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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
Kingston Maurward Animal Park & Gardens
About: This family-friendly animal park provides a fun day out for all ages, from babies, toddlers, to bigger kids and adults, there is so many activities and things to see that you'll all certainly love.
Kingston Maurward Animal Park allows you to feed their sheep, alpacas and goats, miniature Shetland ponies, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and many more! Once you've had fun visiting all the animals and taking a stroll around their gardens, you can then relax at The Barn Café. The Barn Cafe serves lovely fresh barista coffee and a wide range of teas. Serving delicious locally made sandwiches with generous fillings and hot pastries, along with scrumptious hand made cakes.
This animal park and garden should definitely be at the top of your list to visit, plus admission is FREE!
TGt Recommends: Call ahead to ask about their opening times before making a trip there, as their opening times vary depending on the weather.
Address: Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park , Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8PY
Tel: 01305 237581
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
Watersports
About: Poole Park is open for hire from 9th April 2022. Head on down to enjoy the beautiful surrounds of Poole Park and take a trip out on the lake.
They offer the following equipment for hire, prices are per boat/board:
- Kayak - £10 per 30 mins
- Paddleboard - £10 per 30 mins
- Pedalo - £10 per 30 mins
- Laser Pico - £20 per 60 mins
Address: Rockley Point, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4RW
Telephone: 01202 677272
Outdoor Activities
About: South Coast Adventures are a watersports centre who run a variety of activities from climbing to kayaking, with something for everyone. They are based in the perfect location of Hamworthy Park, which has 180’ views of Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island.
They offer a variety of guided water based trips, adventurous days out and instructor personal development courses.
They provide the following activities:
- Climbing Wall - £10 p/p per 30 mins.
- The Cave - £5 p/p for 2 rounds.
- Paddleboarding - Lessons are £25 p/p for 2 hours and hires cost £10 p/p per hour.
- Kayaking - Lessons are £25 p/p for 2 hours and hires cost £10 p/p per hour.
Book online to ensure your space!
Address: Hamworthy Park, Lulworth Avenue, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4DH
Telephone: 07507 718612
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
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 Road, Organford, Poole, Organford, Poole BH16 6EU
Tel: 01202 622022
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: Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH
Tel: 01929 462537
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: Sandbanks, Poole, BH13 7QJ
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
Adventure Wonderland Bournemouth
About: Adventure Wonderland provides a wide range of exciting rides and attractions that create the perfect family day out. Whatever the weather, Adventure Wonderland guarantee a fun day out.
This ward winning, family run theme park, aimed primarily towards families with children aged 3 - 10 have 30 rides and attractions all included in the entry price. Plus, your get to see some park characters walking around.
TGt Recommends: If you visit them during the winter your get to enjoy their huge indoor Aztec Adventure Play Centre that provides an array of jungle themed rides and restaurants.
Address: Merritown Ln, Bournemouth, BH23 6BA
Tel: 01202 483444