Family fun awaits you at Adventure Wonderland
Family fun at the Dorset Heavy Horse Centre
Monkey World Primate Rescue Centre

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Highlights

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

Get active in the outdoors and have yourself a family adventure. Children will love the ‘Play…

Henley Hillbillies

*LATEST UPDATE* Henley Hillbillies will be closed for 2020. Quad Biking (8yrs +) and shooting…

Brownsea Island

A beautiful island with wonderful views, history & wildlife including rare red squirrels and birds,…

Weymouth Beach

This award-winning sandy beach is overlooked by a magnificent Georgian seafront, located at the…

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, dinoaurs 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 Lulworth Equestrian Centre.

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?

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.

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Purbeck Park

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

Near Corfe Castle, WAREHAM

Located in the centre of the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, Purbeck Park is a must visit location! Start here to explore nearby attractions and the coast by steam train, bike, bus or on foot.

Price Free to £5.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
202 reviews
Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - The Etches Collection

Type

Type:

Museum

Kimmeridge, WAREHAM
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2021
The finest single collection of Late Jurassic age fossils in Britain, housed in a purpose built, brand new immersive museum in the village of Kimmeridge, Dorset. Discovered and collected by just one man, Dr Steve Etches MBE, all from the Kimmeridge…
Price Free to £20.00 Per Ticket
Splashdown Poole

Type

Type:

Theme Park / Waterpark

POOLE
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2021
Splashdown Poole has new opening hours and operating procedures to help with social distancing and to help ensure we are a covid secure place to visit. Please note, tickets are ONLY be bookable through the Splashdown website. Splashdown is the…
Price £14.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1269 reviews
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

RINGWOOD
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2021
Get active in the outdoors and have yourself a family adventure. Children will love the ‘Play Trail’ with its unique wooden play structures. Fans of Julia Donaldson can come face to face with a life-sized sculpture of The Gruffalo, Gruffalo’s Child…
Price £1.70 to £85.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
12 reviews
Laserguys Laser Tag

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

BLANDFORD FORUM

Laserguys outdoor laser tag is a mixture of the best elements of paintball and laser quest!
Games are suitable for people with all abilities. Laser tag is really easy to play and a fun activity that will get you energized for the rest of the…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1444 reviews
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park

Type

Type:

Animal Collection

Verwood
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2021
Come along and enjoy a unique experience visiting one of the very last Heavy Horse Centres left in Great Britain. The Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park is a multi-award-winning day out for all ages recognised as both a family attraction and conservation…
Price Free to £45.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
44 reviews
Cyclexperience

Type

Type:

Cycle Hire

CORFE CASTLE

Combine tranquility, exercise and discovery on a bike and explore the woodland, heath, beaches and hills of Purbeck. Hire top-brand mountain bikes or modern electric bikes with a free helmet and toolkit included. Now you can download our Free GPS…

Price £8.00 to £29.00 Per Ticket
Adventure Wonderland

Type

Type:

Theme Park / Waterpark

Hurn, CHRISTCHURCH
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2021
*LATEST UPDATE* Adventure Wonderland is reopening on Monday 12th April 2021. All visits to the park will need to be pre-booked and there will be a limited amount of tickets available each day. Dorset’s multi award-winning family theme park,…
Price Free to £13.00 Per Ticket
Brewery Square

Type

Type:

Family Fun

DORCHESTER

Brewery Square is a vibrant and stylish regeneration in the heart of Dorchester which currently boasts a variety of shops, eateries and leisure facilities including; Nando's, Zizzi, Hobbs, Phase Eight, a Premier Inn Hotel, Anytime Fitness and an…
Treasure Trails Dorset

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

Hope Square, WEYMOUTH

Turn a regular day out in Weymouth into a full-blown adventure! The Weymouth Mystery Treasure Trail is a captivating challenge that combines mind-twisting clues and fascinating stories for anyone with a sense of adventure.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2837 reviews
Corfe Castle

Type

Type:

National Trust Property

CORFE CASTLE

Adults and children alike will be captivated by the romantic Corfe Castle ruins and the breath-taking views across Purbeck.

Price £5.00 to £25.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2407 reviews
Brownsea Island

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

POOLE

A beautiful island with wonderful views, history & wildlife including rare red squirrels and birds, and is also the birthplace of Scouting and Guiding.

Price £7.00 to £44.50 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
5801 reviews
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre

Type

Type:

Animal Collection

BOVINGTON, Wareham

Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all the family at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre.

Price Free to £45.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
4570 reviews
The Tank Museum

Type

Type:

Museum

BOVINGTON, Wareham
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2021
Bringing history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live displays. Our exhibitions tell the story of armoured warfare spanning over 100 years of history. Exploring eight powerful exhibitions, you will come face to face…
Special Offers
- Book online & save
  Book in advance on tankmuseum.org and save money on your entry ticket.
  More offers like this - Attraction Offers
Price Free to £39.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
153 reviews
Archery in Dorset, Crossbows & Axe Throwing in the woods

Type

Type:

Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre

DORCHESTER
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2021
Nestled in a rustic woodland you will find Insight Activities shooting and throwing ranges where anyone can learn the arts of Archery, Crossbows, Axe Throwing and Archery Combat Tag in Dorset. Insight Activities are a small specialist provider, not…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
79 reviews
Greenslade Pleasure Boats

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

POOLE

Fresh air, fantastic views, fun and relaxation for you to enjoy on every sailing. The cruise lasts 1 hour.
Bookings in advance preferred but you can turn up at the kiosk on Poole Quay. If you do turn up, you will be booked onto the next…

Price £5.00 to £11.50 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
31 reviews
Wareham River Cruises

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

WAREHAM

*LATEST UPDATE* Cruises are now operating with a limit of 6 passengers or two family groups. Take a forty minute trip on the beautiful River Frome from Wareham Quay on our 12 seater open-top boat Orca. Daily river trips are available from 11am…

Price £5.00 to £7.50 Per Ticket
Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre

Type

Type:

Heritage/Visitor Centre

SWANAGE

*LATEST UPDATE* The Museum is currently closed. Containing information on the history, geology and geography of the town and surrounding area. Educational packs are available and talks can be given. There is also a small retail area including local…

Free
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
106 reviews
Wareham Boat Hire Ltd

Type

Type:

Boating and Canoeing

WAREHAM

Motor Boats, Kayaks, Canoes, Rowing Boats and Paddle Boards all for hire from Abbots Quay in Wareham. We have a fantastic range of self drive motor boats, some of the latest touring and sit on top kayaks both single and double. Canadian canoes, Red…

Price £8.00 Per Ticket to £40.00 Activity
The Keep Military Museum

Type

Type:

Museum

DORCHESTER
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2021
The Keep is the Military Museum of Devon and Dorset. Housed in an extraordinary castle-like building, the collection spans 300 years of history over 4 floors. You can walk through a World War One trench, try on uniforms and discover the amazing…

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Search Things to Do

Highlights

What shall we do today?

Inspirational days out

Get back to nature

On the crest of a wave

Be creative

Fit and fun

Experience the country life

Start planning your family adventures today

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