FEBRUARY HALF TERM EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

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

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

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

Info: Purchase your map and make you way around the gardens to find all the quiz questions and learn fascinating facts along the way. While you’re looking, find nine ladybird cut-outs, hidden amongst the plants and bushes, complete the trail and claim your prize from the café. On Wednesday and Thursday, children can also attend a bug and exotic animal experience.

Dates: Saturday 7th - Sunday 22nd February 2026

Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH

Website: The Walled Garden

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

Info: Through rarely viewed artwork and artefacts from the RNLI's heritage collections, this exhibition explores how volunteer crews continued to save lives at sea in extraordinary conditions. From the front line to the home front, discover their stories and how their bravery continues to inspire us today. Alongside the exhibition, there are a number of events. All activities are free but donations are encouraged.

Dates: Tuesday 17th – Saturday 21st February 2026

Location: Various locations in Poole

Website: RNLI

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

Info: There’s never a dull day at Farmer Palmers and during half term children can take part in animal activities and feeding, plus tractor trailer rides.

Dates: Saturday 14th – Sunday 22nd February 2026

Address: Farmer Palmers, Wareham Road, Organford, Dorset, BH16 6EU

Website: Farmer Palmers

Info: There’s plenty of ways to keep the kids busy in half term - set sail on a pirate adventure, sculpt sea creatures in clay, wiggle and giggle with the little ones, get creative with Lighthouse Poole, and a puppet‑packed, music‑filled Little Red Riding Hood!

Dates: Monday 16th – Sunday 22nd February 2026

Address: Poole Museum, 4 High Street, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1BW

Website: Poole Museum

Info: Discover the 'Hop into the Wild' family trail with storytelling and outdoor play. Enjoy the great outdoors, guided by cutouts of the “Hoppers” gang. Collect your discovery passport, explore the animal kingdoms, and most importantly, unleash your wild side!

Dates: Saturday 14th February - Sunday 22nd March 2026

Location: Corfe Castle

Website: National Trust Corfe Castle

Info: Step into the wild and enjoy a free family‑friendly nature trail across the beautiful reserve. Discover which tracks belong to which animals found in the reserve and how they compare to each other, then try to find some. Pick up your free pocket map from the car park or Visitor Centre, then set off along the pink and blue waymarked paths.

Dates: Friday 13th February – Sunday 1st March 2026

Address: Hardy’s Birthplace Visitor Centre, Higher Brockhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QH

Facebook: Hardy’s Birthplace and Thorncombe Wood

Info: There’s lots for children to get involved in during half term with Wild Science, scavenger hunts, nest box making and trails.

Dates: Saturday 14th – Sunday 22nd February 2026

Locations: Weymouth & Dorchester

Website: Dorset Wildlife Trust

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

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

Info: Skye and Chase from Paw Patrol will be visiting Peek-A-Book & Brew on selected dates. Ticket includes time in the soft play, meet and greet, dancing and kids buffet.

Dates: Saturday 14th – Saturday 21st February 2026

Address: Peek-A-Boo & Brew, 214a Macaulay Road, Broadstone, Poole, Dorset, BH18 8DX

Website: Peek-A-Boo & Brew

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

Info: Join Witch and her friends on an enchanting adventure. This interactive family trail is packed with Room on the Broom themed activities, fascinating forest facts and plenty of hands-on fun. Plus, there’s a pre-historic burial mounds guided walk and posy workshop on during half term.

Dates: From Tuesday 27th January 2026

Address: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, BH24 2ET

Website: Moors Valley Country Park

Info: Love is in West Bay! Join the team for activities, including St Valentine’s crafts, love letters, colouring, and discovering more about our Pier Terrace exhibition. These are drop-in activities, no booking required.

Dates: Saturday 14th – Sunday 22nd February 2026

Address: West Bay Discovery Centre, West Bay Road, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4EN

Website: West Bay Discovery Centre

Info: Throughout January and February, adults can enjoy half price entry and a free hot drink and 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

Info: Families are invited to enjoy a memorable February half-term adventure on the water with Coastal Cruises Poole’s popular Harbour and Island Cruise. Plus, kids sail free with every paying adult – just use promo code KidsFeb26 when booking.

Dates: Saturday 14th – Sunday 22nd February 2026

Location: Poole Harbour

Website: Coastal Cruises Poole

Info: Kids go to Monkey World for half price during half term and each child who donates a bag of seeds or nuts receives a free badge.

Dates: Saturday 14th – Sunday 22nd February 2026

Address: Monkey World, Tout Hill, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

Website: Monkey World

Info: The trail features six mission stops dotted around the Museum. At each stop, you’ll unlock a fun, hands-on challenge that encourages you to really look at art, share ideas, and think creatively as a family.

Dates: Saturday 14th – Sunday 22nd February 2026

Address: Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XA

Website: Dorset Museum

Info: The animal experiences and scavenger hunts are the perfect way to keep little and big explorers entertained! Experiences include mini furry friends cuddle time and piglet feeding. Entry to the farm is free however animal experiences and activities are charged.

Dates: Saturday 14th – Sunday 22nd February 2026

Address: Madjeston Animal Park, Cole Street Lane, Madjeston, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5JQ

Website: Madjeston Animal Park

Info: Discover a week of creative children’s craft activities. From friendship bracelets and posters to pop-up cards with environmental messages and protest badges to express ideas, these relaxed drop-in sessions will encourage creativity, conversation, and confidence while having fun together.

Dates: Monday 16th – Friday 20th February 2026

Address: Shire Hall Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UY

Website: Shire Hall Museum

Info: Can you follow the footprints and match them to the animals who live there? Keep your eyes peeled, explore the park, and see who you can spot along the way. Trail costs apply.

Dates: Saturday 7th February – Sunday 1st March 2026

Address: Kingston Maurward Animals Park & Gardens, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8PX

Website: Kingston Maurward Animals Park & Gardens

Info: Follow the brand-new children’s trail, solve the clues, take on the challenges, and track down the Colpexie’s mischief across the Estate. Trail costs apply.

Dates: Saturday 14th - Sunday 22nd February 2026

Address: Symondsbury Estate, Mill Lane, Symondsbury, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6HG

Website: Symondsbury Estate

Info: The Museum will be hosting a number of arts and crafts activities to keep youngsters busy. Workshops during the week include making your own Valentine’s Day card and making a custom jigsaw puzzle.

Dates: Saturday 14th – Saturday 21st February 2026

Address: Bridport Museum, 25 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NR

Website: Bridport Museum

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

Info: This February half term, families can enjoy classic fair-style activities, fresh popcorn, and space to play.

Dates: Tuesday 17th - Sunday 22nd February 2026

Address: Ellie’s Farm Shop, Lyndhurst Road, Bockhampton, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 7AB

Website: Ellie’s Farm Shop

Info: During half term, children can take part in storymaker and writers workshops, an animal show and winter wildlife discovery day.

Dates: Monday 16th - Thursday 19th February 2026

Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ

Website: Upton Country Park

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

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. On Wednesday, children can make paper planets and on Thursday they can create their own space alien!

Dates: Wednesday 18th & Thursday 19th February 2026

Address: Red House Museum, Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU

Website: Red House Museum

Info: Explore the vast country park and let the children burn off some energy in the awesome play park. Ranger led sessions during half term include nest box building, archery and throwing angels.

Dates: Wednesday 18th, Thursday 19th & Sunday 22nd February 2026

Address: Avon Heath Country Park, Brocks Pine, St Leonards, BH24 2DH

Facebook: Avon Heath Country Park

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

Info: Get the gang together for games and challenges, lighting effects, foam, bubbles and confetti, live DJ's and interactive hosts, prizes and non-stop entertainment.

Date: Wednesday 18th February 2026

Address: Key West, Bournemouth Pier, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AA

Website: Ticketsource

Info: Enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly open session. Meet the animals, explore the sanctuary and take part in activities.

Date: Friday 20th February 2026

Address: Blandford Animal Farm, Higher Shaftesbury Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8AR

Website: Blandford Animal Farm

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

Info: The Ultimate K-Pop party includes meet and greet with hunters, live dance show and singalong performance, party games and more. There is also a free film club for children in the morning.

Date: Thursday 19th February 2026

Address: The Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1AS

Website: The Allendale Centre

Info: Enjoy 2 for 1 garden entry, take a peaceful winter walk, and visit the café.

Dates: Saturday 14th - Friday 20th February 2026

Address: Minterne House and Gardens, Minterne Magna, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7AU

Website: Minterne House and Gardens

Info: Join in with a K-Pop Demon Hunter themed party for children of all ages. Games, songs, dancing, music, crafts and inclusive of a pancake or waffle that you decorate yourselves and a goody bag!

Date: Friday 20th February 2026

Address: The Palm House, Swannery Lake, Commercial Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7TZ

Facebook: The Palm House

Info: Have Brunch with either Ariel and Moana on Saturday or the K-Pop Demon Hunters on Monday. Tickets include a kids brunch and hot chocolate.

Dates: Saturday 14th & Monday 16th February 2026

Address: Upwey Wishing Well, 161 Church Street, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 5QE

Website: Upwey Wishing Well

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 or games.

Dates: Monday 16th, Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th February 2026

Locations: Poole & Bournemouth

Website: Bouncy Fun Play

Info: The cosy, creative space is for participants of all ages to craft, play, and explore at their own pace. Sessions during half term include a Dinosaur Fossil Workshop, Mini Volcano Lab, Slime Making, Oobleck Fun and Dinosaur Egg Making.

Dates: Sunday 15th - Wednesday 18th February 2026

Address: Sunnyside Studio, Unit 8, Basepoint, Weymouth, DT4 7BS

Website: Sunnyside Studio

Info: On Thursday there will be a The Dino event with Ranger Mike which includes ranger training, singing, dancing and roaring, goodie bag, meet and pet the baby dinos, plus time in the soft play. On Friday, the Itsy Bitsy Crew will be hosting a Glow and Disco party!

Dates: Thursday 19th & Friday 20th February 2026

Address: The Hideout Soft Play, 7A The Neighbourhood Centre, Culliford Crescent, Poole, Dorset, BH17 9DW

Facebook: The Hideout Soft Play

Info: Let the children burn off that excess energy while they enjoy multiple inflatables, slides and bouncy castles!

Date: Friday 20th February 2026

Address: Ferndown Leisure Centre, Cherry Grove, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9EZ

Website: ABC Leisure Hire

Info: Join the team for a fun science session with the professor where the children will be able to get involved with experiment related activities.

Date: Thursday 19th February 2026

Address: The Crafty Cuppa, 46 High Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1HU

Booking: Wish Upon a Starre

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

Info: On Tuesday, join Jamie Jambo for a Magic & Mayhem Show and on Thursday, get your dancing shoes on for a Baby Goes Clubbing event.

Dates: Tuesday 17th & Thursday 19th February 2026

Address: The Factory Space, 1172-1180 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 6DY

Website: The Factory Space

DINO TALES – JURASSIC RESCUE
Date: Thursday 19th February 2026

THE UNICORN LIVE
Date: Sunday 22nd February 2026

Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED

Website: Weymouth Pavilion

OUT OF THE BOX
Dates: Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th February 2026

Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG

Website: Lighthouse Poole

THE WOW BUBBLE SHOW
Date: Wednesday 18th February 2026

Address: Shaftesbury Arts Centre, 13 Bell Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8AR

Website: Shaftesbury Arts Centre

ALADDIN
Dates: Wednesday 18th – Saturday 21st February 2026

Address: Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3PG

Website: Lyme Panto

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

RED RIDING HOOD AND THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
Dates: Thursday 19th – Saturday 21st February 2026

Address: Preston Village Hall, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6BH

Booking: Preston Pantomime