Are you looking for things to do in Dorset with kids? There are so many amazing family days out to be had in Dorset, and that’s without visiting the amazing beaches the county has to offer!
Adventure Wonderland
Merritown Ln, Hurn, Christchurch BH23 6BA
One of Dorset’s top family attractions aimed at families and children up to 11 years old. There are theme park rides, Alice in Wonderland themed adventure golf, a huge hedge maze and so much more.
On wet weather days, you can enjoy the Wild Thing indoor play area. When the weather is behaving, there are trampolines and even bouncy castle during seasonal times of the year.
Bournemouth Oceanarium
Pier Approach, BH2 5AA
There are over 150 species of fish to discover at Bournemouth Oceanarium. Alongside feeding times, you can also use your entrance ticket to return at any time during the day if you wish to extend your visit.
Dinosaur Museum Dorchester
Icen Way, Dorchester DT1 1EW
One of the great dinosaur days out in the UK is right in the heart of Dorset. It was also the first museum in Britain to be dedicated solely to dinosaurs. On display are real life fossil displays, dinosaur heads and teeth, and plenty of interactive displays.
Dorset Heavy Horse Centre
Edmondsham Road, Verwood BH21 5RJ
The heavy horse centre in Dorset is one of the last heavy horse centres in Great Britain. As well as the horses, you can see donkeys, alpacas, Kune Kune pigs, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks to name a few animals.
Children can enjoy the Victorian swing boats, adventure playground and zip wire, so you won’t be short of things to do.
Fantasy Island Fun Park
Bowleaze Coveway, Weymouth DT3 6PW
In the heart of Weymouth, right next to the beaches is Fantasy Island Fun Park. A wristband operated theme park in Dorset with traditional fun fair rides, amusement arcade games and even old style penny machines.
Why not stay nearby in one of these great holiday parks in Dorset
Farmer Palmers
Wareham Rd, Organford, Poole, Organford, Poole BH16 6EU
There are animals, rides and attractions and so much more at Farmer Palmers in Dorset. The adventure farm park is open year round, aimed at children up to eight years old.
Dinosaur fans will love the new Dino Roar trail introduced in 2021. There’s also pedal tractors, trampolines and even cow milking times.
Lemur Landings
Tower Retail Park, Tower Park Leisure Complex, Poole BH12 4NY
Lemur Landings soft play site is one of Dorset’s largest soft play and entertainment centres. The multi level playframe includes tunnels, biff bags, bridges and plenty of slides. If you’re visiting with children under 7, they can enjoy Leweyville Farm, which is an interactive role play village
Moors Valley Country Park
Horton Road, BH24 2ET
There’s something for everyone at Moors Valley country park in Dorset. Whether you’re on the hunt for Gruffalos, or wishing to enjoy the steam railway, you won’t run out of things to do.
With large play activity trails, there will be no sounds of “I’m bored” from the kids as you enjoy a nice walk through the forest trails.
Why not stop in one of the play parks, or enjoy a picnic in the large green space areas, or perhaps even in the forest. There’s also Go-Ape on site as well as nets adventure and segways.
Monkey World
Tout Hill, Wareham, BH20 6HH
Monkey World is home to over 250 primates and sits on 65 acres. This is a fun filled family day out in Dorset whilst supporting a great cause. The many primates at Monkey World have both indoor and outdoor enclosures so you can enjoy them even on a wet day in Dorset.
A visit to Monkey World isn’t complete without stopping at the Great Ape play area, a huge play area with picnic tables at the back of the park.
Putlake Adventure Farm
High St, Swanage BH19 3EU
This Dorset adventure farm park is perfect for children up to ten years old. It’s a working farm in Dorset with owls, pigs, cows, lambs and goats to name a few.
Take part in tractor and trailer rides, animal handling and feeding times. You can also enjoy the soft play and trampolines.
Rock Reef
Bournemouth Pier, BH2 5AA
Located right on the pier in Bournemouth, you can enjoy this all weather activity in Dorset with the kids. The activities are suitable for all levels including a vertical drop slide, high ropes obstacle course, 28 clip and climb climbing walls and a 65 meter indoor cave experience.
Santa Fe Fun Park
The Pavillion, Shore Rd, Swanage BH19 1LD
Situated right on the beach in Swanage, you’ll find plenty to keep the kids amused on a day out in Dorset. There’s themed adventure golf, fairground rides and arcade machines as an idea. There’s also a great themed restaurant if you’re looking to refuel after a busy day.
Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf
Located next to Bournemouth pier, you can play a round of pirate adventure golf with sea views. The course is open all year round with plenty of offers and deals during events through the year.
Splashdown Water Park
Yarrow Road, Poole, BH12 4NY
On a rainy day in Dorset, why not visit Splashdown in Poole. There are 13 slides to enjoy, with varying levels of adventure and difficulty.
With rides for the adrenaline seeker, as well as plenty of more gentle rides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Swanage Railway
BH20 5DW
The Swanage railway is a great family day out in Dorset for both the young and young at heart. The steam train runs between Norden train station near Corfe Castle to Swanage and back again.
You can choose to travel one way, or return, stopping and disembarking at any point along the journey. It’s a great way to keep the kids entertained when out and about in Dorset.
Swanage Railway also have some great events through the year including a Polar Express train ride at Christmas.
Wimborne Model Town And Gardens
King St, Wimborne Minster, Wimborne BH21 1DY
There’s plenty to see and do at Wimborne Model Town with children including miniature golf, and a playground. You will see the town of Wimborne on a 1/10th scale during your visit. The site is open between April and October 10am – 5pm.
Weymouth Sealife Centre
Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth DT4 7SX
One of the great sea life centres across the UK, Weymouth sealife adventure park is a great day out. On warm days enjoy the outdoor splash zone, alongside the 13 different zones with over 2,000 creatures to spot.
There’s an interactive rock pool experience as well as adventure play areas with arcade games.
