For a list of family friendly events happening in January, please see below.

 

ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDENS HALF PRICE OFFER & KIDS GO FREE!

Dates: Thursday 1st January – Saturday 28th February 2026
Address: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4LA
Website: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

ILLUMINATE AT THE BLUE POOL

Info: After dark, experience The Blue Pool beautifully lit in colour, with professional lighting transforming the landscape into a magical atmosphere. Wander the trail and enjoy stunning views across the lake.

Dates: Saturday 10th January – Sunday 22nd February 2026
Address: The Blue Pool, Furzebrook Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AR
Website: The Blue Pool

 

THE MUSEUM OF EAST DORSET WIZARD OF OZ TRAIL

Info: Families can follow the Yellow Brick Trail through the museum, joining Dorothy and her chums on a journey packed with puzzles, creative challenges and hands-on activities.

Dates: Monday 2nd – Sunday 22nd February 2026
Address: Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1HR
Website: Museum of East Dorset

 

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Dates: Wednesday 4th – Saturday 7th February 2026
Address: Bridport Electric Palace, 35 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NY
Website: Bridport Electric Palace

 

PINOCCHIO

Dates: Thursday 5th – Sunday 8th February 2026
Address: Royal Manor Theatre, 138a Fortuneswell, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1LT
Website: Royal Manor Theatre

 

THE PRINCESS & THE FROG

Dates: Friday 6th & Saturday 7th February 2026
Address: West Lulworth Village Hall, 4 Church Road, West Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5SG
Website: Lulworth Players Drama Group

 

CINDERELLA

Dates: Friday 6th – Sunday 8th February 2026
Address: Leigh Village Hall, Leigh, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 6HL
Website: Wriggle Valley Players

 

THE WALLED GARDEN BUG TRAIL

Dates: Saturday 7th - Sunday 22nd February 2026
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
Website: The Walled Garden

 

MOTHER GOOSE

Info: This upbeat and exciting panto follows the story of Mother Goose, battling her own thoughts and feelings around wealth, beauty and family, to ultimately become who she’s always meant to be. With twists and turns throughout, and some singing and dancing along the way, it guarantees to be an enjoyable evening out for all the family. Get your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable experience.

Dates: Thursday 12th – Saturday 14th February 2026
Address: Stur Exchange, Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1FH
Website: Stur Exchange

 

LEMUR LANDINGS FAMILY FUN DISCO

Info: Get ready for music, dancing and soft play all included in the standard admission price.

Date: Friday 13th February 2026
Address: Lemur Landings, Tower Park, Yarrow Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NY
Website: Lemur Landings

 

UPWEY WISHING WELL ARIEL & MOANA BRUNCH

Date: Saturday 14th February 2026
Address: Upwey Wishing Well, 161 Church Street, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 5QE
Website: Upwey Wishing Well

 

UNICORN LIVE

Date: Saturday 14th February 2026
Address: Verwood Hub, Brockway, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 7QE
Website: Verwood Hub

 

HUB ON THE HEATH VALENTINES POTTERY

Date: Saturday 14th February 2026
Address: Hub on the Heath, 10 Adastral Road, Canford Heath, Poole, Dorset, BH17 8SA
Website: Hub on the Heath

 

THE WOW BUBBLE SHOW

Date: Saturday 14th February 2026
Address: The Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1AS
Website: The Allendale Centre

 

GULLIVERS FARM PANCAKE BONANZA

Dates: Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th February 2026
Address: Gullivers Farm, Station Road, West Moors, Dorset, BH22 0JG
Website: Gullivers Farm

 

SKYE VISIT AT PEEK-A-BOO & BREW

Dates: Saturday 14th – Tuesday 17th February 2026
Address: Peek-A-Boo & Brew, 214a Macaulay Road, Broadstone, Poole, Dorset, BH18 8DX
Website: Peek-A-Boo & Brew

 

WEYMOUTH DINO WEEK

Info: On Friday 14th, real-life Dinosaurs are coming to town with their rangers and from 12.30pm there will be a ‘Dino Run’ on the beach. Dino week activities also include a free AI Dino trail, arts and crafts, and fossil hunt.

Dates: Saturday 14th – Saturday 21st February 2026
Location: Across Weymouth Town
Website: We Are Weymouth UK

 

KINGSTON LACY CRAFTY FUN

Info: This half term, head to the tipi which is located at the start of the Woodland Walk to plant seeds and get crafty.

Dates: Saturday 14th – Sunday 22nd February 2026
Address: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA
Website: National Trust Kingston Lacy

 

NOTHE FORT WWII WEEK

Info: Travel back to the World War II era at Nothe Fort this half term. Complete the wartime activities and collect job stamps. Activities include Soldier School, Assault Course Training, Binoculars Factory Craft, Motorbike Dispatch Rider, Anti-Aircraft Gun Operator, World War II Mouse Hunt, and much more.

Dates: Saturday 14th – Sunday 22nd February 2026
Address: Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UF
Website: Nothe Fort

 

RUSSELL COTES MUSEUM CHINESE NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES

Info: Follow the Chinese and Horse themed trails around the historic house and from Tuesday to Thursday, children can make a decoration to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Dates: Saturday 14th – Sunday 22nd February 2026
Address: Russell-Cotes Museum, West Cliff Promenade, West Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3AA
Website: Russell-Cotes Museum

 

TANK MUSEUM ADVENTURE QUEST

Info: Follow the Adventure Quest trail, tackle exiting challenges as you explore the Museum, and claim your prize at the end! Plus, put your problem-solving skills to the test by coding Ozobot robots to overcome obstacles.

Dates: Saturday 14th – Sunday 22nd February 2026
Address: Tank Museum, Linsay Road, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG
Website: Tank Museum

 

STUDLAND BAY GILBERT THE GODWIT TRAIL

Info: Pick up a trail sheet from Knoll Beach Visitor Reception. Follow the numbered posts as you help Gilbert on your way around the trail. Find out what he needs to help him prepare for a long migration flight all the way Iceland.

Dates: Saturday 14th – Sunday 22nd February 2026
Address: Knoll Beach, Ferry Road, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3AQ
Website: National Trust Studland Bay

 

COASTAL CRUISES OFFER

Dates: Saturday 14th – Sunday 22nd February 2026
Location: Poole Harbour
Website: Coastal Cruises Poole

 

DURLSTON COUNTRY PARK PIRATES OF PURBECK TRAIL

Info: Head to the Castle Reception to purchase your activity trail booklet. The trail will take you on a trip around the park to learn more about Purbeck's pirates! During half term there’s also additional activities running on selected dates including a family scrub bash, arts & crafts, dinosaur activities, workshops and a stargazing evening.

Dates: Saturday 14th - Monday 23rd February 2026
Address: Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL
Website: Durlston Country Park

 

HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE ‘THE THINGS WE LOVE’ TRAIL

Info: Take part in an indoor trail with activities and if you visit on Tuesday or Thursday then crafts will be available too. And, on Wednesday there’s half price admission for families!

Dates: Sunday 15th - Thursday 19th February 2026
Address: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE
Website: Highcliffe Castle

 

BOUNCY FUN PLAY & DISCO PARTY WITH DJ PHIL

Info: Sessions include time on the massive bouncy castles, inflatable slides, assault course, baby bouncers, ride-ons, soft play and toddler area, plus there’s a disco party from DJ Phil.

Date: Monday 16th February 2026
Address: The Bourne Academy, Kinson, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH10 5HS
Website: Bouncy Fun Play

 

HUB ON THE HEATH MAKES & BAKES SESSION

Dates: Saturday 14th & Monday 16th February 2026
Address: Hub on the Heath, 10 Adastral Road, Canford Heath, Poole, Dorset, BH17 8SA
Website: Hub on the Heath

 

UPWEY WISHING WELL K-POP BRUNCH

Date: Monday 16th February 2026
Address: Upwey Wishing Well, 161 Church Street, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 5QE
Website: Upwey Wishing Well

 

K-POP DEMON HUNTERS DISCO DANCE PARTY

Dates: Monday 16th & Wednesday 18th February 2026
Address: Lollipops Play Café, 16 Landseer Road, Westbourne, Dorset, BH4 9EH
Website: Lollipops Play Café

 

BOUNCY FUN PLAY & GAMES

Info: Sessions include time on the massive bouncy castles, inflatable slides, assault course, baby bouncers, ride-ons, soft play and toddler area, plus there’s a games area for children to enjoy.

Date: Tuesday 17th February 2026
Address: Rossmore Leisure Centre, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4HR
Website: Bouncy Fun Play

 

CHILD IN THE WILD PANCAKE DAY

Date: Tuesday 17th February 2026
Address: Ower Wood, Owermoigne, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8HY
Website: Child in the Wild

 

GABBY’S PANCAKE PARTY AT LOLLIPOPS PLAY CAFE

Date: Tuesday 17th February 2026
Address: Lollipops Play Café, 16 Landseer Road, Westbourne, Dorset, BH4 9EH
Website: Lollipops Play Café

 

THE WOW BUBBLE SHOW

Date: Tuesday 17th February 2026
Address: Dorchester Corn Exchange, High East Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1HF
Website: Dorchester Corn Exchange

 

OUT OF THE BOX

Info: Out Of The Box is a family-friendly circus comedy show, which sees an unlikely character and his box bring audiences together through joyful awe, never knowing what to expect next. With every opening of the box comes new trick shots, mini acts, and hilarious opportunities for participation.

Dates: Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th February 2026
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Website: Lighthouse Poole

 

HD HORSEMANSHIP PONY FUN

Info: Pony loving children can take part in a 1 hour pony experience or a 2 hour own a pony session which is suitable for older children.

Dates: Tuesday 17th, Wednesday 18th & Friday 20th February 2026
Address: HD Horsemanship, Willett Road, Broadstone, Poole, Dorset, BH21 3FZ
Website: HD Horsemanship

 

THE WOW BUBBLE SHOW

Date: Wednesday 18th February 2026
Address: Shaftesbury Arts Centre, 13 Bell Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8AR
Website: Shaftesbury Arts Centre

 

BOUNCY FUN PLAY & COMEDY MAGIC

Info: Sessions include time on the massive bouncy castles, inflatable slides, assault course, baby bouncers, ride-ons, soft play and toddler area, plus there’s entertainment from Magic Jay.

Date: Wednesday 18th February 2026
Address: Ashdown Leisure Centre, Adastral Road, Poole, Dorset, BH17 8RE
Website: Bouncy Fun Play

 

INTERACTIVE FAMILY RAVE ON BOURNEMOUTH PIER

Date: Wednesday 18th February 2026
Address: Key West, Bournemouth Pier, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AA
Website: Ticketsource

 

MAYHEM OF MAD4ANIMALS SHOW

Info: This is a high energy show under a bold circus top. You’ll meet snakes, lizards, bugs and mammals in rapid fire sections. After the show you get 30 minutes of structured handling for confident close up interaction time.

Dates: Wednesday 18th & Thursday 19th February 2026
Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Upton Country Park

 

CHASE VISIT AT PEEK-A-BOO & BREW

Dates: Wednesday 18th – Saturday 21st February 2026
Address: Peek-A-Boo & Brew, 214a Macaulay Road, Broadstone, Poole, Dorset, BH18 8DX
Website: Peek-A-Boo & Brew

 

ALADDIN

Dates: Wednesday 18th – Saturday 21st February 2026
Address: Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3PG
Website: Lyme Panto

 

DINO TALES – JURASSIC RESCUE

Info: Calling all dinosaur rangers - Jurassic Rescue needs your help! There's a baby Ankylosaurus that needs rescuing before The Doc gets his evil hands on it… Along the adventure you’ll meet Freya the dancing Raptor, Dylan the cheeky Dilophosaurus, Angie the Ankylosaurus, Scar the fearsome Spinosaurus and Roxy the mighty T-Rex!

Date: Thursday 19th February 2026
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Website: Weymouth Pavilion

 

THE ALLENDALE CENTRE FILM CLUB

Date: Thursday 19th February 2026
Address: The Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1AS
Website: The Allendale Centre

  

THE ALLENDALE CENTRE K-POP PARTY EXPERIENCE

Date: Thursday 19th February 2026
Address: The Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1AS
Website: The Allendale Centre

 

THE HIDE OUT SOFT PLAY DINO EVENT

Info: The Dino event with Ranger Mike includes ranger training, singing, dancing and roaring, goodie bag, meet and pet the baby dinos, plus time in the soft play.

Date: Thursday 19th February 2026
Address: The Hideout Soft Play, 7A The Neighbourhood Centre, Culliford Crescent, Poole, Dorset, BH17 9DW
Website: The Hideout Soft Play

 

RED RIDING HOOD AND THE THREE LITTLE PIGS

Dates: Thursday 19th – Saturday 21st February 2026
Address: Preston Village Hall, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6BH
Website: Preston Pantomime

 

CINDERELLA

Dates: Thursday 19th – Saturday 21st February 2026
Address: Burton Bradstock Village Hall, Church Street, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4QS
Website: Bridport and West Bay

 

ITSY BITSY GLOW & DISCO PARTY

Date: Friday 20th February 2026
Address: The Hideout Soft Play, 7A The Neighbourhood Centre, Culliford Crescent, Poole, Dorset, BH17 9DW
Website: Itsy Bitsy Dance

 

BLANDFORD ANIMAL FARM OPEN DAY

Date: Friday 20th February 2026
Address: Blandford Animal Farm, Higher Shaftesbury Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8AR
Website: Blandford Animal Farm

 

COPPETT HILL NEST BOX BUILDING

Info: Build and personalise your own bird box – perfect for families, friends or anyone who loves nature. You can take your box home to welcome wildlife into your garden, or leave it at the farm so you can visit it anytime and see who’s moved in!

Date: Friday 20th February 2026
Address: Coppet Hill, Purcombe Farm, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6RL
Website: Coppet Hill

 

CHILD IN THE WILD EXPERIENCE SPECIAL

Date: Saturday 21st February 2026
Address: Ower Wood, Owermoigne, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8HY
Website: Child in the Wild

 

K-POP EVENT

Date: Sunday 22nd February 2026
Address: Redhill Park Café, Redhill Avenue, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2SW
Facebook: Mindful Moment Creations

 

UNICORN LIVE

Info: Harmony, Melody and Starlight are the best of unicorn friends… Join them as they use their magical unicorn powers to save the show and conjure up the magical fourth band member. Watch in amazement as they use the power of song and dance to create the band, Unicorn Live! Featuring your favourite pop and musical theatre songs, dazzling costumes, and a real unicorn called Sparkle.

Date: Sunday 22nd February 2026
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Booking: Weymouth Pavilion

 

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Dates: Wednesday 25th – Saturday 28th February 2025
Address: The Mowlem, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DD
Booking: The Mowlem

 

 

DORSET TEAM MAKERS MARKET

Info: You’ll find a carefully selected mix of stalls by local makers and creatives including jewellery, ceramics, textiles, illustration, homeware and gifts. The fair is perfect for discovering something a little different and shopping local.

Date: Saturday 28th February 2026
Address: The Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1AS
Website: The Allendale Centre

 

RUBBLE VISIT AT PEEK-A-BOO & BREW

Date: Saturday 28th February 2026
Address: Peek-A-Boo & Brew, 214a Macaulay Road, Broadstone, Poole, Dorset, BH18 8DX
Website: Peek-A-Boo & Brew

 

If you know of any more events coming up soon then please do Contact Us.

Need more winter ideas for the family?

Attractions & Places to Visit

Soft Plays & Play Cafes

February Half Term Events

Sport & Leisure Centres

 

Popular Blog Posts:

Free & Low Cost places to go in Dorset with Kids

Crazy Golf Courses in Dorset

Where to see Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Walking the Lawrence of Arabia Trail

The Blue Pool

Steamer Point Nature Reserve

Tout Quarry Sculpture Park in Portland

Exploring Badbury Rings Iron Age Hillfort

Durlston Country Park to Swanage Town Circular Walk

The Great Field Play Park at Poundbury

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre & Beach

 

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 visiting.