SUMMER HOLIDAYS EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Info: Discover beautifully crafted doors hidden among the trees and meet the fairies and other magical woodland characters who live behind them. Children can enjoy the play area at the end of the trail. Complete your activity sheet and have the special certificate on the back stamped to take home with you.

Dates: Ongoing

Address: The Blue Pool, Furzebrook Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AR

Website: The Blue Pool

Info: Moors Valley is an award-winning visitor attraction offering a host of outdoor activities for all ages with long paths to explore in the woods, multiple fun play areas, the Moors Valley Railway and much more. Activities in the holidays include pond dipping, fishing, mini golf, adventure valley Land Rovers, outdoor adventure games like laser tag, and the Room on the Broom Trail.

Dates: Friday 24th July - Sunday 6th September 2025

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

Website: Moors Valley Country Park

Info: You can expect a great family day out at Nothe Fort and during the summer holidays you can enjoy exhibitions, galleries, marching drills, artillery displays, silent disco, plus a weekend of Alice in Wonderland themed games and shows.

Dates: Wednesday 15th July – Saturday 29th August 2026

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

Website: Nothe Fort

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. And, kids enter for just £1!

Dates: Saturday 14th March – Saturday 31st October 2026

Address: Abbotsbury Swannery, New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4JG

Website: Abbotsbury Swannery

Info: Join Lancaster The Explorer on a journey across the world of plants at the Subtropical Gardens. This new children's activity trail highlights and educates children on the world of plants. Find out interesting facts, collect stamps and visit Lancaster's Hut. And, kids enter for just £1!

Dates: Friday 1st May – Wednesday 30th September 2026

Address: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA

Website: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Info: Follow the activity trail around the aquarium - take on all the challenges and write your answers down before making your pledge to protect the oceans. Once completed, you will receive a reward.

Dates: Monday 29th June – Wednesday 2nd September 2026

Address: SEA LIFE, Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth DT4 7SX

Website: SEA LIFE Weymouth

Info: Farmer Palmers have a jammed packed diary of events planned and in addition to numerous play areas and animals to see, there will be ‘Wet the Western’ tractor trailer rides and foam parties every Wednesday and Friday.

Dates: Wednesday 22nd July – Friday 28th August 2026

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

Website: Farmer Palmers

Info: Begin your journey by collecting your trail card from the Castle Gift Shop, then make your way around the Castle grounds, following clues and answering seaside‑themed questions as you go. Once completed, every participating child receives a seaside‑themed gift bag.

Dates: Saturday 25th July – Sunday 30th August 2026

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

Website: Highcliffe Castle

Info: Minion Mayhem at the Museum is an interactive adventure that invites visitors to step into the world of Minion Training. Budding recruits will take on a series of playful challenges, from HookaBanana to Minion Skittles, to discover whether they’re a Kevin, Bob, or Stuart. Along the way, families can enjoy a Minion hunt through the museum and its beautiful walled garden, dive into hands-on activities and raid the ever popular fancy dress station.

Dates: Saturday 11th July - Saturday 5th September 2026

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

Website: Museum of East Dorset

Info: Embark on a wild colour chalk rubbing trail filled with fun activities and games for the whole family. Play like a chicken, leap like a sika deer, and try some bunny yoga. As you explore, you'll uncover fascinating facts about the creatures that call Brownsea home.

Dates: Saturday 25th July – Sunday 6th September 2026

Location: Poole Harbour

Website: National Trust Brownsea Island

Info: Step back in time and play like a castle-builder at Corfe Castle. Sharpen your aim in the archery zone, fire beanbags with mini slingshots, and tackle balance beams and stepping stones fit for a medieval obstacle course.

Dates: Saturday 25th July – Friday 31st August 2026

Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset

Website: National Trust Corfe Castle

Info: There's so much to try out at Kingston Lacy this summer – get crafty, watch kids entertainers, watch performers, plants seeds, play games and much more!

Dates: Monday 20th July – Sunday 30th August 2026

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

Website: Kingston Lacy

Info: With a Nature Passport in hand, children can hunt for minibeasts, help build a bug hotel, become a tree detective, spot butterflies, grow a plant to take home and get creative at the Coach House Cafe. There are six activities to complete, six stamps to collect and a certificate signed by the Earl and Countess of Sandwich for everyone who finishes the trail.

Dates: Sunday 26th July – Sunday 6th September 2026

Address: Mapperton, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR

Website: Mapperton

Info: The Marvelous Meadows Trail runs through the first half of the summer holidays and then the Monsters of the Jurassic Trail runs until the end. Plus there’s guided walks, scavenger hunts, nature activities and Wild Wednesdays all planned on selected dates.

Dates: Saturday 18th July – Wednesday 2nd September 2026

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

Website: Durlston Country Park

Info: Hidden among the trees of Sherborne Castle and Gardens, the fairy door trail feels like stepping into a storybook. The trail winds gently through the peaceful gardens, encouraging slow exploration, playful discovery, and moments of quiet enchantment, making it a charming highlight of any visit to the gardens. Prizes will be available from the ticket box at the end of the trail.

Dates: Saturday 25th July – Sunday 30th August 2026

Address: Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR

Website: Sherborne Castle

Info: A former Georgian workhouse, the Red House is now a museum exploring the story of Christchurch from before the Ice Age to modern times. During the summer holidays, families can summer panto performances and take part in creative workshops.

Dates: Wednesday 29th July – Wednesday 26th August 2026

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

Website: Red House Museum

Info: Science Zone will have STEM activities for children and families – featuring everything from planetarium workshops to hands-on science experiments.

Dates: Monday 20th July – Wednesday 2nd September 2026

Address: Science Zone, 21 Royal Arcade Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 4BT

Website: Science Zone

Info: Keep everyone moving and exploring this summer holiday with a family friendly trail around the reserve! Pick up a FREE pocket map from the car park or visitor centre and look out for the colourful hand-painted discs hidden throughout the route, each showcasing the variety of butterflies and moths you might spot.

Dates: Saturday 18th July – Monday 31st August 2026

Address: Thorncombe Woods, Higher Bockhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QH

Facebook: Hardys Birthplace

Info: The Slip and Slide is back with an even bigger slide and bigger pool to whoosh into!

Dates: Friday 24th July – Monday 31st August 2026

Address: Mill Street, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3RH

Website: Mega Slip and Slide

Info: Be enchanted this summer with fairy themed trails, crafts and workshops celebrating the current exhibition Flower Fairies™: Enchantment by the Sea.

Dates: Thursday 23rd July – Friday 31st August 2026

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

Website: Russell-Cotes

Info: On selected dates, take a break from the beach and head to the sand bowl where you will find games like badminton, giant snakes and ladders, twister and sack races, amongst others.

Dates: Wednesday 22nd July – Wednesday 26th August 2026

Address: Shell Bay, Studland, Dorset

Website: National Trust Studland Bay

Info: Lyme Regis Museum is full of the rich historical and cultural history of the town. The summer holiday programme includes clay modelling workshops, 3D modelling, print making workshops, and more. Some activity sessions require pre-booking.

Dates: Tuesday 21st July – Thursday 27th August 2026

Address: Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QA

Website: Lyme Regis Museum

Info: Join a guided Fossil Walk with the wardens to find and take home your very own Jurassic fossil. Booking is essential.

Dates: Saturday 18th July – Saturday 5th September 2026

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

Website: Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre

Info: The Hideout Soft Play are hosting two fantastic events full of fun, laughter, soft play, treats and gifts. Kids will enjoy seeing Richard from The Lovely Bubbly Show and Ranger Mike from Ranger Mike's Baby Dinosaurs . Booking is essential.

Dates: Various dates in July and August 2026

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

Booking: The Hideout Soft Play

Info: Experience the biggest day out in history with live tank displays, vehicle rides, interactive exhibitions, family-friendly activities, and more.

Dates: Saturday 18th July – Monday 31st August 2026

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

Website: Tank Museum

Info: Explore the exhibitions and discover the fascinating stories behind West Bay and the Jurassic Coast. During the holidays, families can also take part in the Seagull Scavenger Hunt, workshops and outdoor performance.

Dates: From Thursday 23 July 2026

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

Website: West Bay Discovery Centre

Info: The space-faring dinos are back. Find the characters hidden in the garden, answer 12 space themed quiz questions, learn facts, find all the planets hidden in the trees and claim your prize at the end. In addition to the trail, children can take part in bug and exotic animal experiences in the Bug Shed.

Dates: Saturday 25th July – Sunday 6th September 2026

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

Website: The Walled Garden