Family Friendly Events in Dorset May 2026
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Need ideas for things to do with the family in May? 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
SEALIFE ADVENTURE PARK PIRATE TRAIL
Info: Captain Careless needs your help! Follow the interactive trail, solve clues, and explore the aquarium to help track down the missing treasure. Prize waiting for every young explorer at the end.
Dates: Saturday 28th March – Saturday 23rd May 2026
Address: SEA LIFE Adventure Park, Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX
Website: SEA LIFE Adventure Park
MUSEUM OF EAST DORSET DINOSAUR ADVENTURE
Info: Young explorers can enjoy a host of hands-on, creative and curiosity fuelled activities designed to bring the age of dinosaurs vividly to life. Little palaeontologists will be able to build their own binoculars before setting off on a dinosaur hunt through the museum and get involved in themed activities along the way.
Dates: Saturday 2nd May – Saturday 2nd June 2026
Address: Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1HR
Website: Museum of East Dorset
SANDWORLD LOCAL RESIDENTS OFFER
Dates: Friday 5th – Friday 22nd May 2026
Address: Sandworld, Lodmoor Country Park, Preston Beach Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX
Website: Sandworld
FERNDOWN FUN FAIR
Dates: Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: King George Recreation Ground, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9EN
Facebook: Charles Coles Family Fun Fairs
DURLSTON COUNTRY PARK SUPER SEABIRDS TRAIL
Info: Pick up your trail pack from the Castle reception and discover Durlston's amazing 'flying penguins' and other seabirds! Trail cost applies.
Dates: Friday 15th May – Monday 1st June 2026
Address: Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL
Website: Durlston Country Park
THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO TAYLOR SWIFT, DUA LIPA & LADY GAGA
Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
Address: The Corn Exchange, 17 Market Place, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7AG
Website: Blandford Forum Town Council Ticket Source
REDHILL SUMMER FETE
Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
Address: Redhill Park, Redhill Avenue, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2SP
Facebook: 34th Bournemouth Scouts
HIGH MEAD FARM SPRING FAYRE
Info: Meet the animals and learn more about life at High Mead. Wander through the gardens, take part in hands-on workshops and activities for all ages, enjoy games, browse the farm shop for local produce, and refuel with delicious food and drink.
Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
Address: High Mead Farm, Ham Lane, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9DP
Website: High Mead Farm
CERNE ABBAS BREWERY FAMILY FESTIVAL
Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
Address: Cerne Abbas Brewery, Dorchester Road, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7JS
Website: Maddison Mae Organisation
WESTBOURNE MOTOR SHOW
Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
Address: Seamoor Road, Westbourne, Dorset
Website: Bournemouth Coastal BID
WEYMOUTH COMMUNITY EXPO
Info: There will be a variety of stalls showcasing the work of voluntary and community organisations in Weymouth.
Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
Location: Jubilee Clock, Weymouth Seafront, Dorset
Website: Weymouth Town Council
THE BARRINGTON CENTRE FARMERS & HANDMADE MARKET
Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
Address: The Barrington Centre, Pennys Walk, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9TH
Website: The Barrington Centre
SOUTHBOURNE FOOD & FUN FEST
Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
Address: Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne, Dorset, BH6 3SQ
Website: Events by Stir
BRIDPORT COMMUNITY CHARTER FAIR
Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
Address: Millennium Green, Mountain and Bucky Doo Square, Bridport, Dorset
Website: Bridport & West Bay
DORCHESTER VEGAN MEGA MARKET
Date: Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: Maumbury Rings, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1TY
Facebook: Dorchester Vegan Market
THE CHEESE AND CHILLI FESTIVAL
Info: This festival celebrates all things cheese and chilli and has food to try, live music, traders, mini fun fair, cooking demos, chilli challenges and kids entertainment.
Dates: Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: Parley Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6AD
Website: The Cheese and Chilli Festival
UPTON THROUGH THE AGES ANNIVERSARY EVENT
Dates: Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Upton Country Park
SHILLINGSTONE STEAM & VINTAGE RALLY
Dates: Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: Blandford Road, Shillingstone, Dorset, DT11 0SQ
Website: Three Oakfords Rally
MAGIC OF THAILAND FESTIVAL
Info: Enjoy delicious Thai food and dancing, browse arts and craft stalls, Muay Thai demos, eating competitions, Monk blessings, Thai massage, and much more.
Dates: Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: Baiter Park, Poole, Dorset
Website: Magic of Thailand
THE ALLENDALE COMMUNITY OPEN DAY
Date: Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: The Allendale, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1AS
Website: The Allendale
LULWORTH MOTOR SHOW
Info: Over 250 incredible vehicles are on display, from classic cars to supercars and motorbikes. Enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the day, a showground packed with artisan stalls, local traders, and children’s activities, plus a wide choice of delicious food and drink.
Date: Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5QS
Website: Lulworth
WIMBORNE DSME OPEN DAY
Date: Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: Wimborne DSME, Merley Park Road, Broadstone, Dorset, BH21 3DA
Website: Wimborne DSME
BIPPO’S CIRCUS ADVENTURE
Info: Get ready for laughter-pack extravaganza with Bippo’s Circus Adventure! Starring Bippo the Clown, one of the UK’s top circus clowns for over 26 years, this family-friendly theatre show promises to be a whirlwind of hilarity and heart-pounding circus stunts.
Date: Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Website: Weymouth Pavilion
BREDY REWIRED
Dates: Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: Bredy Farm, Bredy Lane, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4ND
Website: Bredy Farm
BOURNEMOUTH 7S FESTIVAL
Info: Festival for sport and music lovers with sporting competitions, fun fair and over 100 acts and DJ’s.
Dates: Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: Chapel Gate, East Parley, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BD
Website: Bournemouth 7’s
CURSUS CIDER & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Dates: Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: Myncen Farm, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8DH
Website: Cursus Festival
PORTLAND MUSEUM MAY MAMMOTH MADNESS
Date: Saturday 23rd May 2026
Address: Portland Museum, 217 Wakeham, Easton, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1HS
Website: Portland Museum
CRANBORNE VILLAGE FETE
Date: Saturday 23rd May 2026
Address: Cranborne Manor, Cranborne, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 5PP
Facebook: The Cranborne Village Fete
K POP FOREVER LIVE ON STAGE
Info: Immerse yourself in the worldwide phenomenon that is K-Pop with this all-action tribute concert. Featuring all-live performances of smash-hits including: Blackpink, BTS, Twice, Soda Pop, Golden and many more, this is the ultimate non-stop party! Amidst a back-drop of world class lighting and effects, the show takes audiences on a journey that they will never forget. With breathtaking choreography, plus songs inspired by the record breaking film K-Pop Demon Hunters, this production is one not to be missed.
Date: Saturday 23rd May 2026
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Website: Weymouth Pavilion
BRYANSTON SUMMER FAIR
Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: Bryanston School, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0PX
Facebook: Bryanston School
WEST BAY PIRATES WEEKEND
Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May 2026
Location: West Bay, Dorset
Website: West Bay
SWANAGE PIRATE FESTIVAL
Info: Two thrilling days of family-friendly swashbuckling adventures on Sandpit Field. The free to attend event has cannon and sword displays, browse the stalls, and meander through the captivating 17th Century living history exhibits.
Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: Sandpit Field, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1NR
Facebook: Purbeck Pirate Festival
ABBOTSBURY SWANNERY FOOD & CRAFT FAIR
Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: Abbotsbury Swannery, New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4JG
Website: Abbotsbury Swannery
CHRISTCHURCH FOOD FEST LOCAL
Info: Get ready for another mouth-watering weekend as Food Fest Local returns to Christchurch High Street. This free family-friendly festival is all about great food, live music and community spirit.
Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May 2026
Location: Christchurch High Street
Website: Christchurch BID
ROCK & ROSE MAGICAL WORKSHOPS
Info: Step into Conkers Magical Earth Academy - a place where curious minds and wild imaginations flourish. Here, children can conjure up wands, concoct potions, craft dragon eggs and more in a warm, welcoming space designed to inspire creativity and wonder.
Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: Rock & Rose, Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Rock & Rose
CHRISTCHURCH FOOD FESTIVAL
Info: This popular food festival hosts renowned chefs, local producers, interactive workshops, tastings, live music and children’s activities.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Monday 25th May 2026
Location: Christchurch Quay
Website: Christchurch Food Fest
MILL FEST
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Monday 25th May 2026
Address: The Town Mill, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3PU
Website: The Town Mill
HENGISTBURY HEAD SCAVENGER HUNT
Info: Follow the trail, find the clues, complete the hunt and claim your prize. On selected dates, families can also enjoy an archaeology walk and mock examinations.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Broadway, Southbourne, Dorset, BH6 4EW
Facebook: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
THE WALLED GARDEN BUTTERFLY TRAIL
Info: Grab your map, explore the gardens to complete the quiz, learn amazing facts, find all the butterflies and solve their mystery word – then claim your prize from the at the end!
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
Website: The Walled Garden
THE BLUE POOL TRAIL OF ENCHANTED DOORS
Info: The new Trail of Enchanted Doors invites you to discover beautifully crafted doors belonging not only to fairies, but to other enchanting woodland characters. Discover who they are as you wander and explore.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: The Blue Pool, Furzebrook Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AR
Website: The Blue Pool
THE TANK MUSEUM: TANKS IN ACTION
Info: The Tank Museum brings the story of tanks and their crews to life. Experience the biggest day out in history with explosive live displays, 300 tanks, and activities. Discover how tanks and trees grew side by side. Explore the role forests played in tank warfare, and enjoy a range of hands-on craft activities inspired by the natural world.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Tank Museum, Linsay Road, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG
Website: The Tank Museum
BROWNSEA ISLAND POOTASTIC TRAIL
Info: In the wild, animals see poo as something valuable, it can be used, reused, recycled, and even played with. Have a go at the fun games like cow pat frisbee, roll balls like a dung beetle, and try to identify the poopetrator.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2025
Location: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour
Website: Brownsea Island
FARMER PALMERS MAY HALF TERM FUN
Info: There’s a huge range of indoor and outdoor activities, attractions, and animal events at the farm plus additional fun with Wet the Western tractor trailer rides and fun foam parties on selected dates.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Farmer Palmers, Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU
Website: Farmer Palmers
MAY HALF TERM FUN AT HD HORSEMANSHIP
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: HD Horsemanship, Willett Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3FZ
Website: HD Horsemanship
WIPEOUT WORLD
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DX
Facebook: Wipeout World
NOTHE FORT PIRATE WEEK
Info: Set sail for a week of pirate-themed fun with a pirate treasure hunt, parade ground pirate ship, buccaneer games, pirate dress up, family activities, and more!
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UF
Website: Nothe Fort
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: Corfe Castle
MUDEFORD BLUE LIGHT DAY
Info: RNLI Mudeford's annual free event showcases and raises awareness of the all the emergency and support organisations that look after our local community.
Date: Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: Mudeford Quay Green, Dorset, BH23 4AB
Facebook: RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat
TURNWORTH DAY
Date: Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: St Marys Church, Turnworth, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0EE
GO WILD AT LULWORTH CASTLE
Info: Enjoy animal and critter themed trails, lawn games, hunts and crafts all included in the usual admission price. The team from Mad4Animals will also be there at 12 noon and 2pm for daily critter shows.
Dates: Sunday 24th – Friday 29th May 2026
Address: Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS
Website: Lulworth Castle
HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE CREATIVE KIDS
Dates: Sunday 24th - Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE
Website: Highcliffe Castle
BURTON BRADSTOCK SPRING FAYRE
Date: Monday 25th May 2026
Address: Rectory Garden, Church Street, Burton Bradstock, DT6 4QS
KIDS FEST
Date: Monday 25th May 2026
Address: The Hamworthy Club, Magna Road, Canford Magna, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3AP
Website: Bouncy Fun Play
SHERBORNE CASTLE COUNTRY FAIR
Info: The Sherborne Castle Country Fair presents a fun and varied programme of events, rural activities, stands and entertainment for all the family.
Date: Monday 25th May 2026
Address: Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR
Website: Sherborne Castle
ICE AGE ADVENTURE LIVE
Info: Join the fearless explorers as they trek through snow-packed valleys, outwit sabre-toothed surprises, and make friends with the coolest cavemen, even bringing back some extinct dodo friends for the ride. This icy adventure is sure to knock your snow boots off! Help the heroes save the wooly mammoth by joining in with the frosty fun in this live theatre show.
Date: Tuesday 26th May 2026
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Website: Lighthouse Poole
THE HORNS INN KIDS FEST
Date: Wednesday 27th May 2026
Address: The Horns Inn, Burt's Hill, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7AA
Website: Get Up & Bounce
THE WALLED GARDEN BUG & EXOTIC ANIMAL EXPERIENCE
Dates: Wednesday 27th – Friday 29th May 2026
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
Website: The Walled Garden
CHARMOUTH FOSSIL HUNTING WALKS
Info: Join a guided fossil walks with a warden to find and take home your own Jurassic fossil. The fossil walks are a great introduction to hunting and when they meet you on the day, you’ll spend the 1.5 hour session on the beach discovering your own fossils.
Dates: Wednesday 27th May - Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Charmouth Coast Heritage Centre, Lower Sea Lane, Charmouth, Dorset, DT6 6LL
Website: Charmouth Coast Heritage Centre
MAYHEM OF MAD4ANIMALS AT UPTON COUNTRY PARK
Info: Not only will you see the highly entertaining show, but directly afterwards you will have the chance to get your hands on some of the animals in the show and even have pictures with the giant snakes! Ticket costs apply.
Date: Thursday 28th May 2025
Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Mad4Animals
FAMILY FEST
Info: Set within 12 acres of working farmland, in the stunning countryside of Wimborne. There’s craft, food and small business traders, 3 days of live music on the main stage, children's shows, family shows and activities, mascot appearances, bars, fabulous foods, and tons more.
Dates: Friday 29th May – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: The Meadows, Julians Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1EF
Website: Family Fest
PIDDLEFEST
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: Field next to Piddle Valley School, Piddletrenthide, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7QL
Website: Piddlefest
DORCHESTER FIRE STATION OPEN DAY
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: Dorchester Fire Station, Peverell Avenue West, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 3SU
Facebook: Dorchester Fire Station
THE GREAT OUT DORSET
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Upton Country Park
ALONG CAME A MAGPIE
Info: In the intimate setting of a potting shed, you meet the Gardener. She loves the smell of the flowers, the feel of the earth and watching her plants bloom. But along came a magpie who turns her potting shed upside down! Making friends is lots of fun, but can sometimes be tricky. Join the gardener and magpie on this playful and heart warming journey as they navigate the intricacies of friendship. Featuring puppetry, plants and lots of pots, this production is designed to delight ages 2-6 and their grownups.
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: The Barrington, Penny's Walk, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9TH
Website: The Barrington
UNICORN LIVE!
Info: Harmony, Melody and Starlight are the best of unicorn friends… Join them as they use their magical unicorn powers to save the show and conjure up the magical fourth band member. Watch in amazement as they use the power of song and dance to create the band, Unicorn Live! Featuring your favourite pop and musical theatre songs, dazzling costumes, and a real unicorn called Sparkle.
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
Website: Bournemouth Pavilion
ROCK & ROSE MAGICAL WORKSHOPS
Info: Step into Conkers Magical Earth Academy - a place where curious minds and wild imaginations flourish. Here, children can conjure up wands, concoct potions, craft dragon eggs and more in a warm, welcoming space designed to inspire creativity and wonder.
Dates: Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Rock & Rose, Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Rock & Rose
THOMAS HARDY VICTORIAN STREET FAIR
Info: Get ready for a day full of Victorian crafts, stalls, activities, and performances throughout the day.
Date: Sunday 31st May 2026
Location: South Street & Brewery Square, Dorchester, Dorset
Facebook: The Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair
BOURNEMOUTH BUG SHOW
Info: The event features a large hall full of your favourite invertebrate traders, including livestock, dry goods, art, crafts and the Mad4Animals show, with handling experiences and educational talks throughout the day!
Date: Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DX
Website: TicketTailor Bournemouth Bug Show
DORSET DAY PARTY
Date: Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Beaminster Memorial Playing Fields, Hogshill Street, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3BW
Website: Discover Beaminster
If you know of any more events coming up in April then please do Contact Us.
Need more seasonal ideas for the family?
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Dorsetmums has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this site and does not accept liability for any errors or omission. Please also note that an event or venue may cancel or close at any time and you should consider contacting before visiting.
