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Animal Parks & Wildlife Attractions in Dorset
Farm Park
Where: Farmer Palmer's, Wareham Rd, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU
About: Farmer Palmer's is a great choice if you're looking for things to do with kids, as it's just 6 miles from central Poole and is suitable for children 0-8yrs old.
Kids can not only enjoy seeing, petting and feeding the animals but also can enjoy tractor rides, pedal tractors, waterplay, indoor and outdoor play areas, a bouncy castle, and so much more.
Food & Drink: There's a great cafe with fresh homecooked food on the menu. View their menu here.
Fun Rating: 5/5
Outdoor Family Activities in Dorset
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.
Indoor Activities for Kids in Dorset
The Dolphin Poole
Where: The Dolphin Poole
About: Alongside their food section and shopping - The Dolphin also host a varity of events to keep you and your family entertained whilst your at the shopping centre! View their upcoming events, here.
Food & Drink: Upstairs in The Dolphin, find their Street Food area! We'd recommend Wraps 'n Roll, as they have something for everyone! Check out their menu, here.
Fun Rating: 3.5/5
Family Attractions Near Bournemouth & Poole
Minterne House & Gardens
Where: Minterne Magna, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7AU
About: About: Take a family trip over to Minterne House and let the kids explore their stunning Country House, followed by their Himalayan gardens. Enjoy a relaxing day out as you stroll through their gardens - whilst also surrounding your kids with a piece of history. Built-in the 18th century, Minterne House boasts a rich heritage that spans several generations. The stately Georgian architecture and meticulously landscaped gardens provide a romantic backdrop that is nothing short of magical.
Parking: Parking is free for those visiting Minterne House and Gardens and is located opposite St Andrews Church, Minterne Magna.
Dogs Allowed: Yes as long as they're kept on a lead.
Indoor Activities for Kids in Dorset
The Shire Hall Museum
Where: High W Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UY
About: Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester is the perfect activity for kids, offering a captivating blend of history, interactive exhibits, and engaging storytelling. This family-friendly museum takes young visitors on a thrilling journey through time, with its immersive displays, including fascinating trials from the past and the gripping tales of historic criminals.
Kids can step into the shoes of jurors, judges, or even defendants as they explore the fully restored courtroom.
The museum's hands-on activities, educational workshops, and a range of age-appropriate exhibits make learning about the justice system and local history fun and accessible. Shire Hall Museum not only educates but also entertains, making it an ideal destination for families seeking an enriching and enjoyable experience for their children.
Food & Drink: Enjoy locally sourced brunches, daily-changing lunches, and afternoon tea and cake in their airy mezzanine café.
Fun Rating: 5/5
Outdoor Family Activities in Dorset
Surfing Lessons
Where: Branksome Dene Beach, Poole, BH13 6FB
Venue: Shaka Surf
About: Surfing is a great activity for all ages from the young to adults; with kids as young as 6 years if accompanied by Parents , 8 years and above without Parents, (although, advised parents to accompany them if under 10yrs). And if the sea is looking more like a mill pond, Stand Up Paddleboarding or Supping is one of the fastest growing watersports in the UK and is a great activity to enjoy, plus it’s easier than surfing!
Price:
- One to One - £100pp
- Two to One - £65pp
- Three to One - £55pp
Or ... Shaka Surf also host Group Lessons
- A group of 4 or more - £45.00 pp (Adults) / £38pp (U15s)
Indoor Activities for Kids in Dorset
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
Laser Quest Bournemouth
About: Step into the ultimate sci-fi action adventure - perfect for all ages! They provide a full briefing and all the gear you’ll need. Each player is equipped with a futuristic body pack and laser blaster before entering the Laser Quest arena, a multi-level labyrinth filled with catwalks, twists, turns, swirling fog, and spectacular special effects.
Address: Laser Quest, Glen Fern Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2LZ
Telephone: 01202 556 888
Outdoor Family Activities in Dorset
Watersports
Where: Studland Watersports, Rockley Point Activity Centre or Poole Park Activity Centre
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.
Rockley Point Activity Centre is the original centre founded in 1976, based in beautiful Poole Harbour - Europe's largest natural harbour. Possibly the most highly regarded sailing centre in Britain it uses some of the UK's safest and most idyllic sailing waters.
Price: Various
Activities offered:
Rockley Point Activities:
- RYA Sailing Courses
- Team Building and Initiative Exercises
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding
- Dinghy Sailing
- Catamaran Sailing
- Raft Building
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Mega SUP
- Windsurfing
- Powerboating
- Beach Games
Poole Park Activities:
- Dinghy Sailing
- Windsurfing
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding
- MEGA SUP
- Raft Building
- RYA Sailing Courses
- Swan Pedalo's
- Hire
- Clubs
- School Sessions
Please note: They accept childcare vouchers.
Indoor Activities for Kids in Dorset
Swimming
Individually Swimming & Fitness
Where: Individuality Swimming and Fitness, Suite 1 Discovery Court Business Centre, 551 - 553 Wallisdown Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5AG
About: Looking for things to do to keep your little ones entertained?
Whether they're off school and needing something to do to keep themselves busy, or they still have lots of energy after finishing school and need an after school activity to make them tired, whatever it is Individuality Swimming and Fitness have an array of swimming clubs and groups that your kids will love.
Individuality Swimming and Fitness offer swimming lessons at local pools for babies, kids & adults in Poole and the surrounding areas. They provide the following lessons:
- Parent & Baby Classes
- One to One/Two to One Lessons
- Aqua Natal Classes
- Adult Swimming Lessons
- Small Group Swimming Lessons
- Swimming Shop
Fun Rating: 5/5
Where: Hamworthy Park Junior School, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4DG
About: Learning to swim and being confident in the water is incredibly important, Discover Swimming help provide tailored swimming lessons to children.
They provide the following services:
- Adult Swimming Classes
- Parent-Child Classes
- Private Lessons
Fun Rating: 5/5
Get Creative with some Pottery Painting
Where: Studio Poole, Unit D2 to D5, Dolphin quays, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HU
About: Studio Poole are the largest Poole pottery outlet in the world and have a working studio that allows you and your kids to have fun getting messy with paint. It can be tricky finding unique ideas and activities for your kids to do, but Studio Poole really do provide the perfect activity that suits any age and lets them have fun whilst also being able to use their creative side.
Their Have-A-Go experience is the ideal family-friendly activity which allows you to paint your own ceramic masterpiece from their wide selection of bisque animals and fantasy creatures, as well as seasonal exclusive options.
Food & Drink: Located near popular local restaurants so you can always grab a bite to eat after your fun arts and crafts adventure.
Fun Rating: 5/5
Outdoor Family Activities in Dorset
Hit 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: Poole's Beaches offer so much for the kids to do at all times of the year. In autumn and winter months, just go well wrapped up and the kids will have a blast simply running around the beach, getting messy, building and knocking down sandcastles and just experiencing beach life.
In the summer, you can make a real family day of it on Poole's beaches. You can rent beach huts, barbecues, play beach volleyball or just have a picnic and enjoy the ease of letting the kids run wild on some of the UKs safest and cleanist beaches.
If your children are looking for some adventure, then we recommend you look in to some of the kids watersports activities on offer in Poole. These range from Stand-Up Paddleboarding to surf lessons, sailing and snorkelling. There are many weekend watersports clubs for kids in Poole as well as school holiday clubs.
TGt Favourite:
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.
Fun Rating: 5/5
Indoor Activities for Kids in Dorset
Leisure Centre Fun
Where: David Lloyd
About: David Lloyd Poole is one of Dorset's premier fitness clubs and is the perfect destination for the whole family to have some fun. They offer an array of fantastic kids clubs that your little ones will love!
Their sports facilities are endless with an array of indoor and outdoor tennis courts, badminton courts, squash courts and 3 swimming pools.
So next time you're looking for something to keep your kids entertained and away from the tv why not take them to David Lloyd for some fun indoor and outdoor sports activities!
Food & Drink: They have a clubroom which provides an array of freshly made food and drinks menus that have been created by nutritionists and fitness experts.
Fun Rating: 5/5
Dance Majic
Where: 316 Ringwood Road, Poole, Dorset, BH14 0RY
About: Dance Majic offers classes with specialist teachers for each dance genre for beginners to advanced.
Their classes are created to embrace having fun and learning to fall in love with dancing whatever your age. Dance Majic offers children’s classes in ballet, tap, ballroom/Latin, street/commercial, pop/freestyle, and their mini range to get your toddlers moving for whatever style they grow into.
Fun Rating: 5/5
Family Attractions Near Bournemouth & Poole
Day Trip to Brownsea Island
Where: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7EE
About: Providing sensational views across the Purbeck Hills, it's one of Poole's most popular harbours. The island is a sanctury for wildlife; with a plentiful selection of birds such as kingfishers, oystercatchers and lots more.
The island is accessible by boat, and ferry charges apply (separate to NT fees). There are plenty of trails around the island, so it’s the perfect day out for all the family!
Food & Drink: The Villano Café serves a range of hot and cold drinks, hot and cold snacks and light meals.
Fun Rating: 4/5
Indoor Activities for Kids in Dorset
Poole Museum
Where: Poole Museum
About: Poole Museum gives you the chance to explore the interesting history of the lives of people who lived in Poole thousands of years ago. It's an adventurous and educational day out that the whole family are bound to love. If you'd prefer to explore the museum with an educational tour guide so you can understand in-depth detail about Poole then you can click here.
Food & Drink: The Salt Pig is situated next door in Scaplen's Court - also part of the museum!
Fun Rating: 4/5
Outdoor Family Activities in Dorset
A Day Out at Moors Valley
Where: Horton Rd, Ashley Heath, Ringwood BH24 2ET
About: Moors Valley is an award-winning visitor attraction offering a host of outdoor activities for all ages.
Discover miles of walking trails, cycle routes and dog-friendly trails, two large adventure play areas, Adventure Valley featuring Mini Land Rovers and Adventure Golf, Cycle Hire, Gruffalo and friends’ sculptures, a one mile Play Trail, our Tree Top and Music Trails, and accessible Bee Hive play structure.
Activities:
- Children’s play areas / play structures
- Adventure Valley Mini Golf
- Adventure Valley Land Rovers (mini electric Land Rovers for kids)
- Go Ape High Ropes / Treetop Challenge
- Go Ape Forest Segways
- Moors Valley Railway
- Golf (18-hole course, Pitch & Putt, Disc Golf)
- Fishing at Moors Lake
- Laser Tag in the woods
- Walking, running & cycling trails
View all activities, here.
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
Upwey Wishing Well
About: Visit the Sub-Tropical Water Gardens at Upwey Wishing Well for a relaxing and scenic day out! Take in the breathtaking acre of botanical water gardens, meandering walkways, and a charming wishing well, offering visitors a tranquil escape. The perfect place to pause, savour delightful food, and indulge in heavenly cakes in a truly enchanting setting!
Times: 10am-5pm daily
Address: Wishing Well Cottage, 161 Church Street, Weymouth, DT3 5QE
Telephone: 01305 814470
Indoor Activities for Kids in Dorset
Lemur Landings
Where: Tower Park, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NY
About: Lemur Landings in located within the Tower Park leisure complex so there's plentiful secure free parking and you can make a full day of it in the park if you wish. Lemur Landings has an indoor play centre with a multi-level climbing frame, slides and tunnel.
Food & Drink: Family cafe on site so parents can relax while watching the kids. Extensive menu using locally sourced produce where possible. View menu here.
Age: Play centre age limit is 11
Fun Rating: 5/5
Booking: All tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Animal Parks & Wildlife Attractions in Dorset
Animal Parks
Where: Monkey World, Putlake Adventure Farm, Oceanarium
About: There's a good mix of animal days out in Poole and you can't go wrong with a trip to see the animals; it's always a popular option with kids of all ages (adults too!).
Monkey World is home to over 20 different primate species, it's a fun and educational day out and the Great Ape Play area is the largest adventure play area in the South so will be a huge hit with the kids, there's a good choice of cafes and many picnic areas too. Check out what Total Guide to got up to when we visited Monkey World.
Putlake Adventure Farm is aimed at children from 0 to 10 years. It's a real working farm with animals, tractor rides, an outdoor play area and very popular large indoor soft play area. Located in Swanage, it's a little further out than our other suggestions but you can really make a full day of it by experiencing the rest of Swanage.
Liberty's Owl, Rapture and Reptile Centre is in Ringwood and approx 18 miles from central Poole but another one worth the short travel. There's a large selection of Birds Of Prey, including Owls, Hawks, Falcons along with a collection of Reptiles. There are daily Flying Demonstrations so you'll be able to see the beauty.of these birds in action.
Although based in Bournemouth, the extremely popular Oceanarium is just a few miles from Poole and we find it's always a good go-to when it's raining and it's all indoor. Kids will be excited to see sharks, turtles, stingrays, a crocodile, jellyfish, clownfish, otters and penguins. There are regular feeding talks, a gift shop and good cafe on-site.
Food and Drink: Cafes on site in most parks and numerous picnic areas.
Fun Rating: 5/5
Free Things to Do with Kids in Dorset
Parks and Playgrounds
Where: Our pick of the best parks and play areas in Poole include; Poole Park, Hamworthy Park, Harbourside Park and Upton Country Park.
About: These are just a small selection of the parks and playgrounds in Poole. The link below will take you to the full list but, in our opinion, these deserve a special mention.
Poole Park, with it's central location, lake, crazy golf, two play areas, tennis courts, and not to mention, The Ark - home to a cafe, soft play area and indoor ice rink, is a firm favourite. You'll be able to spend hours here.
You can even move on to Harbourside Park if you've got some energy left! It's just next to Poole Park before you reach Poole Harbour. As it's explosed, it's a good spot for flying kites and windy walks! There's a skate park and fitness station for the active members of the family. There are two car parks.
Hamworthy Park boasts gorgeous views as it is situated on Hamworthy Beach. There's two large play area, fitness stations and large paddling pool open in the summer months and being on the beach, there are lots of options for watersports activities.
Upton Country Park is a really popular destination and can be enjoyed by all the family. It's home to a Grade II listed Georgian Mansion Hous surruounded by a beautiful botanical walled garden, and adventure play areas for the kids to enjoy. Keep an eye on their website for updates on there seasonal events too; there's always a reason to keep returning! It's free entry but there is a charge for parking.
Food and Drink: Cafes on site in most parks and numerous picnic areas.
Fun Rating: 4/5
Animal Parks & Wildlife Attractions in Dorset
Head to a safari park
Where: Longleat Safari Park, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW
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.
Food & drink: Longleat Safari Park have an abundance of places to eat, from their Watering Hole Cafe, the Chameleon Tree and Coffee House, Pizza Piazza, seasonal kiosks and Afternoon Tea in the Orangery.
Fun rating: 5/5
Family Attractions Near Bournemouth & Poole
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
Indoor Activities for Kids in Dorset
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
About The Author
Written by Phoebe Hooper
Phoebe Hooper is a writer and member of the Total Guide to Dorset team, specialising in family days out, attractions, and activities across the county.
She regularly visits and reviews attractions across Dorset, providing practical, up-to-date recommendations for families looking for things to do in Dorset throughout the year.
FAQs About Things to Do with Kids in Dorset
What are the best free things to do with kids in Dorset?
The ultimate free things to do with kids in Dorset are going to Bournemouth Beach, fossil hunting at Lyme Regis and Charmouth, exploring Moors Valley Country Park and rock pooling at Kimmeridge Bay. Enjoy walks along the Jurassic Coast, trips to Poole Quay and outdoor play areas across Dorset.
What can you do in Dorset when it rains?
When it rains in Dorset, families can visit indoor attractions such as the Splashdown Poole, The Tank Museum, Oceanarium Bournemouth, and local soft play centres. Indoor climbing, bowling, trampoline parks and museums are also popular rainy day activities for children across Dorset.
Are there toddler-friendly attractions in Dorset?
Dorset has many toddler-friendly attractions including Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Monkey World, Wimborne Model Town and Adventure Wonderland. Families can also enjoy safe beaches, parks and indoor play centres designed for younger children and preschoolers.
What are the best indoor activities for children in Dorset?
The best indoor activities for children in Dorset include visiting Splashdown Poole, the Oceanarium Bournemouth, trampoline parks, soft play centres and The Tank Museum. Dorset also offers indoor climbing, bowling and interactive museums suitable for all ages.
Where can families visit on the Jurassic Coast?
Families visiting the Jurassic Coast can explore Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Lyme Regis, Charmouth and Weymouth Beach. Popular activities include fossil hunting, beach days, boat trips, coastal walks and wildlife spotting along Dorset’s famous coastline.