Finding a summer holiday day out that genuinely suits younger children can be a challenge. Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, near Poole in Dorset, has been designed especially for families with children aged eight and under, combining friendly animals, active play and a full programme of summer entertainment.

From foam-filled Wednesday and Friday afternoons and live singers on Thursdays to water play and a spectacular family circus over the August Bank Holiday weekend, there is something different to enjoy throughout the school holidays.

A Dorset Family Day Out Designed for Younger Children

Farmer Palmer’s is an award-winning family attraction in Organford, between Poole and Wareham.

The farm park is large enough to fill a family day but manageable for little legs. Children can meet farm animals, explore indoor and outdoor play areas, bounce, climb, splash, and follow the tranquil woodland dinosaur trail.

There is a wonderful timetable of animal activities throughout the day, helping families move naturally around the park without having to plan every moment.

With so much to enjoy, an all-day ticket offers the best value. However, the Palmer family believes choice is important, so parents can also choose a lower-priced afternoon ticket from 1pm. This can work particularly well around children’s mealtimes, naps or for families looking for a slower start to their day.

Foam Parties Every Wednesday and Friday

The famous Farmer Palmer’s Foam Parties return every Wednesday and Friday afternoon during the summer holidays.

With music, bubbles and plenty of foam, children can dance, slide and play together on the lawn. The activity is included within standard farm park admission, so there is no additional Foam Party charge.

The parties are scheduled towards the end of the day, usually at around 3pm. This means children can enjoy the animals and play areas first before finishing their adventure in the foam.

Parents should bring a towel, a change of clothes and a bag for anything wet. Watching the children disappear into a mountain of bubbles is often just as entertaining for the grown-ups!

Live Family Music on Thursdays

Aphrodite Singers will be bringing live music to the farm every Thursday, usually between 11am and 1pm during the summer holidays.

Their Disney-inspired performances create a lovely atmosphere around the park. Children can sing and dance while parents enjoy a relaxed moment nearby.

The performances take place on 30th July and 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th August 2026. The live singing is included with farm park admission.

Get Ready to Wet the Western

Families visiting on Wednesdays and Fridays can also join the Wet the Western tractor ride.

Farmer Palmer’s provides the water pistols, and passengers can see how many waiting team members they can soak as the trailer travels around the route.

There is a small additional charge for the tractor ride, and it normally takes place from around 11am. It is a wonderfully silly way for children and grown-ups to cool down together on a warm Dorset day.

Prepare to get wet - the Farmer Palmer’s team may be armed too!

Discover Dinosaurs in the Woodland

Away from the busier play areas, families can take a gentler walk through the woodland beside the Sherford River and Victorian lake.

Brightly coloured dinosaurs wait among the paths and ferns, accompanied by educational information boards. Young dinosaur fans often surprise their families by learning enormous names and confidently turning them into new favourite words.

Optional discovery trail packs help children look more closely at the dinosaurs and the natural world surrounding them.

The woodland trail offers a peaceful change of pace and a little breathing space during a busy family day.

Happy’s Circus Arrives for August Bank Holiday

The summer ends with something particularly special when Happy’s Circus brings its Big Top to Farmer Palmer’s on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August 2026.

There will be four family performances across the weekend, with shows at 12 noon and 5pm on both days.

Families can choose from:

• A Circus Only ticket
• A morning farm park visit followed by the 12pm circus
• An afternoon farm park visit followed by the 5pm circus

The show lasts approximately one hour and takes place beneath a fully covered Big Top. Tickets are limited, and families should book early if they have a preferred day or performance time.

It is a lovely opportunity to introduce younger children to the magic of a traditional family circus while combining it with time at the farm.

Make Summer Days Out More Affordable

Farmer Palmer’s is taking part in the Great British Summer Savings initiative.

Reduced admission prices apply until 1st September 2026, helping families enjoy a full day or afternoon at the attraction for less during the school holidays.

Booking online in advance provides the best available admission price and helps families secure their preferred date.

Visitors can bring a picnic or purchase food, drinks and treats from the Hen House Restaurant during their visit.

Keep the Adventures Going with a Winter Smart Pass

The end of the summer holidays does not have to mean the end of family adventures. 

The Farmer Palmer’s Winter Smart Pass is valid from 1st September 2026 until 15th March 2027. It provides unlimited standard farm park visits across more than six months, including the Halloween, Christmas and February half-term periods. Additional tickets may be required for certain special experiences.

The pass costs £42.50 per named person, with the option to spread the cost over four monthly payments.

For families planning to visit three times or more, it can offer an affordable way to enjoy spontaneous playtimes, animal visits and seasonal days out throughout autumn and winter.

Planning Your Visit

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park is located on Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU.

The attraction is particularly suited to families with babies, toddlers and children aged eight and under. With indoor areas available alongside outdoor play and animal experiences, families can enjoy their visit even when the Dorset weather is unpredictable.

Check the daily timetable, opening hours and event information before travelling, as activities and times can occasionally change.

Discover the summer programme and book your family visit at:

Explore Farmer Palmer’s Summer Holidays

Book Happy’s Circus Tickets

Find out about the Winter Smart Pass

Discover a Magical Family Day Out at The Blue Pool this Summer!

Looking for summer holiday activities in Dorset? Head to The Blue Pool in Wareham for a day out filled with adventure, nature and a touch of magic.

Set within a beautiful nature reserve, The Blue Pool offers families the perfect opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy time together outdoors. With woodland walks, wildlife spotting, an enchanting trail, an exciting play area and summer activities, there’s something to entertain children of all ages.

Follow the magical Trail of Enchanted Doors

One of the newest experiences to enjoy is the Trail of Enchanted Doors, which has quickly become a favourite with visitors since launching earlier this year.

Building on the much-loved fairy door trail, this adventure now takes you through different areas of the Nature Reserve, where you’ll discover beautiful hand-crafted doors belonging not only to fairies, but to a host of other magical woodland characters too.

Little imaginations can run wild as children explore the trail, spot hidden surprises and discover who lives behind each tiny doorway.

Get closer to nature with family activities

There’s plenty more to enjoy beyond the enchanted trail. Explore the easy woodland walks, take in the stunning views across the lake and keep watch for the wildlife that calls The Blue Pool home.

Don't miss the daily pig feeding, always a favourite! Throughout the summer holidays, Wild Wednesdays also give children the chance to get hands-on with nature through a variety of fun activities. Hunt for bugs, make a paracord bracelet or build your own bird box to take home – there's something different to enjoy each week.

Adventure, play and plenty of space to explore

If your little adventurers still have energy to burn, they'll love taking on the UK's longest rope bridge before heading to the playground for even more fun.

Enjoy a treat with stunning views

After all that exploring, why not stop by the Art Deco Tearooms for lunch and a well-earned scoop (or two!) of delicious Purbeck ice cream, available in a range of tempting flavours!

Or, if you'd rather bring your own food, there’s plenty of picturesque spots around the lake to lay out a picnic and soak up the surroundings.

Plan your family visit this summer!

There’s no need to book ahead - simply turn up and pay on the gate when you arrive.

2026 Admission prices are:

• Adults: £9.75
• Children (5–15 years): £4.95
• Under 5s: Free

Head over to The Blue Pool website for answers to FAQs and plan your visit today.

Whether you're visiting for a couple of hours or making a day of it, The Blue Pool is the perfect place for a family adventure this summer. Better still, your four-legged family members are welcome too, so nobody has to miss out!