Family Friendly Events in Dorset July 2025
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Need ideas for things to do with the family in June? 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
SEA LIFE PIRATE TRESURE HUNT
Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 31st August 2025
Address: SEA LIFE, Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX
Website: SEA LIFE Weymouth
MONKEY WORLD SUMMER FUN
Dates: Tuesday 1st July – Sunday 31st August 2025
Address: Monkey World, Tout Hill, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH
Website: Monkey World
CORFE CASTLE FLIGHT OF THE FAMILY QUEST
Info: Can you take flight to discover the birds that call Corfe Castle home as you explore the ruins? Hunt for the quest boards around the castle each featuring illustrations from the book, A Story of the Seasons.
Dates: Sunday 1st June – Friday 18th July 2025
Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset
Website: National Trust Corfe Castle
JAY MILLER’S CIRCUS
Dates: Wednesday 9th – Sunday 13th July 2025
Address: Circus Field, Herston, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2NS
Website: Jay Millers Circus
OAKDALE JUNIOR SCHOOL SUMMER FAYRE
Date: Friday 11th July 2025
Address: Oakdale Junior School, 3 School Lane, Oakdale, Poole, Dorset, BH15 3JR
BOURNE FREE
Info: On Friday, Family Fun Night will be supporting the Dorset Children's Foundation (DCF) with lots of family entertainment both on the stage and in the park hosted by Chris Jarvis. There will also be educational areas, an arts area, fairground rides and more. On Saturday, the parade in Bournemouth starts at 11am and leads to Meyrick Farm for the 2nd day of the festival.
Dates: Friday 11th & Saturday 12th July 2025
Address: Meyrick Park, Central Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 6LH
Website: Bourne Free
DORSET VOLKSFEST
Info: Family friendly weekend of live entertainment, beer, great street food and VWs!
Dates: Friday 11th – Sunday 13th July 2025
Address: The Showground, Worgret Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6AB
Website: Dorset Volkfest
VERWOOD CARNIVAL
Date: Saturday 12th July 2025
Address: The Festival Field, Potterne Park, Verwood, BH21 6RS
Website: Verwood Carnival
ST NICHOLAS CHURCH SUMMER FAIR
Date: Saturday 12th July 2025
Address: St Nicholas Church, 137 Broadway, Southbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH6 4EP
RELAY FOR LIFE FUN DAY
Date: Saturday 12th July 2025
Address: Glenmoor and Winton Academies, Beswick Avenue, Bournemouth, Dorset
Website: Bournemouth Relay for Life
WESTIVAL
Date: Saturday 12th July 2025
Address: Fryers Field, West Moors, Dorset, BH22 0LL
Facebook: Westival West Moors
CORFE CASTLE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL
Info: This event celebrates the incredible food and drink produce from across the local area, discover local delights and hidden gems.
Dates: Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th July 2025
Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset
Website: National Trust Corfe Castle
PILFORD HEATH TRANSPORT & HERITAGE SHOW
Dates: Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th July 2025
Address: Uddens Drive, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7BD
Website: Pilford Heath and Transport Show
MOORS VALLEY COUNTRY PARK GRUFFALO FUN DAY
Date: Sunday 13th July 2025
Address: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Ringwood, BH24 2ET
Website: Moors Valley Country Park
POOLE GOES VINTAGE
Date: Sunday 13th July 2025
Address: Poole Quay & High Street
Website: Poole Goes Vintage
THE WALLED GARDEN DOG SHOW
Date: Sunday 13th July 2025
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
Website: The Walled Garden
AGE UK SUMMER FAIR
Date: Sunday 13th July 2025
Address: The Great Field, Poundbury, Dorset, DT1 3RH
Facebook: Age UK NSWD
WITCHAMPTON VILLAGE FETE
Date: Sunday 13th July 2025
Address: Brook Cottage Paddock, Witchampton, Dorset, BH21 5AG
THE WIZARD OF OZ
Info: Step into a world of wonder as the children of Swanage Primary School proudly present The Wizard of Oz! Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with dazzling costumes, catchy songs, and a cast of lovable characters who will capture your heart.
Date: Thursday 17th July 2025
Address: The Mowlem, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DD
Website: The Mowlem
YEWSTOCK SCHOOL SUMMER FAYRE
Date: Friday 18th July 2025
Address: Yewstock School, Honeymead Lane, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1EW
XCHURCH MUSIC FESTIVAL
Date: Friday 18th – Sunday 20th July 2025
Address: Christchurch Quay, Christchurch, Dorset
Website: XChurch Music Festival
SHAFTESBURY FRINGE
Info: Shaftesbury Fringe has music, comedy, dance, theatre, poetry and everything in between!
Date: Friday 18th – Sunday 20th July 2025
Location: Across Shaftesbury
Website: Shaftesbury Fringe
TOLPUDDLE MARTYRS’ FESTIVAL
Info: The Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival returns with an inspiring programme of discussion, music, performance, children's activities, speakers, food stalls and more.
Dates: Friday 18th – Sunday 20th July 2025
Location: Tolpuddle Village
Website: Tolpuddle Martyrs
PURIFY FESTIVAL
Info: 3 days of music, wellness therapies and camping in the Dorset countryside, all to raise funds for the Dorset Mind charity.
Dates: Friday 18th – Sunday 20th July 2025
Address: Moonacre, Roundhouse Roundabout, Lytchett Matravers, Dorset, BH21 4AA
Website: Purify Festival
HOLDENHURST VILLAGE SUMMER FAIR
Date: Saturday 19th July 2025
Address: Village Green, Holdenhurst, Bournemouth, Dorset
YETMINSTER FAIR
Date: Saturday 19th July 2025
Address: Yetminster Sports Ground, 3 Brierley Hay, Yetminster, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 6NR
MUSCLIFF FAMILY FUN DAY
Date: Saturday 19th July 2025
Address: Muscliff Park, Shillingstone Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3LR
PIDDLEHINTON CHURCH FETE
Date: Saturday 19th July 2025
Address: The Old Rectory, Church Road, Piddlehinton, Dorset, DT2 7TE
CORFE CASTLE FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY
Info: Corfe Castle welcomes the Time Team to celebrate all things archaeology. The weekend will include guided walks around the castle, talks and activities including have a go at a mock excavation, spot the difference between Roman and Anglo-Saxon poo, Medieval dress up, archaeology demonstrations, blacksmithing, stonemasonry... and much more.
Dates: Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th July 2025
Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset
Website: National Trust Corfe Castle
THE LOVELY BUBBLY SHOW
Dates: Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th July 2025
Address: Shaftesbury Arts Centre, 13 Bell Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8AR
Website: Shaftesbury Arts Centre
MEGA SLIP AND SLIDE
Info: The Slip and Slide is back with an even bigger slide and bigger pool to whoosh into!
Dates: Saturday 19th July – Sunday 31st August 2025
Address: Mill Street, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3RH
Website: Mega Slip and Slide
RUSSELL-COTES MUSEUM AMAZING ANIMALS & BRILLIANT BOTANICALS
Info: Follow the nature themed trail around the house and take part in the garden scavenger hunt. Families can also enjoy some traditional garden games, workshops and more.
Dates: Sunday 19th July – Sunday 31st August 2025
Address: Russell-Cotes Museum, East West Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3AA
Website: Russell-Cotes
MINTERNE GARDENS DRAGON & FAIRY TRAIL
Info: Lose yourself in the land of make-believe. The beautiful fairy trail will transport you to a place of mystery and enchantment. The hand crafted willow sculptures and displays lead you through the beautiful gardens and on into the secret woodland.
Dates: Saturday 19th July – Sunday 31st August 2025
Address: Minterne Gardens, Minterne Magna, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7AU
Website: Minterne
CORFE CASTLE SUMMER OF PLAY
Info: Hop into a summer of fun at Corfe Castle and discover a variety of games and activities throughout the ruins. Explore play zones to get legs and minds racing, see if you can hit the bullseye in the Archery Zone, beat the Obstacle Zone or make some noise in the Music Zone.
Dates: Saturday 19th July – Sunday 31st August 2025
Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset
Website: National Trust Corfe Castle
STUDLAND SUMMER OF PLAY
Info: Children can enjoy free to use sports equipment and games at Shell Bay.
Dates: Mondays in the school summer holidays
Address: Shell Bay, Studland, Dorset
Website: National Trust Studland Bay
DURLSTON COUNTRY PARK ACTIVITY TRAILS & MORE
Info: The Marvelous Meadows Trail runs through the first half of the summer holidays and then the Boats of the Bay Trail runs until the end. Plus there’s guided walks, scavenger hunts, nature activities and Wild Wednesdays all planned on selected dates.
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
SHERBORNE CLASSIC & SUPERCAR SHOW
Info: Fantastic day of events and displays including motor club stands, motor trade stands, autojumble, craft fair and fun activities for the whole family.
Date: Sunday 20th July 2025
Address: Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR
Website: Classic Supercars
THE LITTLE MERMAID JR
Info: The Marine Youth Theatre presents this production. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home and her fins behind, and live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking.
Date: Sunday 20th July 2025
Address: Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QB
Website: Marine Theatre
WAREHAM CARNIVAL
Date: Sunday 20th July 2025
Location: North Street & Wareham Recreation Ground
Website: Wareham Carnival
WEST MOORS CLASSIC CARS & BIKE SHOW
Info: Fantastic community event celebrating classic motors, live music, local food and more!
Date: Sunday 20th July 2025
Address: Sturts Farm, West Moors, Dorset, BH22 0NF
Facebook: West Moors Classic Car Show
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, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4LE
Website: Highcliffe Castle
THE WALLED GARDEN DINOSAURS IN SPACE TRAIL
Info: The space-faring dinos are back. Find the characters hidden in the garden, answer 12 space themed quiz questions, learn facts, find all the planets hidden in the trees and claim your prize at the end.
Dates: From Saturday 21st July 2025
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
Website: The Walled Garden
TUFF NUTTERZ
Info: Tuff Nutterz offers fun for everyone with the UK version of the world Largest Inflatable Obstacle Course!
Dates: Monday 23rd – Saturday 26th July 2025
Address: Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DX
Website: Tuff Nutterz
VERWOOD HUB HAWAIIAN DISCO
Date: Thursday 24th July 2025
Address: Verwood Hub, Brockway, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 7QE
Website: Verwood Hub
BROWNSEA ISLAND SUMMER OF PLAY
Info: Embark on a crayon rubbing trail filled with fun activities and games for the whole family. Play like a chicken, leap like a sika deer, and try some bunny yoga. As you explore, you'll uncover fascinating facts about the creatures that call Brownsea home.
Dates: Thursday 24th July – Sunday 31st August 2025
Location: Poole Harbour
Website: National Trust Brownsea Island
FARMER PALMERS FARM PARK SUMMER FUN
Dates: Thursday 24th July – Sunday 31st August 2025
Address: Farmer Palmers, Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU
Website: Farmer Palmers
POOLE HARBOUR FESTIVAL
Dates: Friday 25th July – Sunday 27th July 2025
Address: Baiter Park, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UY
Website: Poole Harbour Festival
BOURNEMOUTH REGGAE WEEKENDER
Info: Get ready to groove to the rhythms of reggae, ska, and dancehall from a lineup of talented artists. Whether you're a reggae enthusiast or just looking for a fun time, this event is perfect for music lovers of all kinds.
Dates: Friday 25th July – Sunday 27th July 2025
Address: Kings Park, Kings Park Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 6JD
Website: Bournemouth Reggae Weekender
CIRCUS EXTREME
Info: Get ready for the ultimate fusion of live rock music and world-class circus stunts! Circus Extreme returns in 2025 with its most electrifying production yet - ROCK IT OUT! Years in the making, this revolutionary show redefines live entertainment, pushing the boundaries of thrill and spectacle like never before.
Dates: Friday 25th July – Sunday 3rd August 2025
Address: Branksome Recreation Ground
Website: Circus Extreme
MILTON ABBAS STREET FAIR
Info: The Villagers of Milton Abbas invite you to their 18th Century Street Fair. The organisers have tried to recreate the flavour of a country occasion using costume, rural crafts, entertainment and craft demonstrations. You should expect a large number of stalls, with food and drink venues throughout The Street and Lake Field.
Dates: Saturday 26th July 2025
Location: Milton Abbas Village
Website: Milton Abbas Street Fair
LYME REGIS LIFEBOAT WEEK
Info: This year’s week includes all the old favourites including the duck race, the swimming challenges, the bathtub race, Teddy bears’ picnic, Morris dancing, vintage air display, meet the crew and demonstrations.
Dates: Saturday 26th July – Friday 1st August 2025
Location: Across Lyme Regis
Facebook: Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week
SWANAGE CARNIVAL
Info: Swanage Carnival is run by volunteers and is an annual eight day event held in the picturesque coastal town of Swanage. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse entertainment, and community spirit, the carnival attracts visitors from near and far, offering something for everyone to enjoy and supported by voluntary contributions.
Dates: Saturday 26th July – Saturday 2nd August 2025
Location: Across Swanage
Website: Swanage Carnival
SHERBORNE CASTLE NATURE TRAIL
Info: Follow the trail around the garden discovering interesting facts about the nature within the gardens. Complete the answers to the questions and collect your prize from the ticket box at the end of the trail.
Dates: Saturday 26th July – Sunday 31st August 2025
Address: Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR
Website: Sherborne Castle
THE ALLENDALE CENTRE FILM CLUB
Date: Sunday 27th July 2025
Address: The Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1AS
Website: The Allendale Centre
LITTLEDOWN FUN DAY
Date: Sunday 27th July 2025
Address: Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DX
Website: BH Live Active Littledown
WEYMOUTH RUGBY CLUB FAMILY FUN DAY
Date: Sunday 27th July 2025
Address: Weymouth Rugby Club, Monmouth Avenue, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 5HZ
Website: Weldmar Hospicare
BOUNCY CASTLE KINGDOM
Info: Dive into a wonderland of giant slides, bounce castles, obstacle courses, and epic inflatable challenges!
Dates: Sunday 27th & Monday 28 July 2025
Address: The Great Field, Peverell Avenue East, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 3RH
Facebook: Inflatable Theme Parks
LET IS SHOW WITH ELSA
Date: Monday 28th July 2025
Address: Itsy Bitsyccino, Westover Retail Park, Wimborne Road, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3JS
Website: Itsy Bitsy
RUDE SCIENCE
Info: The naughtiest, funniest, most revolting science show in the world. Brace yourselves for BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ revolutionary, high-tech, highly-explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts.
Date: Tuesday 29th July 2025
Address: Bridport Electric Palace, 35 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NY
Website: Electric Palace
BLANDFORD MUSEUM FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY
Dates: Thursday 31st July – Saturday 2nd August 2025
Address: Blandford Town Museum, Beres Yard, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7HQ
Website: Blandford Town Museum
CAMP BESTIVAL
Dates: Thursday 31st July – Sunday 3rd August 2025
Address: Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS
Website: Camp Bestival
Please always check an event is running before travelling as cancellations can occur. If you know of any more family friendly events in July then please do Contact Us.
Need more ideas for the things to do with the family?
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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 travelling.
