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!
February Half Term in Dorset 2024
February Half Term 2024 is fast approaching and if you are struggling for things to do, then let us take the hassle of organising your family activities. Venues across Dorset are putting on lots of fun things for families to do this February and beyond.
Fun to be had at Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park is the ultimate kid’s haven. From 10 am, your little farmers can dive into a day of giggles, snuggles, and animal shenanigans that will make the whole family beam with joy. With indoor and outdoor play galore, it's the perfect recipe for endless smiles whatever the weather. Plus, free parking means more money for ice cream – because, let's be honest, what's a farm day without a scoop or two?
Go join the fun at Farmer Palmer's, where the only thing growing faster than the crops is the laughter!
Find out more about what's going on at www.farmerpalmers.co.uk
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Fun to be had at Lemur Landings
A visit to Lemur Landings is never dull. Run, jump, climb and play to the max, let imagination run wild – a whole host of fun! Ditch the dishes and party, for fuss free parties Lemur Landings is a must.
For all the information, sessions, times and online booking see www.lemurlandings.co.uk.
Warm up your winter with a trip to Splashdown this half-term.
There’s plenty of time to get your trip in but don’t forget to book online. Spin in Wave 105’s Infinity, whoosh down Baron’s Revenge and ride your tyre down the Mississippi Drifter on its indoor winter course, so much fun.
Book online www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk
Explore women in warfare, from WWI to the modern day, at The Tank Museum this half term, February 12-18, and discover Dorset’s biggest day out!
Inspired by women’s roles in the military, from nurses in the trenches and factory workers to the tank crews of today, there is a packed programme of crafts, activities, and a new ‘Women in Warfare’ trail. The Museum also offers an onsite restaurant and café, and children can enjoy the soft play and a tank-themed outdoor play area.Tickets include an annual pass and there is 10% discount for booking online.
Find out more at www.tankmuseum.org
Monkey World is going halves for half term!
Kids’ tickets to Monkey World are half price from 10th to the 18th February 2024! Take your little monkeys to meet theirs!
Monkey World opened in 1987 to provide abused Spanish beach chimpanzees with a permanent home. Now, the site is home to over 250 monkeys and apes rescued from across the globe. Many have been neglected, kept in unnatural conditions or experienced unbelievable cruelty. At Monkey World, they can all enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe, natural environment.
As well as seeing the stars of TV’s Monkey Life, visitors can enjoy large play areas, cafes and picnic areas, and free half hour Q&A’s with the keepers.
Visit www.monkeyworld.org for more information
Message from Enguard Kids Yoga
To ppractice Yoga is to recognise the importance of looking after your spirit, your oompf, your you! I teach Yoga to children and teens because I recognise how the physical, meditative, and breathing elements help to develop self-awareness and self-belief. If the seeds of Yoga are planted young, they have opportunity to grow into a lifelong resource, for positive mental and physical health.
With Yoga, comes a sense of knowing what’s important, what you believe in and the confidence to be you. It’s an opportunity to connect to yourself and to the World around you. Children’s voices matter. “
Clary Hughes, Enguard Kids Yoga, Wimborne, Dorset
Find out more at www.facebook.com/enguardkidsyoga
Swish of the Curtain Theatre School/Legally Blonde The Musical at Bournemouth Pavilion
“At Swish we believe that every child has the opportunity to reach their potential using the performing arts to develop lifelong skills and talents.
For over 30 years, we’ve been delivering carefully structured classes, captivating shows and locally tailored opportunities. Using only dedicated professionals, we are passionate about guiding children and young people along an exciting journey where they can fulfil their dreams.
We want every child at Swish not only to discover their brilliance but also to shine as brightly as a star in their own right.
If you think this is something your little one would enjoy just go online to watch our comprehensive class videos and to apply
for a 2 week trial at: www.swish.school
And if you want to see what Swish youngsters can really turn their hand to then get down to Bournemouth’s Pavilion Theatre this February Half Term when Legally Blonde hits the stage!
Get ready for a pinktastic experience as Swish proudly brings the hilarious and heartwarming hit musical, “Legally Blonde,” to the Bournemouth Pavilion in February 2024. This dazzling production promises to deliver the ultimate feel-good night - filled with catchy songs, high-energy dance numbers, and a heartwarming message about empowerment, this show is a must-see for fans of comedy and musical theatre.”
Find out more at www.legallyblondemusical.co.uk
Mike Dodd Golf Academy for kids at Sturminster Marshall Golf Club
The kids’ golf academy was the creation of Mike Dodd PGA Professional who has been based at SMGC for 17 years and last year won a national England Golf Award for his services to junior golf in England. Go and see what all the rage is with learning golf with some of the best golf coaches in Dorset. If you already play golf kids then check out the Lynx Junior Golf Tour on the Sturminster Marshall GC website and join in for 2024.
Find out more at www.sturminstermarshallgc.co.uk
Bournemouth Writing Festival is calling all budding writers!
The Bournemouth Writing Festival has launched a nature-themed writing competition to inspire children to write!
With an exclusive video from Chris Packham, the competition invites Dorset children to enter a story or poem from the point of view of a giant albatross flying into the county from the Southern Ocean.
What does it see? Who does it encounter? What adventures does it have?
Dorset has an abundance of natural settings – from our beautiful beaches and cool coastlines to our fantastic forests and stunning streams and rivers – there will be no shortage of inspiration! Get your children out into nature to nurture their creative brilliance.
The Festival, in partnership with Dorset Goes WILD and Hengistbury Head Writers’ Group, has provided free educator resources and materials to get children started.
The competition is open to Primary and Secondary schools, as well as home-educated children in Dorset, and has four age categories with prizes. Drawings and illustrations welcome! Deadline is 28th March 2024.
There are loads of free and ticketed writing events for children happening during the Bournemouth Writing Festival in the Town Centre, taking place on 26th, 27th and 28th April 2024.
For all the details, visit BournemouthWritingFestival.co.uk
Discover the Future of Fun & Learning at Player Ready
Player Ready Weymouth is where gaming and education unite, offering a vibrant mix of virtual reality gaming, educational activities and social experiences. They are located in Weymouth, Dorset with other locations in other nearby counties. There is also a new venue opening next month in Exeter.
At Player Ready they cater to kids, teens & families. In Weymouth, their 6-Player PC VR arcade and amazing 6 Player HeroZone VR Arena and console games cater to all ages, from family-friendly adventures to mature audience Zombie Experiences & Group Escape Rooms.
Player Ready Coding & Minecraft Club is welcoming children aged 7-17; including those with SEND or EOTAS and offering enriching learning in coding, technology and game design, brought to life with the fun of Minecraft! There is a mix of daytime provisions, after-school, evening and weekend clubs, all equipment is provided and all staff are DBS and Safeguarding trained.
Club members or those too far from a physical venue, will also soon be able to join in Online to learn coding and have fun in a staff moderated safe Minecraft based learning platform!
For young people needing a mentor, Player Ready Pathfinders is a new game-based mentoring service is starting in March 2024.
To celebrate they are offering 3 places on a 12-week mentoring programme free* of charge exclusive to Primary Times Readers.
Keen to join the excitement? For a no-obligation trial of their Coding Clubs, to join the mentoring programme or to book gaming parties and VR experiences, visit them at https://player-ready.co.uk.
It's your one-stop destination for entertainment and technology learning.
The Triple P Program
New for 2024 ! Parenting can be extremely rewarding, enlightening and enjoyable. However, it can also be demanding frustrating and exhausting. Triple P program is an internationally recognised group parenting course, alongside this, they have incorporated some strategies from their 18 years’ experience working with primary school children in the program.
The 5 group sessions 7pm – 9 pm are relaxed and inclusive, with opportunities to practise strategies. There are also 3 x 1:1 telephone sessions, bespoke to support strategies for your family. Introductory price £99 per family.
Places available for March MrsBartlettppp@outlook.com for more information
ReWellness counselling service
Looking for extra support for your child or family? Struggling with anxiety, bulling or self harm? Young people struggle with many different mental health challenges.
ReWellness also understand the unique social difficulties that neurodiversity brings and offer a warm friendly 5 star counselling service specialising in children.
They are passionate about helping everyone access support when needed and proud to be partnered with Little Lives Charity who provide them with funding to support disadvantaged & disabled children 18 and under.
They also offer a school counselling service.
Find out more or access support via www.rewellness.co.uk & their 5 star Google Reviews
Peppa Pig is coming to Bournemouth Pavilion this April with her oinktastic brand new live show, Fun Day Out!
Join Peppa, along with her family and friends, as they go to the zoo and the beach for a special party- it’s going to be an exciting and fun packed day.
Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles, and even swim in the sea!
Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa’s Fun Day Out guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans, and a perfect introduction to theatre.
Book Now: www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk
Avonbourne Academies
“Avonbourne Academies began 2024 with the fantastic news that the Boys’ Academy had been judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. Inspectors gave the academy a glowing report praising the educational and enrichment opportunities available. This report followed a highly encouraging report for the Girls’ Academy in June when inspectors carried out an ungraded inspection.
These excellent judgements coupled with fantastic GCSE and A Level results last summer demonstrate how the schools are going from strength to strength providing young people from Bournemouth with an enriching, engaging and enjoyable education.
Please visit our websites to book onto our weekly Open Morning tours to see why we are so #AVBproud!”
Find out more at www.avonbourneboysacademy.org.uk
Message from Talbot Heath
‘The future starts here…’
“It was Bill Gates who said that the first five years have so much to do with how the next eighty turn out. At Talbot Heath we believe in the importance of strong educational foundations and close collaboration with parents so that a holistic, consistent approach is fostered which ensures each child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs are met. So in a fast changing world full of increasing challenges, how do we prepare our children for the future?
‘Making the most of every opportunity’
At Talbot Heath, developing confidence, resilience, perseverance through a broad and rich curriculum is at the heart of what we do. Expert, dedicated and caring practitioners deliver phonics, numeracy, PE (including swimming), Modern Foreign Languages, music, art and design enabling our children to explore, play and initiate their learning. Trips to local shops, parks and libraries embed learning in real experiences.
Our weekly Forest School sessions give plenty of opportunity to be learner focused; assessing risk, making decisions, working collaboratively and being independent…and most essentially, having plenty of muddy fun!
‘Keeping it real in a virtual world’
We appreciate that being digitally proficient is a vital element of growing up for today’s children. The ability to understand and use technology safely and responsibly starts at a young age here at Talbot Heath. Our pupils have access to a 1:1 school ipad to use as a tool to enhance and enrich their learning. Alongside this by using our woodland campus, our children understand and appreciate the importance of their environment, their place within it and how to be sustainable. Whether it be growing vegetables, playing with friends in the secret garden or reading a book in the sunshine, we make sure that our pupils get the real childhood they deserve. “
Find out more at www.talbotheath.org