
MAY HALF TERM EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
NOTHE FORT PIRATE WEEK
Info: Set sail for a week of pirate-themed fun with a pirate treasure hunt, parade ground pirate ship, buccaneer games, pirate dress up, family activities, and more!
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UF
Website: Nothe Fort
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
HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE CREATIVE KIDS
Info: The indoor trail will be running from Sunday to Thursday along with activities in the Castle. Crafts are available on Tuesday and Thursday and this is included in Castle admission. On Wednesday, enjoy 50% off admission at the special family day.
Dates: Sunday 24th - Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE
Website: Highcliffe Castle
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
BROWNSEA ISLAND POOTASTIC TRAIL
Info: In the wild, animals see poo as something valuable, it can be used, reused, recycled, and even played with. Have a go at the fun games like cow pat frisbee, roll balls like a dung beetle, and try to identify the poopetrator.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Location: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour
Website: Brownsea Island
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: Corfe Castle
DURLSTON COUNTRY PARK SUPER SEABIRDS TRAIL
Info: Pick up your trail pack from the Castle reception and discover Durlston's amazing 'flying penguins' and other seabirds! Trail cost applies.
Dates: Friday 15th May – Monday 1st June 2026
Address: Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL
Website: Durlston Country Park
HENGISTBURY HEAD SCAVENGER HUNT
Info: Follow the trail, find the clues, complete the hunt and claim your prize. On selected dates, families can also enjoy an archaeology walk and mock examinations.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Broadway, Southbourne, Dorset, BH6 4EW
Facebook: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
GO WILD AT LULWORTH CASTLE
Info: Enjoy animal and critter themed trails, lawn games, hunts and crafts all included in the usual admission price. The team from Mad 4 Animals will also be there at 12 noon and 2pm for daily critter shows.
Dates: Sunday 24th – Friday 29th May 2026
Address: Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS
Website: Lulworth Castle
CHARMOUTH FOSSIL HUNTING WALKS
Info: Join a guided fossil walks with a warden to find and take home your own Jurassic fossil. The fossil walks are a great introduction to hunting and when they meet you on the day, you’ll spend the 1.5 hour session on the beach discovering your own fossils.
Dates: Wednesday 27th May - Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Charmouth Coast Heritage Centre, Lower Sea Lane, Charmouth, Dorset, DT6 6LL
Website: Charmouth Coast Heritage Centre
MUSEUM OF EAST DORSET DINOSAUR ADVENTURE
Info: Young explorers can enjoy a host of hands-on, creative and curiosity fuelled activities designed to bring the age of dinosaurs vividly to life. Little palaeontologists will be able to build their own binoculars before setting off on a dinosaur hunt through the museum and get involved in themed activities along the way.
Dates: Saturday 2nd May – Saturday 2nd June 2026
Address: Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1HR
Website: Museum of East Dorset
FARMER PALMERS MAY HALF TERM FUN
Info: There’s a huge range of indoor and outdoor activities, attractions, and animal events at the farm plus additional fun with Wet the Western tractor trailer rides and fun foam parties on selected dates.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Farmer Palmers, Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU
Website: Farmer Palmers
THE TANK MUSEUM: TANKS IN ACTION
Info: The Tank Museum brings the story of tanks and their crews to life. Experience the biggest day out in history with explosive live displays, 300 tanks, and activities. Discover how tanks and trees grew side by side. Explore the role forests played in tank warfare, and enjoy a range of hands-on craft activities inspired by the natural world.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Tank Museum, Linsay Road, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG
Website: The Tank Museum
ROCK & ROSE MAGICAL WORKSHOPS
Info: Step into Conkers Magical Earth Academy - a place where curious minds and wild imaginations flourish. Here, children can conjure up wands, concoct potions, craft dragon eggs and more in a warm, welcoming space designed to inspire creativity and wonder.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026 (Selected dates)
Address: Rock & Rose, Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Rock & Rose
THE BLUE POOL TRAIL OF ENCHANTED DOORS
Info: The new Trail of Enchanted Doors invites you to discover beautifully crafted doors belonging not only to fairies, but to other enchanting woodland characters. Discover who they are as you wander and explore.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: The Blue Pool, Furzebrook Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AR
Website: The Blue Pool
RUSSELL COTES MUSEUM TRAIL & CRAFTS
Info: Follow the nature and animal themed trails around the historic house or take part in the garden trail. Children can also enjoy nature themed crafts from Tuesday to Thursday.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Russell-Cotes Museum, East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3AA
Website: Russell-Cotes Museum
THE WALLED GARDEN TRAIL & ANIMAL EXPERIENCE
Info: Grab your map, explore the gardens to complete the quiz, learn amazing facts, find all the butterflies and solve their mystery word – then claim your prize from the at the end! In addition to the trail there’s also bug and exotic animal experiences on Wednesday and Friday. Trail and bug experience costs apply.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
Website: The Walled Garden
THORNCOMBE WOODS LEAF TRAIL
Info: Follow the Thorncombe Loop to discover hand-painted discs scattered around the reserve, highlighting the variety of leaves found on the Thorncombe trees. Free pocket maps are available in the car park or visitor centre, to help navigate you around the trail.
Dates: Friday 22nd May – Sunday 28th June 2026
Address: Thorncombe Woods Visitor Centre, Higher Bockhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QH
Facebook: Hardy’s Birthplace
WIPEOUT WORLD
Info: 2 hours of non-stop inflatable action for kids aged 4–14 years. With giant obstacle courses, the wipeout sweeper, big red balls, slides, gladiator duels and loads more.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DX
Facebook: Wipeout World
LYME REGIS MUSEUM EVENTS
Info: There are multiple events on during half term including clay modelling workshops, fossil talks and demonstrations, fossil polishing workshops and 3D modelling.
Dates: Monday 25th – Thursday 28th May 2026
Address: Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QA
Website: Lyme Regis Museum
DORSET MUSEUM BUZZING DUMBLEDORE TRAIL
Info: Follow the buzz and embark on an exploration around the galleries. Hidden throughout the spaces are “Dumbledore” – the Dorset dialect word for bee. Discover fun Dorset dialect names for wildflowers and you explore.
Dates: Saturday 23rd May – Sunday 7th June 2026
Address: Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XA
Website: Dorset Museum
MAY HALF TERM FUN AT HD HORSEMANSHIP
Info: During half term, children can take part in a 3 hour ridden Gymkhana or own a pony session which includes grooming, tacking up and caring for their pony.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: HD Horsemanship, Willett Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3FZ
Website: HD Horsemanship
DISCOVER SHARKLIFE AT SEALIFE!
Info: Dive into an underwater adventure to learn all about this fin-tastic species! Discover the truth about this commonly feared creature. Can you figure out what is truth or myth? Enjoy a fun activity trail and challenges throughout the aquarium with visual games and activities and get a reward for completing the trail.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: SEA LIFE, Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX
Website: SEA LIFE Weymouth
WEST BAY DISCOVERY CENTRE PIRATES & MERMAIDS
Info: Drop in for a fun-filled family activity session with a pirate pebble hunt, colouring and seaside crafts.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: West Bay Discovery Centre, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4EN
Website: West Bay Discovery Centre
MOORS VALLEY TRAIL & MORE
Info: Dive into a world of adventure with the Room on the Broom Trail, multiple play areas, woodland walks, Moors Valley Railway, Ranger Den activities, and much more.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Ringwood, BH24 2ET
Website: Moors Valley Country Park
PEEK-A-BOO & BREW GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE VISIT
Info: Your little ones will enjoy a meet and greet with Gabby, photo opportunities, singing, dancing and interactive fun, plus food.
Dates: Saturday 23th – Friday 29th May 2026
Address: Peek-a-Boo & Brew Soft Play Café, 214a Macaulay Road, Poole, BH18 8DX
Website: Peek-a-Boo & Brew Soft Play Café
PORTLAND MUSEUM PIRATE CRAFT DAY
Info: Expect a treasure chest of activities, including pirate and smuggling‑themed crafts, eye spy trail, paint‑your‑own fossil, face painting and more.
Date: Wednesday 27th May 2026
Address: Portland Museum, 217 Wakeham, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1HS
Website: Portland Museum
WIMBORNE MODEL TOWN BEAR WEEKEND
Info: Bring your favourite bear and enjoy themed arts & crafts, storytelling, balloon modelling and face painting.
Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: Wimborne Model Town, King Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1DY
Website: Wimborne Model Town
THE PALM HOUSE PUPPET SHOW & WORKSHOP
Info: This is a special and unique event that will be beneficial to children from ages 5 - 12 years. Workshops will start with a puppet show and handling the puppets, then the children will craft their own finger puppets before putting on their own little show for the adults.
Date: Wednesday 27th May 2026
Address: The Palm House, Swannery Lake, Commercial Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7TZ
Facebook: The Palm House
AVON HEATH COUNTRY PARK ACTIVITIES
Info: Families will love the heathland walks and fun play area. On Wednesday, children can take part in archery and axe throwing sessions and on Thursday there’s grass head making workshops.
Dates: Wednesday 27th & Thursday 28th May 2026
Address: Avon Heath Country Park, Brocks Pine, St Leonards, Dorset, BH24 2DH
Facebook: Avon Heath Country Park
RED HOUSE MUSEUM WORKSHOP & THEATRE
Info: On Wednesday, families can take part in a fun and creative bag printing workshop and on Friday Treehouse Theatre will be there for a magical storytelling adventure designed specifically for children aged 4 – 7 years.
Dates: Wednesday 27th & Friday 29th May 2026
Address: Red House Museum, Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU
Website: Red House Museum
SWANAGE PIER CHILDREN’S HISTORY TOUR
Info: Visit for a fun guided walk along the Pier and travel back in time! Follow in the footsteps of sailors and townsfolk as you uncover thrilling tales of pirates, smugglers, shipwrecks and even hidden treasure beneath the waves.
Date: Thursday 28th May 2026
Address: Swanage Pier, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2AP
Website: Swanage Pier
UPTON COUNTRY PARK EVENTS
Info: On Thursday, children can become pond dipping detectives and attend a high energy show with Mad 4 Animals. On Saturday, The Great OutDorset event is a free, outdoor celebration packed with hands‑on activities, displays and plenty of chances to discover something new about the place we call home.
Dates: Thursday 28th & Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Upton Country Park
THE BLOOM PROJECT AT BREWERY SQUARE
Info: Brewery Square are hosting a hands-on planting day where little ones can take a seedling home to nurture and help plant a bloomed “twin” in the Community Legacy Planter.
Date: Friday 29th May 2026
Address: Brewery Square, Copper Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1GH
Website: Brewery Square
BOURNEMOUTH NATURAL SCIENCE SOCIETY OPEN DAY
Info: The Bournemouth Natural Science Society is well worth a visit to see fossils, minerals, an Egyptology collection and much more. Entry is free however donations are hugely appreciated.
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: Bournemouth Natural Science Society, 39 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3NS
Website: Bournemouth Natural Science Society
SHOWS
LIGHTHOUSE POOLE
ICE AGE ADVENTURE LIVE
Date: Tuesday 26th May 2026
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Website: Lighthouse Poole
BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION
UNICORN LIVE!
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
Website: Bournemouth Pavilion
WEYMOUTH PAVILION
K POP FOREVER LIVE ON STAGE
Date: Saturday 23rd May 2026
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Website: Weymouth Pavilion
THE BARRINGTON
ALONG CAME A MAGPIE
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: The Barrington, Penny's Walk, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9TH
Website: The Barrington
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