and one outsite). The perfect family fun for all weathers!

Opening Hours: Open in Dorset school holidays daily and most weekends, but please view their confirmed opening times here. *Please note seasonal slides – from early May*

Fun Rating: 5/5

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

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

Buddens Activity Centre

Who: Buddens Activity Centre 

About: Buddens Activity Centre is located right by the historic and famous Jurassic Coast, with nearby spots of Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove and more; making it a great day out! 

Activities offered: Similar to Rockley's other centres; Buddens hosts a wide variety of activities for you to enjoy. Have a day of watersports fun with activites such as kayaking, canoeing and getting stuck in with some raft building! If watersports aren't your passion, then Buddens have a whole host of non-water based activities. 

Try your hand at abseiling, climbing and archery and gain a new skill! 

Please note: Buddens Activity Centre accept childcare vouchers.

Bournemouth Pier Attractions

About: For adventure enthusiasts, the pier features RockReef, an indoor activity centre boasting 25 climbing walls, an aerial obstacle course, a vertical slide, and the Pier Cave. Additionally, the PierZip, the world's first pier-to-shore zip line, provides an exhilarating ride from the pier to the beach. Perfect for a family day out!

Bournemouth Pier also host a variety of fun events that you can view, here. Alongside their Pier Perks offer! Claim 20% at the Pier attractions, alongside some of your other favourite spots - find out more here.

Address: Pier Approach, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AA

Watersports

Location: Situated within Dorset, in Poole.

Venues: Rockley Point or Poole Park

About: Cool off from the hot weather that summer in Poole brings with it by taking to the water and having fun trying out a range of adrenaline-thrilling watersports activities.

Recognised as the largest commercial sailing business in the UK, Rockley offers a range of watersports activities for you to turn up and try out including paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, and more along with a range of land-based activities.

Price: Various

Activities offered: Engage in a range of watersports from kayaking and canoeing at both locations, to raft building at Poole Park or windsurfing at Rockley Point.

Please note: Rockley and Poole Park Activity Centre accept childcare vouchers.

Poole Quay

About: Poole Quay will deliver a varied and actioned packed full day out. Unlock the history of Poole by visiting the Old Town and Poole Museum (where entry is free), or take a harbour cruise from the Quayside to delve a little deeper.

There is a approx. 90 minute Cockle Trail where you can follow the brass plaques on the pavement displaying Poole heritage and to see how Poole has evolved over the years.

And of course a free firm favourite is crabbing on Poole Quay; just don't forget your bucket, line and bait!

All this will have worked up an appetite and you're in the right place as Poole Quay has a large array of restaurants, cafes and pubs.

TGt Recommends:  Keep an eye on our events calendar to see all the upcoming events across Poole Quay as it is host to a number of fantastic events; especially through the summer months.

Address: Poole Quay, Poole BH15 1HJ

Sandbanks Beach

Sandbanks Beach is one of the most well-known beaches and areas of Poole - for good reason too. With it's long stretch of golden soft sand, clean waters and blue-flag status, it is the perfect place to soak up the beauty of Poole and for children to safely enjoy beachside fun.

It's not just great for summer days either; Sandbanks Beach is a special place to enjoy walks and taking in the views all year round. There is a promenade with plenty of shops, cafe's and restaurants and there is a fun little road train along the seafront too.

TGt Recommends: Food and drink prices can be pricier in this area so take along a picnic or pre-book a barbecuse on the western end of the beach.

Address: Banks Rd, Poole BH13 7QQ, United Kingdom

Land & Wave

Distance from Dorset: Based in Swanage, Dorset

Land & Wave offers outdoor adventure experiences on and around the Jurassic Coast, making it a brilliant choice for an active family day out. From coasteering and kayaking to paddleboarding, raft building, bushcraft and outdoor challenges, there are plenty of ways for families to get outside and try something memorable together.

Their activities are led by experienced instructors and are designed to be fun, confidence-building and suitable for different ages and abilities. Whether you’re planning a school holiday adventure, a weekend activity, or something a little different by the coast, Land & Wave is a great option for families who love the outdoors.

Location: Swanage, Dorset

Getting there: Activities take place across different Dorset locations, so check your booking details before travelling

Opening Times: Please check with venue for activity availability

Monkey World

About: Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is conveniently located just a short 15 to 20 minute drive from Poole and there is plentiful free parking.

This is a fun day out for all ages and you're sure to leave with a smile. The primates living at Monkey World include Chimpanzees, Orang-utan's, Gibbon's (who love a good sing-song!), and Marmoset's.

It's really easy to get around and it's all buggy friendly. There are regular keeper talks and the option to have a guided tour and there are three fantasic play park for the kids to enjoy while parents can relax and refuel in the Tree Tops cafe situated right by the parks.

TGt Recommends:  We love hearing the Gibbon's sing so make sure you keep your ears peeled or ask the staff the best time to catch their chorus.

Address: Tout Hill, Longthorns, Wareham BH20 6HH, United Kingdom

Tel: +44 1929 462537

Mapperton House

Where: Mapperton, Beaminster DT8 3NR

About: There is something for everyone in the family at Mapperton House and Gardens! You can; join a tour of the Nation’s Finest Manor House; Stroll around theirAward-Winning Gardens; Enjoy light meals and teas in the Coach House café; Explore their Wild Play Areas; Reconnect with nature on Countryside Walks & Self-Guided Safaris; Experience the wonder of rewilding at Mapperton Wildlands; or evenStay at Mapperton House and our delightful Holiday Cottages

Parking: Parking onsite and free with an annual membership.

Dogs Allowed: Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas. Dogs are welcome on the wider estate walks and in the Coach House Cafe and car park as long as kept on leads. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed in the House, Gardens or Wildlands.

Longleat Safari Park

About: Renowned for being the first Drive Through Safari Park outside of Africa, Longleat invites you to wind up the windows and hide all the sandwiches because… you’re going on an adventure that’s wilder, furrier and growlier than you ever dared imagine. Count cheetah spots, wave at wolves and have a giraffe. Just watch out for the monkeys!

And don’t forget to put your walking shoes on to meet furry, scaly and feathery friends on foot. From snoozing Southern koalas to snapping Cuban crocodiles, see how many animals you can spot on the Walking Safari.

Address: Longleat Safari Park, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW

Telephone: 01985 844400

Wimborne Model Town & Gardens

Where: Wimborne Model Town & Gardens

About: Looking for a family-friendly day out within easy reach of Dorset? Wimborne Model Town & Gardens is a charming attraction where visitors can explore a detailed miniature version of Wimborne as it appeared in the 1950s. Set within beautifully maintained gardens, it offers a relaxed experience with plenty to see, making it ideal for families, couples, and visitors of all ages.

Alongside the impressive model town, you’ll find interactive displays, a model railway, family quizzes, and peaceful outdoor spaces to enjoy at your own pace. Whether you’re stopping for a few hours or planning a full day out nearby, it’s a lovely option for something a little different and easy to enjoy together.

Activities offered: Explore the model town, discover the model railway, enjoy garden walks, and take part in family-friendly activities