Family days out in Dorset | DAYoutWITHtheKIDS.co.uk | things to do for kids

If you know of any other great things to do in Dorset with kids 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

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Adventure Wonderland

Christchurch

Adventure Wonderland 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 at this all inclusive theme park!

Monkey World

Wareham

Monkey World is a 65-acre woodland park which is home to over 230 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.

Abbotsbury Swannery

Weymouth

Abbotsbury Swannery This is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. The kids should take cameras and sketchbooks plus binoculars for elusive cygnets.

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 Our informative displays feature aquatic stars of the world famous Jurassic coastal waters and stunning River Frome. Newest feature is the Seahorse Display Centre. 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.

Sea Life Adventure Park and Tower

Weymouth

Sea Life Adventure Park and Tower Is an indoor and outdoor attraction, with an indoor ocean tunnel and other amazing sea life displays. There are rides, a Splash Zone and an interactive rock pool. We also have animal feeding sessions and a water park play area.

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 Children can cuddle the guinea pigs, ride the ponies, race the tractors, play in the large undercover play area and bottle feed the baby goats. The baby goats also race around a track twice a day, after the race the children are invited to take a goat for a warm down walk on a lead.

Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Rescue Centre

Verwood

Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Rescue Centre As well as the rescued wildlife enjoy a Go-Kart Arena, Mini Pedal Tractors, Straw Fun Barn, Wooden Play Area, Sand Pit, Children's Fair Ground Rides (in season), and Toddlers' Toy Area. New features include the zip wire and a reptiliary house!

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.

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.

Lyme Regis Museum

Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis Museum is a family oriented museum on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast offering frequent fossil hunting walks, family fun days, quizzes, dressing up and lots more for all ages. Come and see the Lyme Bay Ichthyosaur, learn about Mary Anning’ s fossil hunting prowess and William Buckland’s dinosaur pooh table.

Splashdown

Poole

Splashdown With 12 fantastic flumes it's fun for all the family: the truly terrifying Screamer for Dad, short sharp Baron's Revenge for the boys, Colorado Coaster with its bends for the girls and 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 Cafe and a free outdoor playground with paddling pool set in acres of green parkland, the Littledown Centre is guaranteed to keep everyone entertained.

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 Offers standard and teaching swimming facilities plus 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.

Sharkys Play Zone

Weymouth

Sharkys 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

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

Ollies Playland

Poole

Ollies Playland Award winning indoor play centre for children aged up to 11.

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!

Lemur Landings

Poole

Lemur Landings Giant soft play centre suitable for ages up to 11, including multi-level play frame, with dedicated areas for under 5s.

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

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.

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.

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.

Dorset Snowsport Centre

Weymouth

Dorset Snowsport Centre Set in acres of woodland at Warmwell Holiday Park, it boasts one of the UK's top ski and snowboard slopes. The slope is 110m and includes a 'Big Kicker', tabletop jumps, rainbow & straight rails and quarter pipe. Ringo sessions also available!

Olis Roller Disco

Ferndown

Olis Roller Disco Indoor Roller Disco. Every Sunday. Family session 4.30 to 6pm suitable for all ages. Adults and Teens session (12+) from 6.30 to 8.30pm. Extra sessions in school holidays. Disco lighting, smoke machine, games. Free loan skates from child size 6 through to adult size 11. Great for birthday parties.

Go Ape! Moors Valley

Ringwood

Go Ape! Moors Valley 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.

Zorbing South

Dorchester

Zorbing South is an adrenaline pumping activity set in the heart of Thomas Hardy country, nr Dorchester.

Laser Quest Bournemouth

Bournemouth

Laser Quest Bournemouth This bruiseless shoot 'em up experience is exhilarating and immersive with fun lurking around every corner. The ultimate in interactive entertainment!

Slades Farm Skate Park

Bournemouth

Slades Farm Skate Park Fringed by woodland nature trails this is a family skate park for in blading, roller skating and BMXing, plus a younger kids' swing park, play area and plenty of space.

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.

Weymouth Seafront 4 Kids

Weymouth

Weymouth Seafront 4 Kids Is a Treasure Hunt Trail written especially for kids and takes them all along the lovely Weymouth seafront recently updated for the 2012 Olympics, with lots of fun things to do along the beach while solving the clues.

Swanage Railway

Swanage

Swanage Railway Visitors can experience a unique journey through six miles of beautiful scenery 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.

Littledown Miniature Railway

Bournemouth

Littledown Miniature Railway The raised track is suitable for running 7 ¼, 5, and 3 ½ inch gauge locomotives suitable for passenger hauling. Nearby play park, duck pond and paddling pool.

Wareham Boat Hire

Wareham

Wareham Boat Hire is a boat hire company offering Motor Boats, Kayaks, Canoes, Paddle Boards and Rowing Boats for hire on the beautiful River Frome from Wareham. We also offer BCU courses, paddle power, cruises and boat trips.

The Big Canoe

Poole Harbour

The Big Canoe is an opportunity for families with children to explore the coastal waters of Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island paddling a huge Open Canadian Canoe.

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 with loads of outdoor equipment, narrow-gauge steam railway, extensive play trails, and the picturesque lake to explore, plus independent attractions 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.

Upton Country Park

Poole

Upton Country Park There are tree, nature and orienteering trails, plus harbourside bird hide, Segway Trail and a water feature which children are welcome to play in.

Whitecliff Play Area

Poole

Whitecliff Play Area Features the 6m high Multi Activity Tower, boasting three slides of different lengths, two ravine bridges and a long plank bridge plus rope ladder, vertical scramble net, an arched climber, fireman's poles and play panels.

Dorchester Borough Gardens

Dorchester

Dorchester Borough Gardens Features fully enclosed play area which has facilities for all age groups including a summer splash pool. Other features include adult sized outdoor fitness equipment, tennis courts, ornate fountain and sundial.

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.

Weymouth Beach

Weymouth

Weymouth Beach Safe swimming and soft golden sand make this a great beach for a traditional dig and paddle visit. Pay and play entertainment include trampolines, mini golf and pedalo hire from the promenade.

Poole Pottery and Factory Outlet

Poole

Poole Pottery and Factory Outlet Paint a Pot Ceramic cafe and shop @ Poole Pottery, The Quay, Poole.

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.

Corfe Castle Model Village

Waream

Corfe Castle Model Village Visit us and see what the castle and village would have looked like before its destruction by Cromwell’s troops in 1646. Set in an acre of landscaped gardens, we are the ideal place for a lazy few hours for both young and old alike.

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 aimed at under 5s. They play in a safe and fun environment whilst you relax.

SandWorld Sand Sculpture Park

Weymouth

SandWorld Sand Sculpture Park A unique art gallery with a difference, relaxed, safe giant sandpit for families to get involved using all the tools at hand to create their own masterpiece. All under cover. NEW FOR 2013: SCIENCE FICTION SCULPTURES incl. Dr Who, Star Wars, Star Trek and The Avengers!

Sandbanks Crazy Golf

Poole

Sandbanks Crazy Golf 18 very challenging holes to entertain and frustrate you, but every hole has been holed in one at one time or another. Suitable for anyone with the patience from aged 3 to 103!

Rosewall Equestrian

Weymouth

Rosewall Equestrian BHS approved facility offering lessons, disability support and recognised Pony Club.

Pippin Equestrian

Gillingham

Pippin Equestrian BHS approved facility offering lessons from tots upward, hacks, menage and short cross country route plus Pony Club.

Lulworth Equestrian Centre

Wareham

Lulworth Equestrian Centre BHS approved facility offering lessons for 4 years plus, largely off road hacking and cross country route with varying jumps.

Thanks for all the great things to do in Dorset with kids you keep sending in.
Now we have the easter and summer holidays fast approaching, we're trying to find the best days out and 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, horse riding, 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, outdoor play at the best local parks, 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.