Family Friendly Events in Dorset August 2026
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Need ideas for things to do with the family in August? You'll find lots of fun events and shows listed below.
ABBOTSBURY SWANNERY BRAMLEY HEDGE STORY TRAIL
Info: The trail takes visitors around the Swannery grounds, to discover more about the swans and the adventurous mice. Designed for families to enjoy, the trail includes interactive activities, stamp points and questions to answer, all alongside the swans and discovering more about the unique Swannery.
Dates: Saturday 14th March – Saturday 31st October 2026
Address: Abbotsbury Swannery, New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4JG
Website: Abbotsbury Swannery
THE BLUE POOL TRAIL OF ENCHANTED DOORS
Info: Discover beautifully crafted doors hidden among the trees and meet the fairies and other magical woodland characters who live behind them. Children can enjoy the play area at the end of the trail. Complete your activity sheet and have the special certificate on the back stamped to take home with you.
Dates: Ongoing
Address: The Blue Pool, Furzebrook Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AR
Website: The Blue Pool
ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDENS TRAIL
Info: Join Lancaster The Explorer on a journey across the world of plants at the Subtropical Gardens. This new children's activity trail highlights and educates children on the world of plants. Find out interesting facts, collect stamps and visit Lancaster's Hut.
Dates: Friday 1st May – Wednesday 30th September 2026
Address: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA
Website: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
KINGSTON LACY POKEMON TCG MEGA EVOLUTION TRAIL
Info: Get active outdoors on the Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail. Team up as a family to search the woodlands for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers and complete your own challenges.
Dates: Saturday 23rd May – Sunday 6th September 2026
Address: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 4EA
Website: National Trust Kingston Lacy
CORFE CASTLE INTERACTIVE QUEST
Info: Get ready for a fun adventure at Corfe Castle based on The New Famous Five by Chris Smith, inspired by Enid Blyton. The interactive quest invites families to explore the castle like true detectives. Solve clues, crack puzzles and uncover hidden secrets as you explore the ruins. During half term, families can also plant your own nasturtium seeds in an eco pot and join the Keeper of the Castle on a lively, interactive storytelling tour that brings the past to life.
Dates: Saturday 23rd May – Sunday 6th September 2026
Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
Website: National Trust Corfe Castle
HENGISTBURY HEAD SCAVENGER HUNT & MORE
Dates: Wednesday 1st July - Wednesday 30th September 2026
Address: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Broadway, Southbourne, Dorset, BH6 4EW
Website: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
MINION MAYHEM AT MUSEUM OF EAST DORSET
Info: Minion Mayhem at the Museum is an interactive adventure that invites visitors to step into the world of Minion Training. Budding recruits will take on a series of playful challenges, from HookaBanana to Minion Skittles, to discover whether they’re a Kevin, Bob, or Stuart. Along the way, families can enjoy a Minion hunt through the museum and its beautiful walled garden, dive into hands-on activities and raid the ever popular fancy dress station.
Dates: Saturday 11th July - Saturday 5th September 2026
Address: Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High Street, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1HR
Website: Museum of East Dorset
NOTHE FORT SUMMER
Info: You can expect a great family day out at Nothe Fort and during the summer holidays you can enjoy exhibitions, galleries, marching drills, artillery displays, silent disco, plus a weekend of Alice in Wonderland themed games and shows.
Dates: Wednesday 15th July – Saturday 29th August 2026
Address: Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UF
Website: Nothe Fort
TANK MUSEUM SUMMER HOLIDAYS
Info: Experience the biggest day out in history with live tank displays, vehicle rides, interactive exhibitions, family-friendly activities, and more.
Dates: Saturday 18th July – Monday 31st August 2026
Address: Tank Museum, Linsay Road, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG
Website: Tank Museum
UPTON COUNTRY PARK EVENTS
Info: Explore 160 acres of gardens, woodland and parkland at Upton Country Park. During the summer holidays there will be bouncy castle sessions, workshops with Conkers Magical Earth Academy, family shows, guided walks, open-air cinema, Wildlife Discovery Day, storytelling and crafts.
Dates: Saturday 18th July – Monday 31st August 2026
Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Upton Country Park
THORNCOMBE WOODS BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS TRAIL
Info: Keep everyone moving and exploring this summer holiday with a family friendly trail around the reserve! Pick up a FREE pocket map from the car park or visitor centre and look out for the colourful hand-painted discs hidden throughout the route, each showcasing the variety of butterflies and moths you might spot.
Dates: Saturday 18th July – Monday 31st August 2026
Address: Thorncombe Woods, Higher Bockhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QH
Facebook: Hardys Birthplace
DURLSTON COUNTRY PARK ACTIVITY TRAILS & MORE
Info: The Marvelous Meadows Trail runs through the first half of the summer holidays and then the Monsters of the Jurassic Trail runs until the end. Plus there’s guided walks, scavenger hunts, nature activities and Wild Wednesdays all planned on selected dates.
Dates: Saturday 18th July – Wednesday 2nd September 2026
Address: Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL
Website: Durlston Country Park
THE OCEANARIUM SUMMER TRAIL
Info: Dive in with a splash and take a voyage of discovery, whilst finding out fun facts and learn how you can help conserve our natural world.
Dates: Saturday 18th July – Wednesday 2nd September 2026
Address: Oceanarium, Pier Approach, Bournemouth, Dorset
Website: Oceanarium
CHARMOUTH FOSSIL HUNTING WALKS
Info: Join a guided Fossil Walk with the wardens to find and take home your very own Jurassic fossil. Costs apply and booking is essential.
Dates: Saturday 18th July – Saturday 5th September 2026
Address: Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Lower Sea Lane, Charmouth, Dorset, DT6 6LL
Website: Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
KINGSTON LACY SUMMER OF PLAY
Dates: Monday 20th July – Sunday 30th August 2026
Address: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA
Website: National Trust Kingston Lacy
SCIENCE ZONE
Info: Science Zone will have STEM activities for children and families – featuring everything from planetarium workshops to hands-on science experiments.
Dates: Monday 20th July – Wednesday 2nd September 2026
Address: Science Zone, 21 Royal Arcade Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 4BT
Website: Science Zone
FARMER PALMERS FARM PARK SUMMER FUN
Dates: Wednesday 22nd July – Friday 28th August 2026
Address: Farmer Palmers, Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU
Website: Farmer Palmers
REDHILL PARK CAFÉ
Dates: Wednesday 22nd July - Wednesday 2nd September 2026
Address: Redhill Park Café, Redhill Avenue, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2SW
Website: Redhill Park Café
CHRISTCHURCH REC FUN FAIR
Dates: Thursday 23rd July – Friday 31st August 2026
Address: Recreation Ground, Barrack Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1PA
Facebook: Coles Fairground
RUSSELL-COTES MUSEUM FAIRY ACTIVITIES
Info: Be enchanted this summer with fairy themed trails, crafts and workshops celebrating the current exhibition Flower Fairies™: Enchantment by the Sea.
Dates: Thursday 23rd July – Friday 31st August 2026
Address: Russell-Cotes Museum, East West Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3AA
Website: Russell-Cotes
SHIRE HALL MUSEUM SUMMER SMUGGLERS ESCAPADE
Info: Discover the world of Victorian smugglers in the family friendly trail, with museum activity bags and hands-on crafts. Plus, kids go FREE!
Dates: Thursday 23rd July 2026 – Tuesday 1st September 2026
Address: Shire Hall Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UY
Website: Shire Hall Museum
WIMBORNE FAMILY FOOTBALL TRAIL
Info: Enjoy a FREE interactive football adventure with seven stops to discover. At each stop, players will find special window artwork or trail signage containing a clue about the AR experience waiting for them. By scanning the QR code with a modern smartphone, families can unlock a different digital surprise at every location, from mini games to selfie lenses.
Dates: Thursday 23rd July - Saturday 5th September 2026
Location: Wimborne Minster
Website: Wimborne BID
TUCKTON TEA GARDENS SUMMER SCREENINGS
Info: Whether you're making a night of it with the kids or fancy a relaxed riverside evening with friends, there's something for everyone and no booking is required.
Dates: Friday 24th July – Wednesday 2nd September 2026
Address: Tuckton Tea Gardens, Belle Vue Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH6 3BA
Website: Tuckton Tea Gardens
MOORS VALLEY COUNTRY PARK 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, outdoor adventure games like laser tag, and the Room on the Broom Trail.
Dates: Friday 24th July - Sunday 6th September 2025
Address: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, BH24 2ET
Website: Moors Valley Country Park
SHERBORNE CASTLE FAIRY DOOR TRAIL
Info: Hidden among the trees of Sherborne Castle and Gardens, the fairy door trail feels like stepping into a storybook. The trail winds gently through the peaceful gardens, encouraging slow exploration, playful discovery, and moments of quiet enchantment, making it a charming highlight of any visit to the gardens. Prizes will be available from the ticket box at the end of the trail.
Dates: Saturday 25th July – Sunday 30th August 2026
Address: Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR
Website: Sherborne Castle
HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE SEASIDE OUTDOOR SUMMER TRAIL
Dates: Saturday 25th July – Sunday 30th August 2026
Address: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4LE
Website: Highcliffe Castle
CORFE CASTLE SUMMER OF PLAY
Info: Step back in time and play like a castle-builder at Corfe Castle. Sharpen your aim in the archery zone, fire beanbags with mini slingshots, and tackle balance beams and stepping stones fit for a medieval obstacle course.
Dates: Saturday 25th July – Friday 31st August 2026
Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset
Website: National Trust Corfe Castle
COMPTON ACRES WILDLIFE TRAIL
Dates: Saturday 25th July – Monday 31st August 2026
Address: Compton Acres, Canford Cliffs Road, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7ES
Website: Compton Acres
THE WALLED GARDEN DINOSAURS IN SPACE TRAIL
Dates: Saturday 25th July – Sunday 6th September 2026
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
Website: The Walled Garden
POOLE MUSEUM TRAIL & MORE
Info: Embark on a swashbuckling adventure trail, solve the clues, complete activities, and uncover hidden treasures! Family drop in activities will also run each week, featuring boat building, sea creature crafts and treasure map adventures.
Dates: Saturday 25th July – Wednesday 2nd September 2026
Address: Poole Museum, 4 High Street, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1BW
Website: Poole Museum
SYMONDSBURY ESTATE SUMMER FUN
Info: Pick up Summer Explorer Trail booklet from the Visitor Centre and discover magnificent trees, spot wildlife and complete fun nature challenges as you explore the Estate. Alongside the trail, children can enjoy giant lawn games, perfect for letting off steam.
Dates: Saturday 25th July – Sunday 6th September 2026
Address: Symondsbury Estate, Manor Yard, Mill Lane, Symondsbury, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6HG
Website: Symondsbury Estate
BLANDFORD ANIMAL FARM OPEN DAYS
Dates: Tuesday 28th July – Thursday 3rd September 2026
Address: Blandford Animal Farm, Higher Shaftsbury Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT118ST
Website: Blandford Animal Farm
HIVE BEACH CREATIVE COAST CLUB
Dates: Wednesday 29th July – Wednesday 2nd September 2026
Address: Hive Beach, Beach Road, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4RF
Facebook: National Trust North & West Dorset
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 15th August – Saturday 5th September 2026
Locations: Studland, Corfe Castle & Wareham
Website: Purbeck Film Festival
SUMMER FAMILY FUN FAIR
Dates: Tuesday 18th – Monday 31st August 2026
Address: West Bay, Dorset, DT6 4EZ
AVON HEATH COUNTRY PARK VINTAGE FUN FAIR
Dates: Wednesday 19th – Monday 31st August 2026
Address: Avon Heath Country Park, Brocks Pine, St Leonards, Dorset, BH24 2DH
Facebook: Avon Heath Country Park
CIRCUS BERLIN
Info: With an array of brilliant Circus acts, music & real youthful energy, enjoy an international Production packed full of comedy , daredevils, dancing & aerial acts, including Motorbikes inside the Globe of Death and an incredible High Wire act unlike anything you’ve ever seen before!
Dates: Monday 24th – Monday 31st August 2026
Address: Branksome Recreation Ground, Poole, Dorset, BH12 2AL
Website: Circus Berlin
TUMBLEDOWN FAMILY SUMMER EVENT
Date: Friday 28th August 2026
Address: Tumbledown, Radipole Lane, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9RP
Facebook: Weymouth Town Council
BECIDER SEASIDE 22
Dates: Friday 28th – Sunday 30th August 2026
Address: Bredy Farm, Bredy Lane, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4ND
Website: Bredy Farm
THE UDDER FARM FAMILY FUN DAY
Date: Saturday 29th August 2026
Address: The Udder Farm, Front Street, East Stour, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5LQ
Website: The Udder Farm
THE TRUMPET MAJOR FAMILY FUN DAY
Date: Saturday 29th August 2026
Address: The Trumpet Major, 40 Alington Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2AB
Website: The Trumpet Major
BARNIE BINOCULARS TOTS SHOW & MAD4ANIMALS MAYHEM
Info: The tots show is designed especially for children under 5 years old. Barnie's Binoculars is an interactive wildlife adventure packed with storytelling, music, audience participation and amazing animals. Join Barnie as he sets off on an exciting expedition to discover incredible creatures from around the world, with plenty of laughs, surprises and opportunities for little explorers to get involved. Or attend a Mad4Aniamls Mayhem show which combines incredible animals, comedy, audience participation and live entertainment to create an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Date: Saturday 29th August 2026
Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Upton Country Park
THE MONMOUTH ASH FUN FEST
Date: Saturday 29th August 2026
Address: The Monmouth Ash, 93 Manor Road, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 6DT
Website: The Monmouth Ash
ACTION ZONE BIG SUMMER BOUNCE
Date: Saturday 29th August 2026
Address: Kings Park Leisure Centre, King's Park Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 6JD
Website: Kings Park Leisure Centre
FARMER PALMERS HAPPY CIRCUS
Dates: Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th August 2026
Address: Farmer Palmers, Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU
Website: Farmer Palmers
ABBEY FARM SUMMER FAIR
Dates: Saturday 29th - Monday 31st August 2026
Address: Abbey Farm, Church Street, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4JJ
Website: Abbey Farm
NICKS FARM SUMMER BONANZA
Dates: Saturday 29th - Monday 31st August 2026
Address: Nicks Farm, Valley Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 0EB
Website: Nicks Farm
FAMILY FUN DAY
Date: Sunday 30th August 2026
Address: Lytchett Minster Rugby Club, Old Watery Ln, Lytchett Minster, Poole BH16 6HZ
Website: Lytchett Minster Rugby Club
RNLI MUDEFORD PIRATE DAY
Date: Sunday 30th August 2026
Address: Avon Beach, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4AN
Facebook: RNLI Mudeford
DOG, SAUSAGE & CIDER FESTIVAL
Date: Sunday 30th August 2026
Address: The Springhead, Sutton Road, Sutton Poyntz, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6LW
Website: The Springhead
THE POINT CAFÉ END OF SUMMER FESTIVAL
Date: Sunday 30th August 2026
Address: The Point Café, Shillingstone Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3LR
Facebook: The Point Café
K-POP DEMON HUNTERS KIDS PARTY
Date: Monday 31st August 2026
Address: The Old Thatch, 285 Wimborne Road West, Ferndown, Dorset, BH21 7NW
Website: The Old Thatch
CANFORD MAGNA COMPLEX SUMMER FUN DAY
Date: Monday 31st August 2026
Address: Canford Magna Complex, Magna Road, Wimborne, Dorset
Facebook: Canford Magna Complex
ANONYMOUS FESTIVAL
Date: Monday 31st August 2026
Address: Borough Gardens, Cornwall Rd, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1RG
Website: Anonymous Festival
VERWOOD RUSTIC FAYRE
Info: Enjoy a day full of child friendly activities, live music, classic cars, a magic show, mini horses, BMX stunt team, and lots of stalls.
Date: Monday 31st August 2026
Address: Potterne Park, Verwood, Dorset, BH21 6RS
Facebook: Verwood Rotary
MAD4ANIMALS MAYHEM
Info: The Mad4Animals Mayhem show which combines incredible animals, comedy, audience participation and live entertainment to create an unforgettable experience for the whole family. And if that’s not enough, ‘Get Me Outta Here’ is an exciting live challenge experience for brave adventurers aged 10 years and over. Contestants will tackle a series of animal themed challenges inspired by jungle adventure shows, testing their nerve, teamwork and determination while coming face to face with some incredible creatures.
Date: Monday 31st August 2026
Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Upton Country Park
BLANDFORD FORUM SUMMER FAIR
Date: Monday 31st August 2026
Address: Marsh & Ham, West Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7AW
If you know of any more events coming up in July then please do Contact Us.
Need more summer ideas for the family?
Attractions & Places to Visit
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Splash Parks & Paddling Pools
Summer Fireworks Displays
PYO Fruit Farms
Sunflower Trails & PYO
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