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

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

    In July and August, children will be able to enjoy nature crafts, guided walks, nature tots sessions, pond dipping, community litter picks, minibeast hunts, and much more.

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

     

    • SEAFIELD GARDENS •

    Address: Seafield Gardens, Seafield Road, Southbourne, Dorset, BH6 3JG

    July Aug Parks Foundation 2025 Seafield 1

     

    SLADES FARM •  

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

    July Parks Foundation 2025 Slades Farm 1

     

    REDHILL PARK •

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

    July Parks Foundation 2025 Redhill 2

    July Aug Parks Foundation 2025 Redhill 1

     

    WINTON RECREATION GROUND •  

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

    July Parks Foundation 2025 Winton 2

    July Aug Parks Foundation 2025 Winton 1

     

    • MOORE AVENUE & THE HENRY BROWN CENTRE •

    Address: The Henry Brown Centre, Cunningham Crescent, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH11 8DU

    • PELHAMS PARK •

    Address: Pelhams Park, Millhams Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH10 7LQ

    July Aug Parks Foundation 2025 Kinson West Howe 1

     

    • MUSCLIFF PARK • 

    Address: Muscliff Park, Shillingstone Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3LR

    Aug Parks Foundation 2025 Muscliff 1

     

    • WATERMANS PARK •  

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

    July Parks Foundation 2025 Watermans Park

     

    • MUDEFORD WOODS • 

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

    Aug July Parks Foundation 2025 Mudeford 1

     

    • TURLIN MOOR RECREATION GROUND • 

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

    July Parks Foundation 2025 Turlin Moor 1

     

    • ALEXANDRA PARK • 

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

    July Parks Foundation 2025 Alexandra 2

    Aug Parks Foundation 2025 Alexandra 1

     


    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?

    What’s on in July

    Car Boot Sales

    Summer Fireworks Displays

    Free & Low Cost Places to go with Kids

    Pubs with Play Parks

    Splash Parks & Paddling Pools

    PYO Fruit Farms

    Sunflower Trails & PYO

    Sport & Leisure Centre’s

    The Parks Foundation

  2. Need ideas for things to do with the family in June? You'll find lots of fun events and shows listed below.

    Canva July Splash

     

    ABBOTSBURY SWANNERY BRAMLEY HEDGE TRAIL

    Info: Based on the Summer Story book, the trail includes fun facts, stamp points and an activity booklet. The trail runs alongside the daily mass swan feeds, willow swan maze and pedal go-karts.

    Dates: Ongoing
    Address: Abbotsbury Swannery, New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4JG
    Website: Abbotsbury Swannery

     

    SEA LIFE PIRATE TRESURE HUNT

    Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 31st August 2025
    Address: SEA LIFE, Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX
    Website: SEA LIFE Weymouth

    June July Aug Sealife Treasure Hunt 2025

     

    MONKEY WORLD SUMMER FUN

    Dates: Tuesday 1st July – Sunday 31st August 2025
    Address: Monkey World, Tout Hill, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH
    Website: Monkey World

    July 1 to Aug 31 Monkey World summer 2025

     

    CORFE CASTLE FLIGHT OF THE FAMILY QUEST

    Info: Can you take flight to discover the birds that call Corfe Castle home as you explore the ruins? Hunt for the quest boards around the castle each featuring illustrations from the book, A Story of the Seasons.

    Dates: Sunday 1st June – Friday 18th July 2025
    Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset
    Website: National Trust Corfe Castle

     

    THE WIZARD OF OZ

    Info: Step into a world of wonder as the children of Swanage Primary School proudly present The Wizard of Oz! Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with dazzling costumes, catchy songs, and a cast of lovable characters who will capture your heart.

    Date: Thursday 17th July 2025
    Address: The Mowlem, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DD
    Website: The Mowlem

     

    YEWSTOCK SCHOOL SUMMER FAYRE

    Date: Friday 18th July 2025
    Address: Yewstock School, Honeymead Lane, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1EW

    July 18 Yewstock School Fete 2025

     

    XCHURCH MUSIC FESTIVAL

    Date: Friday 18th – Sunday 20th July 2025
    Address: Christchurch Quay, Christchurch, Dorset
    Website: XChurch Music Festival

    July 18 to 20 XChurch Music Fest 2025

     

    SHAFTESBURY FRINGE

    Info: Shaftesbury Fringe has music, comedy, dance, theatre, poetry and everything in between!

    Date: Friday 18th – Sunday 20th July 2025
    Location: Across Shaftesbury
    Website: Shaftesbury Fringe

     

    TOLPUDDLE MARTYRS’ FESTIVAL

    Info: The Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival returns with an inspiring programme of discussion, music, performance, children's activities, speakers, food stalls and more.

    Dates: Friday 18th – Sunday 20th July 2025
    Location: Tolpuddle Village
    Website: Tolpuddle Martyrs

     

    PURIFY FESTIVAL

    Info: 3 days of music, wellness therapies and camping in the Dorset countryside, all to raise funds for the Dorset Mind charity.

    Dates: Friday 18th – Sunday 20th July 2025
    Address: Moonacre, Roundhouse Roundabout, Lytchett Matravers, Dorset, BH21 4AA
    Website: Purify Festival

     

    HOLDENHURST VILLAGE SUMMER FAIR

    Date: Saturday 19th July 2025
    Address: Village Green, Holdenhurst, Bournemouth, Dorset

    July 19 Holdenhurst Village Fete 2025

     

    YETMINSTER FAIR

    Date: Saturday 19th July 2025
    Address: Yetminster Sports Ground, 3 Brierley Hay, Yetminster, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 6NR

    July 19 Yetminster Fair 2025

     

    MUSCLIFF FAMILY FUN DAY

    Date: Saturday 19th July 2025
    Address: Muscliff Park, Shillingstone Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3LR

    July 19 Muscliff Fun Day 2025

     

    PIDDLEHINTON CHURCH FETE

    Date: Saturday 19th July 2025
    Address: The Old Rectory, Church Road, Piddlehinton, Dorset, DT2 7TE

    July 19 Piddlehinton Fete 2025

     

    CORFE CASTLE FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY

    Info: Corfe Castle welcomes the Time Team to celebrate all things archaeology. The weekend will include guided walks around the castle, talks and activities including have a go at a mock excavation, spot the difference between Roman and Anglo-Saxon poo, Medieval dress up, archaeology demonstrations, blacksmithing, stonemasonry... and much more.

    Dates: Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th July 2025
    Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset
    Website: National Trust Corfe Castle

     

    THE LOVELY BUBBLY SHOW

    Dates: Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th July 2025
    Address: Shaftesbury Arts Centre, 13 Bell Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8AR
    Website: Shaftesbury Arts Centre

    July 19 and 20 Shaftesbury Bubble 2025

     

    MEGA SLIP AND SLIDE

    Info: The Slip and Slide is back with an even bigger slide and bigger pool to whoosh into!

    Dates: Saturday 19th July – Sunday 31st August 2025
    Address: Mill Street, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3RH
    Website: Mega Slip and Slide

     

    RUSSELL-COTES MUSEUM AMAZING ANIMALS & BRILLIANT BOTANICALS

    Info: Follow the nature themed trail around the house and take part in the garden scavenger hunt. Families can also enjoy some traditional garden games, workshops and more.

    Dates: Sunday 19th July – Sunday 31st August 2025
    Address: Russell-Cotes Museum, East West Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3AA
    Website: Russell-Cotes

     

    MINTERNE GARDENS DRAGON & FAIRY TRAIL

    Info: Lose yourself in the land of make-believe. The beautiful fairy trail will transport you to a place of mystery and enchantment. The hand crafted willow sculptures and displays lead you through the beautiful gardens and on into the secret woodland.

    Dates: Saturday 19th July – Sunday 31st August 2025
    Address: Minterne Gardens, Minterne Magna, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7AU
    Website: Minterne

     

    CORFE CASTLE SUMMER OF PLAY

    Info: Hop into a summer of fun at Corfe Castle and discover a variety of games and activities throughout the ruins. Explore play zones to get legs and minds racing, see if you can hit the bullseye in the Archery Zone, beat the Obstacle Zone or make some noise in the Music Zone.

    Dates: Saturday 19th July – Sunday 31st August 2025
    Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset
    Website: National Trust Corfe Castle

     

    STUDLAND SUMMER OF PLAY

    Info: Children can enjoy free to use sports equipment and games at Shell Bay.

    Dates: Mondays in the school summer holidays
    Address: Shell Bay, Studland, Dorset
    Website: National Trust Studland Bay

     

    DURLSTON COUNTRY PARK ACTIVITY TRAILS & MORE

    Info: The Marvelous Meadows Trail runs through the first half of the summer holidays and then the Boats of the Bay Trail runs until the end. Plus there’s guided walks, scavenger hunts, nature activities and Wild Wednesdays all planned on selected dates.

    Dates: Saturday 19th July – Wednesday 3rd September 2025
    Address: Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL
    Website: Durlston Country Park

     

    KINGSTON LACY SUMMER OF PLAY

    Info: There's so much to try out this summer - start your engines in the wacky races, build something amazing with the giant blue blocks, try out the ball play and slacklining zone and much, much more.

    Dates: Saturday 19th July – Sunday 7th September 2025
    Address: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA
    Website: Kingston Lacy

     

    SHERBORNE CLASSIC & SUPERCAR SHOW

    Info: Fantastic day of events and displays including motor club stands, motor trade stands, autojumble, craft fair and fun activities for the whole family.

    Date: Sunday 20th July 2025
    Address: Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR
    Website: Classic Supercars

     

    THE LITTLE MERMAID JR

    Info: The Marine Youth Theatre presents this production.  In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home and her fins behind, and live in the world above.  But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking.

    Date: Sunday 20th July 2025
    Address: Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QB
    Website: Marine Theatre

     

    WAREHAM CARNIVAL

    Date: Sunday 20th July 2025
    Location: North Street & Wareham Recreation Ground
    Website: Wareham Carnival

    July Aug Wareham Carival 2025

     

    WEST MOORS CLASSIC CARS & BIKE SHOW

    Info: Fantastic community event celebrating classic motors, live music, local food and more!

    Date: Sunday 20th July 2025
    Address: Sturts Farm, West Moors, Dorset, BH22 0NF
    Facebook: West Moors Classic Car Show

     

    HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE SUMMER WELLBEING CHALLENGE

    Info: Explore the grounds of Highcliffe Castle for an outdoor challenge trail promoting positive wellbeing and appreciating you. Indoor crafts will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays and there will be a different craft each week to do.

    Dates: Sunday 20th July – Sunday 7th September 2025
    Address: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4LE
    Website: Highcliffe Castle

     

    THE WALLED GARDEN DINOSAURS IN SPACE TRAIL

    Info: The space-faring dinos are back. Find the characters hidden in the garden, answer 12 space themed quiz questions, learn facts, find all the planets hidden in the trees and claim your prize at the end.

    Dates: From Saturday 21st July 2025
    Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
    Website: The Walled Garden

     

    TUFF NUTTERZ

    Info: Tuff Nutterz offers fun for everyone with the UK version of the world Largest Inflatable Obstacle Course!

    Dates: Monday 23rd – Saturday 26th July 2025
    Address: Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DX
    Website: Tuff Nutterz

     

    VERWOOD HUB HAWAIIAN DISCO

    Date: Thursday 24th July 2025
    Address: Verwood Hub, Brockway, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 7QE
    Website: Verwood Hub

    July 24 Verwood Hub Disco 2025

     

    BROWNSEA ISLAND SUMMER OF PLAY

    Info: Embark on a crayon rubbing trail filled with fun activities and games for the whole family. Play like a chicken, leap like a sika deer, and try some bunny yoga. As you explore, you'll uncover fascinating facts about the creatures that call Brownsea home.

    Dates: Thursday 24th July – Sunday 31st August 2025
    Location: Poole Harbour
    Website: National Trust Brownsea Island

      

    FARMER PALMERS FARM PARK SUMMER FUN

    Dates: Thursday 24th July – Sunday 31st August 2025
    Address: Farmer Palmers, Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU
    Website: Farmer Palmers

    July Aug Farmer Palmers Summer 2025

     

    POOLE HARBOUR FESTIVAL

    Dates: Friday 25th July – Sunday 27th July 2025
    Address: Baiter Park, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UY
    Website: Poole Harbour Festival

    July 25 to 27 Poole Harbour Festival 2025 Poster Blog

     

    BOURNEMOUTH REGGAE WEEKENDER

    Info: Get ready to groove to the rhythms of reggae, ska, and dancehall from a lineup of talented artists. Whether you're a reggae enthusiast or just looking for a fun time, this event is perfect for music lovers of all kinds.

    Dates: Friday 25th July – Sunday 27th July 2025
    Address: Kings Park, Kings Park Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 6JD
    Website: Bournemouth Reggae Weekender

     

    CIRCUS EXTREME

    Info: Get ready for the ultimate fusion of live rock music and world-class circus stunts! Circus Extreme returns in 2025 with its most electrifying production yet - ROCK IT OUT! Years in the making, this revolutionary show redefines live entertainment, pushing the boundaries of thrill and spectacle like never before.

    Dates: Friday 25th July – Sunday 3rd August 2025
    Address: Branksome Recreation Ground
    Website: Circus Extreme

     

    MILTON ABBAS STREET FAIR

    Info: The Villagers of Milton Abbas invite you to their 18th Century Street Fair. The organisers have tried to recreate the flavour of a country occasion using costume, rural crafts, entertainment and craft demonstrations. You should expect a large number of stalls, with food and drink venues throughout The Street and Lake Field.

    Dates: Saturday 26th July 2025
    Location: Milton Abbas Village
    Website: Milton Abbas Street Fair

     

    LYME REGIS LIFEBOAT WEEK

    Info: This year’s week includes all the old favourites including the duck race, the swimming challenges, the bathtub race, Teddy bears’ picnic, Morris dancing, vintage air display, meet the crew and demonstrations.

    Dates: Saturday 26th July – Friday 1st August 2025
    Location: Across Lyme Regis
    Facebook: Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week

     

    SWANAGE CARNIVAL

    Info: Swanage Carnival is run by volunteers and is an annual eight day event held in the picturesque coastal town of Swanage. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse entertainment, and community spirit, the carnival attracts visitors from near and far, offering something for everyone to enjoy and supported by voluntary contributions.

    Dates: Saturday 26th July – Saturday 2nd August 2025
    Location: Across Swanage
    Website: Swanage Carnival

     

    SHERBORNE CASTLE NATURE TRAIL

    Info: Follow the trail around the garden discovering interesting facts about the nature within the gardens. Complete the answers to the questions and collect your prize from the ticket box at the end of the trail.

    Dates: Saturday 26th July – Sunday 31st August 2025
    Address: Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR
    Website: Sherborne Castle

     

    THE ALLENDALE CENTRE FILM CLUB

    Date: Sunday 27th July 2025
    Address: The Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1AS
    Website: The Allendale Centre

    June July Aug Allendale Film 2025

     

    LITTLEDOWN FUN DAY

    Date: Sunday 27th July 2025
    Address: Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DX
    Website: BH Live Active Littledown

    July 27 Littledown Fun Day 2025

     

    WEYMOUTH RUGBY CLUB FAMILY FUN DAY

    Date: Sunday 27th July 2025
    Address: Weymouth Rugby Club, Monmouth Avenue, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 5HZ
    Website: Weldmar Hospicare

    July 27 Weymouth Rugby Club 2025

     

    BOUNCY CASTLE KINGDOM

    Info: Dive into a wonderland of giant slides, bounce castles, obstacle courses, and epic inflatable challenges!

    Dates: Sunday 27th & Monday 28 July 2025
    Address: The Great Field, Peverell Avenue East, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 3RH
    Facebook: Inflatable Theme Parks

     

    LET IS SHOW WITH ELSA

    Date: Monday 28th July 2025
    Address: Itsy Bitsyccino, Westover Retail Park, Wimborne Road, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3JS
    Website: Itsy Bitsy

    July 28 Itsy Bitsy Frozen 2025

     

    RUDE SCIENCE

    Info: The naughtiest, funniest, most revolting science show in the world. Brace yourselves for BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ revolutionary, high-tech, highly-explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts.

    Date: Tuesday 29th July 2025
    Address: Bridport Electric Palace, 35 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NY
    Website: Electric Palace

     

    BLANDFORD MUSEUM FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY

    Dates: Thursday 31st July – Saturday 2nd August 2025
    Address: Blandford Town Museum, Beres Yard, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7HQ
    Website: Blandford Town Museum

    July 31 to Aug 2 Blandford Museum summer 2025

     

    CAMP BESTIVAL

    Dates: Thursday 31st July – Sunday 3rd August 2025
    Address: Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS
    Website: Camp Bestival

    July 31 to Aug 3 Camp Bestival 2025

     

    Please always check an event is running before travelling as cancellations can occur. If you know of any more family friendly events in July then please do Contact Us.

     

    Need more ideas for the things to do with the family?

    Summer Holiday Events & Activities

    Dorset Attractions & Places to Visit

    Soft Plays & Play Cafes

    Splash Parks & Paddling Pools

    PYO Fruit Farms

    Sunflower Trails & PYO

    Summer Fireworks Displays

    Car Boot Sales

    Sport & Leisure Centres

     

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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 travelling.