MAY HALF TERM EVENTS & ACTIVITIES IN DORSET

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

Info: Head to the Castle reception and collect your activity trail booklet. The trail will take you on a trip around the park to discover what marvellous marine life hides under the waves. Answer the questions and win a prize. Trail cost applies.

Dates: Wednesday 21st – Wednesday 4th June 2025

Address: Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL

Website: Durlston Country Park

Info: Grab your map and bingo sheet from the Visitor Centre and head out onto the heathland to search for hidden clues and identify different plants and animals. Trail costs apply.

Dates: Saturday 24th May - Sunday 1st June 2025

Address: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Broadway, Southbourne, Dorset, BH6 4EW

Facebook: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre

Info: Follow the trail, letter by letter, to figure out the word that is hidden around the park. Get it right and when you return your map to the Animal Park Shop you can claim your prize.

Dates: From Friday 16th May 2025

Address: Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8PY

Website: Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens

Info: Collect your FREE trail sheet from the Welcome Centre and find out what it takes to make your fortune as a Georgian Merchant. You can also enjoy a variety of other activities including face painting, bouncy castles, adventure golf, arts and crafts, and more! Costs apply for some additional activities.

Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June 2025

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

Website: Upton Country Park

Info: Grab your map, explore the gardens to complete the quiz, learn amazing facts, find all the butterflies and solve their mystery word to claim your prize at the end. In addition to the trail, there’s also bug and exotic animal experiences on Thursday and Friday. Trail and bug experience costs apply.

Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June 2025

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

Website: The Walled Garden

Info: Borrow one of the Nature Detective bags free of charge from Knoll Beach Visitor Reception. The bags contain binoculars, magnifying glasses, bug pots and activity sheets to help you on your nature detecting journey. In addition, a small number of sensory bags are available to help those with additional needs.

Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June 2025

Address: Knoll Beach, Ferry Road, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3AQ

Website: National Trust Studland Beach

Info: Little explorers and nature enthusiasts can take part in a range of exciting, hands-on activities designed to connect children with the natural world.

Dates: Monday 26th – Friday 30th May 2025

Address: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 4EA

Website: National Trust Kingston Lacy

Info: Explore the ruins to discover the bird life that now calls the castle home, can you find all the quest boards to earn your prize?

Dates: Saturday 24th May - Sunday 1st June 2025

Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5EZ

Website: Corfe Castle

Info: This quirky trail is dedicated to animal droppings. Have fun with various activities as you learn some poo-mazing facts. Have a go at fun games like cow pat frisbee, roll balls like a dung beetle, and try to identify the poopetrator. This event is FREE however normal admission charges apply.

Dates: Saturday 24th May - Sunday 1st June 2025

Location: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour

Website: Brownsea Island

Info: Enjoy animal and critter themed trails, lawn games, hunts and crafts, all included in the usual admission price. Plus, Mad4Animals will be there at noon and 2pm for daily critter shows!

Dates: Sunday 25th – Thursday 29th May 2025

Address: Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS

Website: Lulworth Castle

Info: Bring the whole family along to the fortress of fun to find the hidden dragon eggs, enjoy outdoor games, escape the labyrinth, solve the dragon challenge and much more.

Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June 2025

Address: Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UF

Website: Nothe Fort

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 kids bubbles and foam parties on selected dates.

Dates: Saturday 24th May - Sunday 1st June 2025

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

Website: Farmer Palmers

Info: Design your own magical creature or colour a star to add to the wall of magic. Also, magical themed crafts are available on Tuesday and Thursday. Activities are FREE however normal admission costs apply.

Dates: Sunday 25th May - Sunday 1st June 2025

Address: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE

Website: Highcliffe Castle

Info: There’s lots going on at Madjeston Milk Station during half term with animal feeding experiences, a Lovely Bubbly Show, bird show and Merlin the Magician. Activity costs apply.

Dates: Saturday 24th May - Sunday 1st June 2025

Address: Madjeston Milk Station, Cole Street Lane, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5JQ

Website: Madjeston Milk Station

Info: Dive into a world of adventure with outdoor activities like pond dipping, minibeasting, trails and Ranger Den discoveries.

Dates: Saturday 24th May - Sunday 1st June 2025

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

Website: Moors Valley Country Park

Info: Children can plant their own seeds to take home, get creative with garden-themed drawing activities, follow a FREE Plant Trail around the Estate and feed the friendly donkeys.

Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June 2025

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

Website: Symondsbury Estate

Info: The activity is inspired by the roman objects, discovered by archaeologists, that you will see when you visit the archaeology galleries. The trail includes a prize which you will receive once you've found all the pictures of food enjoyed in Roman Britain. Trail cost applies.

Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June 2025

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

Website: Red House Museum

Info: Activities at the museum during half term include trails, competitions, garden games and craft sessions. Admission costs apply.

Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June 2025

Address: Russell-Cotes Museum, East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3AA

Website: Russell-Cotes Museum

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. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, children can also take part in crafts, tours and much more! Admission costs apply.

Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June 2025

Address: Tank Museum, Linsay Road, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG

Website: The Tank Museum

Info: Children will have unlimited access to 15 large bouncy castles plus a designated under 5's soft play zone. Ticket costs apply.

Dates: Monday 26th & Tuesday 27th May 2025

Address: Redlands Sports Hub, Dorchester Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 5AW

Facebook: Bouncy Castle Kingdom

Info: Your entry ticket includes unlimited use of all inflatables, kids entertainment, music, circus skills area, toddler area and games. Ticket costs apply.

Date: Monday 26th May 2025

Address: The Hamworthy Club, Magna Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3AP

Website: Get Up and Bounce

Info: Not only will you see the highly entertaining show, but directly afterwards you will have the chance to get your hands on some of the animals in the show and even have pictures with the giant snakes! Ticket costs apply.

Date: Monday 26th May 2025

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

Website: Mad4Animals

Info: Join Little Gizmos Entertainment for 2 hours of fun with games, activities and soft play for little one’s. FREE event!

Date: Wednesday 28th May 2025

Address: Colin’s Nest Café, 25 Birds Hill Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2QJ

Facebook: Little Gizmos Entertainment

Info: Step into the enchanting world of Dorset folklore and immerse yourself in the magical tale of “The Singing Barrows at Bincombe Bumps.” After the tale, craft your own fairy, brownie, or pixie using recycled and natural materials. Admission costs apply.

Dates: Tuesday 27th & Thursday 29th May 2025

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

Website: Dorset Museum

Info: Itsy Bitsyccino in Bournemouth have two incredible events lined up to make your little ones’ half term magical. Itsy Bitsy Ravers will be held on Thursday and a Tropical Party Adventure with Angel and Stitch will be held on Friday. Ticket costs apply.

Dates: Thursday 29th & Friday 30th May 2025

Address: Itsy Bitsyccino, Westover Retail Park, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3JS

Website: Itsy Bitsyccino

Info: The action-packed phaser night will include thrilling battles with six games in the play frame, plus climbing challenges on the DigiWall and party vibes with disco lights. Ticket costs apply.

Date: Wednesday 28th May 2025

Address: Lemur Landings, Tower Park, Yarrow Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NY

Website: Lemur Landings

Info: Join the marine warden to discover life on the rockpools of Charmouth. Find out how these creatures survive on the seashore and the challenges they face. Ticket costs apply and booking is essential.

Dates: Wednesday 28th May & Saturday 31st May 2025

Address: Charmouth Coast Heritage Centre, Lower Sea Lane, Charmouth, Dorset, DT6 6LL

Website: Charmouth Coast Heritage Centre

Info: Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of English folk dance with two engaging, family-friendly workshops on Morris dancing and longsword dancing. Admission costs apply.

Date: Wednesday 28th May 2025

Address: Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1HR

Website: Museum of East Dorset

Info: Join Dorset folk singer Alastair Braidwood for a session of pirate storytelling and sea shanties. FREE event!

Date: Thursday 29th May 2025

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

Website: West Bay Discovery Centre

SHLOMO’S BEATBOX ADVENTURE FOR KIDS

Date: Saturday 24th May 2025

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

Booking: Lighthouse Poole

OLIVER!

Dates: Wednesday 28th – Saturday 31st May 2025

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

Booking: Weymouth Pavilion

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Dates: Wednesday 28th – Saturday 31st May 2025

Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU

Booking: Bournemouth Pavilion