Family Friendly Events in Dorset September 2026
Posted on
Need ideas for things to do with the family in September? You'll find lots of fun events and shows listed below.
ABBOTSBURY SWANNERY BRAMLEY HEDGE STORY TRAIL
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.
Dates: Saturday 14th March – Saturday 31st October 2026
Address: Abbotsbury Swannery, New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4JG
Website: Abbotsbury Swannery
THE BLUE POOL TRAIL OF ENCHANTED DOORS
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
ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDENS TRAIL
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.
Dates: Friday 1st May – Wednesday 30th September 2026
Address: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA
Website: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
KINGSTON LACY POKEMON TCG MEGA EVOLUTION TRAIL
Info: Get active outdoors on the Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail. Team up as a family to search the woodlands for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers and complete your own challenges.
Dates: Saturday 23rd May – Sunday 6th September 2026
Address: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 4EA
Website: National Trust Kingston Lacy
CORFE CASTLE INTERACTIVE QUEST
Info: Get ready for a fun adventure at Corfe Castle based on The New Famous Five by Chris Smith, inspired by Enid Blyton. The interactive quest invites families to explore the castle like true detectives. Solve clues, crack puzzles and uncover hidden secrets as you explore the ruins. During half term, families can also plant your own nasturtium seeds in an eco pot and join the Keeper of the Castle on a lively, interactive storytelling tour that brings the past to life.
Dates: Saturday 23rd May – Sunday 6th September 2026
Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
Website: National Trust Corfe Castle
HENGISTBURY HEAD SCAVENGER HUNT
Info: Follow the trail, find the clues, complete the hunt and claim your prize.
Dates: Wednesday 1st July - Wednesday 30th September 2026
Address: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Broadway, Southbourne, Dorset, BH6 4EW
Website: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
MINION MAYHEM AT MUSEUM OF EAST DORSET
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
WIMBORNE FAMILY FOOTBALL TRAIL
Info: Enjoy a FREE interactive football adventure with seven stops to discover. At each stop, players will find special window artwork or trail signage containing a clue about the AR experience waiting for them. By scanning the QR code with a modern smartphone, families can unlock a different digital surprise at every location, from mini games to selfie lenses.
Dates: Thursday 23rd July - Saturday 5th September 2026
Location: Wimborne Minster
Website: Wimborne BID
THE WALLED GARDEN DINOSAURS IN SPACE TRAIL
Dates: Saturday 25th July – Sunday 6th September 2026
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
Website: The Walled Garden
SYMONDSBURY ESTATE SUMMER FUN
Info: Pick up Summer Explorer Trail booklet from the Visitor Centre and discover magnificent trees, spot wildlife and complete fun nature challenges as you explore the Estate. Alongside the trail, children can enjoy giant lawn games, perfect for letting off steam.
Dates: Saturday 25th July – Sunday 6th September 2026
Address: Symondsbury Estate, Manor Yard, Mill Lane, Symondsbury, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6HG
Website: Symondsbury Estate
PURBECK FILM FESTIVAL CINEMA UNDER THE STARS
Dates: Saturday 15th August – Saturday 5th September 2026
Locations: Studland, Corfe Castle & Wareham
Website: Purbeck Film Festival
SANDWORLD LOCAL RESIDENTS OFFER
Dates: Tuesday 1st – Wednesday 30th September 2026
Address: Sandworld, Lodmoor Country Park, Preston Beach Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX
Website: Sandworld
TALBOT HEATH SCHOOL MOVIE NIGHT
Date: Friday 4th September 2026
Address: Talbot Heath School, Rothesay Road, Talbot Woods, Bournemouth BH4 9NJ
Website: Talbot Heath School
WIMBORNE FUN FAIR
Dates: Friday 4th – Sunday 6th September 2026
Address: Wimborne Showground, Wimborne Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1EF
Facebook: Matthews Amusements
DORSET HEAVY HORSE FARM PARK MINIATURE STEAM DAY
Date: Saturday 5th September 2026
Address: Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park, Edmondsham Road, Verwood, Dorset, BH21 5RJ
Website: Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park
PEEKABOO & BREW PEPPA PIG VISIT
Date: Saturday 5th September 2026
Address: PeekaBoo & Brew, 214a Macaulay Road, Broadstone, Poole, Dorset, BH18 8DX
Website: PeekaBoo & Brew
DIG IT RC CONSTRUCTION CAFÉ OPEN DAY
Date: Saturday 5th September 2026
Address: Dig-It RC Construction Café, 3 Penny’s Walk, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9TH
Facebook: Dig-It RC Construction Café
BOURNEMOUTH BRICK FESTIVAL
Date: Saturday 5th September 2026
Address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5BH
Website: Bournemouth International Centre
BOURNEMOUTH COMIC CON
Date: Saturday 5th September 2026
Address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5BH
Website: Bournemouth International Centre
FERNDOWN FIRE STATION OPEN DAY
Date: Saturday 5th September 2026
Address: Ferndown Fire Station, 410 Ringwood Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9AX
Facebook: Ferndown Fire Station
OBORNE VILLAGE FETE
Date: Saturday 5th September 2026
Address: Oborne Playing Field & Church, Nr Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 4JY
BRIDPORT HAT FESTIVAL
Date: Saturday 5th September 2026
Location: Bucky Doo Square & Millenium Green
Website: Bridport Hat Fest
LYME REGIS SKATE JAM
Date: Saturday 5th September 2026
Address: Charmouth Road Car Park, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3DR
Facebook: Lyme Regis Town Council
DORSET COUNTY SHOW
Dates: Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th September 2026
Address: Dorchester Showground, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7SD
Website: Dorset County Show
CORFE CASTLE GET MEDIEVAL KNIGHT SHOW
Info: Adult and kids can train like a medieval knight with Get Medieval's thrilling combat trials. Learn sword-fighting skills and take part in exciting duels and epic team battles.
Date: Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th September 2026
Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset
Website: National Trust Corfe Castle
MOORS VALLEY RAILWAY STEAM SPECTACULAR
Info: The Steam Spectacular features intensive passenger services including the New Forester special, freight services, and 7 locomotives in steam (subject to availability). Buy your Gala Rover on the day for unlimited train rides all day long.
Dates: Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th September 2026
Address: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, BH24 2ET
Website: Moors Valley Railway
IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE!
Info: You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. This show lasts just under an hour and your little ones will be amazed when they see a very special visit from the amazing flying Pinky Ponk.
Dates: Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th September 2026
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Website: Lighthouse Poole
AMAZING ANIMALS
Info: A show dedicated to and celebrating all creatures great and small. The only show around that you get to see life sized crocodiles, sloths, reindeer, penguins, orangutans and maybe even a spraying skunk bursting out onto the stage right before your very eyes. The heart-warming show packed full of music, comedy and amazing animal effects is suited to all ages from toddlers to grownups.
Date: Sunday 6th September 2026
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Website: Weymouth Pavilion
CANFORD HEATH JUMBLE TRAIL
Date: Sunday 6th September 2026
Location: Canford Heath, Poole, Dorset
Facebook: Canford Heath Jumble Trails
TEQUILA CIRCUS
Dates: Wednesday 9th – Sunday 20th September 2026
Address: Wimborne Showground, Wimborne Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1EF
Website: Tequila Circus
B-SIDE ARTS FESTIVAL
Info: This year’s festival theme - That Other Place, draws inspiration from the Isle of Portland’s proud oddness, the now-defunct Portland Fair, and local resident David Palmer’s extraordinary Fair archives. In 2026, they’re bringing this to life through artists and communities, bringing back their interpretation of the Fair alongside ambitious, year-long artist projects rooted in the island.
Dates: Thursday 10th – Sunday 13th September 2025
Location: Across Portland
Website: B-Side Festival
WIMBORNE MINSTER TOWN TRAIL
Date: Friday 11th September 2026
Location: Wimborne Minster Town
Facebook: Wimborne Minster Town Council
SWANAGE FOLK FESTIVAL
Info: A weekend of music, dance and fun around the beautiful town of Swanage.
Dates: Friday 11th – Sunday 13th September 2026
Location: Across Swanage
Website: Swanage Folk Festival
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS
Info: Every year in September, Heritage Open Days offers the public the opportunity to visit hundreds of attractions, castles, churches, theatres, town halls, museums, and more for FREE!
Dates: Friday 11th - Sunday 20th September 2026
Locations: Across Dorset
Dorsetmums Blog: Heritage Open Days in Dorset
THE BOURNEMOUTH DAY NURSERY FUN OPEN DAY
Date: Saturday 12th September 2026
Address: The Bournemouth Day Nursery, 75 Lansdown Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 1RW
Website: The Bournemouth Day Nursery
STURTS FARM FAMILY FUN DAY
Date: Saturday 12th September 2026
Address: Sturts Farm, Three Cross Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 0NF
Website: Gullivers Farm
WELDMAR’S SUMMER FETE
Info: Set in the beautiful grounds of our hospice this much-loved annual event brings together local talent, family-friendly entertainment, and a whole host of activities for all ages, from live music and dancing to food stalls, games, crafts, and animal encounters, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Date: Saturday 12th September 2026
Address: Weldmar Hospicecare Inpatient Unit, Herringston Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2SL
Website: Weldmar Hospicecare
SEAFOOD & SOUNDS
Dates: Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September 2026
Location: Poole Quay
Website: Seafood and Sounds
STURMINSTER NEWTON CHEESE FESTIVAL
Info: If you love cheese then this one is for you! Meet local producers, browse food and craft stalls, children’s activities and live music.
Dates: Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September 2026
Address: Recreation Ground, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1BY
Website: Cheese Festival
CORFE CASTLE MEDIEVAL LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND
Info: Step inside medieval life at Corfe Castle with hands-on crafts, castle characters, and the sights, sounds and skills of the past.
Dates: Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September 2026
Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset
Website: National Trust Corfe Castle
WESSEX HEAVY HORSE SHOW & COUNTRY FAIR
Date: Sunday 13th September 2026
Address: Turnpike Showground, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 9PL
Website: Wessex Heavy Horse Society
NOTHE FORT FAMILY SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Info: From rocket launches and fossil handling to animal demonstrations and interactive experiments, there's something for every curious mind.
Date: Sunday 13th September 2026
Address: Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UF
Website: Nothe Fort
THE HORNS INN DOG SHOW & FAMILY FUN DAY
Date: Sunday 13th September 2026
Address: The Horns Inn, Burt's Hill, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7AA
Facebook: Horns Inn Wimborne
RINGWOOD FUN FAIR
Dates: Thursday 17th - Saturday 19th September 2026
Address: Bickerley Green, Bickerley Road, Ringwood, BH24 1EF
Website: Ringwood Carnival
WIMBORNE FOOD FESTIVAL
Date: Saturday 19th September 2026
Location: Willow Walk & Minster Green, Wimborne Minster, Dorset
Website: Wimborne Food Festival
DISCOVERY FEST
Date: Saturday 19th September 2026
Address: Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset
Website: Planet Purbeck
RINGWOOD CARNIVAL
Info: Ringwood Carnival consists of two colourful processions (2pm & 7.15pm) featuring community floats, marching bands, majorettes, carnival royalty, steam engines and classic cars.
Date: Saturday 19th September 2026
Location: Ringwood Town
Website: Ringwood Carnival
CORFE CASTLE FOLKLORE & FAIRIES FAMILY QUEST
Info: Step back into a time where everyday life was filled with folklore, mystery, and superstition, where every home had its own secrets. On this family quest, uncover strange beliefs about cooking, protecting homes, and keeping away witches and fairies.
Dates: Saturday 19th – Sunday 22nd November September 2026
Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset
Website: National Trust Corfe Castle
DUSK TIL DARK
Info: Dusk Til Dark transforms the town into a series of static sound and light installations, inviting you to discover each one in your own time.
Dates: Thursday 24th & Saturday 26th September 2026
Location: Across Weymouth Town
Website: We Are Weymouth
ARTS BY THE SEA FESTIVAL
Info: Enjoy an exceptional weekend of art, culture, and people. This year’s theme, ELEMENTAL, celebrates the powerful energies that connect us to each other and to the world around us. From the crackle of ideas that light up our imaginations to the steady rhythms that keep us grounded, these forces remind us of all that creativity is. Join in to celebrate creativity as a catalyst for positive change, encouraging collective action, sustainable thinking and a deeper connection to the world we share, starting in Bournemouth Gardens.
Dates: Friday 25th & Saturday 26th September 2026
Location: Across Bournemouth Town
Website: Arts by the Sea Festival
MAD4ANIMALS LIVE SHOW
Info: Meet up to 20 incredible animal species. Get closer to giant snakes, reptiles and some seriously unusual animals. Meet birds, mammals, amphibians and creepy crawlies, take photos, enjoy hands-on encounters and chat to the Mad4Animals team.
Date: Saturday 26th September 2026
Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Mad4Animals
MAPPERTON LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND
Info: History comes to life at Mapperton. Wander through a period camp, watch cooking and sewing demonstrations, see musket demonstrations and pike drills on the Croquet Lawn and witness the day's battle unfold across the grounds. With a full parade, drums sounding all day and period games for younger visitors there is something for everyone, whatever your age.
Dates: Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th September 2026
Address: Mapperton, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR
Website: Mapperton
CORFE CASTLE THE TIME TRAVELLERS KITCHEN
Info: Experience the sights, smells and flavours of the Middle Ages as The Time Travellers Kitchen arrives at Corfe Castle for a special weekend of live cooking demonstrations.
Dates: Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th September 2026
Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset
Website: National Trust Corfe Castle
Please always check an event is running before travelling as cancellations can occur. If you know of any more family friendly events in September then please do Contact Us.
Need more ideas for the things to do with the family?
Dorset Attractions & Places to Visit
Soft Plays & Play Cafes
Car Boot Sales
Popular Blog Posts:
Free & Low Cost places to go in Dorset with Kids
Where to see Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Walking the Lawrence of Arabia Trail
The Blue Pool
Tout Quarry Sculpture Park in Portland
Exploring Badbury Rings Iron Age Hillfort
Durlston Country Park to Swanage Town Circular Walk
The Great Field Play Park at Poundbury
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre & Beach
