FAMILY FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS IN SOUTH EAST DORSET

Info: 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

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

Website: RockReef

Info: 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
Farmer Palmers Party Packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory

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

Website: Farmer Palmers

Info: Enjoy a family day out at an award-winning museum. Step off the busy High Street into a historic town house in the heart of beautiful Wimborne Minster. Wander around the house and explore 11 fascinating galleries at your leisure. Get your hands on history and archaeology with lots of interactive exhibits. Experience face-to-face encounters with Wimborne people from the past and discover their incredible stories. A vibrant heritage hub, children of all ages will love the free craft activities, dressing-up fun and a chance to learn through play in the Victorian-themed kitchen. There are also free family trails inviting you to explore the museum and grounds, discovering lots of wonderful facts along the way.

The museum boasts a beautiful walled garden offering a tranquil setting and here you can enjoy refreshments in the museum’s tearoom.

FREE ANNUAL PASS INCLUDED IN ENTRY FEE!

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

Info: Lollipops Café is situated in the heart of Westbourne, in a beautifully converted church hall.  The venue 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 level playframe or outside in 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

Info: Jump, bounce and tumble on the super-sized indoor inflatable obstacle course at Sir David English, Bournemouth. Take on the giant slides, jelly mountain, slam dunk zone and wipe-out balls! With 50-minute sessions running Friday-Sunday during term time and throughout school holidays, AirJumpX is one of the best activities to keep kids active and enjoy a fun-filled day, exhilaration for all! Children aged 5-8 must be accompanied by a paying adult (16+). Junior sessions and under 5 sessions available to book online, or via the BH Live Active app.

Address: BH Live Active, Sir David English, 63 East Way, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 9PT

Website: BH Live Active AirJumpX

Info: Children will love to wander through the Model Town streets and marvel at the shops, houses and church.  You will also find a children's play area, tearoom, crazy golf, outdoor chess area and gift shop.

FREE ANNUAL PASS INCLUDED IN ENTRY FEE!

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

Website: Wimborne Model Town

Info: 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 Bitsyccino, Westover Retail Park, Wimborne Road, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3JS

Website: Itsy Bitsy

Info: 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: Wild Ones Play Cafe, 1442 Wimborne Road, Kinson, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH10 7AS

Website: Wild Ones Play Cafe

Info: Mini Monsters is a fun, exciting play cafe for little ones aged 0-5 yrs.  Mini Monsters combine soft play and role play in a small comfortable environment where parents can relax whilst the child enjoys playing and meeting new friends.  There is a small soft play, an animal hospital, a castle, a bus, dinosaur cave and baby area.

Address: Mini Monsters, 960 Wimborne Road, Moordown, Dorset, BH9 2DG

Website: Mini Monsters Café

Info: The village themed play space encourages imagination with a florist, café, ice cream parlour, grocery shop and construction site. A café is also situated on the ground floor serving drinks and food options.

Address: Little Treasures Village, 21B Saxon Square, Christchurch, Dorset

Facebook: Little Treasures Village

Info: Cosy Village 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: Cosy Village Play Cafe, 1609 Wimborne Road, Kinson, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH11 9AP

Website: Cosy Village Play Café

Info: 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: Little Bugs Soft Play, 380 Ringwood Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9AU

Website: Little Bugs Soft Play

Info: Each player is player is provided with a body pack and carries a laser.  Each game is played out in the Laser Quest labyrinth, with catwalks, mazes, swirling fog and special effects.

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

Website: Laser Quest

Info: Large soft play with multi level play frame, slides, canons, sensory and toddler area plus role play area and climbing zone.  You'll also find a cafe and special events running throughout the year including laser tag nights.

Lemur Landings Party Packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory

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

Website: Lemur Landings

Info: Splashdown is a fantasic waterpark full of thrilling indoor and outdoor slides plus 3 under 5's splash zones.

Splashdown Party Packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory

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

Website: Splashdown

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

Kids Play Cafe Review: Dorsetmums Blog

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

Website: Kids Play Cafe

Info: Discovery Village is a children's role play centre with 9 unique play areas carefully designed to intrigue the imagination of little visitors aged up to 8 years.  Performer led play sessions where children are part of the story are all set inside the role play areas.

Address: Discovery Village, Merritown Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BA

Website: Discovery Village

Info: Kids aged 8 and under will love zooming about the skatepark and younger ones can enjoy the soft play space with play area which is all located upstairs in Coast.  There are scooters, skateboards and helmets if needed for the skate park but it is recommended to bring your own if you can.

Address: Skate House, 91 Salterns Road, Poole, Dorset, BH14 8BL

Website: We Are Coast

Info: 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 Arcades, Dolphin Centre, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1SS

Website: High Score Arcades

Info: 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.  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

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

FREE ENTRY!

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

Website: BH Littledown Centre

Info: 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 Party Packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory

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

Website: Little Pickles Play Cafe

Info: Spend the day on the farm and enjoy heavy horse wagon rides, tractor and trailer rides, meet the animals, run around the play areas, laugh on the vintage fun fair rides, pedal on the go karts and much much more!

Address: Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park, Edmondsham Road, Verwood, Dorset, BH21 5RJ

Website: Dorset Heavy Horse Centre

Info: Explore a Jurassic landscape, filled with moving dinosaurs, thundering waterfalls and steaming volcanoes.  If you're hungry after your game then there’s also a fantastic restaurant with a variety of dishes and children’s meals.

Mighty Claws Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: Christchurch Golf Club, Riverside Avenue, Christchurch, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7ES

Website: Iford Golf Centre

Info: Nicks Farm welcomes all ages and abilities, providing a therapeutic environment for everyone.  Wander around the relaxed farm and enjoy meeting farm animals such as sheep, horses, pigs, alpacas, goats and birds.  Children will also enjoy the play area and cuddle time with the bunnies.

Nicks Farm Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: Nicks Farm, Valley Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 0EB

Website: Nicks Farm

Info: Relax with friends or family and partake in a range of activities including pottery painting, arts and crafts.  Within the studio you will also find the Top Potato café and Allsorts shop.

Address: Splat Pottery Painting Arts & Crafts, 808-810 Wimborne Road, Moordown, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2DT

Facebook: Splat Pottery

Info: Flip Out is an indoor adventure park with drift trikes, laser tag, interactive football, battle cannon arena, bumper cars, soft play, small arcade and cafe. Please note, Poole Flip Out does not have trampolines.

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

Website: Flip Out

Info: Putt Putt Noodle is an Asian themed adventure golf venue with 3 fun and unique courses to choose from.

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

Website: Putt Putt Noodle

Info: 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

Info: 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

Info: The 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

Info: This lovely soft play is hidden above the arcade on Poole Quay and is perfect for babies and younger children with a seperate area containing a TV screen and comfy seating for tired little legs.

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

Facebook: Neptunes Poole

Info: Mini Golf with a difference!  Children will love playing crazy golf in the dark room with bright glowing obstacles!

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

Info: Highcliffe Castle was built between 1831 and 1835 and is set within beautiful grounds with fantastic views and access to the beach.

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

Website: Highcliffe Castle

Info: 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.

Location: Poole Harbour

Website: National Trust Brownsea Island

Info: 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

Info: Hollywood Bowl at Branksome and Tower Park have both been refurbished recently and offer fantastic bowling fun for all the family with state-of-the-art lanes plus food, drink and arcade games.

Hollywood Bowl Branksome Review: Dorsetmums Blog
Hollywood Bowl Tower Park Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: Hollywood Bowl, 382 Poole Road, Branksome, Poole, Dorset, BH12 1DA
Address: Hollywood Bowl, Yarrow Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NY

Website: Hollywood Bowl

Info: Visit the amazing Oceanarium to see many species of fish and other creatures plus the 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.

The Oceanarium Review: Dorsetmums Blog

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

Website: The Oceanarium

Info: Fun multi level soft play based within the Junction Sport Centre.

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

Website: The Junction Broadstone

Info: 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

Info: 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, Dorset, BH1 4BT

Website: Science Zone

Info: Snowtrax is an outdoor activity centre perfect for skiing, snowboarding, 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!

Snowtrax Alpine Park Review: Dorsetmums Blog

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

Website: Snowtrax

Info: There's always plenty for the family to do at Moors Valley Country Park including woodland walks and trails, play parks and the steam train which is all set in wonderful woodland surroundings.  You'll also find a restaurant and visitor centre near the car park.  

FREE ENTRY!  (Car park charges apply)

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

Website: Moors Valley Country Park

Info: Go Ape is an amazing tree top adventure for children and adults.  You'll find tree top high wires, walkways, tunnels, zip wires and much more all located within the woodland at Moors Valley Country Park.

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

Website: Go Ape

Info: 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 and play areas, tea rooms, a gallery and a walled garden with a summer splash fountain area.

FREE ENTRY! (Car park charges apply)

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

Website: Upton Country Park

Info: 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.

FREE ENTRY!

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

Website: Stour Valley Nature Reserve

Info: Mr Mulligans has taken 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!

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

Website: Mr Mulligans

Info: Centre VR is a thrilling and realistic gaming experience.  It's 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

Info: 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 paint your own pottery studio plus an ice cream parlour and restaurant with spacious terrace.

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

Website: The Ark

Info: 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.  

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

Website: Bournemouth Aviation Museum

Info: You will find numberous attractions at Tower Park including a cinema, waterpark, bowling, bingo and soft play plus a choice of family friendly eateries.

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

Website: Tower Park Entertainment

Info: 18 fun and challenging crazy golf 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

Info: Explore the 8500 hectare National Trust Estate and discover the country house, woodland, beautiful gardens, play areas, gift shop and cafe.

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

Website: National Trust Kingston Lacy

Info: Situated in an idyllic location on the River Stour in Wimborne, Dreamboats offer kayak, canoe and rowing boat hire. 

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

Facebook: Dreamboats

Please note: Dreamboats are now closed for winter and will re-open in July 2025.

Info: The south's finest privately owned historic gardens.  There's acres of stunning gardens to explore plus a wonderful cafe and gift shop at the entrance.

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

Website: Compton Acres

Info: Enjoy walks and wildlife on the heath plus seasonal trails and a fantastic wooden play area.  Facilities include the discovery centre, cafe, gift shop and BBQ hire. 

FREE ENTRY! (Car park charges apply) 

Address: Avon Heath Country Park, Birch Road, Avon Heath, Dorset, BH24 2DA

Website: Dorset Council

Info: All Fired Up is located close to Bournemouth's Lower Gardens.  Choose from a large variety of ceramics, relax, paint and enjoy the cafe which offers a variety of light lunches and drinks.

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

Website: Pottery Cafe Bournemouth

Info: Jungle themed and colourful multi-level soft play with slides, obstacles, ball pit, baby sensory area, cafe and party rooms.

Address: Jungle City Soft Play, Unit 4, Alder Hills Industrial Estate, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4AR

Facebook: Jungle City Soft Play

Info: Ramp Rats is an indoor skatepark which is suitable for toddlers up to children aged 10.  Featuring an all timber constructed skatepark with gentle transitions, pump bumps, bowl corner and tunnel plus small soft play area and café.

Ramp Rats Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: Ramp Rats 65-67 Ringwood Road, Poole, Dorset, BH14 0RG

Facebook: Ramp Rats

Info: One of the south’s largest skateparks with foam pit, numerous ramps, bowls, resi jump box and quarter plus an outside ramp for when the sun is shining.

Address: Prevail Skatehouse, 67 Ringwood Road, Poole, Dorset, BH14 0RG

Website: Prevail Skatehouse

Info: The Hideout is a family run indoor coffee shop and soft play with a two-tier play area and matted section with toys, sensory accessories and books. Suitable for babies and children 7 years and under.

Address: The Hideout Soft Play, 7a The Neighbourhood Centre, Canford Heath, Poole, Dorset, BH17 9DW

Facebook: The Hideout Soft Play

Info: Modern multi-arts venue with theatres, small cinema and terrace cafe.

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

Website: Lighthouse Poole

Info: Located within BH2 leisure complex is a state of the art cinema with several screens and 2D and 3D format films.

Address: Odeon, BH2 Leisure, Exeter Crescent, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5DD

Website: Odeon