Family Friendly Events in Dorset May 2025
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Need ideas for things to do with the family in May? You'll find lots of fun events and shows listed below.
STAMPEDE BY THE SEA TRAIL
Info: A unique and exciting adventure awaits families with Stampede By The Sea, a free and interactive way to explore the stunning landscapes of west Dorset while supporting the incredible work of Weldmar Hospicecare.
Dates: Friday 28th March - Sunday 25th May 2025
Location: Across west Dorset
Website: Stampede by the Sea
GREAT TAIL TRAIL
Info: The Great Tail Trail is an exciting community art adventure in aid of Julia’s House children’s hospice and delivered in partnership with Wild in Art. There are over 40 giant mermaid tail sculptures making a splash in the BCP area.
Dates: Saturday 5th April - Sunday 1st June 2025
Location: Across BCP
Website: Julia’s House
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
SEALIFE WEYMOUTH: DISCOVER SHARKLIFE!
Info: Dive into an underwater adventure to learn all about this fin-tastic species. Discover the truth about this commonly feared creature. Fun for the whole family with an activity trail and challenges throughout the aquarium, enjoy visual games and activities and get a reward for completing the trail.
Dates: Thursday 1st – Saturday 24th May 2025
Address: SEA LIFE, Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX
Website: SEA LIFE Weymouth
KINGSTON MAURWARD SPELLING BEE TRAIL
Dates: From Friday 16th May 2025
Address: Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8PY
Website: Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens
THE PALM HOUSE JUNGLE WEEK
Dates: Tuesday 20th – Sunday 25th May 2025
Address: The Palm House, Swannery Lake, Commercial Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7TZ
Facebook: The Palm House
DURLSTON COUNTRY PARK UNDERWATER WORLD CHILDREN’S TRAIL
Info: Head to the Castle reception and collect your activity trail booklet. The trail will take you on a trip around the park to discover what marvellous marine life hides under the waves. Answer the questions and win a prize. Trail cost applies.
Dates: Wednesday 21st – Wednesday 4th June 2025
Address: Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL
Website: Durlston Country Park
CURSUS CIDER & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Dates: Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th May 2025
Address: Myncen Farm, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8DH
Website: Cursus Festival
BECIDER SEASIDE FESTIVAL
Dates: Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th May 2025
Address: Bredy Lane, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4ND
Website: Bredy Farm
BOURNEMOUTH 7S FESTIVAL
Info: Festival for sport and music lovers with sporting competitions, fun fair and over 100 acts and DJ’s.
Dates: Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th May 2025
Address: Chapel Gate, East Parley, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BD
Website: Bournemouth 7’s
BLANDFORD CROWN FEST
Dates: Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th May 2025
Address: The Crown Hotel, West Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7AJ
Facebook: Crown Hotel Blandford
SHLOMO’S BEATBOX ADVENTURE FOR KIDS
Info: SK Shlomo makes amazing music with just a mouth and a mic, and has performed around the world. Anybody can become one of this sonic superhero’s sidekicks in a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises, and cool music, whether they’re aged 1 or 101.
Date: Saturday 24th May 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
ALTON PANCRAS FETE
Date: Saturday 24th May 2025
Address: Next to Alton Pancras Church, Alton Pancras, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7RW
SWANAGE PIRATE FESTIVAL
Date: Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th May 2025
Address: Sandpit Field, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1NR
Facebook: Purbeck Pirate Festival
BRYANSTON SUMMER FAIR
Date: Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th May 2025
Address: Bryanston School, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0PX
Website: Wessex Event Company
ULTIMATE FESTIVAL
Dates: Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th May 2025
Address: Upton Country Park, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Ultimate Festivals
ABBOTSBURY SWANNERY FOOD & CRAFT FAIR
Info: Tickle your taste buds with Dorset food and craft stalls, and don’t miss out on seeing the new fluffy cygnets.
Dates: Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th May 2025
Address: Abbotsbury Swannery, New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4JG
Website: Abbotsbury Swannery
SHROTONBURY FESTIVAL
Dates: Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th May 2025
Address: The Cricketers, Iwerne Courtney, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8QD
Facebook: The Cricketers
CHRISTCHURCH FOOD FESTIVAL
Info: This popular food festival hosts renowned chefs, local producers, interactive workshops, tastings, live music and children’s activities.
Dates: Saturday 24th – Monday 26th May 2025
Location: Christchurch Quay
Website: Christchurch Food Fest
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 kids bubbles and foam parties on selected dates.
Dates: Saturday 24th May - Sunday 1st June 2025
Address: Farmer Palmers, Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU
Website: Farmer Palmers
HENGISTBURY HEAD SPRING SCAVENGER HUNT
Info: Grab your map and bingo sheet from the Visitor Centre and head out onto the heathland to search for hidden clues and identify different plants and animals. Trail costs apply.
Dates: Saturday 24th May - Sunday 1st June 2025
Address: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Broadway, Southbourne, Dorset, BH6 4EW
Facebook: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
BROWNSEA ISLAND POOTASTIC TRAIL
Info: This quirky trail is dedicated to animal droppings. Have fun with various activities as you learn some poo-mazing facts. Have a go at fun games like cow pat frisbee, roll balls like a dung beetle, and try to identify the poopetrator. This event is FREE however normal admission charges apply.
Dates: Saturday 24th May - Sunday 1st June 2025
Location: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour
Website: Brownsea Island
CORFE CASTLE FLIGHT OF THE CASTLE FAMILY QUEST
Info: Explore the ruins to discover the bird life that now calls the castle home, can you find all the quest boards to earn your prize?
Dates: Saturday 24th May - Sunday 1st June 2025
Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
Website: Corfe Castle
STUDLAND BAY NATURE DETECTIVES
Info: Borrow one of our Nature Detective bags free of charge from Knoll Beach Visitor Reception. The bags contain binoculars, magnifying glasses, bug pots and activity sheets to help you on your nature detecting journey. In addition, a small number of sensory bags are available to help those with additional needs.
Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June 2025
Address: Knoll Beach, Ferry Road, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3AQ
Website: National Trust Studland Beach
THE WALLED GARDEN BUTTERFLY TRAIL
Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June 2025
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
Website: The Walled Garden
UPTON COUNTRY PARK FORTUNE FINDERS ADVENTURE TRAIL
Info: Collect your FREE trail sheet from the Welcome Centre and find out what it takes to make your fortune as a Georgian Merchant. You can also enjoy a variety of other activities including face painting, bouncy castles, adventure golf, arts and crafts, and more!
Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June 2025
Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Upton Country Park
MADJESTON MILK STATION
Info: There’s lots going on at Madjeston Milk Station during half term with animal feeding experiences, a Lovely Bubbly Show, bird show and Merlin the Magician.
Dates: Saturday 24th May - Sunday 1st June 2025
Address: Madjeston Milk Station, Cole Street Lane, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5JQ
Website: Madjeston Milk Station
MOORS VALLEY HALF TERM ACTIVITIES
Info: Dive into a world of adventure with outdoor activities like pond dipping, minibeasting, trails and Ranger Den discoveries.
Dates: Saturday 24th May - Sunday 1st June 2025
Address: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Ringwood, BH24 2ET
Website: Moors Valley Country Park
NATIONAL CHILDREN’S GARDENING WEEK AT SYMONDSBURY ESTATE
Info: Children can plant their own seeds to take home, get creative with garden-themed drawing activities, follow a free Plant Trail around the Estate and feed the friendly donkeys.
Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June 2025
Address: Symondsbury Estate, Manor Yard, Mill Lane, Symondsbury, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6HG
Website: Symondsbury Estate
RED HOUSE MUSEUM ROMAN DINNER PARTY TRAIL
Info: The activity is inspired by the roman objects, discovered by archaeologists, that you will see when you visit the archaeology galleries. The trail includes a prize which you will receive once you've found all the pictures of food enjoyed in Roman Britain. Trail cost applies.
Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June 2025
Address: Red House Museum, Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU
Website: Red House Museum
NOTHE FORT CASTLES & DRAGONS
Info: Bring the whole family along to the fortress of fun to find the hidden dragon eggs, enjoy outdoor games, escape the labyrinth, solve the dragon challenge and much more.
Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June 2025
Address: Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UF
Website: Nothe Fort
RUSSELL COTES MUSEUM
Info: Activities at the museum during half term include trails, competitions, garden games and craft sessions.
Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June 2025
Address: Russell-Cotes Museum, East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3AA
Website: Russell-Cotes Museum
THE TANK MUSEUM: VE DAY STORIES
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. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, children can also take part in crafts, tours and much more!
Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June 2025
Address: Tank Museum, Linsay Road, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG
Website: The Tank Museum
MUDEFORD BLUE LIGHT DAY
Date: Sunday 25th May 2025
Address: Mudeford Quay Green, Dorset, BH23 4AB
Facebook: RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat
SPETISBURY COUNTRY DAY
Date: Sunday 25th May 2025
Address: Crawford Bridge, Spetisbury, Dorset, DT11 9EA
Website: Spetisbury Country Day
GO WILD! AT LULWORTH CASTLE
Dates: Sunday 25th – Thursday 29th May 2025
Address: Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS
Website: Lulworth Castle
HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE MAGICAL ACTIVITIES
Info: Design your own magical creature or colour a star to add to the wall of magic. Also, magical themed crafts are available on Tuesday and Thursday. Activities are FREE however normal admission costs apply.
Dates: Sunday 25th May - Sunday 1st June 2025
Address: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE
Website: Highcliffe Castle
BURTON BRADSTOCK VILLAGE HALL FAYRE
Date: Monday 26th May 2025
Address: Burton Bradstock Village Hall, Church Street, Burton Bradstock, Dorset, DT6 4QS
BOUNCY FUN PLAY KIDS FEST
Date: Monday 26th May 2025
Address: The Hamworthy Club, Magna Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3AP
Website: Get Up and Bounce
MAYHEM OF MAD4ANIMALS AT AVON HEATH 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: Monday 26th May 2025
Address: Avon Heath Country Park, Brocks Pine, St Leonards, BH24 2DH
Website: Mad4Animals Ticketquarter
OUTALIMITS DISCO
Date: Monday 26th May 2025
Address: Bournemouth Aviation Museum, Merritown Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BA
Website: Bournemouth Aviation Museum
SHERBORNE CASTLE COUNTRY FAIR
Date: Monday 26th May 2025
Address: Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR
Website: Sherborne Castle
BOURNEMOUTH NATURAL SCIENCE SOCIETY OPEN DAYS
Date: Monday 26th & Tuesday 27th May 2025
Address: Bournemouth Natural Science Society, 39 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3NS
Website: Bournemouth Natural Science Society
BOUNCY CASTLE KINGDOM
Info: Children will have unlimited access to 15 large bouncy castles plus a designated under 5's soft play zone.
Date: Monday 26th & Tuesday 27th May 2025
Address: Redlands Sports Hub, Dorchester Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 5AW
Facebook: Bouncy Castle Kingdom
KINGSTON LACY NATURE SEEKER
Info: Little explorers and nature enthusiasts can take part in a range of exciting, hands-on activities designed to connect children with the natural world.
Dates: Monday 26th – Friday 30 May 2025
Address: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 4EA
Website: National Trust Kingston Lacy
DORSET MUSEUM FOLK TAILS
Info: Step into the enchanting world of Dorset folklore and immerse yourself in the magical tale of “The Singing Barrows at Bincombe Bumps.” After the tale, craft your own fairy, brownie, or pixie using recycled and natural materials.
Dates: Tuesday 27th & Thursday 29th May 2025
Address: Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XA
Website: Dorset Museum
A SQUASH AND A SQUEEZE: LIVE ON STAGE
Date: Tuesday 27th – Thursday 29th May 2025
Address: Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Website: A Squash and a Squeeze
WISH UPON A STARRE CRAFTS WITH THE MERMAID PRINCESS
Date: Wednesday 28th May 2025
Address: Crafty Cuppa, 46 High East Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1HU
Facebook: Wish Upon a Starre
BOURNEMOUTH PIER FAMILY RAVE
Date: Wednesday 28th May 2025
Address: Key West, Bournemouth Pier, Bournemouth, Dorset
Website: Party Peeps
MUSEUM OF EAST DORSET FOLK DANCING WORKSHOP
Info: Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of English folk dance with two engaging, family-friendly workshops on Morris dancing and longsword dancing.
Date: Wednesday 28th May 2025
Address: Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1HR
Website: Museum of East Dorset
LITTLE GIZMOS ENTERTAINMENT ESTERN EVENT
Date: Wednesday 28th May 2025
Address: Colin’s Nest Café, 25 Birds Hill Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2QJ
Facebook: Little Gizmos Entertainment
LEMUR LANDINGS PHASER NIGHT
Info: The action-packed phaser night will include thrilling battles with six games in the play frame, plus climbing challenges on the DigiWall and party vibes with disco lights.
Date: Wednesday 28th May 2025
Address: Lemur Landings, Tower Park, Yarrow Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NY
Website: Lemur Landings
CHARMOUTH SEASHORE SAFARI AND SCAVENGER HUNT
Info: Join the marine warden to discover life on the rockpools of Charmouth. Find out how these creatures survive on the seashore and the challenges they face. Booking is essential.
Dates: Wednesday 28th May & Saturday 31st May 2025
Address: Charmouth Coast Heritage Centre, Lower Sea Lane, Charmouth, Dorset, DT6 6LL
Website: Charmouth Coast Heritage Centre
OLIVER!
Date: Wednesday 28th – Saturday 31st May 2025
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Website: Weymouth Pavilion
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Info: Based on the iconic story, this spectacular stage show follows the hit West End and Broadway productions to combine the memorable songs from the original 1970’s motion picture ('The Candy Man' and 'Pure Imagination') with all new numbers from the multi award-winning songwriters of Hairspray.
Date: Wednesday 28th – Saturday 31st May 2025
Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
Website: Bournemouth Pavilion
ITSY BITSY RAVERS
Dates: Thursday 29th May 2025
Address: Itsy Bitsyccino, Westover Retail Park, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3JS
Website: Itsy Bitsyccino
WEST BAY DISCOVERY CENTRE PIRATE STORYTELLING AND SEA SHANTIES
Date: Thursday 29th May 2025
Address: West Bay Discovery Centre, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4EN
Website: West Bay Discovery Centre
THE WALLED GARDEN BUG & EXOTIC ANIMAL EXPERIENCE
Dates: Thursday 29th & Friday 30th May 2025
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
Website: The Walled Garden
ANGUS WOOD NATURE TRAIL & QUIZ
Date: Friday 30th May 2025
Address: Angus Wood, St Leonards Avenue, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT117PJ
Facebook: Blandford Environmental Trust
ITSY BITSY TROPICAL PARTY ADVENTURE WITH ANGEL & STITCH
Dates: Friday 30th May 2025
Address: Itsy Bitsyccino, Westover Retail Park, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3JS
Website: Itsy Bitsyccino
SWANAGE FAIRY FESTIVAL
Info: The Swanage Fairy Festival is back with spectacular live mermaid show, fairy parade, pirates, magic shows, meet and greets, bubble disco and more.
Dates: Friday 30th & Saturday 31st May 2025
Address: Sandpit Field, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1NR
Website: Swanage Fairy Festival
STURMINSTER NEWTON BIG WEEKEND
Dates: Friday 30th May – Sunday 1st June 2025
Location: Across Sturminster Newton
Facebook: Sturminster Big Weekend
FAMILY FEST
Info: Introducing you to Dorset's best craft, sweet, food and small business traders, three days of live music on main stage, children's shows, family shows and activities, mascot appearances, bars, fabulous foods, and tons more to start summer in style.
Dates: Friday 30th May – Sunday 1st June 2025
Address: The Meadows, Julians Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1EF
Website: Family Fest
PIDDLEFEST
Date: Saturday 31st May 2025
Address: Piddle Valley School, Piddletrenthide, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7QL
Website: Piddlefest
Please always check an event is running before travelling as cancellations can occur. If you know of any more family friendly events in March then please do Contact Us.
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Dorsetmums hasmade 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 therefore you should consider contacting before visiting.
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