Family Friendly things to do
If you’re seeking fun-packed days out in Dorset with the kids, we've got loads of ideas to keep all ages entertained.
There’s animals to meet, dinosaurs to discover, castles to explore, thrilling rides and sports of all sorts.
One thing’s for sure, we can guarantee you and the family won’t be bored on your holiday. Get ready for some great fun!
What shall we do today?
It’s not difficult to keep the kids (and parents) entertained in Dorset as there’s a fair share of star family attractions hidden in amongst all that lovely West Country scenery.
One of the most renowned ape rescue centres in the world, Monkey World is home to over 230 rescued and endangered apes and monkeys. A great day out for your cheeky chimps!
Moors Valley Country Park has something for everyone. Set in 1000 acres of parkland and forest you can explore the way marked trails, tree-top walkways and tackle the high wire adventure.
Enjoy some fun down on the farm at Farmer Palmers. This is a great day out for under 8s with a brilliant adventure playground and a number of animal based activities.
If a family theme park is what the kids crave, Adventure Wonderland is the place for you. With over 30 family rides and attractions, the park takes its inspiration from Lewis Carol's Alice in Wonderland. The children will love meeting Alice, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, Mr Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat.
Inspirational days out
You’ll never be stuck for interesting things to see and do in Dorset, even when the British weather takes a turn for the worse. Don’t panic, Dorset has plenty of indoor fun to keep everyone entertained.
For your little soldiers, the Tank Museum is a must. Learn the story of the tank and look around a massive display of armoured vehicles; you can even take part in a trench experience. Tonnes of fun for everyone!
Kids will love the amazing variety of museums in Dorset where children of all ages can learn, explore, touch, and discover. Board a Concorde aircraft, be amazed at life sized dinosaurs and teddy bears, see Tutankhamun’s tomb and have your photo taken with Mr Bean’s yellow mini!
If the children need to let off some steam, take them to Lemur Landings – a huge soft play centre with bridges to cross, tunnels to explore and plenty of clambering up, sliding down and running around.
Get back to nature
For any animal lovers in your family, Dorset won’t disappoint. Dorset is home to some of the very best riding stables that cater for little ones and big ones!
Enjoy a trek across the open countryside or enjoy one on one tuition with an experienced instructor with Rosewall Equestrian or The Ancient Trails Company.
For those of you not keen on riding your animal companion, why not lead a loving Donkey or exotic Llama while taking some of the sites and sounds of the countryside on an organised walk.
On the crest of a wave
It’s not surprising that with Dorset’s fantastic coastline that we have some of the very best water based activities that you’ll find anywhere. Dorset is home to the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy and its waters hosted the sailing events for the London 2012 Olympics. Spend a day out on the water and see if you’ve got what it takes to be the next Ben Ainsley.
The best view of Dorset’s world heritage coastline is most certainly from the water so the chance to enjoy a blast along the coast in a specially adapted RIB shouldn't be missed. Book a session with Lyme Bay RIB Charter to experience a ride you’ll never forget, just remember to hold on tight!!
Did you know that the RNLI headquarters and national training college is in Poole? Why not take a behind the scenes tour of the RNLI College to find out how their crews and lifeguards are trained and be given the chance to explore the college and its training facilities, including their world-class Sea Survival Centre, which hosts the wave tank and Lifeboat simulator. Maybe the little ones will be inspired to become a lifeguard?
Hit the trail
Explore Dorset with Treasure Trails Dorset. They offer a host of self-guided walks with a number of different themes for families and children to enjoy. Spot the clues, follow the trail, and find the treasure.
Be creative
If you'd like to try something different, then a visit to Burngate Stone Carving Centre is a must. They run 2 hour sessions for both adults and children. Try carving a flower, name or your favourite animal.
Fit and fun
Don’t forget that Dorset also has a number of modern sports centres offering a vast array of activities, from badminton and squash through to family fun session’s poolside or outside.
Experience the country life
The biggest and best attractions in Dorset aren’t those that would immediately spring to mind; they’re our beaches, cliffs, harbours, woods and meadows – places that are absolutely free to go and see! If you’re after a great family day out that won’t cost you a penny, come and experience some of Dorset’s finest natural wonders.
A picnic at Durdle Door will entertain the whole family. Spend the day at Dorset’s most famous landmark and soak up the atmosphere at this magnificent beauty spot. Splash in the sea, play games, relax and enjoy some quality family time.
Start planning your family adventures today
In order to get the most out of your stay in Dorset and experience as many attractions as possible, it is advisable to book some accommodation.
We are proud to offer a wide range of accommodation that is suitable for families, whether you’re looking for hotels, B&Bs, holiday cottages, caravan parks or camping facilities, you can rest assured we have everything here for you to enjoy during your stay in Dorset.
Highlightedfor you
Brewery Square
Welcome to Brewery Square, the heart of Dorchester, where vibrant energy meets stylish sophistication. This bustling hub boasts a variety of shops, eateries and leisure facilities, making it a...
Brownsea Island
The perfect day’s adventure, this island wildlife sanctuary is easy to get to but feels like another world from the moment you step ashore. The island sits in the middle of Poole Harbour, with...
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle ruins are one of Britain's most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians, they sit proudly upon a hill of this...
Cumulus Outdoor Adventure
Cumulus Outdoors offers unrivalled outdoor experience and a range of outdoor adventure experiences for families and private groups, a range of school residential programmes including field studies,...
Cyclexperience
Get tranquility and exercise on a bike whilst exploring the woodlands, heaths, beaches and hills of the Isle of Purbeck! Ride top of the range mountain bikes or modern...
Dorset Adventure Park
Located in Corfe Castle, Dorset Adventure park is a family fun Waterpark and Mud Trail. Featuring 18 acres of woodland and lakes with stunning views of Corfe Castle. Whether you’re looking to...
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park
~ A day delivered with passion at Dorset's favourite family run attraction ~ Come along and treasure a unique experience visiting one of the very last Heavy Horse Centres left in Great...
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park
Farmer Palmer's is where young adventurers can frankly ‘let their hair down’ without older children around to stifle their enjoyment! Designed specifically for children aged 0-8years,...
Gorcombe Xtreme Sports
Welcome to Gorcombe Extreme Sports, where we offer a multitude of activities for the young and not so young. You can experience the thrill of:- Quadbiking, in 40 minute, 60 minute and 90 minute...
Highcliffe Castle
Highcliffe Castle is not only a beautiful and historical building, but the surrounding grounds are perfect for a relaxing stroll or a family picnic on the lawns. There is direct access to both...
Kingston Lacy
Kingston Lacy is an elegant 17th century Italian inspired country mansion set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland. Step inside the residence of the powerful and flamboyant Bankes...
Lulworth Castle and Park
Welcome to Lulworth Castle and Park, the most beautiful castle in the south! This fairy-tale castle was originally built as a hunting lodge in the early C17th to entertain aristocracy and royalty and...
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre
Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all the family at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre in Wareham. The 65-acre park is home to the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Life’ and...
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest
To inject a sense of fun into your family days out then head to Moors Valley Country Park and Forest to get active in the outdoors and have yourself a family adventure. You are sure to find something...
Museum of East Dorset
We are taking part in ‘The Greatest Treasure Hunt’ where you can explore the creative heart of Dorset and experience unique creative delights at every turn. Head over to the Inspired...
Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - The Etches Collection
Come and visit the ‘Jewel’ in the crown of the Jurassic Coast, The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life situated in the village of Kimmeridge, Dorset Housing the finest single...
Portland Castle
Overlooking Portland Harbour in Dorset stands one of Henry VIII's finest coastal forts, built in the early 1540s to protect against French and Spanish invasion. Today it provides a great day out...
Purbeck Park
Purbeck Park - Where adventures begin… Located in the centre of the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, Purbeck Park is a 'must visit' location. Start here and explore nearby attractions and the...
Purbeck Sports Centre
A family friendly sports centre offering something for everyone. Swimming sessions for all abilities, sauna, football and cricket pitches, racket sports, modern gym and a packed timetable of...
Rock Reef Activity Attraction and Pier Zip
RockReef is an all year, all weather activity attraction located at the end of Bournemouth Pier. There is a huge range of amazing activities to suit all ages, from 4 to 94! Inside you will find 28...
RSPB Arne Nature Reserve
Arne Nature Reserve is situated on Poole Harbour and within the Dorset National Landscape, it's a stunning landscape which consists of dramatic open heathland and ancient oak woodland. Arne...
RSPB Weymouth Wetlands (Radipole and Lodmoor)
The RSPB Weymouth Wetlands nature reserves are hidden gems in the heart of Weymouth. Comprises of 2 reserves (RSPB Radipole Lake and RSPB Lodmoor) and a Discovery Centre. Nestled in...
Sail Tortuga – Boat Trips, E-foiling and Private Catamaran Charter
Tortuga is a 12m luxury sailing catamaran with space for up to 12 guests. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity sailing around Weymouth Bay with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast, whilst our crew take...
Splashdown Poole
Please note, tickets are ONLY be bookable through the Splashdown website. Splashdown is an all action water park with some of the UK's best water flumes. A roaringly good welcome awaits those who...
The Blue Pool Nature Reserve and Tearooms
Discover the enchanting Blue Pool Nature Reserve & Tearooms, a hidden treasure nestled in the Furzebrook Estate in the Isle of Purbeck. Escape into a world of wonder as you wander along sandy...
The Mowlem Theatre, Cinema and The Showbar
Situated on Swanage seafront The Mowlem, cinema, theatre, function rooms and sea view bar offer the perfect entertainment during your visit to Swanage. The refurbished and comfortable auditorium hosts...
The Official Test Centre Ltd
The Official Test Centre (OTC) is the windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand up paddling (SUP) centre located right on the water’s edge, within the grounds of the National Sailing Academy on...
The Tank Museum
The Tank Museum brings history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live displays. Come face-to-face with over 300 huge military machines and hear about amazing...
Wimborne Model Town and Gardens
Walk around 1950’s Wimborne in 1/10th scale, set in delightful NGS listed gardens. Fun for all ages at our unique and historic attraction. Lots to see, hear, touch and do! Try the free quizzes...
Woodland Archery, Axe Throwing and Crossbow Shooting in Dorset
Nestled in a beautiful Dorset woodland, you will find award winning outdoor activity company, Insight Activities. Here to offer you one of the most fun and memorable experiences you can have during...
3D Zombie Woodland Archery in Dorset
Our Dorset woodland is located 30 mins from Bournemouth & Poole, 30 mins from Swanage, 25 mins from Weymouth, 10 mins from Dorchester. Unleash Your Inner Zombie Slayer: Thrilling Woodland 3D...
Abbotsbury Swannery
Abbotsbury Swannery is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. A visit to this beautiful and tranquil place is one of the most...
Coastal Cruises Poole Ltd
We offer a wide selection of cruises along the Jurassic Coast, trips to the Victorian resort at Swanage and the Steam Railway, Poole Harbour cruises, evening cruises or private charters. A smart...
Dorset Museum and Art Gallery
Welcome to Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, a place to connect with 250 million years of history. We are taking part in ‘The Greatest Treasure Hunt’ where you can explore the creative...
Go Ape Moors Valley
Located 10 miles north of Bournemouth and 5 miles west of Ringwood, you can find us in Moors Valley Country Park. We're just off Horton Road - near to Ashley Heath and the New Forest. Go Ape Moors...
Lyme Bay RIB Charter
Be blown away by a range of exciting and fast paced trips, sightseeing cruises, private hire options and watersport packages. We’ve a trip to suit all tastes and budgets. Our...
Moonfleet Adventure Sailing
Sailing daily from Portland - check website for availability and to book Gift vouchers now available - Prices start at just £42 for a 2 hour cruise on the Tallship Moonfleet. Treat yourself...
Swanage Railway
Whatever the weather, take a journey back in time with an enjoyable day of excitement and nostalgia at the award winning Swanage Railway. Sit back and relax during a leisurely trip behind a historic...
Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park
Explore an amazing underwater world and journey to the ocean depths at Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park! Get up close to over 2,000 creatures, including our playful otters and rescued sea turtles....
Wild Chesil Centre
The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre is your gateway to exploring the iconic Chesil Beach and Fleet Lagoon, renowned for its diverse wildlife, remarkable geology and stunning views. Managed by...
We Tots to Teens
Top things to do for Teenagers
Hello Teens! Are you ready to uncover the wonders of Dorset? Read more for fantastic places and...
Tot-tastic days out
Top picks for a fun, toddler-friendly day out in Dorset.