If you know of any other great historical and educational attractions in Dorset which aren't listed on DAYoutWITHtheKIDS, please get in contact with us, so we can add them to the website and share the fun places to go with other children - thanks a lot
Family Days Out in Dorset
Corfe Castle
Wareham
Corfe Castle One of the most evocative ruined castles in England with over 1,000 years of turbulent history. Castle View visitor centre explores the lives (and deaths) of past residents - the Swanage Railway operates a steam train service to Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle Model Village
Waream
Corfe Castle Model Village Opened in 1966 to the public, the Model Village depicts the Castle and village as it was in 1646. You can compare the real castle with the Model castle from our garden, this gives a fantastic idea of how it used to look when it was home to Lady Banks
Portland Castle
Portland
Portland Castle The history of this fortress, which overlooks Portland harbour, is diverse and fascinating.
Royal Signals Museum
Blandford Camp
Royal Signals Museum It is the national museum of Army communications and the exhibits and displays show the part that communications have played in the many wars and campaigns of the last 150 years.
Jurassic Coast
Seaton
Jurassic Coast 'The Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site is England's first natural World Heritage Site - it is known as The Jurassic Coast. It covers 95 miles of truly stunning coastline from East Devon to Dorset, with rocks recording 185 million years of the Earth's history. '
Nothe Fort
Weymouth
Nothe Fort A thrilling labyrinth of underground passageways and outdoor areas with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. Constructed on three levels accessed by lift, the Fort is filled with displays, mammoth guns and cinema areas that chart the history of this large and magnificent Victorian structure.
Adventure Wonderland
Christchurch
Adventure Wonderland So if you’re a would-be Pirate, an intrepid Explorer, a Mad Hatter or just a plain old fashioned Fun Lover, then you and your family have got a real treat in store!
Monkey World
Wareham
Monkey World Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre is a 65-acre woodland park which is home to over 160 rescued and endangered apes and monkeys.
Oceanarium
Bournemouth
Oceanarium - brings you face to face with marine life from the furthest reaches of the globe including clownfish, sea turtles, sharks and stingrays.
Weymouth Sea Life Park
Weymouth
Weymouth Sea Life Park The Park's unique mix of indoor and outdoor attractions make this a great family day out. Enrol in the amazing Shark Academy for the day, enjoy close encounters at the touchpool and learn about the success of the renowned seahorse breeding programme currently underway.
Abbotsbury Swannery
Weymouth
Abbotsbury Swannery Abbotsbury Swannery is unique. This is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans.
Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park
Dorchester
Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park Entering from the Visitor Centre the formal gardens are laid out in the Arts and Crafts style of the Edwardian period.
Isle of Purbeck Aquarium
Wool
Isle of Purbeck Aquarium You will find this little gem in the heart of Hardy’s beautiful Dorset.
Our informative displays feature aquatic stars of the world famous Jurassic coastal waters and stunning River Frome.
Seahorses are among the exotic and fascinating creatures from other lands you can also see in our beautiful aquariums.
Badger Watch Dorset
Dorchester
Badger Watch Dorset An evening in the country the kids will never forget: their high quality hides have recorded a 100% sightings record over the last three years, so you are virtually guaranteed to see some of these wonderful creatures foraging for food under the floodlights.
Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium
Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium Come face to face with local fish and marine life of the Jurassic coast. Kids can interact with the sea creatures including the unique experience of hand feeding our shoal of tame mullet, holding a starfish and getting up close with a giant lobster.
Dinosaur Museum
Dorchester
Dinosaur Museum The Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester is unique - it is Britain's only museum solely devoted to dinosaurs and their fascinating world. It was recently voted Dorset's Family Attraction of the Year.
Deep Sea Adventure
Weymouth
Deep Sea Adventure The absorbing tale of Deep Sea Adventure is depicted through the use of animated displays video, audio effects and computer games. The exhibition fills two floors of this converted Victorian Grain Warehouse.
Bournemouth Aviation Museum
Christchurch
Bournemouth Aviation Museum What kid wouldn't want to sit at the controls of a real aircraft - well here we have a fab lot of military and civilian planes. Loads of other flying exhibits including a collection of model aircraft and an area for picnics close to the main runway at the airport in Bournemouth.
The Tank Museum
Bovington
The Tank Museum The Tank Museum in Bovington Dorset houses
the world's largest and finest collection of Armoured Fighting Vehicles from unique World War 1 tanks to the latest main battle tank of the British Army - Challenger. The Museum has a collection of almost 300 vehicles from over 26 countries.
Dorset Teddy Bear Museum
Dorchester
Dorset Teddy Bear Museum The Dorset Teddy Bear Museum is Dorchester's
Unmissable family museum, with Edward Bear and his family of people-sized bears, in Teddy Bear House.
Splashdown
Poole
Splashdown - the South's Ultimate Waterpark! With 12 fantastic flumes it's fun for all the family - the truly terrifying Screamer for Dad, short sharp Barons Revenge for the boys, Colorado Coaster with its bends for the girls & the mighty Mississippi Drifter river ride for Mum. It's non-stop!
Littledown Centre
Bournemouth
Littledown Centre Swimming pools for the whole family, Yellow Peril and Green Scream waterslides, scrummy food served in the Café and a free outdoor playground with paddling pool set in acres of green parkland, the Littledown Centre is guaranteed to keep everyone entertainedÂ…and it's great value for money too!
Blandford Leisure Centre
Blandford
Blandford Leisure Centre Fantastic fun for all the family. Water cannons, bubble bath, and the waterslide are just some of the exciting water features in the swimming pools during our Water Wonderland Sessions. See inside for times and website.
The Dolphin Swimming Pool
Poole
The Dolphin Swimming Pool - swimming facilities and diving pool with 1m and 3m springboards and a 5m platform.
The Jurassic Fun Centre
Bridport
The Jurassic Fun Centre Fun pools with slides and features: play on the islands and water features and try to dodge the aqua jets; it's wet and wild excitement for everyone! Plus classic tenpin bowling elsewhere on site.
Sharky’s Play Zone
Weymouth
Sharky’s Play Zone Sharky’s Play Zone - There are even more Slippery Slides, Bubbly Ball Pools & 'The Cascade Slide' is higher than ever! Children of all ages will love to swing, slide, jump & climb all four floors of this fantastic fun filled play warehouse.
Gus Gorilla's Jungle Playground
Poole
Gus Gorilla's Jungle Playground Gus Gorilla's Jungle Playground
three exciting levels - brave the spiral slide - see the amazing ball juggler - zoom down the drop slide - zip down the tube slides - fire the ball cannon - go bananas in our huge ball pool - improved toddlers area
three exciting levels - brave the spiral slide - see the amazing ball juggler - zoom down the drop slide - zip down the tube slides - fire the ball cannon - go bananas in our huge ball pool - improved toddlers area
Serendipity Sams Play and Party Centre
Christchurch
Serendipity Sams Play and Party Centre Great kids indoor play centre - ring for more deatils
Coolplay Indoor Soft Play Centre
Sturminster Newton
Coolplay Indoor Soft Play Centre The best place in North Dorset for kids to find new friends, meet their mates from school, burn off that pent up energy, get rid of the boredom blues and play with fun stuff in a safe environment.
Climb Aboard Indoor Play Centre
Gillingham
Climb Aboard Indoor Play Centre 3 Tier Adventure area - Baby and Toddler area - Parents and Tykes Play Area - Relaxed Cafe and Sofa Area. Suitable for under 10s.
Giggles Play Centre
Bournemouth
Giggles Play Centre A great new children's indoor play centre with all pools, tunnels, slides, rope ladders, games and loads more
Monkey Bizness
Poole
Monkey Bizness - the premier family entertainment centre, where kids can be kidz. With separate play areas for 0-2, 2-5 and 5-12 year olds.
I Play At Dorchester
Dorchester
I Play At Dorchester Multi tiered adventure play structure with classic fun features in a bright, safe and colourful environment. Separate toddler area with ride on toys.
Crazy Monsters
Blandford Forum
Crazy Monsters RoSPA inspected adventure soft play facility, with masses of slick slides and great classic features, and a separate two tier toddler zone exclusive to 4 years and under with their own slide and ball pit.
Granby Fun Factory
Weymouth
Granby Fun Factory Offers separate play area for toddlers and plenty of thrills for the bigger kids including Battle Cannons and Firing Zone, High Glide and 4 lane Astra Slide - exciting stuff!
Snowtrax
Christchurch
Snowtrax Set in an attractive alpine environment, this exciting kids' Alpine Activity Centre offers loads of fun, with a wide range of thrilling "turn up and ride" activities, there's something for everyone. Parents can join in, or relax and enjoy the beautiful views from our Alpine Bistro.
Go Ape! Moors Valley
Ringwood
Go Ape! Moors Valley Go Ape is the UK's No.1 Forest Adventure. Take to the trees and speed down zip slides. They’re part of an exciting course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and crossings; all set high above the forest floor.
Pirate Adventure Golf
Weymouth
Pirate Adventure Golf Climb aboad for 18 holes of swash-buckling fun!! Great crazy golf with a pirate theme
Dorchester Skatepark
Dorchester
Dorchester Skatepark Permanent concrete skatepark or BMX, scooter and inline skates as well as skateboards, with lots of features and set ups, creatively challenging to all riders whether novice or experienced.
Branksome Bowlplex
Poole
Branksome Bowlplex Bowling is the perfect activity for any occasion whether it's a family get together, birthday party or special treat during the school holidays. We are the ideal all weather venue with much more than just bowling. So, can we interest you in The Great Indoors?
Tower Park Bowlplex
Poole
Tower Park Bowlplex Bowling is the perfect activity for any occasion whether it's a family get together, birthday party or special treat during the school holidays. We are the ideal all weather venue with much more than just bowling. So, can we interest you in The Great Indoors?
Lakeside SuperBowl Weymouth
Weymouth
Lakeside SuperBowl Weymouth Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. Great family fun!
Clay Pigeon Kart Raceway
Dorchester
Clay Pigeon Kart Raceway This is a family friendly outdoor circuit with an overall length of 815 metres. The minimum age for drivers is 8 years old.
Bournemouth Bus Mystery Treasure Trail
Bournemouth
Bournemouth Bus Mystery Treasure Trail Looking for a fun and interesting way to explore Bournemouth? Don't just wander around aimlessly, do a Treasure Trail! These fun treasure hunts will teach you fascinating facts about the area and show you some beautiful scenery. Enjoy a fun family walk in the fresh air and solve an intriguing mystery at the same time.
Corfe 4 Kids Treasure Hunt Trail
Corfe
Corfe 4 Kids Treasure Hunt Trail Discover the amazing ruins of the Castle while solving your clues around Corfe in this special 4 Kids Treasure Hunt Trail.
Putlake Adventure Farm
Swanage
Putlake Adventure Farm 30 acres of fun, lots of farm animals, indoor play centre and stuff to play on.
Farmer Palmers
Poole
Farmer Palmers Hands-on animal events, outdoor play, indoor soft play areas & toddler/baby facilities. Serving home cooked food in large restaurant, your children will have a fun day whatever the weather! - The best, value for money, visitor attraction for children 8yrs and under
Abbotsbury Childrens Farm
Abbotsbury
Abbotsbury Childrens Farm The ancient Tithe Barn site is home to a host of friendly farm animals. Many can be stroked and fed at regular times throughout the day. This is a wonderful place for the under 11's. Bottle feeding of the goats takes place twice a day. Toy tractor racing all day and pony ride sessions twice a day (for which a small extra charge is made). New for 2006 - Goat racing twice daily.
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Rescue Centre
Verwood
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Rescue Centre As well as the rescued wildlife enjoy an under cover Go-Kart Arena, Mini Pedal Tractors and Trailers, Straw Fun Barn, Wooden Play Area, Sand Pit, Children's Fair Ground Ride, and Toddlers Toy Area.
Swanage Railway
Swanage
Swanage Railway The award-winning Swanage Railway currently operates on the six miles of track between Swanage and Norden, through the beautiful Isle of Purbeck, passing the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle.
Bournemouth Eye
Bournemouth
Bournemouth Eye Tethered Balloon Flights every day from the beautiful Lower Gardens in central Bournemouth. We'll take you 500ft. above this exciting resort where you'll experience amazing panoramic views over the English Channel and surrounding countryside, for up to 20 miles.
Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust
Watchet
Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust The Museum Contains relics from the former Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway which ran from Bath to Bournemouth with branchlines to Highbridge, Burnham on Sea, Wells and Bridgwater. All finally closing in 1966.
Gartell Light Railway
Templecombe
Gartell Light Railway Step back in time to a more leisurely age and ride through the beautiful Blackmore Vale countryside along the route of the old Somerset & Dorset Railway.
The Blue Pool
Wareham
The Blue Pool retains miniscule, light diffracting particles of clay in the water, causing a spectrum of colour variations, sometimes from minute to minute. Now deep turquoise, now emerald green, the Pool is a constantly changing delight to the eye. Has tea rooms and museum - quite fascinating.
Moors Valley Country Park
Ringwood
Moors Valley Country Park Adventure play, narrow-gauge steam railway, play trails - in fact there is loads to do - check webslink inside.
Brownsea Island
Poole Harbour
Brownsea Island A peaceful island of woodland, wetland and heath with a rich diversity of wildlife for you to visit.
Borough Gardens
Dorchester
Borough Gardens Well kept parkland with huge enclosed play area with facilities for all ages. There is also a splash pool, and a rather unusual sundial...
Easton Gardens
Portland
Easton Gardens Green Flag Awarded park with play and picnic areas, and plenty of attractive space to run about in. Pushchair accessible throughout.
Swanage Beach
Swanage
Swanage Beach This Blue Flag awarded bay is normally calm and sheltered and good for swimming, sailing and scuba diving.
Studland Beach and Nature Reserve
Swanage
Studland Beach and Nature Reserve The inspiration for Noddy's Toytown, this is a beautiful four mile stretch of soft sand with gently shelving bathing waters.
Sandbanks Beach
Poole
Sandbanks Beach Regular Blue Flag award winner with literally everything you could want for a family beach day.
Bournemouth Alum Chine
Bournemouth
Bournemouth Alum Chine Blue and Green Flag awarded sandy beach with very safe swimming and pirate themed adventure playground.
Poole Pottery and Factory Outlet
Poole
Poole Pottery and Factory Outlet Paint a Pot Ceramic cafe and shop @ Poole Pottery, The Quay, Poole.
Coffee Pots Ceramic Cafe
Wimborne
Coffee Pots Ceramic Cafe is an exciting new venue in Wimborne, offering quality 'Fair Trade' coffee in our ground floor cafe. Why not take it easy with a cappuccino and newspaper, or a light lunch and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, while the children paint a mug for Grandma in our ceramics studio.
The Clay Studio
Christchurch
The Clay Studio We are a contemporary pottery painting studio offering inspiration fun for all the family. We help to bring out the artist in you through help and encouragement.
Gone Potty Art Studio
Weymouth
Gone Potty Art Studio Come and Go Potty at the Palm House! Bring the whole family and enjoy the fun of Pottery painting.
Tower Park
Poole
Tower Park With a 10 screen multiplex cinema to bingo, bowling and a water park with 12 of the UK's most exciting indoor and outdoor rides, Tower Park is a fun day out for all.
Model Town at Wimborne Minster
Wimborne Minster
Model Town at Wimborne Minster Built well over 50 years ago, the superb 1/10th scale models continue to surprise and amaze visitors from all over the world with their superb quality and realism.
Blooming Kids
Weymouth
Blooming Kids Blooming Kids! is a creative, exciting indoor and outdoor play activity centre for under 5s. Set inside our historic Edwardian glasshouse by beautiful Swannery Lake, we have created a relaxing, safe and fun environment for children to play.
Thanks for all the great things to do and Historical and Educational Attractions in Dorset with kids you keep sending in.
Now the school half term is upon us are with winter and the christmas holidays fast approaching, we're trying to find as many fun things to do with kids as possible, especially cheap and free family friendly places to visit this year - theme parks, waterparks and swimming pools, museums, indoor playcentres and softplay for toddlers, petting farms, wildlife parks and zoos, aquariums, castles, steam railways, pottery making and ceramic cafes, roller and ice skating rinks, karting tracks, snowdomes, dry and indoor ski slopes, climbing walls, activity centres, ten pin bowling alleys and all the other best family tourist attractions, that you can visit at the weekend.
Also teachers may find the site useful for ideas for the best places to take their classes on school journeys with many historical and educational atractions listed
So, if you've been for great days out with the kids, or a school trip, which isn't shown above, just send in an email and we'll add it on so people visiting on holidays and all the other children in Dorset can enjoy the great day out as well.
Family fun in Wiltshire | Fun days out in Somerset | Fun with kids in Devon
Things to do in Hampshire | Historical and Educational Attractions in Wiltshire | Attractions in Isle of Man
Things to do in Bournemouth | Weymouth Educational Attractions | Historical Sites in Bournemouth
Places to visit in Weymouth | Places to go in Poole | Historical and Educational Attractions in Somerset
Historical and Educational Attractions in Poole | Educational Attractions near Dorchester | Historical Sites in Christchurch
