The Parks Foundation is a charity which delivers community projects and events in our Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch 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 they’re 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 October half term, children will be able to enjoy Halloween nature trails, bat walks, nature walks, crafts, urban foraging and much more.

BOSCOMBE CHINE GARDENS - BOURNEMOUTH

SEAFIELD GARDENS – BOURNEMOUTH

SLADES FARM – BOURNEMOUTH

REDHILL PARK – BOURNEMOUTH

PELHAMS PARK – BOURNEMOUTH

WINTON RECREATION GROUND – BOURNEMOUTH

MUSCLIFF PARK – BOURNEMOUTH

WATERMANS PARK – CHRISTCHURCH

MUDEFORD WOODS – CHRISTCHURCH

TURLIN MOOR RECREATION GROUND - POOLE

ALEXANDRA PARK – POOLE

BRANKSOME RECREATION GROUND – POOLE

SHERBORN CRESCENT – POOLE

If you would like to get involved in fundraising or make a donation to support this charity then I’m sure they’d love to hear from you.  For more information on upcoming events, 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 budget friendly ideas for the kids?  Please see our list of Free & Low Cost places to go in Dorset.

Image credit: The Parks Foundation

Do you enjoy visiting National Trust properties or maybe you have never been to one before?  From 18 September to 20 October 2023 you can visit a National Trust place with the family for FREE!

Choose from Kingston Lacy with it’s stunning house, beautiful gardens, acres of parkland and 2 play areas or visit Corfe Castle which was established by William the Conqueror and partially destroyed in the English Civil War.  There are more properties to visit in Dorset including Hardy’s Cottage, Max Gate and Cloud’s Hill.

This single-use pass allows free entry for two adults and up to three children, one adult and up to four children, or two adults on their own.

Some places may be busier at certain times and on certain days but weekdays are usually quieter than weekends.  Some properties may require booking in advance and it is advisable to check the webpage of the place you’d like to visit to see if you need to pre-book.

Places in Dorset which are exempt from the offer:

Brownsea Island and Ferry
White Mill, Sturminster Marshall

To claim your free pass, please visit the National Trust.

Please note, passes may be limited and terms and conditions re parking charges may apply.

Need more budget friendly ideas?  Please see our list of Free and Low Cost Places to go with kids in Dorset.