The Parks Foundation is a charity which delivers community projects and events in our Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole parks and green spaces.

During term time, half terms and school holidays there are multiple nature based activities for children to enjoy and the best bit is that the events are mostly FREE! Lots of the parks mentioned below have play areas so you could pack a picnic and make use of the facilities for an affordable day out.

During May, children will be able to enjoy nature themed activities, bug hunts, guided walks, nature tots sessions, community litter picks, and much more.

For a list of locations, dates and times, please see below.

 

SLADES FARM 

Address: Slades Farm, Forsyth Gardens, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH10 4BU

 

REDHILL PARK 

Address: Redhill Park, 70 Redhill Avenue, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2SP

 

WINTON RECREATION GROUND

Address: Winton Recreation Ground, Fitzharris Avenue, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 1BX

 

KINSON & WEST HOWE 

Address: The Henry Brown Centre, Cunningham Crescent, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH11 8DU
Address: Pelhams Park, Millhams Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH10 7LQ

 

KINGFISHER BARN 

Address: Kingfisher Barn, Stour Valley Nature Reserve, Granby Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3NZ

 

WATERMANS PARK

Address: Watermans Park, 5 Dorset Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 3DB

 

MUDEFORD WOODS

Address: Mudeford Woods Community Centre, Pipers Drive, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4TR

 

TURLIN MOOR RECREATION GROUND

Address: Turlin Moor Recreation Ground, Blandford Road, Turlin Moor, Poole, Dorset, BH16 5BW

 

ALEXANDRA PARK

Address: Alexandra Park, 101 Alexandra Road, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9EW

 

To book or to get involved in fundraising, please visit The Parks Foundation.

Please note that events may be cancelled due to bad weather or unforeseen circumstances and it is always advisable to check an event is running before travelling.

 

Need more ideas for things to do with the family?

Attractions & Places of Interest

Soft Plays & Play Cafes

Family Friendly Events in May

May Half Term Events & Activities

Car Boot Sales

Baby & Child Pre Loved Sales

Pubs with Play Parks

Free & Low Cost Places to go with Kids

Sport & Leisure Centre’s

When your little one is due to start school it can be a scary time for both parent and child so it’s a good idea to attend meet-ups and make friends before the first term begins.

Below is a list of soft plays, play cafes and other venues which are holding sessions specifically for school meet-ups. For further info on school dates and times, please visit their website or social media platforms.

 

DISCOVERY VILLAGE ROLE PLAY CENTRE

Info: Join other parents and carers of children starting school for the first time this September at the specially designed new school play sessions. These friendly meet-ups are the perfect way to help your child meet future classmates, start forming friendships, and feel more comfortable before the school term begins. To register your interest, please visit the website below.

Address: Discovery Village Role Play Centre, Merritown Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BA
Website: Discovery Village Role Play Centre

 

LOLLIPOPS PLAY CAFÉ

Info: Lollipops offers a relaxed and friendly space to connect, share experiences, and make new friends!

Address: Lollipops Play Café, 16 Landseer Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH4 9EH
Website:Lollipops Play Café

 

LITTLE PICKLES PLAY CAFÉ

Info: Enjoy a fun meet-up with other local schools at Little Pickles Play Café.

Address: Little Pickles Play Café, 723 Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2AX
Website: Little Pickles Play Café

 

PEEKABOO & BREW

Info: Join the team at Peekaboo & Brew for a relaxed morning of play, caffeine, and connection. It’s the perfect chance to start building friendships while parents swap tips.

Address: Peekaboo & Brew, 214a Macaulay Road, Broadstone, Poole, Dorset, BH18 8DX
Website: Peekaboo & Brew

MINI MONSTERS

Info: Mini Monsters have multiple play sessions planned for parents and children starting school in the local Bournemouth area.

Address: Mini Monsters, 960 Wimborne Road, Moordown, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2DG
Website: Mini Monsters

 

​THE HIDEOUT SOFT PLAY

Info: The Hideout have scheduled a meet for their two most local schools - Ad Astra Infant School and Canford Heath Infant School. If your child is due to start a different school then other meet-ups may be planned if there is enough interest.

Address: The Hideout Soft Play, 7a The Neighbourhood Centre, Culliford Crescent, Canford Heath, Poole, Dorset, BH17 9DW
Facebook: The Hideout Soft Play

 

THE BARYARD

Info: Step into a world of fun, laughter, and adventure at The Barnyard. School starter sessions are planned for children starting school in the local St Ives, Ringwood & surrounding areas.

Address: The Barnyard, Kings Arms Lane, Ringwood, BH24 1AH
Website: The Barnyard

 

PLAY STREET DORSET

Info: Play Street Dorset are happy to be able to offer exclusive local school starter sessions for children starting school in the Poole, Wimborne, Ferndown and St Ives areas. They provide parents and children a safe, fun, calm environment to meet new friends before they start in September.

Locations: Poole & Wimborne
Booking: Play Street Dorset

 

REDHILL PARK CAFÉ

Info: New school reception class meet-ups are planned for those starting school in the local area. Children can take part in craft activities, meet new class mates and have some fun in the local park!

Address: Redhill Park Café, Redhill Avenue, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2SW
Facebook: Redhill Park Café

 

If you know of any more venues offering meet-up sessions for school starters then please Contact Us.