Need ideas for things to do with the family in May? You'll find lots of fun events and shows listed below.
ABBOTSBURY SWANNERY BRAMLEY HEDGE STORY TRAIL
Info: The trail takes visitors around the Swannery grounds, to discover more about the swans and the adventurous mice. Designed for families to enjoy, the trail includes interactive activities, stamp points and questions to answer, all alongside the swans and discovering more about the unique Swannery.
Dates: Saturday 14th March – Saturday 31st October 2026
Address: Abbotsbury Swannery, New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4JG
Website: Abbotsbury Swannery
MUSEUM OF EAST DORSET DINOSAUR ADVENTURE
Info: Young explorers can enjoy a host of hands-on, creative and curiosity fuelled activities designed to bring the age of dinosaurs vividly to life. Little palaeontologists will be able to build their own binoculars before setting off on a dinosaur hunt through the museum and get involved in themed activities along the way.
Dates: Saturday 2nd May – Saturday 2nd June 2026
Address: Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1HR
Website: Museum of East Dorset
DURLSTON COUNTRY PARK SUPER SEABIRDS TRAIL
Info: Pick up your trail pack from the Castle reception and discover Durlston's amazing 'flying penguins' and other seabirds! Trail cost applies.
Dates: Friday 15th May – Monday 1st June 2026
Address: Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL
Website: Durlston Country Park
BRANKSOME REC FUN FAIR
Dates: Friday 22nd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Branksome Recreation Ground, Poole, Dorset, BH12 2AL
Website: William Cole & Son Amusements
THORNCOMBE WOODS LEAF TRAIL
Info: Follow the Thorncombe Loop to discover hand-painted discs scattered around the reserve, highlighting the variety of leaves found on the Thorncombe trees. Free pocket maps are available in the car park or visitor centre, to help navigate you around the trail.
Dates: Friday 22nd May – Sunday 28th June 2026
Address: Thorncombe Woods Visitor Centre, Higher Bockhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QH
Facebook: Hardy’s Birthplace
CHRISTCHURCH FOOD FESTIVAL
Info: This popular food festival hosts renowned chefs, local producers, interactive workshops, tastings, live music and children’s activities.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Monday 25th May 2026
Location: Christchurch Quay
Website: Christchurch Food Fest
MILL FEST
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Monday 25th May 2026
Address: The Town Mill, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3PU
Website: The Town Mill
PEEK-A-BOO & BREW GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE VISIT
Dates: Saturday 23th – Friday 29th May 2026
Address: Peek-a-Boo & Brew Soft Play Café, 214a Macaulay Road, Poole, BH18 8DX
Website: Peek-a-Boo & Brew Soft Play Café
THE OCEANARIUM KIDS GO FREE OFFER
Info: Enjoy an underwater journey with the family this half term and learn more about the amazing marine creatures above and below the waves at the Oceanarium! To make your underwater journey even better, use code KIDSGOFREE for child ticket to be redeemed.
Dates: Saturday 23rd - Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: The Oceanarium, Pier Approach, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AA
Website: The Oceanarium
MADJESTON MILK STATION
Info: There’s lots going on at the farm during half term with animal feeding experiences, craft workshops and bouncy castles on selected dates.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Madjeston Milk Station, Cole Street Lane, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5JQ
Website: Madjeston Milk Station
SYMONDSBURY ESTATE TREE TRAIL
Info: Families are invited to explore the new tree trail – an outdoor adventure filled with discovery, fresh air and plenty of fun beneath the branches. Tree packs can be collected from the Visitor Centre.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Symondsbury Estate, Manor Yard, Mill Lane, Symondsbury, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6HG
Website: Symondsbury Estate
STUDLAND BAY FAMOUS FIVE TRAIL
Info: The interactive trail will have you following a treasure map, cracking codes and having lots of family fun along the way, while discovering secrets of Studland Bay. Head to the Adventurers Hub to start your journey, before seeking out 9 activity points along the trail. Use your map to find your way, collect letters, spot differences, look for clues and even try your hand at pirate yoga.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Knoll Beach, Ferry Road, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3AQ
Website: National Trust Studland Beach
HENGISTBURY HEAD SCAVENGER HUNT
Info: Follow the trail, find the clues, complete the hunt and claim your prize. On selected dates, families can also enjoy an archaeology walk and mock examinations.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Broadway, Southbourne, Dorset, BH6 4EW
Facebook: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
THE WALLED GARDEN BUTTERFLY TRAIL
Info: Grab your map, explore the gardens to complete the quiz, learn amazing facts, find all the butterflies and solve their mystery word – then claim your prize from the at the end!
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
Website: The Walled Garden
MOORS VALLEY TRAIL & MORE
Info: Dive into a world of adventure with the Room on the Broom Trail, multiple play areas, woodland walks, Moors Valley Railway, Ranger Den activities, and much more.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Ringwood, BH24 2ET
Website: Moors Valley Country Park
DISCOVER SHARKLIFE AT SEALIFE!
Info: Dive into an underwater adventure to learn all about this fin-tastic species! Discover the truth about this commonly feared creature. Can you figure out what is truth or myth? Enjoy a fun activity trail and challenges throughout the aquarium with visual games and activities and get a reward for completing the trail.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: SEA LIFE, Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX
Website: SEA LIFE Weymouth
WEST BAY DISCOVERY CENTRE PIRATES & MERMAIDS
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: West Bay Discovery Centre, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4EN
Website: West Bay Discovery Centre
THE BLUE POOL TRAIL OF ENCHANTED DOORS
Info: The new Trail of Enchanted Doors invites you to discover beautifully crafted doors belonging not only to fairies, but to other enchanting woodland characters. Discover who they are as you wander and explore.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: The Blue Pool, Furzebrook Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AR
Website: The Blue Pool
THE TANK MUSEUM: TANKS IN ACTION
Info: The Tank Museum brings the story of tanks and their crews to life. Experience the biggest day out in history with explosive live displays, 300 tanks, and activities. Discover how tanks and trees grew side by side. Explore the role forests played in tank warfare, and enjoy a range of hands-on craft activities inspired by the natural world.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Tank Museum, Linsay Road, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG
Website: The Tank Museum
BROWNSEA ISLAND POOTASTIC TRAIL
Info: In the wild, animals see poo as something valuable, it can be used, reused, recycled, and even played with. Have a go at the fun games like cow pat frisbee, roll balls like a dung beetle, and try to identify the poopetrator.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2025
Location: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour
Website: Brownsea Island
FARMER PALMERS MAY HALF TERM FUN
Info: There’s a huge range of indoor and outdoor activities, attractions, and animal events at the farm plus additional fun with Wet the Western tractor trailer rides and fun foam parties on selected dates.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Farmer Palmers, Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU
Website: Farmer Palmers
MAY HALF TERM FUN AT HD HORSEMANSHIP
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: HD Horsemanship, Willett Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3FZ
Website: HD Horsemanship
WIPEOUT WORLD
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DX
Facebook: Wipeout World
NOTHE FORT PIRATE WEEK
Info: Set sail for a week of pirate-themed fun with a pirate treasure hunt, parade ground pirate ship, buccaneer games, pirate dress up, family activities, and more!
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UF
Website: Nothe Fort
AVON HEATH COUNTRY PARK BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES TRAIL
Info: There are 2 routes to choose from on the butterfly trail. Purchase your map and collect your prize from the Visitor Centre.
Dates: Saturday 23rd May – Saturday 6th June 2026
Address: Avon Heath Country Park, Brocks Pine, St Leonards, Dorset, BH24 2DH
Facebook: Avon Heath Country Park
DORSET MUSEUM BUZZING DUMBLEDORE TRAIL
Info: Follow the buzz and embark on an exploration around the galleries. Hidden throughout the spaces are “Dumbledore” – the Dorset dialect word for bee. Discover fun Dorset dialect names for wildflowers and you explore.
Dates: Saturday 23rd May – Sunday 7th June 2026
Address: Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XA
Website: Dorset Museum
KINGSTON LACY POKEMON TCG MEGA EVOLUTION TRAIL
Info: Get active outdoors on the Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail. Team up as a family to search the woodlands for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers and complete your own challenges.
Dates: Saturday 23rd May – Sunday 6th September 2026
Address: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 4EA
Website: National Trust Kingston Lacy
CORFE CASTLE INTERACTIVE QUEST
Info: Get ready for a fun adventure at Corfe Castle based on The New Famous Five by Chris Smith, inspired by Enid Blyton. The interactive quest invites families to explore the castle like true detectives. Solve clues, crack puzzles and uncover hidden secrets as you explore the ruins. During half term, families can also plant your own nasturtium seeds in an eco pot and join the Keeper of the Castle on a lively, interactive storytelling tour that brings the past to life.
Dates: Saturday 23rd May – Sunday 6th September 2026
Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
Website: Corfe Castle
GO WILD AT LULWORTH CASTLE
Info: Enjoy animal and critter themed trails, lawn games, hunts and crafts all included in the usual admission price. The team from Mad4Animals will also be there at 12 noon and 2pm for daily critter shows.
Dates: Sunday 24th – Friday 29th May 2026
Address: Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS
Website: Lulworth Castle
HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE CREATIVE KIDS
Dates: Sunday 24th - Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE
Website: Highcliffe Castle
BLANDFORD ANIMAL FARM OPEN DAY
Date: Monday 25th May 2026
Address: Blandford Animal Farm, Higher Shaftesbury Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8ST
Website: Blandford Animal Farm
DYCC YOUTH MARKET
Date: Monday 25th May 2026
Address: DYCC, Kings Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1NJ
Facebook: Dorchester Youth and Community Centre
BURTON BRADSTOCK SPRING FAYRE
Date: Monday 25th May 2026
Address: Rectory Garden, Church Street, Burton Bradstock, DT6 4QS
KIDS FEST
Date: Monday 25th May 2026
Address: The Hamworthy Club, Magna Road, Canford Magna, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3AP
Website: Bouncy Fun Play
SHERBORNE CASTLE COUNTRY FAIR
Info: The Sherborne Castle Country Fair presents a fun and varied programme of events, rural activities, stands and entertainment for all the family.
Date: Monday 25th May 2026
Address: Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR
Website: Sherborne Castle
BOURNEMOUTH NATURAL SCIENCE SOCIETY OPEN DAYS
Info: The Bournemouth Natural Science Society is a registered charity which promotes study, interest and enjoyment in all branches of the Natural Sciences and History. The Museum offers FREE entry however donations are hugely appreciated.
Dates: Monday 25th & Tuesday 26th May 2026
Address: Bournemouth Natural Science Society, 39 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3NS
Website: Bournemouth Natural Science Society
LYME REGIS MUSEUM EVENTS
Info: There are multiple events on during half term including clay modelling workshops, fossil talks and demonstrations, fossil polishing workshops and 3D modelling.
Dates: Monday 25th – Thursday 28th May 2025
Address: Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QA
Website: Lyme Regis Museum
ICE AGE ADVENTURE LIVE
Info: Join the fearless explorers as they trek through snow-packed valleys, outwit sabre-toothed surprises, and make friends with the coolest cavemen, even bringing back some extinct dodo friends for the ride. This icy adventure is sure to knock your snow boots off! Help the heroes save the wooly mammoth by joining in with the frosty fun in this live theatre show.
Date: Tuesday 26th May 2026
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Website: Lighthouse Poole
MONKEY WORLD KIDS FOR A QUID OFFER
Info: Monkey World is an internationally-acclaimed ape rescue centre and is home to over 250 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes of 20 different species. This May half term, kids enter for a quid!
Dates: Tuesday 26th – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Monkey World, Tout Hill, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH
Website: Monkey World
THE HORNS INN KIDS FEST
Date: Wednesday 27th May 2026
Address: The Horns Inn, Burt's Hill, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7AA
Website: Get Up & Bounce
RED HOUSE MUSEUM BAG PRINTING WORKSHOP
Info: Families can take part in a fun and creative bag printing workshop. You’ll explore simple printing techniques with colours, shapes and patterns to create your own unique design.
Date: Wednesday 27th May 2026
Address: Red House Museum, Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU
Website: Red House Museum
PORTLAND MUSEUM PIRATE CRAFT DAY
Date: Wednesday 27th May 2026
Address: Portland Museum, 217 Wakeham, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1HS
Website: Portland Museum
AVON HEATH COUNTRY PARK SESSIONS
Info: Families will love the heathland walks and fun play area and on Wednesday, children can take part in archery and axe throwing sessions.
Date: Wednesday 27th May 2026
Address: Avon Heath Country Park, Brocks Pine, St Leonards, Dorset, BH24 2DH
Facebook: Avon Heath Country Park
THE PALM HOUSE PUPPET SHOW & WORKSHOP
Date: Wednesday 27th May 2026
Address: The Palm House, Swannery Lake, Commercial Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7TZ
Facebook: The Palm House
THE WALLED GARDEN BUG & EXOTIC ANIMAL EXPERIENCE
Dates: Wednesday 27th – Friday 29th May 2026
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
Website: The Walled Garden
CHARMOUTH FOSSIL HUNTING WALKS
Info: Join a guided fossil walks with a warden to find and take home your own Jurassic fossil. The fossil walks are a great introduction to hunting and when they meet you on the day, you’ll spend the 1.5 hour session on the beach discovering your own fossils.
Dates: Wednesday 27th May - Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Charmouth Coast Heritage Centre, Lower Sea Lane, Charmouth, Dorset, DT6 6LL
Website: Charmouth Coast Heritage Centre
MAYHEM OF MAD4ANIMALS AT UPTON COUNTRY PARK
Info: Not only will you see the highly entertaining show, but directly afterwards you will have the chance to get your hands on some of the animals in the show and even have pictures with the giant snakes! Ticket costs apply.
Date: Thursday 28th May 2025
Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Mad4Animals
PARKHAM PARK WILD THINGS
Date: Thursday 28th May 2026
Address: Parnham Park, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3LZ
Website: Parnham Park
SWANAGE PIER CHILDREN’S HISTORY TOUR
Info: Visit for a fun 45‑minute guided walk along the Pier and travel back in time! Follow in the footsteps of sailors and townsfolk as you uncover thrilling tales of pirates, smugglers, shipwrecks and even hidden treasure beneath the waves.
Date: Thursday 28th May 2026
Address: Swanage Pier, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2AP
Website: Swanage Pier
AVON HEATH COUNTRY PARK WORKSHOPS
Info: Families will love the heathland walks and fun play area and on Thursday there’s grass head making workshops.
Date: Thursday 28th May 2026
Address: Avon Heath Country Park, Brocks Pine, St Leonards, Dorset, BH24 2DH
Facebook: Avon Heath Country Park
RED HOUSE MUSEUM TREEHOUSE THEATRE STORYBOX
Info: Treehouse Theatre will be visiting for a magical storytelling adventure designed specifically for children aged 4 – 7 years.
Date: Friday 29th May 2026
Address: Red House Museum, Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU
Website: Red House Museum
THE BLOOM PROJECT AT BREWERY SQUARE
Date: Friday 29th May 2026
Address: Brewery Square, Copper Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1GH
Website: Brewery Square
FAMILY FEST
Info: Set within 12 acres of working farmland, in the stunning countryside of Wimborne. There’s craft, food and small business traders, 3 days of live music on the main stage, children's shows, family shows and activities, mascot appearances, bars, fabulous foods, and tons more.
Dates: Friday 29th May – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: The Meadows, Julians Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1EF
Website: Family Fest
UPWEY WISHING WELL FRO-POP BRUNCH
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: Upwey Wishing Well, 161 Church Street, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 5QE
Website: Upwey Wishing Well
BOURNEMOUTH NATURAL SCIENCE SOCIETY OPEN DAY
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: Bournemouth Natural Science Society, 39 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3NS
Website: Bournemouth Natural Science Society
PIDDLEFEST
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: Field next to Piddle Valley School, Piddletrenthide, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7QL
Website: Piddlefest
DORCHESTER FIRE STATION OPEN DAY
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: Dorchester Fire Station, Peverell Avenue West, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 3SU
Facebook: Dorchester Fire Station
THE GREAT OUT DORSET
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Upton Country Park
ALONG CAME A MAGPIE
Info: In the intimate setting of a potting shed, you meet the Gardener. She loves the smell of the flowers, the feel of the earth and watching her plants bloom. But along came a magpie who turns her potting shed upside down! Making friends is lots of fun, but can sometimes be tricky. Join the gardener and magpie on this playful and heart warming journey as they navigate the intricacies of friendship. Featuring puppetry, plants and lots of pots, this production is designed to delight ages 2-6 and their grownups.
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: The Barrington, Penny's Walk, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9TH
Website: The Barrington
UNICORN LIVE!
Info: Harmony, Melody and Starlight are the best of unicorn friends… Join them as they use their magical unicorn powers to save the show and conjure up the magical fourth band member. Watch in amazement as they use the power of song and dance to create the band, Unicorn Live! Featuring your favourite pop and musical theatre songs, dazzling costumes, and a real unicorn called Sparkle.
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
Website: Bournemouth Pavilion
ROCK & ROSE MAGICAL WORKSHOPS
Info: Step into Conkers Magical Earth Academy - a place where curious minds and wild imaginations flourish. Here, children can conjure up wands, concoct potions, craft dragon eggs and more in a warm, welcoming space designed to inspire creativity and wonder.
Dates: Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Rock & Rose, Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Rock & Rose
THE MOWLEM BIG WEEKEND
Info: This is The Mowlem’s first open weekend with 25 events, workshops, backstage tours, and much more.
Dates: Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: The Mowlem, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DD
Website: The Mowlem
THOMAS HARDY VICTORIAN STREET FAIR
Info: Get ready for a day full of Victorian crafts, stalls, activities, and performances throughout the day.
Date: Sunday 31st May 2026
Location: South Street & Brewery Square, Dorchester, Dorset
Facebook: The Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair
BOURNEMOUTH BUG SHOW
Info: The event features a large hall full of your favourite invertebrate traders, including livestock, dry goods, art, crafts and the Mad4Animals show, with handling experiences and educational talks throughout the day!
Date: Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DX
Website: TicketTailor Bournemouth Bug Show
DORSET DAY PARTY
Date: Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Beaminster Memorial Playing Fields, Hogshill Street, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3BW
Website: Discover Beaminster
If you know of any more events coming up in April then please do Contact Us.
Need more seasonal ideas for the family?
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Dorsetmums has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this site and does not accept liability for any errors or omission. Please also note that an event or venue may cancel or close at any time and you should consider contacting before visiting.
