ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTH EAST DORSET

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.

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

Farmer Palmers Review: Dorsetmums Blog
Farmer Palmers Party Packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory

Website: Farmer Palmers

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.

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

Insanity Gaming Arcade Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Website: Insanity Gaming Arcade

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: Cosy Village Role Play Cafe, 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: Little Bugs Soft Play, 380 Ringwood Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9AU

Website: Little Bugs Soft Play

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, Poole Flip Out does not have trampolines.

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

Website: Flip Out

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

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

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

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.

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

Lollipops Play Cafe Party Packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory

Website: Lollipops Play Cafe

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

Facebook: Neptunes Poole

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

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.

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

RockReef Party Packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory

Website: RockReef

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

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.

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

Museum of East Dorset Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Website: Museum of East Dorset

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.

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

Oasis Fun Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Website: Oasis Fun

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.

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

Bournemouth Oceanarium Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Website: Oceanarium

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Lemur Landings Party Packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory

Website: Lemur Landings

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

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

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 find a restaurant and visitor centre near the car park.  No admission charge however parking charges do apply.

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

Website: Moors Valley Country Park

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 Moors Valley Country Park woodland.

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

Website: Go Ape

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

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

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

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

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

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

Website: Bournemouth Aviation Museum

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.

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

Website: BH Littledown Centre

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.

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

Little Pickles Play Cafe Party Packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory

Website: Little Pickles Play Cafe

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

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

Splashdown is a fantastic waterpark full of thrilling indoor and outdoor rides plus 3 under 5's splash zones.  

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

Splashdown Party Packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory

Website: Splashdown

You will find many fun things to do at Tower Park with a Cinema, Splashdown, Hollywood Bowl, Gala Bingo, Lemur Landings Soft Play and plenty of eateries.  

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

Website: Tower Park Entertainment

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

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.

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

StreetLight Project Party Packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory

Website: Streetlight Centre

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

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

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

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

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.

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

High Score Arcades Review: Dorsetmums Blog
High Score Arcades Party Packages: Dorset Kids Party Directory

Website: High Score Arcades

Enjoy walks and wildlife on the heath plus treasure trails and a fantastic wooden play area.  Facilities include the discovery centre, cafe, gift shop and BBQ hire.  Admission is free however car park charges apply.

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

Website: Dorset For You

Enjoy heavy horse wagon rides, tractor and trailer rides, meet the animals, run around the play areas and much more.

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

Website: Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park

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.

Address: Mighty Adventures Crazy Golf, Riverside Avenue, Christchurch, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7ES

Website: Mighty Adventures Crazy Golf

Choose from many 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: All Fired Up