ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTH EAST DORSET

Flip Out is an indoor adventure park with E-karting, laser tag, interactive football, battle cannon arena, bumper cars, soft play and small arcade.  (Please note, this Flip Out does not have trampolines).

Address: Flip Out, Dolphin Shopping Centre, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1SZ

Website: Flip Out
Contact Tel: 01202 143742

Putt Putt Noodle is a recently opened Asian themed adventure golf course attraction with 3 fun and unique courses to choose from.

Address: Putt Putt Noodle, Dolphin Shopping Centre, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1SZ

Website: Putt Putt Noodle
Contact Tel: 01202 143745

Cosy Village Role Play Cafe has been designed for children 0-5 years to support early years development, where your little ones are invited to discover role play areas and sensory play equipment with educational toys from some of the world's most recognisable brands.

Address: 1609 Wimborne Road, Kinson, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH11 9AP

Website: Cosy Village Role Play Café

Little Bugs has a multilevel soft play for children aged 5 and under and a dedicated area for under 2’s.  Little Bugs provides a clean, safe environment for babies and children to explore and develop, while their parents/carers can enjoy a good cuppa and a slice of cake.

Address: 380 Ringwood Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9AU

Website: Little Bugs Soft Play
Contact Tel: 01202 790559

This play cafe is aimed at little wild ones aged 0-4 years.  Take them on a wild adventure into the forest, where they can play, explore, and have fun while you relax in the cafe.

Address: 1442 Wimborne Road, Kinson, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH10 7AS

Website: Wild Ones Play Cafe

Itsy Bitsyccino is a place for you to bring your little ones to not only attend an Itsy Bitsy Dance class but to also connect with other parents over a coffee, whilst the little ones build friendships in the role play together.

Address: Itsy Bitsycchino, Westover Retail Park, Wimborne Road, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3JS

Website: Itsy Bitsy

This award winning farm has plenty for children to do with slides, bouncy castles, indoor and outdoor play areas, ride on tractors, soft play, animals, a new play barn, tractor trailer rides and so much more.  Facilities include a restaurant serving delicious hot and cold food and a gift shop.

Farmer Palmers review: Dorsetmums Blog

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

Website: Farmer Palmers
Contact Tel: 01202 622022

A gaming lovers dream with over 60 machines and consoles from all eras.  2 floors of gaming with 1, 2, and 3 hour sessions available. Facilities include a bar serving burgers, hot dogs and more plus toilets and baby change facilities.

Insanity Gaming Arcade review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: Insanity Gaming Arcade, 42 Harwell Road, Nuffield Industrial Estate, Poole, Dorset, BH17 0GE

Website: Insanity Gaming Arcade
Contact Tel: 01202 118853

Lollipops Café is situated in the heart of Westbourne, in a beautifully converted church hall.  It offers a fun, safe, clean and friendly haven to parents, carers and children alike.  The modern and inviting coffee shop enables customers to relax while the little ones play on the 3 levels playframe or enjoy the garden area.

Lollipops Play Cafe party packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory

Address: Lollipops Play Cafe, 16 Lansdeer Road, Westbourne, Dorset, BH4 9EH

Website: Lollipops Play Cafe
Contact Tel: 01202 766710

This lovely 2 tier soft play is perfect for babies and younger children and has a seperate area with a TV screen and comfy seating for tired little legs.

Address: Neptunes Complex, Poole Quay (above the arcade), Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HJ

Contact Tel: 01202 250838

The climbing centre is a fantastic venue for bouldering and rock climbing which is suitable for children over 4 years and adults.  The sports venue also offers many other classes during the week and the cafe sells hot and cold drinks plus fresh homemade food.

Address: The Project Climbing Centre, The Dolphin Centre, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UD

Website: The Project Climbing Centre
Contact Tel: 01202 660153

Adventure activity attraction with clip 'n' climb, pier cave, high line and an amazing pier zip which takes you over the sea to land on the beach.

RockReef party packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory

RockReef review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: RockReef, Bournemouth Pier, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AA

Website: RockReef
Contact Tel: 01202 983983

The new studio offers pottery painting, clay workshops, baby prints, personalised silver jewellery and much more. There are no studio fees, you just pay for what you paint and then your masterpiece will be glazed and fired ready for collection in 7-14 days.

Address: Pots & Paint, 117 Victoria Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9HU

Website: Pots & Paint
Contact Tel: 07723 373698

Step into a historic town house in the heart of the beautiful market town of Wimborne.  Discover the stories of the people who lived there over the centuries.  Explore the themed galleries and find out more about Wimborne and the towns and rural areas of East Dorset.

The charming Tea Room opens onto a tranquil walled garden that is wildlife friendly and includes heritage fruit trees.  Discover the gift shop, bookshop and Information Centre right on the High Street.  This vibrant heritage and cultural centre is housed in an historic Grade II* listed building.  Visitors will discover a welcoming, accessible space offering interaction, participation, engagement and plenty of fun.

Museum of East Dorset review: Dorsetmums Blog

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

Website: Museum of East Dorset
Contact Tel: 01202 882533

Oasis Fun has everything to keep the whole family entertained for hours with a fantastic beach themed soft play, adventure golf, bowling, amusements and an American diner.

Oasis Fun review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: Oasis Fun, Glen Fern Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2LZ

Website: Oasis Fun
Contact Tel:  01202 311611 

Visit the amazing Oceanarium to see many varieties of fish and other creatures plus the new Penguin enclosure with underwater viewing windows, a glass pannelled walkway and an underwater themed play zone.  Facilities include toilets with baby change, a restaurant and gift shop.

Bournemouth Oceanarium review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: The Oceanarium, Pier Approach, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AA

Website: Oceanarium
Contact Tel: 01202 311993

Mini Golf with a difference - children will love the dark room with bright glowing obstacles!

Address: Harbour Pirates Golf Glow, Poole Quay (above the amusement arcade), Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HJ 

Contact Tel: 01202 250838

This stunning Castle was built between 1831 and 1835 and is set within beautiful grounds with fantastic views and access to the beach.  Facilities include the tea rooms and gift shop.

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

Website: Highcliffe Castle
Contact Tel: 01425 278807

Adventure Wonderland are currently in the process of making changes to the site however the Wild Thing indoor play area remains open plus the crazy golf course when the weather permits.

Address: Merritown Lane, Hurn, Christchurch, BH23 6BA

Website: Adventure Wonderland
Contact Tel: 01202 483000

Choose from many ceramics, relax, paint and enjoy the cafe which offers a variety of snacks and drinks.

Address: All Fired Up, 35-37 Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 6DT

Website: All Fired Up
Contact Tel: 01202 558030

Owned by the National Trust and only accessible by boat, Brownsea Island has a thriving natural habitat which creates a unique haven for wildlife including the rare red squirrels. 

Villano Cafe, toilets and the gift shop are located at the entrance and other amenities can be found at the far end of the island.  Brownsea Island is located within Poole Harbour with ferries leaving from Poole Quay and Sandbanks Pier.

Website: National Trust Brownsea Island

Please note: Brownsea Island is now closed to visitors for the season and will re-open in Spring 2024

Pottery Painting Cafe for children and adults with numerous bisque to paint, workshops and a wonderful menu using locally produced ingredients.

Address: Better Craft & Paint, The Fountain, High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AE

Website: Better Craft & Paint
Contact Tel: 01202 475000 

Hollywood Bowl at Branksome and Tower Park have both been refurbished and offer fantastic bowling fun for all the family.  Facilities include an American Diner and arcade games.

Hollywood Bowl Branksome review: Dorsetmums Blog

Hollywood Bowl Tower Park review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: 382 Poole Road, Branksome, Poole, Dorset, BH12 1DA

Address: Yarrow Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NY

Website: Hollywood Bowl

Fun multi level soft play based within the Junction Sports Centre.  

Address: The Junction Leisure Centre, Station Approach, Broadstone, Dorset, Poole, BH18 8AX

Website: The Junction Broadstone
Contact Tel: 01202 777766

Exhilarating fun and excitement in an interactive environment.

Address: Laser Quest, Glen Fern Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2LZ

Website: Laser Quest
Contact Tel: 01202 556888

Large soft play with multi level play frame, slides, canons, sensory and toddler area.  You'll also find a cafe/restaurant and special events running throughout the year including laser tag nights.
After a refurbishment in 2017 there is now an exciting new toddler area, climbing zone and party rooms.

Lemur Landings party packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory

Address: Lemur Landings, Tower Park (above the cinema), Yarrow Road, Poole, BH12 4NY

Website: Lemur Landings
Contact Tel: 01202 740500

There's plenty to see and do inside the Science Zone so all children will be educated as well as entertained.  Not only is there the planetarium dome, Dinosaur basement and sensory rooms there’s also the science zone where children can carry out exciting experiments from exploding volcanoes to slime and rainbow science.

Address: Science Zone, 21-22 The Royal Arcade, Boscombe, Bournemouth, BH1 4BT

Website: Science Zone
Contact Tel: 01202 729206

Snowtrax is an outdoor activity centre perfect for skiing and snowboarding plus the kids will enjoy the ringos and ski bobs.
The Alpine Adventure Park is set in a large woodland area at the bottom of the slope and has slides, an overhead cable ride, trampolines, toddler play area, forts and even a wooden pirate ship!

Address: Snowtrax, Matchams Lane, Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6AW

Website: Snowtrax
Contact Tel: 01202 499155

Upton Country Park is a great place to visit whatever the season.  Set in over 130 acres of parkland you’ll find landscaped gardens, a woodland play trail, tea rooms, a gallery, plant centre and a walled garden with a summer splash area.

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

Website: Upton Country Park
Contact Tel: 01202 262753

The Stour Valley Nature Reserve is located on the north-west edge of Bournemouth and has a two mile stretch of riverside footpath, meadows, hedgerows, woodland and visitor centre.

Address: Stour Valley Nature Reserve, Granby Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3NZ

Website: Stour Valley Nature Reserve
Contact Tel: 01202 451548

Taking adventure golf to the next level.  This unforgettable venue is jam-packed full of excitement as you are taken on a spectacular journey through a comic book, unearthly light experience and apocalyptic crash scene.  Showcasing some of the most unique holes in the UK, you will not be disappointed!

Address: Mr Mulligans, BH2 Leisure Complex, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AF

Website: Mr Mulligans
Contact Tel: 01202 837850

Centre VR is a thrilling and realistic gaming experience.  It is encouraged that visitors, especially families, play together in Virtual Reality as this can provide some of the best environments and games that everyone of all ages can play and enjoy together.

Address: Centre VR, Richmond Gardens Leisure and Shopping Centre, Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 1EN

Website: Centre VR
Contact Tel: 01202 878300

The Ark has a fantastic multi level soft play with exciting obstacles, slides and a separate toddler area with ball pit and sensory activities.  You’ll also find a new paint your own pottery area plus an ice cream parlour and restaurant with a spacious terrace.

Address: The Ark, Poole Park, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2SF

Website: The Ark
Contact Tel: 01202 717197

There are over 50 aviation displays and exhibits including fixed wing aircraft, a double decker bus and a helicopter.  The staff and volunteers are always on hand to answer eager questions and be sure to check the Airport flight times so you can stand on the viewing platform and watch the planes taking off and landing from the Airport.  Snacks and drinks are available from the shop and public toilets are on site.

Address: Bournemouth Aviation Museum, Merritown Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BA

Facebook: Bournemouth Aviation Museum
Contact Tel: 01202 473141

47 acres of Parkland with a children's play area, circuit track, miniature railway, leisure orienteering and paddling pool which is open in the summer months.

Address: Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, BH7 7DX

Website: BH Littledown Centre
Contact Tel: 01202 055500

Little Pickles is a children's cafe with a two level adventure play area which is designed for newborns up to the age of 5 years old.

Little Pickles Play Cafe party packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory

Address: Little Pickles Play Cafe, 723 Wimborne Road, Moordown, Dorset, BH9 2AX

Website: Little Pickles Play Cafe
Contact Tel: 01202 533311

Kids Play Cafe is an interactive and educational experience where children can learn though play in a fantasy and real life environment.

Address: Kids Play Cafe, 280 Charminster Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 9RT

Kids Play Cafe review: Dorsetmums Blog

Website: Kids Play Cafe
Contact Tel: 01202 989494

18 fun challenging holes for all the family to enjoy.

Address: Sandbanks Crazy Golf, Banks Road (next to the main car park), Poole, Dorset, BH13 7QQ

Facebook: Sandbanks Crazy Golf
Contact Tel: 01202 706561

Please note: Sandbanks Crazy Golf is now closed for the season and will re-open in Spring 2024

Splashdown is a fantastic waterpark full of thrilling indoor and outdoor rides plus 3 under 5's splash zones.  Children’s party packages are available.

Splashdown party packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory.

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

Website: Splashdown
Contact Tel: 01202 716000

You will find many fun things to do at Tower Park with a Cinema, Splashdown, Bowling, Gala Bingo, Lemur Landings Soft Play and many restaurants.  Children's party packages are available at most entertainment venues and eateries.

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

Website: Tower Park Entertainment
Contact Tel: 01202 722917

The South's finest privately owned historic gardens.  There's lots for the whole to family to explore plus a wonderful cafe at the entrance and a café in the Gardens offering outstanding views of the Harbour.  Admission charges to gardens apply however entry to the cafe and gift shop are free.

Address: Compton Acres, 164 Canford Cliffs Road, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7ES

Website: Compton Acres
Contact Tel: 01202 700778

StreetLight was set up to support and benefit the local community.
The Skate Park has different ramps, all abilities are catered for, from those who have been riding for years to first timers.  It is recommended that if it’s a new sport to you or your child that you start with a lesson from one of the team riders. StreetLight's Cafe has been designed to be a friendly, spacious, child friendly place.  There is a pool table, table football and a soft play area with a ball pit.  The cafe has a great menu and offers views of the Skate Park.  Minimum age on the skate park is 6 years.

StreetLight Project party packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory

Address: StreetLight Project, Stone Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1HB

Website: Streetlight Centre
Contact Tel: 01202 848355

Explore the 8500 hectare National Trust Estate and discover the country house, woodland, beautiful gardens, play areas and much more. Facilities include a gift shop and restaurant.

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

Website: National Trust Kingston Lacy
Contact Tel: 01202 883402

Situated in an idyllic location in Wimborne you can hire a rowing boat and take a lovely trip off down the River Stour.  Perfect location for a picnic and stroll after.

Address: Dreamboats, Riverside Park Industrial Estate, Nr Wimborne Market, Dorset, BH21 1QU

Website: Dreamboats
Contact Tel: 07761 816796

Please note: Dreamboats is now closed for the season and will re-open in Spring 2024

Children will love to wander through the Model Town and play in Wendy Street.  You will also find a tearoom, crazy golf, outdoor chess area and gift shop.

Address: Wimborne Model Town, King Street, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1DY

Website: Wimborne Model Town
Contact Tel: 01202 881924

Please note: Wimborne Model Town is now closed for the season and will re-open in Spring 2024

Play café and party venue for children aged 5 and under with wooden tree house nature themed play area and soft play pen for babies.

Address: Coffee & Play, 3 Churchill Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 2LW

Website: Coffee & Play
Contact Tel: 01202 746305

High Score is a free-play amusement centre, packed with games to either reminisce or play for the first time.  Pay for entrance to the arcade where all games are set to free-play!

High Score is the perfect venue for kids of all ages... yes, that includes you adults too.

High Score Arcades review: Dorsetmums Blog

High Score Arcades party packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory

Address: High Score Aracdes, Dolphin Centre, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1SS

Website: High Score Arcades
Facebook: High Score Arcades
Contact Tel: 0208 1029312

Roller Disco fun suitable for children and adults.

Address: Oli's Roller Disco, Ferndown Leisure Centre, Cherry Grove, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9EZ

Website: Oli's Roller Disco
Contact Tel: 07990 503826