Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Family Summer Holiday activities in Dorset 2025
Discover the Best Family Summer Holiday Activities in Dorset– 2025 Guide.jpg)
Planning a summer holiday in Cornwall with the kids? Look no further! Dorset is one of the UK’s top family holiday destinations, offering a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. From golden beaches and scenic coastal walks to family-friendly attractions and exciting outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Summer 2025. Our ultimate guide to family activities in Dorset will help you make the most of your summer break and holiday - there’s something for every age, interest, and energy level—ensuring fun-filled days and magical memories for the whole family.
See below for a selection of fantastic ways for kids and their adults to spend their time this summer, some of which are free.
Message from Stagecoach Ringwood, Wimborne and Bournemouth.png)
“Stagecoach Ringwood, Wimborne and Bournemouth are delighted to announce the Autumn term registers are now open and if you quote the Primary Times, you will not only receive a FREE 2-week trial but a FREE Stagecoach t-shirt!
It’s been another fantastic year, with every single student performing in in the theatre. Next term the fun continues with Christmas performances at The Ringwood Furlong Centre, Castlepoint and The Allendale Centre - EVERY student is invited! We also have our Charity Gala evening on the 28th February 2026, where the children’s amazing Performance skills will help to raise money for two local charities.
Stagecoach Performing Arts offers weekly classes in Singing, Dancing and Drama to students aged 4-18 years. With an expert team of teachers, Stagecoach believes in instilling creative courage for life, no matter what your child’s age or ability. Student inclusion is the upmost priority. We believe in making special memories that children will treasure forever, whilst building a sense of self-esteem that they will carry with them through life, helping them to be whoever they want to be!”
For more information, contact Emily at ringwood@stagecoach.co.uk. We currently have spaces in the following locations:
St Ives Primary School, Sandy Lane, BH24 2LE
The Allendale Centre, Wimborne, BH21 1AS
The Winton YCMA, Winton, BH9 2QD
Summer Fun at The Blue Pool
Discover the hidden gem of The Blue Pool this summer. Enjoy a family day out exploring scenic trails through the Nature Reserve, with breath-taking views across the lake. Dare to cross the UK’s longest rope bridge, then let the kids enjoy some fun in the play area. When it’s time to refuel, head to the Tearooms and relax with lunch on the sunny terrace. Don’t forget a scoop from the Marine Gelato ice cream parlour. No booking needed – just go along!
Visit the website for opening hours and admission fees: www.bluepooltearooms.co.uk
Make a splash this summer holidays at Splashdown Waterparks!
Splashdown Waterpark features 13 thrilling waterslides like the Screamer and Mississippi Drifter, plus Buccaneers Splash—a fun, interactive zone for kids. Ideal for families, it promises excitement and unforgettable memories for all ages. Dive into the fun and book your perfect day of adventure today!
Find out more at www.poole.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk
Play & Explore this Summer at Lemur Landings!
Lemur Landings is Dorset’s multi award-winning children’s play centre. Let your kids explore, climb, run, and play in a safe, fun environment featuring a multi-level play frame, role play village, climbing wall, and more. It’s also a fantastic venue for birthday parties. Book today!
Find out more at www.lemurlandings.co.uk
The ultimate outdoor adventure for kids – Andrew Simpson Centres
Join in on their action-packed summer holiday clubs for kids aged 5+. Packed with fun-filled activities out on the water and on land, the Outdoor Adventure Holiday Clubs at Andrew Simpson Centres are designed to get kids moving, engaged, and smiling all day long.
Whether they’re learning a new watersports skill, working as a team on challenges, or exploring nature, every day is a new adventure.
With flexible booking options - half-days, full-days, or full-week blocks – it’s easy to fit around your plans.
Let us take care of the fun while you enjoy peace of mind!
Find out more and book at www.andrewsimpsoncentres.org
SUMMER STORY TRAIL
Now is the perfect time to take part in the Brambly Hedge Summer Story Trail – visit the Abbotsbury Swannery and complete the charming trail. Story posts, stamp points and fun facts across the Swannery grounds. Join the wedding of Dusty and Poppy and enjoy the interactive additions that make this wonderful children’s trail. Also, there are new pedal go-karts, the willow swan maze and daily mass swan feeds at midday and 4pm, which visitors are invited to join. There is plenty of space to enjoy a picnic or visit the Café is onsite.
Find out more at www.abbotsburyswannery.co.uk
Looking for a magical family night out? Purbeck Film Festival’s Cinema Under the Stars is the perfect choice!
This summer, enjoy unforgettable films under the stars at beautiful outdoor spots across Dorset. Watch your children’s faces light up as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets plays at the magical Corfe Castle - a place that makes the wizarding world come alive at night, especially if you arrive on the Swanage Railway heritage train! Or laugh along with Paddington on his latest adventure in Paddington in Peru when the castle will be lit up in marmalade orange. Maybe you would prefer the musical magic of Wicked and Moulin Rouge! Whatever your choice, fetch your comfy chairs, wrap up warm and make memories to treasure. Find the full line-up at purbeckfilm.com.
Climb, Zip, Leap! Unleash your inner adventure at RockReef.jpg)
Located at the end of Bournemouth Pier, RockReef is the ultimate indoor activity attraction for kids, teens and families. With 28 themed Clip ‘n Climb walls, a high ropes aerial obstacle course, a vertical drop slide and a leap of faith jump, it’s an unforgettable experience, whatever the weather! For thrill-seekers aged 4+, don’t miss the PierZip, the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire, soaring 250 metres above the beach! Perfect for school holidays, birthday parties or weekend adventures. RockReef is active, exciting, and seriously fun.
Find out more at www.rockreef.co.uk
Bring your little monkeys along to meet their primate cousins at Monkey World- Ape Rescue Centre this summer!
The sanctuary in Dorset is home to over 240 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes, including young orphan orang-utans, Kiwi and Sibu Jr. The pair have now graduated to living in the nursery full-time, spending their days watching the grown-ups next door, and showing off their strength and climbing skills to the visitors!
Activity trails run every day through the summer, plus arts and crafts in the Activity Centre, and three large play areas to keep your little monkeys entertained!
Monkey World is open every day from 10am to 5pm. Book online to save off gate prices: www.monkeyworld.org
Summer fun starts here!
Kick off the holidays with Lighthouse and Coda Music and Arts Trust’s creative Summer Camp for ages 7–12 (4–8 Aug). From sculpture to mindful making, kids get hands-on with nature-inspired crafts led by professional artists, while you enjoy a breather. Workshops run from 10am - 4pm, with wraparound care available.
Then, dare to experience the dangers and delights of Olivier Award-winning Dinosaur World Live (28–31 Aug). This roarsome interactive adventure features astonishing life-like dinosaurs and a special meet-and-greet for brave explorers.
Book now for a summer of imagination, creativity and dino-sized delight.
Visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk or call 01202 280000.
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival
PVFF is a festival that’s loved by everyone because there’s loads for kids to do, loads for parents and loads for the old folkies!
As well as four evenings and three full days of outstanding, original young folk, roots and world music across five stages, Purbeck Valley Folk Festival brings music workshops, sessions, comedy, a massive craft area, a healing area, fire shows and loads for kids - it’s so much more than just great music!
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival has an amazing line-up again this year: This year’s highlights include top folk award winning acts Dervish, Elephant Sessions and Kathryn Tickell & the Darkening.
This year’s line up also features huge amounts of music from around the world in the shape of Zawose Queens (Tanzania), Madalitso (Malawi), Gonora Sounds (Zimbabwe), Theo Mizu & Banda (Brazil), Kate Griffin & Matchume Zango (Mozambique), Mishra with Deepa Shakti (India).
There is absolutely loads for kids (all included in the ticket price!): immersive storytelling, rock-climbing, archery, dinosaurs, crafts, circus skills, bouncy castles, fancy dress, street theatre.
Teens love Purbeck too with D&D geekery and boardgames in the Hangout Tent.
And there’s a fantastic craft area with workshops in cyanotype printing, tie-dye, blacksmithing, pottery, origami, and loads more.
A brilliant musical line-up, loads of stuff for kids, a huge craft area for adults, perfect location, and a great selection of real ales and ciders…
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival is so much more than just a great music festival.
Tickets have been selling fast already with record numbers of festival-goers buying tickets for this year’s festival before they even left the site last year!
Great value with adult weekend tickets from £140 for 4 nights, including camping.
For more information visit www.purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk
Step into Jane Austen’s world every Wednesday this summer at Dorset Museum and Art Gallery.
Inspired by the Jane Austen: Down to the Sea exhibition, enjoy a family-friendly day filled with storytelling, fashion, and hands-on history.
Follow the Jane Austen Duck Trail, handle real historical objects, and dress up in Regency costumes — perfect for selfies and imaginative play. Get creative with drop-in crafts like building your own mini Georgian bathing machine.
No booking needed — just drop in and enjoy a seaside adventure with a Regency twist!
Find out more at www.dorsetmuseum.org
Summer at Kingston Lacy
Between 19 July and 3 September at Kingston Lacy, there’s a whole festival of fun in the Kitchen Garden where you can build a house, bounce on a strawberry, or put on a puppet performance.
There’s a special area for under 5s and each week throughout the school holidays, this area will host pop-ups with crafts, nature engagement or junkyard music. Set up camp for the day, bring a picnic or there’s a café outlet for light refreshments.
All the equipment is FREE to use (normal admission applies) for as long as you like.
Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy
Corfe Castle is the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled family day out.
Climb up through the Castle ruins, spot the ‘murder holes,’ count the arrow loops and feel history come to life.
From 19 July to 31 August, get legs and minds racing in the archery and obstacle Zones, explore the castle on the latest family quest; An Architectural Adventure and join fun and interactive storytelling tours on weekends.
This summer, families can also climb up to the Kings’ View. Tours are bookable on the day (£5). Fees go directly towards conservation works.
Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle
Summer at Brownsea Island
Enjoy a summer of adventure on Brownsea Island from 24 July to 31 August with family-friendly fun including a crayon rubbing trail, animal-inspired games, and peacock yoga.
Every Tuesday in August, join wild art sessions and try Hapa Zome botanical printing. On Wild Wednesdays, craft potions, kites, and nature weavings. Fridays and Saturdays offer free Bushcraft sessions, featuring survival games and shelter-building.
Don’t miss Pirate Day on 30 August with treasure hunts and prizes. Relax with ice cream, shady picnics, and have fun in the natural play area.
All the activities are free (except ferry/admission), but Bushcraft sessions require booking.
Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island
Roar into the past with mammoth Extinction event
A fearsome sabre-toothed tiger and giant woolly mammoth will come roaring into Marwell Zoo this summer.
The jaw-dropping Extinction event will bring visitors face-to-fang with lost legends and prehistoric creatures in a world-first collection of extinct animals crafted from over two million toy bricks.
Extinction, running from July 19 to September 7, will shine a spotlight on lost species including dinosaurs, an incredible six-metre-long woolly mammoth, a hissing titanoboa and a giant ground sloth.
Visiting explorers will collect a map and journey across the zoo’s 140 acres of parkland to meet more than 20 life-sized recreations of the animals that once roamed the Earth. There will be plenty of photo opportunities, including the chance to pose with a giant dinosaur egg and dodo photo op – and visitors to Extinction Basecamp can help build a massive sabre-toothed tiger and craft their own mini mammoth or dodo to take home.
Extinction is included with general admission to the zoo. Visitors to Marwell are contributing to our vital conservation projects here in the UK and across the globe.
Book online to save at marwell.org.uk
**Gary, this is the Waterside edit**
Make a Full Day of Family Fun at Southside!
Looking for the perfect day out with the kids? Head to Southside at Bowleaze Cove where fun, food and fresh sea air come together just steps from the beach. It’s the ultimate family destination for little adventurers and grown-ups alike.
Start your adventure at Southside Funfair, bursting with classic rides and attractions that bring smiles to all ages - from gentle carousels and trampolines to thrilling dodgems and the spooky ghost train. Let imaginations run wild in the vibrant soft play area, perfect for younger children to climb, crawl and explore in a safe, indoor space. Right next door, the arcade is packed with old school games, classic penny machines and prizes for a little family-friendly competition, rain or shine.
When it’s time to refuel, stroll over to Drift Bar & Grill, their laid-back coastal restaurant with sea views across the bay and a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy family favourites, tasty burgers, fish & chips and kids’ options. Top it off with a stroll on the beach, a paddle in the sea or a well-earned ice cream.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or the whole day, Southside has everything you need for unforgettable seaside memories.
Your next family adventure awaits at Southside, Bowleaze Cove, DT3 6PW. Free parking available.
Summer is a wonderful time to visit Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve near Swanage.
Kids can go wild in over 300 acres of stunning coast and countryside, and discover iconic wildlife including butterflies, orchids and seabird colonies. Explore Durlston Castle, where you will find exhibitions, interactive displays, the Seventhwave Café and their Rangers, who will help you make the most of your visit. Or try their play trail through the woods!
Some great family events include free drop in craft-activities, a ‘Dinosaur Discover’ Kids activity and our ‘Marvellous Meadows’ or ‘Boats of the Bay’ trails!
Visit www.durlston.co.uk for details.
Poole Harbour Festival delivers ingredients for a fabulous, family friendly summer by the sea!
Poole Harbour Festival, back for its 9th year, with a whopping 60 live music acts across six stages 25th-27th July 2025. Headlined by UB40, Happy Mondays and Feeder, the rest of the line-up is also impressive - with We are Scientists, The Hoosiers and Vengaboys taking to the stage.
There’s plenty of kids' activities, entertainers, circus skills workshops, performances, and funfair rides! Family ticket prices start from £75 (for 2 adults and 2 children).
With off-site camping, weekend parking and drinks bundles all bookable in advance, it's the weekend that Poole is now famous for!
Find out more at www.pooleharbourfestival.com
Wimborne Model Town
Discover Wimborne’s Little Treasure since 1952. Walk around the Town in 1/10 scale and view the Model of the Model in 1/100 scale. Take a quiz to guide you through over 100 miniature shops, homes and businesses, in beautiful gardens. Enjoy the sensory gardens and make music on their outdoor Musical Instruments.
Meet the Wareham Bears, drive a train in the Model Railway, discover “Life Before Lego” and wonder at the Beryl Dade Dolls’ House Collection. Play a round of Crazy Golf.
Their cafe offers drinks, delicious cakes and lunches.
Visit www.wimborne-modeltown.com for details of our monthly events, opening times and prices.
Your entry ticket is valid for 12 months!
Message from St Peter’s
“St Peter’s is a caring, academically ambitious environment, where your child will flourish and develop their skills and talents.
Our vibrant and diverse community welcomes every child whatever their ability, social background, ethnic origin or faith.
As an all through school, we offer fantastic facilities and impressive grounds at both our sites. Our staff are enthusiastic and dedicated to our students who feel understood, valued and cared for and can thrive to become the best they can be.
We welcome you to join us at our Open Evenings: Primary – 9 October / Secondary – 18 September / Sixth Form – 16 October”
Ditch the screens and head outdoors for the ultimate family adventure at Gone Wild Festival!
Join Bear Grylls & friends for an action-packed weekend at Holkham Hall, Norfolk (7-10 August) or Powderham Castle, Exeter (21-24 August).
Adventure by day and party by night with over 100 activities to choose from, family entertainment, interactive live shows, talks & workshops and huge live performances every evening, with this year’s lineups including Ministry of Sound Classical, Clean Bandit, Dick & Dom and more.
Do something different with your family this summer and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Choose from Weekend tickets (camping included), Day tickets, or Evening tickets. Discover more at gonewildfestival.com.
GONE WILD FESTIVAL NORFOLK
Location: Holkham Hall, Norfolk
Event date: 7th - 10th August 2025
Event website: norfolk.gonewildfestival.com
Event contact email: norfolk@gonewildfestival.com
Facebook: Gone Wild Festival Norfolk
Instagram: @gonewildfestivalnorfolk
GONE WILD FESTIVAL DEVON
Location: Powderham Castle, Devon
Event date: 21st -24th August 2025
Event website: devon.gonewildfestival.com
Event contact email: devon@gonewildfestival.com
Facebook: Gone Wild Festival Devon
Instagram: @gonewildfestivaldevon
ShoreSports continues to be a hit for families
ShoreSports want to welcome back customers from last year, and draw in new ones. Their priority is quality, fun watersports at affordable prices, with no hidden extras. They offer Kids clubs every week of the holidays or hire, lessons and tours for the whole family. Try sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding, raft building or the new sport of Wingfoiling! ShoreSports at Mudeford Quay is the perfect location, due to the safe shallow waters of Christchurch Harbour and the fantastic staff. Even if it's raining there is outdoor fun to be had, Just put on their included wetsuits and make a splash.
Scan to book online or email nick@shoresports.co.uk
St Peter’s
“St Peter’s is a caring, academically ambitious environment, where your child will flourish and develop their skills and talents.
Our vibrant and diverse community welcomes every child whatever their ability, social background, ethnic origin or faith.
As an all through school, we offer fantastic facilities and impressive grounds at both our sites. Our staff are enthusiastic and dedicated to our students who feel understood, valued and cared for and can thrive to become the best they can be.
We welcome you to join us at our Open Evenings: Primary – 9 October / Secondary – 18 September / Sixth Form – 16 October”
Jurassic Fields 100:
Jurassic Fields festival 8th-10th August
A roaringly good value gathering for family and friends by the Jurassic Coast.
Jurassic Fields Festival offers a three-day live music event Friday 8th-Sunday 10th August at West Bay Fields, near Bridport, with on-site camping pitches and FREE shuttle bus services available.
The festival is an absolute bargain, for a full bill of chart topping headline acts Reef, The Hoosiers, Space, Republica, Toploader, and Artful Dodger, plus plenty of kids entertainment and rides. Tickets from - Adult day £34, Adult Weekend £63, Kids 5+ £13 and U5’s Free.
A family of 4 can bag a 3 day festival + camping ticket for under £219 if purchased before 28th July at Early Bird prices.