Family Friendly Events in Dorset July 2026
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Need ideas for things to do with the family in July? 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
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Info: Follow Alice on a madcap adventure down the rabbit hole to a land of peculiar creatures and chaotic fun in this family-friendly panto! Treehouse Theatre’s summer show is colourful and interactive, filled with excitement, laughter and live music, where you can even play a part on stage if you want to. Cheer the heroes, boo the bad guys, and help Alice save the day in this panto style version of Lewis Carroll's crazy classic.
Dates: Saturday 18th July – Thursday 13th August 2026
Locations: Shaftesbury, Abbotsbury, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Wimborne, Ferndown, Buckland Newton & Wareham
Website: Treehouse Theatre
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
THE ALLENDALE CENTRE FREE FAMILY FILMS
Dates: Sunday 19th July – Thursday 27th August 2026
Address: The Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1AS
Website: The Allendale 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
LYME REGIS MUSEUM
Info: Lyme Regis Museum is full of the rich historical and cultural history of the town. The summer holiday programme includes clay modelling workshops, 3D modelling, print making workshops, and more. Admission costs apply and some activity sessions require pre-booking.
Dates: Tuesday 21st July – Thursday 27th August 2026
Address: Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QA
Website: Lyme Regis Museum
CIRCUS WONDERLAND
Dates: Wednesday 22nd July – Sunday 2nd August 2026
Address: Wimborne Showground, Wimborne Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1EF
Website: Circus Wonderland
STUDLAND SUMMER OF PLAY
Info: On selected dates, take a break from the beach and head to the sand bowl where you will find games like badminton, giant snakes and ladders, twister and sack races, amongst others.
Dates: Wednesday 22nd July – Wednesday 26th August 2026
Address: Shell Bay, Studland, Dorset
Website: National Trust Studland Bay
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
THE COURTYARD SUMMER SESSIONS
Dates: Thursday 23rd & Thursday 30th July 2026
Address: The Courtyard, Huntick Road, Lytchett Minster, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6BA
Website: The Courtyard
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
CHRISTCHURCH REC FUNFAIR
Dates: Thursday 23rd July – Sunday 9th August 2026
Address: Recreation Ground, Barrack Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1PA
Facebook: Coles Fairground
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
BERE REGIS SUMMER PICNIC
Date: Friday 24th July 2026
Address: Wild Woodbury, Southbrook Road, Bere Regis, Dorset, BH20 7LL
BOURNEMOUTH AVIATION MUSEUM SUMMER PARTY
Date: Friday 24th July 2026
Address: Bournemouth Aviation Museum, Merritown Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BA
Website: Bournemouth Aviation Museum
BOURNEMOUTH REGGAE WEEKENDER
Info: Bournemouth Reggae Weekender is an independently run 3 day unique occasion to celebrate the diverse African-Caribbean culture and heritage in Bournemouth through reggae music with a full range of entertainment and traditional activities that supports creative arts and performing artists through music, poetry, storytelling, and dance workshops.
Dates: Friday 24th – Sunday 26th July 2026
Address: King’s Park, Kings Park Drive, Bournemouth, BH7 6JD
Website: Bournemouth Reggae Weekender
CORFE CASTLE SUMMER NIGHTS
Dates: Friday 24th – Sunday 26th July 2026
Address: Corfe Castle, Dorset
Website: Corfe Castle
TUCKTON TEA GARDENS SUMMER SCREENINGS
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
PIMPERNE CHURCH FETE
Date: Saturday 25th July 2026
Address: St Peter’s Church, Church Road, Pimperne, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8UD
TUCKTON TEA GARDENS SUMMER PARTY
Date: Saturday 25th July 2026
Address: Tuckton Tea Gardens, Belle Vue Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH6 3BA
Website: Tuckton Tea Gardens
POWERSTOCK COUNTRY FETE
Date: Saturday 25th July 2026
Address: The Wier Sports Field, Nettlecombe, Dorset, DT6 3SY
GAGGLEFEST
Date: Saturday 25th July 2026
Address: Gaggle of Geese, Buckland Newton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7BS
Website: Gaggle of Geese
DORCHESTER KITE FESTIVAL
Date: Saturday 25th July 2026
Address: The Great Field, Poundbury, Dorset
Website: Discover Dorchester
MUDEFORD ARTS FESTIVAL
Dates: Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th July 2026
Address: The Green, Mudeford Quay, Dorset
Website: Mudeford Arts Festival
SWANAGE CARNIVAL WEEK
Info: Whether you’re looking for family fun, live entertainment, or an unforgettable day by the sea, Swanage Carnival Week is the perfect way to experience summer in Dorset.
Dates: Saturday 25th July – Saturday 1st August 2026
Address: Across Swanage
Website: Swanage Carnival
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
Info: Begin your journey by collecting your trail card from the Castle Gift Shop, then make your way around the Castle grounds, following clues and answering seaside‑themed questions as you go. Once completed, every participating child receives a seaside‑themed gift bag.
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
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
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
BLUE POOL FAIRY DAY
Info: Discover the new Trail of Enchanted Doors where the woodland is home not only to fairies, but to a host of other mythical characters. Meet real-life fairies, enjoy face painting, listen to storytelling beside the Wishing Tree, take part in interactive ceremonies and workshops, and explore artisan stalls in the Magical Maker’s Market.
Date: Sunday 26th July 2026
Address: The Blue Pool, Furzebrook Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AR
Website: The Blue Pool
LITTLEDOWN FAMILY FUN DAY
Date: Sunday 26th July 2026
Address: Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DX
Facebook: BH Live Active Littledown
THE WIMBORNE BUMP TO BABY SHOW
Date: Sunday 26th July 2026
Address: The Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1AS
Facebook: Wimborne Bump to Baby Show
UPTON COUNTRY PARK FAMILY SHOW
Date: Monday 27th July 2026
Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Upton Country Park
MAYHEM OF MAD4ANIMALS SHOW
Date: Monday 27th July 2026
Address: The Great Field, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset
Website: Mad4Animals
LITTLE CITY SESSIONS
Dates: Various Dates
Locations: East Stour, Blandford Forum, Marnhull & Shaftesbury
Website: Little City
THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA
Info: A musical play adapted and directed by David Wood, based on the book by Judith Kerr. The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to be surprised!
Dates: Tuesday 28th July – Thursday 30th July 2026
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Website: Lighthouse Poole
THE TOWN MILL MINI MILLERS
Dates: Tuesday 28th July – Thursday 27th August 2026
Address: The Town Mill, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3PU
Website:The Town Mill
RUDE SCIENCE
Info: Brace yourselves for BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ revolutionary, high-tech, highly-explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts!
Date: Wednesday 29th July 2026
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Booking: Weymouth Pavilion
NATURE UNEARTHED AT PORTLAND MUSEUM
Dates: Wednesday 29th & Thursday 30th July 2026
Address: Portland Museum, 217 Wakeham, Easton, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1HS
Website: Portland Museum
RED HOUSE MUSEUM
Info: A former Georgian workhouse, the Red House is now a museum exploring the story of Christchurch from before the Ice Age to modern times. During the summer holidays, families can summer panto performances and take part in creative workshops.
Dates: Wednesday 29th July – Wednesday 26th August 2026
Address: Red House Museum, Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU
Website: Red House Museum
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
THE WALLED GARDEN BUG & EXOTIC ANIMAL EXPERIENCES
Dates: Thursday 30th July 2026
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
Website: The Walled Garden
WEST HOWE ANIMALS IN THE WILD
Date: Thursday 30th July 2026
Address: The Henry Brown Centre, 18 Cunningham Crescent, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH11 8DU
Website: The Henry Brown Centre
LEGALLY BLONDE
Info: Get ready to bend and snap your way to the theatre! Join Elle Woods, the fashion-savvy sorority girl who takes Harvard Law School. This fabulously fun and award-winning show follows Elle as she defies expectations, tackles stereotypes, and proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style! With catchy songs, dynamic dance numbers, and a heartwarming story, this musical is a delightful celebration of self-discovery and empowerment.
Dates: Thursday 30th July – Saturday 1st August 2026
Address: The Regent, 51 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AS
Website: The Regent
CAMP BESTIVAL
Dates: Thursday 30th July – Sunday 2nd August 2026
Address: Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS
Website: Camp Bestival Dorset
LITTLEMOOR PARK FREE FAMILY EVENT
Date: Friday 31st July 2026
Address: Littlemoor Park, Louviers Road, Littlemoor, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6AY
FREE FAMILY HAF DAY
Dates: Friday 31st July 2026
Address: Riversmeet, Harding's Lane, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4HX
Facebook: North Dorset Locality
BUBBLE FEST
Date: Friday 31st July 2026
Address: Ashdown Leisure Centre, Adastral Road, Poole, Dorset, BH17 8RE
Website: Event Energiser
POOLE HARBOUR FESTIVAL
Dates: Friday 31st July – Sunday 2nd August 2026
Address: Baiter Park, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1TQ
Website: Poole Harbour Festival
LYME REGIS CARIVAL WEEK
Info: Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Week is packed full of fun events and activities for all the family to enjoy, culminating in the Grand Carnival Procession.
Dates: Friday 31st July – Saturday 8th August 2026
Address: Across Lyme Regis
Website: Lyme Regis Regatta
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
Soft Plays & Play Cafes
Splash Parks & Paddling Pools
Car Boot Sales
Pubs with Play Parks
Sport & Leisure Centres
Rainy Days in Dorset
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The Blue Pool
Tout Quarry Sculpture Park in Portland
The Great Field Play Park at Poundbury
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre & Beach
Nothe Fort
Church Ope Cove, Rufus Castle & Pirate Graves Walk
RSPB Arne
Durlston Country Park to Swanage Town Circular Walk
Tyneham Village & Worborrow Bay
Carey’s Secret Garden in Wareham
Steamer Point Nature Reserve
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Nicks Farm
Hamworthy Park & Paddling Pool
King George V Playing Fields
Longham Lakes Circular Walk
Exploring Badbury Rings Iron Age Hillfort
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.
