If you need ideas for family friendly free or low cost days out and activities in Dorset then please see our list below. 

• Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens in Dorchester are currently offering free admission however this may change in the future so it is recommended that you check before travelling.  There are wonderful gardens to explore, an outdoor play area, indoor play barn, cafe and lots of animals to see including sheep, goats, ponies, ferrets and guinea pigs.

• Moors Valley Country Park has 750 acres of woodland, heathland, lakes and green space to explore and although there is a car parking fee you’ll find plenty to do for the day with long trails through the woods and multiple fun play areas.  There’s also a great mini steam railway*, bike hire*, Go Ape* and special events running all through the year.

• West Bay Discovery Centre is an award winning attraction and free to visit however donations help meet running costs.  The informative visitor centre tells the stories of West Bay both past and present.

• Museums are full of history and most have additional activities and events running during the school holidays.  Free entry can be enjoyed at Wareham Town Museum, Red House Museum in Christchurch, Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum, Gold Hill Museum in Shaftesbury, and the Bournemouth Natural Science Society which is open to the public on selected dates throughout the year.  Poole Museum is also free however it is currently closed for a refurb until late 2024.

• There are 2 fantastic Weymouth RSPB reserves at Radipole Lake and Lodmoor which are free to explore.  Children will enjoy looking for birds and may even spot some cheeky otters.  You can also visit RSPB Arne which offers woodland walks which take you down to the waters edge however admission is now priced per person.  Special events run during term time and the school holidays at all locations.

• Stour Valley Nature Reserve in Bournemouth has several pushchair friendly trails and a shallow stream which is perfect for paddling on a hot day.  For maps, information, coffee and cake, you can visit the Kingfisher Barn which is located near the free to use car park.  Special events and trails are often held during term time and the school holidays.

• The Walled Garden at Moreton has free entry and free parking however donations are always greatly appreciated.  You’ll find 3 acres of landscaped gardens, animals to see and a play area.  There’s also the Dovecote Café which sells delicious lucnhes and cakes plus you can make a day of it and also visit the Ford which is only a short stroll away.

• Avon Heath Country Park has a fantastic play area plus there’s some really great trails through the heathland, some are short and others much longer.  Maps can be found in the Visitor Centre and there’s also a café and ice cream parlour too.  Entry to the Country Park is free however car park charges apply.

• Amusement Arcades can be fun and affordable if you stick to the 2p machines.  Arcades can be found at most seaside resorts with the larger one’s located on Bournemouth and Swanage Seafront, Poole Quay, Bowleaze Cove in Weymouth, West Bay and Lyme Regis.

• Redhill Park in Bournemouth has a lovely free to use paddling pool which is open in the summer months plus a play area and café.  Free parking can be found on many of the nearby roads however parking restrictions may apply.

• Margaret Green Animal Rescue doesn’t charge an entrance fee however donations are most welcomed.  Nestled in the Purbeck Countryside, the animal rescue centre covers 35 acres and is home to cats, horses, donkeys, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, ducks and much more.  If you would like to read more, please visit our Margaret Green Animal Rescue Blog Post.

• Bowleaze Cove has a long sandy and pebbly beach with a stream running through to the sea.  There is also a small funfair which is ideal for younger children, a soft play, restaurant, ice cream parlour and amusement arcade however costs do apply.

• Dorchester Borough Gardens is just a few minutes walk from the Town Centre and there’s plenty of green space for the children to enjoy themselves plus an enclosed play area, splash area, tennis courts, toilets and refreshment kiosk.  Community events are often held in the gardens with musicians performing on the band stand.

• For green fingered children a trip to a Garden Centre can provide both entertainment and education with lots of plants and flowers to see.  

• Walking the Lawrence of Arabia Trail will take you on a circular route over Moreton Ford, though Moreton Plantation and vast woodland areas.  If you would like to read more about the trail, please see our Lawrence of Arabia Trail Blog Post.

• Tout Quarry Sculpture Park started as an abandoned stone quarry and is a wonderful place to wander for a couple of hours.  The sculptures have been carved in situ and cover a large area and the sea views are incredible.  To read more, please see our Tout Quarry Blog Post.

• Badbury Rings is an old Iron Age hill fort near Blandford Forum and perfect for a picnic and run around.

• The Rodwell Trail in Weymouth is a 3.5km long path which travels along the old railway line and Sandsfoot Castle.

• Upton Country Park in Poole has 160 acres of parkland, woodland, shoreline and formal estate gardens to explore plus a cafe, play areas and the popular summer splash fountains which are set to come on at certain times of the day.  There are normally children’s events and trails planned for during the school holidays too.  Entry to the Country Park is free however costs apply for the car park and some special events.

• Hengistbury Head has a very good visitor centre and staff are ready to tell you all about wildlife and conservation taking place in the area.  Take a stroll down to Mudeford Spit or catch the land train* and sit back to enjoy the views.  The Hikers Café and toilets can be found by the car park.  Car park costs apply.

• There are several PYO Fruit Farms in Dorset or wait until August time and head off in search of wild blackberry bushes to make a wonderful pudding or banana and blackberry smoothies.

• We are incredibly lucky to have so many long sandy Beaches in Dorset.  Just pack some food, buckets and spades, cozzies, sun cream and towels and you’re set for a day of free fun!  Popular spots include Bournemouth, Studland, Swanage, Weymouth and Lyme Regis plus Alum Chine and Sandbanks have the added bonus of a play park.

• Kimmeridge Bay is accessible via a toll road.*  Before you visit it is recommended that you check tide times and take nets to enjoy the rock pools.  There is also a long beach and if you look carefully you might even find a fossil!  The Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre is free to visit and a great way to learn all about the area.  Parking fee is included in road toll fee.

• Hidden away in the Purbeck hills is the Spyway Dinosaur Footprints.  These incredible footprints were made 145 million years ago and can be easily accessed from the nearby Priest’s Way walking trail, which is located a short walk from the village of Worth Matravers.

• Entry to the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is free however as a charity they appreciate donations.  You’ll find an amazing fossil collection inside and you can find out how to discover your own fossils on the beach.  Regular events run through the year which include fossil hunting guided walks, fossil cast painting and fossil slice polishing.*  If you would like to read more, please visit our Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre Blog Post.

• Tyneham Village was evacuated in 1943 during WWII when the area was needed for military training and has been deserted ever since.  You can walk around the buildings and read the many information boards about life back then.  If you have enough time and energy then you can also walk down to Worborrow Bay from here which offers stunning views of the coastline.  Please note that access to the village will be closed on certain days when firing on the ranges takes place.  If you would like to read more, please visit our Tyneham Village & Worborrow Bay Blog Post.

• There are parking charges at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door but walking from one to the other is well worth it for the views.  There is also a very interesting visitor centre located near the Lulworth Cove car park and this is filled with displays, animations and films which tells the story of the Jurassic Coast.

• Durlston Country Park in Swanage is a cliff top nature reserve which is perfect for wildlife spotting and walks.  The visitor centre, gallery and restaurant are all housed in a renovated Victorian Castle.  Entry to the Country Park is free however parking charges apply.

• The Parkland at the Littledown Centre in Bournemouth covers 47 acres of green space with a an outdoor paddling pool, kids play area, kiosk and a miniature railway* which is normally open 2 or 3 days a week.

• Crabbing is a pastime which many children enjoy and you only need a bucket, bait and line.  Popular places to go are Poole Quay, Hamworthy Park, Lake Pier, Mudeford Quay, Swanage, Kimmeridge Bay, Ringstead Bay, Weymouth Harbour and West Bay.

• Hamworthy Park in Poole is set right by the waters edge so children can enjoy the beach, play parks and large shallow paddling pool.  Toilets and a cafe can also be found nearby too.  Costs apply for the car park however free parking can be found on the roads nearby.  To read more, please see our Hamworthy Park Blog Post.

• The walk from Coy Pond to Bournemouth Pier is enjoyable in all seasons.  There’s lots of beautiful trees and flowers to see, little red bridges to walk over and there’s even a play park just before you reach the Lower Gardens.

• Gulliver’s Farm Shop in West Moors has a lovely garden with a play area for children to enjoy and animals to see.  While you are there, head to the shop for local produce and enjoy the café serving fresh home baked cakes and local dishes.

• Make use of our wonderful Libraries, some of which have free activities running during school holidays.

• Fancy’s Family Farm on Portland is a community farm with plenty of animals to see and a play room for the children to enjoy.  There is no entry fee however donations are greatly received.

• Winspit Caves is worth the challenging walk from Worth Matravers car park.  This walk is not recommended with a buggy due to the steep hill but once you are at the old quarry you’ll be treated to magnificent rock formations and eerie caves.

• Pamphill Dairy in Wimborne has a big field for the kids to run around and a play area to enjoy. There is also a fantastic café, farm shop selling local produce and an ice cream parlour.

• If you are a National Trust member then you can gain free entry to Corfe Castle, Kingston Lacy, Brownsea Island (ferry costs apply) and also park for free at various locations across Dorset including the lovely beaches at Studland.

• The Plaza Cinema in Dorchester is small with an old fashioned feel but tickets are much more affordable than other cinemas in Dorset.

• For crafty kids the Dorset Scrapstore in Poole is packed full of art supplies and recycled materials.  Pay a small annual fee to become a member and then each visit you’ll be able to get a bag of craft materials at a low cost.  Keep an eye out for children’s workshops running too.

• Christchurch Quomps is a big hit with lots of families as there’s plenty of wildlife to see, a play park and summer splash park.

• Thorncombe Woods Nature Reserve in Dorchester covers 64 acres of woodland and heathland.  Running through the site is a well preserved Roman road and you’ll also find plenty of wildlife in the area including ponies, grass snakes and amphibians.  The site is also close to Hardy's Cottage which is the birthplace of novelist and poet Thomas Hardy.

• The Great Field in Poundbury has an impressive play area with huge play structures, play towers, tunnel slides, climbing wall, swings, a wooden horse and carriage, a low play structure with seating underneath and water play feature with pumps and damns.  The southern part of the field also has sports pitches, multi-use games area and outdoor gym equipment plus there’s a mile long walking, running or cycling track around the field.  Pavilion in the Park is a family and dog friendly cafe which serves drinks, homemade cakes and lunches.

• Wimborne DSME is run purely by volunteers and they have open days on the miniature railway on alternative Sundays and special events days.  Rides are free however donations are most welcomed.  If you would like to read more, please visit our Wimborne DSME Blog Post. 

• Milldown Nature Reserve in Blandford Forum is a great spot for nature walks through the meadow and woodland area.  The reserve is close to the North Dorset Trailway so it can be combined with a longer walk or visit the River Stour nearby to see if you can spot a kingfisher or otter.  There’s also free parking and a great play area with picnic benches, play frames and a zip slide.

• Poole Park covers a large area and within it you’ll find the boating lake, miniature railway, 2 play areas, The Ark which has a café, soft play* and pottery painting parlour* plus The Kitchen Restaurant and Scoops which serves fabulous ice creams.  There’s 3 free car parks within Poole Park and additional parking in surrounding roads but always check the parking restrictions.

• Walking up Colmers Hill takes about 45 minutes but once you’re at the top you’ll be treated with wonderful views of Symondbsury and beyond.

• Lodmoor Country Park in Weymouth is a popular location for events through the year and families can enjoy a large recreation area with a tree trail, pirate ship play park, green gym, nature reserve and attractions such as the Rio Grande Railway,* Sandworld,* SEA LIFE Adventure Park,* Pirate Adventure Mini Golf* and Leisure Ranch.*  A large car park is close by however charges do apply.

• Madjeston Milk Station in Gillingham sells local produce and has a restaurant, animals to see and a natural play area.  Entry is free however they do ask for your support by purchasing from the restaurant when you visit. 

• Shillingstone Station is on what was the Somerset & Dorset Railway which opened in 1863.  It eventually became part of British Railways Southern Region and was closed following the ‘Beeching’ cuts in 1966.  The Railway is open to the public on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays and visitors can enjoy the static exhibits of wagons and locomotives and enjoy lunch or homemade cake in an original carriage.  For a longer stay, take a walk on the North Dorset Trailway either towards Blandford Forum or Sturminster Newton. 

• The Parks Foundation is a wonderful charity which delivers community projects and events in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch parks and green spaces.  During the holidays there are normally multiple nature based activities for children to enjoy and the best bit is that they’re mostly free.

• Maiden Castle in Dorchester is the largest Iron Age hill fort in Europe and covers 47 acres.  The site has multiple ramparts, high banks and ditches which dates back to the 1st century BC.

• Some Splash Parks and Paddling Pools have been mentioned already but there are more to explore and most are open from May until the end of summer.

• On a nice day the kids will be more than happy if you meet friends at a Pub with a Play Park.

 

Wherever you go and whatever you do, we hope you have lots of fun!

*Costs apply.

Please note: Any prices, dates and details are subject to change and were correct at the time of writing.

High Mead Farm is a non-profit organisation in Ferndown which offers a day service to people living with mental health issues, physical disabilities and learning difficulties to name but a few and those attending will engage in an array of interesting activities on the farm including animal feeding and care, woodwork, gardening, arts & crafts, blacksmithing and more.

During the year there’s open days and special events which allow the public to visit and experience all of the wonderful things they do.

When we arrived on a recent open day we were greeted warmly on arrival and set off to have a look at some of the animals which included goats, horses, pigs, rabbits, alpacas and chickens.

The kids quickly spotted other children playing and found a trampoline, a fun mud kitchen with big bowls for creating a muddy apple stew plus there was some outdoor toys and games.  I’d packed a picnic and went off in search for a cuppa and we sat in a delightful little garden area to eat lunch.  Annoyingly we later spotted a BBQ so next time we go we’ll ditch the picnic and have a burger instead.

We had a wander after lunch and said hi to the local fire brigade and popped our noses in the small buildings which were running workshops including crafts.  The kids then made a beeline for the farm shop and we bought some lovely fresh eggs, fruit, veg and meat for home.

In one of the fields the kids found some super cool handmade cars with big handles and you could fly them along to crash into empty cardboard boxes.  This amused them greatly and could of easily kept them occupied for hours!  Before we left they had one last play on the trampoline while I had another cup of tea and then we were off.

I do hope High Mead Farm continues these open days and we’ll look forward to returning one day, hopefully when the weather is a little less grey and windy!  Entry was free when we visited however I would definitely recommended taking some cash to support the farm and the services they offer.

To keep up to date with news and events or to make any enquiries, please visit High Mead Farm.