SUMMER HOLIDAY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Info: This summer, Mapperton is inviting families to explore, discover and get creative with six weeks of themed activities across the gardens, Wildlands and play areas. From forest trails and storytelling to sketching wildlife, scavenger hunts and postcards from the past - there’s something new to enjoy every week. Admission costs apply.

Dates: Sunday 27th July – Thursday 4th September 2025

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 Boats of the Bay Trail runs until the end. Plus there’s guided walks, scavenger hunts, nature activities and Wild Wednesdays all planned on selected dates. Free entry, trail costs apply.

Dates: Saturday 19th July – Wednesday 3rd September 2025

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

Website: Durlston Country Park

Info: Farmer Palmers have a jammed packed diary of events planned and in addition to the play areas and animals to see there will be Wet the Western tractor trailer rides and foam parties every Wednesday and Friday. Disney singers will perform every Thursday and the maize maze and sunflower field will be ready to explore when ready. Admission costs apply.

Dates: Thursday 24th July – Sunday 31st August 2025

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

Website: Farmer Palmers

Info: Based on the Summer Story book, the trail includes fun facts, stamp points and an activity booklet. The trail runs alongside the daily mass swan feeds, willow swan maze and pedal go-karts. Admission costs apply.

Dates: Ongoing

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

Website: Abbotsbury Swannery

Info: On Wednesdays, children aged 5 - 15 can enjoy hands-on bushcraft activities like bird box making, fire lighting and safety, paracord bracelet crafting and bug hunts. Admission and activity costs apply.

Dates: Wednesday 6th – Wednesday 27th August 2025

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

Website: The Blue Pool

Info: Lose yourself in the land of make-believe. The beautiful fairy trail will transport you to a place of mystery and enchantment. The hand crafted willow sculptures and displays lead you through the beautiful gardens and on into the secret woodland. Admission costs apply.

Dates: Saturday 19th July – Sunday 31st August 2025

Address: Minterne Gardens, Minterne Magna, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7AU

Website: Minterne

Info: Explore the grounds of Highcliffe Castle for an outdoor challenge trail promoting positive wellbeing and appreciating you. Indoor crafts will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays and there will be a different craft each week to do. Admission costs apply.

Dates: Sunday 20th July – Sunday 7th September 2025

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

Website: Highcliffe Castle

Info: Throughout the summer holidays, Monkey World will be hosting themed activities and crafts, plus there’s hundreds of monkeys to see, play areas and a woodland walk to explore. Admission costs apply.

Dates: Tuesday 1st July – Sunday 31st August 2025

Address: Monkey World, Tout Hill, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

Website: Monkey World

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. Admission and trail costs apply.

Dates: From Saturday 21st July 2025

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

Website: The Walled Garden

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

Dates: Saturday 19th July – Sunday 31st August 2025

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

Website: Mega Slip and Slide

Info: The inflatable theme park features nine interconnected inflatables with a wide range of activities, including a climbing wall, obstacle course, and toddler zone.

Dates: Saturday 2nd August - Sunday 31st August 2025

Address: Talbot Heath School, Rothesay Road, Talbot Woods, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH4 9NJ

Website: The Bounce Park

Info: Follow the trail around the garden discovering interesting facts about the nature within the gardens. Complete the answers to the questions and collect your prize from the ticket box at the end of the trail. Admission costs apply.

Dates: Saturday 26th July – Sunday 31st August 2025

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

Website: Sherborne Castle

Info: Follow the nature themed trail around the house and take part in the garden scavenger hunt. Families can also enjoy some traditional garden games, workshops and more. Admission costs apply.

Dates: Sunday 19th July – Sunday 31st August 2025

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

Website: Russell-Cotes

Info: Pick up a map in the shop, find all the pirates treasure in the Animal Park, mark it on your map and return it to the shop to collect your prize. Free entry, trail costs apply.

Dates: Friday 18th July – Friday 8th August 2025

Address: Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, DT2 8PX

Website: Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park

Info: Embark on a crayon 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. Admission and ferry costs apply.

Dates: Thursday 24th July – Sunday 31st August 2025

Location: Poole Harbour

Website: National Trust Brownsea Island

Info: Hop into a summer of fun at Corfe Castle and discover a variety of games and activities throughout the ruins. Explore play zones to get legs and minds racing, see if you can hit the bullseye in the Archery Zone, beat the Obstacle Zone or make some noise in the Music Zone. Admission costs apply.

Dates: Saturday 19th July – Sunday 31st August 2025

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

Website: National Trust Corfe Castle

Info: Have fun exploring the beach and dunes and children can also enjoy free to use sports equipment and games at Shell Bay.

Dates: Mondays during the school summer holidays

Address: Shell Bay, Studland, Dorset

Website: National Trust Studland Bay

Info: There's so much to try out this summer - start your engines in the wacky races, build something amazing with the giant blue blocks, try out the ball play and slacklining zone and much, much more. Admission costs apply.

Dates: Saturday 19th July – Sunday 7th September 2025

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

Website: Kingston Lacy

Info: Can you help the Captain find all the lost booty that is hidden around the aquarium and fill in the pirate map as you go? And while on your hunt for the Captain's booty, learn all about the 'treasures of the ocean'. Admission costs apply.

Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 31st August 2025

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

Website: SEA LIFE Weymouth

Info: Enjoy a magical season of summer screenings in some of Purbeck’s most iconic outdoor locations.

Dates: Saturday 16th August – Saturday 6th September 2025

Locations: Studland, Swanage, Corfe Castle & Wareham

Website: Purbeck Film Festival

Info: The Treehouse has lots of fun sessions planned for children which include a range of nature-based activities such as fire lighting, green wood crafts, and den building.

Dates: Various dates

Address: The Treehouse, Merritown Lane, Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BA

Website: Diverse Abilities The Treehouse

Info: This summer, children can find out all about flour milling and baking with the flour. There’s daily flour milling demonstrations, watch the huge water wheel turning, activity sheets and try some summer bakes made with the Town Mill flour. In addition to this, children can upgrade to a Mini Millers Experience to produce their own bag of wholemeal wheat flour.

Dates: Tuesday 19th – Thursday 21st August 2025

Address: The Town Mill, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3PU

Website: The Town Mill

Info: Join a guided Fossil Walk with the wardens to find and take home your very own Jurassic fossil or attend a Seashore Safari and Scavenger Hunt to explore the fascinating creatures of the seashore and how they live, eat and adapt to their environment! Costs apply and booking is essential.

Dates: Various dates

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

Website: Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre

Info: Lyme Regis Museum is full of the rich historical and cultural history of the town. The summer holiday programme of events include Scelidosaurus Clay Modelling, Rock Pooling Walks, Fossil Polishing, Ammonite Tile Clay Modelling and more. Admission costs apply and some activity sessions require pre-booking.

Dates: Various dates

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

Website: Lyme Regis Museum

Info: There are fun attractions each week, starting with a new straw maze which has over 200 straw bales to climb, jump, hide and play on! Further weeks include pedal tractors, space hoppers, sand, water, disco and bubbles to name a few. Plus there’s animal activity sessions, café and play area. Activity costs apply.

Dates: Thursday 24th July – Wednesday 3rd September 2025

Address: Madjeston Animal Farm, Cole Street Lane, Madjeston, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5JQ

Website: Madjeston Animal Farm

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 and the Stick Man Trail. Admission is free however some activity costs may apply.

Dates: Saturday 19th July - Sunday 7th September 2025

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

Website: Moors Valley Country Park

Info: From character hunts to crafty clay creations, families can dive into a pixel-powered holiday filled with creativity and exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, there’s something for everyone in this immersive experience. Admission costs apply.

Dates: Monday 21st July - Saturday 6th September 2025

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

Website: Museum of East Dorset

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 see an ancient Egypt exhibition, Treehouse Theatre performances, Gigs in the Gardens and themed craft activities. Free admission however some activity costs apply.

Dates: Various dates

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

Website: Red House Museum

Info: Get involved with hands-on games and interactives, watch live tanks in action and experience a tracked vehicle ride. Plus, explore the tank-themed outdoor playpark or soft play for mini-tank enthusiasts. Admission costs apply.

Dates: Saturday 19th July – Tuesday 2nd September 2025

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

Website: Tank Museum

Info: Enjoy a nature inspired Physical Activity Trail. Keep everyone moving and exploring this summer holiday with a family friendly trail around the reserve! Follow the pink and blue waymarked trails to discover beautifully hand-painted discs. Each disc reveals a nature-inspired movement challenge to try. Trail leaflets can be found in car park or at the visitors centre. Free trail.

Dates: Saturday 19th July – Monday 8th September 2025

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

Facebook: Hardys Birthplace

Info: Science Zone will be launching an exciting new programme of STEM-focused workshops for children and families – featuring everything from planetarium shows and LEGO robotics to coding challenges and hands-on science experiments. Workshop costs apply.

Dates: Various Dates

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

Website: Science Zone

Info: Summer fun at Pony Palace includes Pony Club where children spend time with the ponies, learn about their care, and improve riding skills, plus Groom and Ride sessions, riding lessons and more.

Dates: Various Dates

Address: Pony Palace, Merritown Lane, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH23 6BA

Website: Pony Palace

Info: The community café has lots of great activities planned including arts and crafts, kinetic sand activity, rainbow fizz, homemade lava lamps and much more. While you’re there, make the most of the play park and paddling pool too! £1 donation per activity.

Dates: Various dates

Address: Redhill Park Café, Redhill Avenue, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2SW

Website: Redhill Park Café

Info: Dig for historical remains in our sandbox, learn about artefacts through time, try your hand at making Dorset buttons or Roman mosaics, and more.

Dates: Thursday 31st July – Saturday 2nd August 2025

Address: Blandford Town Museum, Beres Yard, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7HQ

Website: Blandford Town Museum

Info: Dive into a wonderland of giant slides, bounce castles, obstacle courses, and epic inflatable challenges!

Dates: Sunday 27th & Monday 28 July 2025

Address: The Great Field, Peverell Avenue East, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 3RH

Facebook: Inflatable Theme Parks

Info: Trainmaster Dorset is a paradise for young train fans! They visit various locations and fill a local hall with a giant track layout! There's loads of motorised trains, electric ride on trains, a ride on train coaster, tents, build your own areas, puzzles, books and more.

Dates: Various dates

Locations: Bournemouth, Christchurch & Wimborne

Website: Trainmaster Dorset

Info: Little City is an multi-award-winning mobile role play centre for the under 6's. Children can enjoy open ended play time where they can be a vet, doctor, hairdresser, builder and more!

Dates: Various Dates

Locations: Blandford Forum & Gillingham

Website: Little City North Dorset

Info: Get up close and hands-on with some amazing animals. The fantastic team at ZooLab will bring you an unforgettable interactive experience for kids.

Dates: Thursday 14th & Thursday 28th August 2025

Address: Tuckton Tea Gardens, Belle Vue Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH6 3BA

Website: Tuckton Tea Gardens

Info: Wimborne DSME are a group of like-minded model engineers and railway enthusiasts who run a miniature railway as well as many other engineering based activities. Rides are free however donations are hugely appreciated.

Dates: Wednesdays during the summer holidays

Address: Wimborne DSME, Merley Park Road, Ashington, Broadstone, Dorset, BH21 3DA

Website: Wimborne DSME

Info: Itsy Bitsyccino is a place to either bring your little ones to attend an Itsy Bitsy dance class, host a party or attend a special event. During the summer holidays, children can enjoy one of the many themed events which include Under the Sea, A Cinderella Experience, Paw Patrol Pups Party, Princess Aurora’s Pyjama Movie Party, Toy Story, and Minnie and Masie’s Bowtique Party.

Dates: Various dates

Address: Itsy Bitsycchino, Westover Retail Park, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3JS

Website: Itsy Bitsycchino

Info: Explore 160 acres of gardens, woodland and parkland at Upton Country Park. The Summer Reading Challenge is a free activity for children to discover the Poet-tree, get crafty, read a book in the Story Corner and follow the story trails. On selected dates there will also be face painting and Get Up and Bounce will be in the Walled Garden. Admission is free however some activity costs may apply.

Dates: Monday 21st July – Sunday 31st August 2025

Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ

Website: Upton Country Park

THE LITTLE MERMAID JR
Date: Sunday 20th July 2025

Address: Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QB

Website: Marine Theatre

HORRIBLE HISTORIES: GORGEOUS GEORGIANS & VILE VICTORIANS
Date: Sunday 10th August 2025

Address: The Regent, 51 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AS

Website: The Regent

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE
Dates: Friday 29th – 31st August 2025

Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG

Booking: Lighthouse Poole

DINO TALES: JURASSIC RESCUE
Date: Friday 8th August 2025

CIRQUE: THE GREATEST SHOW REIMAGINED
Date: Saturday 9th August 2025

THE PRINCESS PROMS
Date: 10th August 2025

Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU

Booking: Bournemouth Pavilion

RUDE SCIENCE
Date: Tuesday 29th July 2025

SHREK THE MUSICAL
Dates: Wednesday 27th August – Saturday 30th August 2025

Address: Electric Palace, 35 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NY

Website: Electric Palace

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM PRESENTS DINOSAUR LIVE!
Date: Friday 8th August 2025

CIRQUE: THE GREATEST SHOW REIMAGINED
Date: Sunday 10th August 2025

Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED

Website: Weymouth Pavilion