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

 

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

 

THE WALLED GARDEN DINOSAURS IN SPACE TRAIL

Dates: Wednesday 16th July - Friday 5th September 2025
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
Website: The Walled Garden

 

TANK MUSEUM SEASON OF STEM

Info: Get involved with hands-on games and interactives, watch live tanks in action and experience a tracked vehicle ride.  Plus, explore the tank-themed outdoor playpark or soft play for mini-tank enthusiasts.

Dates: Saturday 19th July - Tuesday 2nd September 2025
Address: Tank Museum, Linsay Road, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG
Website: Tank Museum

 

DURLSTON COUNTRY PARK ACTIVITY TRAIL

Info: Head to the Castle reception to collect your Boats of the Bay activity trail booklet.  The trail will take you on a trip around the park to learn more about the boats you'll spot from the Durlston cliffs.

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

 

MOORS VALLEY COUNTRY PARK STICK MAN TRAIL & MORE

Info: Moors Valley is an award-winning visitor attraction offering a host of outdoor activities for all ages with long paths to explore in the woods, multiple fun play areas, the Moors Valley Railway and much more.  Activities in the holidays include pond dipping, fishing, mini golf, adventure valley land rovers and the Stick Man Trail.

Dates: Saturday 19th July - Sunday 7th September 2025
Address: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, BH24 2ET
Website: Moors Valley Country Park

 

THORNCOMBE WOODS WILD WORKOUT TRAIL

Info: Enjoy a FREE nature inspired Physical Activity Trail. Keep everyone moving and exploring this summer holiday with a family friendly trail around the reserve!  Follow the pink and blue waymarked trails to discover beautifully hand-painted discs.  Each disc reveals a nature-inspired movement challenge to try.  Trail leaflets can be found in car park or at the Visitors Centre.

Dates: Saturday 19th July - Monday 8th September 2025
Address: Thorncombe Woods, Higher Bockhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QH
Facebook: Hardys Birthplace

 

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, Dorset, BH23 4LE
Website: Highcliffe Castle

 

MUSEUM OF EAST DORSET MINECRAFT ADVENTURES

Info: From character hunts to crafty clay creations, families can dive into a pixel-powered holiday filled with creativity and exploration.  Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, there’s something for everyone in this immersive experience.

Dates: Monday 21st July - Saturday 6th September 2025
Address: Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High Street, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1HR
Website: Museum of East Dorset

 

MADJESTON ANIMAL FARM ACTIVITIES

Info: There are new attractions each week of the holidays which include straw bales to climb, jump, hide and play on, pedal tractors, space hoppers, sand, water, disco and bubbles to name a few.  Plus there’s animal activity sessions, café and play area.

Dates: Thursday 24th July - Wednesday 3rd September 2025
Address: Madjeston Animal Farm, Cole Street Lane, Madjeston, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5JQ
Website: Madjeston Animal Farm

 

MAPPERTON SUMMER WILDLINGS

Info: This summer, Mapperton is inviting families to explore, discover and get creative with six weeks of themed activities across the gardens, Wildlands and play areas.  From forest trails and storytelling to sketching wildlife, scavenger hunts and postcards from the past - there’s something new to enjoy every week.

Dates: Sunday 27th July - Thursday 4th September 2025
Address: Mapperton, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR
Website: Mapperton

 

KINGSTON MAURWARD ANIMAL PARK & GARDENS MAGICAL FAIRY TRAIL

Dates: Saturday 9th August - Friday 5th September 2025
Address: Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8PX
Website: Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park

 

PURBECK FILM FESTIVAL CINEMA UNDER THE STARS

Info: Enjoy a magical season of summer screenings in some of Purbeck’s most iconic outdoor locations.

Dates: Saturday 16th August - Saturday 6th September 2025
Locations: Studland, Swanage, Corfe Castle & Wareham
Website: Purbeck Film Festival

 

MAD4ANIMALS SHOW AT SOUTHERN AQUATICS

Date: Monday 1st September 2025
Address: Southern Aquatics, Northmead Drive, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7XZ
Website: Southern Aquatics

 

BOUNCY CASTLE PLANET

Info: A fun filled inflatable activity for the kids aged 1-12 years, with a selection of the most exciting inflatables all in one place!

Date: Monday 1st September 2025
Address: Ferndown Leisure Centre, Cherry Grove, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9EZ
Website: ABC Leisure 

 

ANGUS WOOD SUMMER NATURE TRAIL

Date: Monday 1st September 2025
Address: Angus Wood, St Leonards Avenue, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7PJ
Facebook: Blandford Environmental Trust

 

BLUEY VISITS AT PEEKABOO & BREW

Dates: Monday 1st - Sunday 7th September 2025
Address: PeekABoo & Brew, 214a Macaulay Road, Broadstone, Poole, Dorset, BH18 8DX
Website: PeekABoo & Brew

 

LITTLEMOOR SILENT DISCO

Date: Tuesday 2nd September 2025
Address: Top Club, Louviers Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6AY
Website: Big 4 Littlemoor

 

MAD4ANIMALS SHOW AT AVON HEATH COUNTRY PARK

Info: Not only will you see a highly entertaining show, but directly afterwards there will be a chance for you to get your hands on some of the animals in the show and even have pictures with the giant snakes!

Date: Tuesday 2nd September 2025
Address: Avon Heath Country Park, Brocks Pine, St Leonards, BH24 2DH
Website: Avon Heath Country Park

 

SWANAGE FOLK FESTIVAL

Info: A weekend of music, dance and fun around the beautiful town of Swanage.

Dates: Friday 5th – Sunday 7th September 2025
Location: Across Swanage
Website: Swanage Folk Festival

 

CLASSIC & STEAM VEHICLE SHOW

Dates: Friday 5th - Sunday 7th September 2025
Address: Norden, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5DW
Website: BPP Club

 

BOURNEMOUTH BRICK FESTIVAL

Date: Saturday 6th September 2025
Address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5BH
Website: Bournemouth International Centre

 

BOURNEMOUTH COMIC CON

Date: Saturday 6th September 2025
Address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5BH
Website: Bournemouth International Centre

 

VJ DAY CELEBRATIONS

Date: Saturday 6th September 2025
Address: New Milton Recreation Ground, Whitefield Road, New Milton, BH25 6DF
Website: New Milton Town Council

 

BRIDPORT HAT FESTIVAL

Date: Saturday 6th September 2025
Location: Bucky Doo Square & Millenium Green
Website: Bridport Hat Fest

 

BLANDFORD TOWN MUSEUM OUTDOOR FAMILY PERFORMANCE

Date: Saturday 6th September 2025
Address: Blandford Town Museum, Beres Yard, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7HQ
Website: Blandford Town Museum

 

CLIFFTOP MUSIC FEST

Date: Saturday 6th September 2025
Address: Wharncliffe Road, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH223 5DF
Website: Highcliffe Village

 

BRIDPORT FIRE STATION OPEN DAY

Date: Saturday 6th September 2025
Address: Bridport Fire Station, 56A South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NN
Facebook: Bridport Fire Station

 

MOORS VALLEY RAILWAY STEAM SPECTACULAR

Date: Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th September 2025
Address: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, BH24 2ET
Website: Moors Valley Railway

 

DORSET COUNTY SHOW

Info: The Dorset County Show returns with stunt riders, action horses, livestock, live music, local produce, stalls, and much more.

Dates: Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th September 2025
Address: Dorchester Showground, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7SD
Website: Dorset County Show

 

WEYMOUTH WATERFEST

Date: Sunday 7th September 2025
Location: Weymouth Beach
Website: Weymouth Town Council

 

ARTS BY THE SEA BITSIZED FESTIVAL

Date: Sunday 7th September 2025
Address: Bourne Community Hub, Northmere Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4DY
Website: Arts by the Sea Festival

 

B-SIDE ARTS FESTIVAL

Info: B-side is an internationally recognised and locally loved arts organisation that both embodies and enriches its place of origin - the Isle of Portland.

Dates: Thursday 11th - Sunday 14th September 2025
Location: Across Portland
Website: B-Side Festival

 

INSIDE OUT DORSET

Info: Inside Out Dorset is an international outdoor arts festival. Expect live performance in unexpected places – in town centres, by the sea, on hilltops and in woodland, all for everyone to enjoy.

Dates: Friday 12th - Sunday 21st September 2025
Locations: Across Dorset
Website: Inside Out Dorset

 

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

Dates: Friday 12th - Sunday 21st September 2025
Locations: Across Dorset
Dorsetmums Blog: Heritage Open Days in Dorset

 

SWANAGE BOATHOUSE OPEN DAY

Date: Saturday 13th September 2025
Address: Swanage Lifeboat Station, Peveril Point Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2AY
Facebook: Swanage Lifeboat Station

 

WELDMAR’S SUMMER FETE

Info: Set in the beautiful grounds of the hospice, this much-loved annual event brings together local talent, family-friendly entertainment, and a whole host of activities for all ages.

Date: Saturday 13th September 2025
Address: Weldmar Hospicecare Inpatient Unit, Herringston Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2SL
Website: Weldmar Hospicecare

 

STURTS FARM FAMILY FUN DAY

Date: Saturday 13th September 2025
Address: Sturts Farm, Three Cross Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 0NF
Website: Gullivers Farm

 

SEAFOOD & SOUNDS

Dates: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th September 2025
Location: Poole Quay
Website: Seafood and Sounds

 

STURMINSTER NEWTON CHEESE FESTIVAL

Dates: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th September 2025
Address: Sturminster Newton Recreation Ground, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1BY
Website: Cheese Festival

 

DUSK 'TIL DARK

Info: Watch an amazing fusion of contemporary dance, martial arts and live soundscapes coming from boom bikes.  The performance starts at Weymouth Town Bridge and weaves through the streets to the beach.

Dates: Friday 19th & Saturday 20th September 2025
Location: Weymouth Town & Beach
Website: We Are Weymouth

 

DISCOVERY FEST

Date: Saturday 20th September 2025
Address: Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset
Website: Dorset Coast

 

LITTLEMOOR FAMILY FUN DAY

Date: Saturday 20th September 2025
Address: Top Club, Louviers Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6AY
Website: Big 4 Littlemoor

 

RINGWOOD CARNIVAL

Info: Ringwood Carnival consists of 2 processions - an afternoon children’s procession and an evening illuminated parade.  In addition to this, there is live entertainment across the town throughout the day plus stalls, fireworks and fun fair.

Date: Saturday 20th September 2025
Location: Ringwood Town
Website: Ringwood Carnival

 

THE DORSET BIKE FESTIVAL

Dates: Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st September 2025
Address: Wooders Campsite, Bere Regis, Dorset, BH20 7NN
Website: Dorset Bike Festival

 

SHAFTESBURY CARNIVAL WEEK

Dates: Saturday 20th – Sunday 28th September 2025
Location: Across Shaftesbury
Website: Shaftesbury Carnival

 

THE WALLED GARDEN FETE

Date: Sunday 21st September 2025
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
Website: The Walled Garden

 

WESSEX HEAVY HORSE SHOW & COUNTRY FAIR

Date: Sunday 21st September 2025
Address: Turnpike Showground, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 9PL
Website: Wessex Heavy Horse Society

 

ARTS BY THE SEA FESTIVAL

Dates: Friday 26th - Sunday 28th September 2025
Location: Bournemouth Town
Website: Arts by the Sea Festival

 

STINSFORD VILLAGE FETE

Date: Saturday 27th September 2025
Address: The Old Vicarage & Stinsford Church, Stinsford, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8XW

 

THE ZOO THAT COMES TO YOU

Info: The Zoo That Comes To You follows the impassioned attempts of two animal enthusiasts to share their love of and concern for animals with the world.  They take in animals that need respite, care or a temporary home and have, accidentally, ended up with a whole sanctuary, but with no visitors!  So everybody, animals and humans alike, have decided it is time to get out, see the world, and bring the zoo, to you.  Featuring puppetry, live music and playful characters, Scarlet Oak Theatre welcomes you to join the conversation about animal conservation.

Date: Saturday 27th September 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Website: Lighthouse Poole

 

THE ALLENDALE FREE FILM CLUB

Date: Sunday 28th September 2025
Address: The Allendale, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1AS
Website: The Allendale

 

GILLINGHAM CARNIVAL WEEK

Info: The week features a variety of traditional carnival events, including a walking treasure hunt, a baby show, bingo, a quiz night, and a fun fair.

Dates: Sunday 28th September – Saturday 4th October 2025
Location: Across Gillingham
Website: Gillingham Carnival

 

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

 

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