Get ready for a summer of fun across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Residents and visitors are being invited to make the most of the summer holidays, with a packed programme of activities, events and family-friendly opportunities taking place across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

From festivals and outdoor entertainment to museums, leisure centres and seafront attractions, there's something for everyone to enjoy throughout the summer. 

Cllr Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations, said: “Summer is a fantastic time to enjoy everything our area has to offer. With such a wide range of activities taking place across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, we’re encouraging everyone to get involved, try something new and make the most of the summer holidays.” 

Cllr Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communications and Culture, said: "Our area comes alive during the summer months, with a fantastic mix of events, entertainment, culture and creativity on offer. Whether you're discovering our museums, enjoying live performances, exploring the outdoors or attending one of the many community events taking place, there's plenty to inspire and enjoy across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this summer." 
 
With a wide range of events and activities running across the area, planning ahead is key. Residents and visitors are encouraged to check what’s on each week and take advantage of the variety of free and low-cost options available. 

Highlights include Poole Harbour Festival's 10th anniversary (31 July to 2 August), Stompin' on the Quomps (1 August), the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Proms (7 and 8 August) and Summer Sounds at Poole Quay, running every weekend from 25 July to 30 August.

Families can enjoy Great British Summer Savings Scheme offers for discounted days out at Highcliffe Castle and the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, as well as the Morebus Weekend child dayrider trips for just £2 for under 19's. Check for more Summer Saving Scheme discounts and travel offers on the UK Gov website directly.  

Poole Museum is offering a summer packed with family-friendly activities, including a pirate adventure trail, weekly hands-on workshops, evening openings during the Poole Quay fireworks, guided gallery tours, RNLI talks, the Festival of Archaeology, and the new Life in Full Colour: The Art of Jason Wilsher-Mills exhibition. With free entry to the museum, there are plenty of opportunities for all ages to explore, learn and get creative throughout the holidays. 

At the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, families can enjoy a summer of fairy-themed fun from 23 July to 31 August, including free trails, exhibition activities, garden games, craft workshops and a Fairy Garden Party on 30 July, inspired by the Flower Fairies™: Enchantment by the Sea exhibition. Admission charges apply to the historic house and galleries. Admission prices throughout the summer holiday are reduced due to the Great British Summer Savings initiative.  

Upton Country Park invites visitors to experience the magic of the park in their free Summer Fantasy Trail running throughout the school holidays, pick up a trail sheet from the Welcome Centre and explore. The splash fountain will be running regularly for visitors to cool off in, and we also have bouncy fun, face painting  

Launching later this summer, the new BCP LIFE card will give residents access to a range of everyday benefits, including free monthly swims, parking discounts and savings at selected council-run venues, helping local people get even more from living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

BCP Leisure's Swim Sure campaign is helping children and families stay safe around water this summer, with water safety activities, self-rescue sessions and a special Swim Academy offer. On World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July), Poole Dolphin, Rossmore and Two Riversmeet leisure centres will host £2 swims and water safety sessions promoting the lifesaving Find Your Float message. Families can also enjoy swimming sessions, holiday activities and the Big Summer Bounce event at Kings Park Leisure and Learning Centre on 29 August. Kids Holiday Club for 8-11 years will run every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in August at Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre. A special Junior and Adult Swim Academy offer gives people the chance to learn vital swimming skills for just £28 per month for three months – the offer is available until the end of July. Find out more information about these offers here. 

Free LV= KidZone wristbands are available from LV= KidZone and BCP seafront staff, all seafront offices and RNLI lifeguard towers across the coastline, helping families stay safe and making it easier to reunite loved ones if they become separated. 

BH Live Active is offering a packed programme of summer activities, including pool inflatables, Wet & Wacky swim sessions, soft play, swimming crash courses, multi-sport holiday camps and family fitness activities across its facilities. Families can also enjoy a range of live entertainment at Lighthouse in Poole, Bournemouth Pavilion and Bournemouth International Centre this summer, including MAMMA MIA!, Bluey's Big Play and Waitress, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Minions and Monsters.  

Summer fireworks are back in Bournemouth and Poole, bringing free family-friendly entertainment to the seafront throughout the holidays. The much-loved displays are a summer highlight and a great way for residents and visitors to enjoy warm evenings by the coast. 

From live music and festivals to culture and family days out, there's plenty happening across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this summer. Whether it’s exploring local parks, attending community events, taking part in sports, or enjoying the seafront, the summer programme has been designed to support families, young people and visitors to stay active, entertained and connected. 

Information on weekly events, activities and updates can be found on the BCP social media channels – Facebook and Instagram. For those keen to get outdoors, Explore BCP features scenic walks, parks and coastal trails, while the BCP Family Information Directory is packed with affordable and free activities to help families make the most of the summer holidays.