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!
What's On in Dorset
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Pliosaur the Terrifying Sea Rex
1st-2nd January 2026
Venue: Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - The Etches Collection
Website: www.theetchescollection.org/giant-sea-monster
See the amazing Pliosaur skull discovery and learn more aobut how it lived, hunted and died in the Jurassic seas of Kimmeridge
Giant Sea Monster
1st-1st January 2026
Venue: The Etches Collection
Website: www.theetetchescollection.org
See the Pliosaur skull discovery and learn more about how it lived, hunted and died
Secrets of the Shadows Family Quest
29th August-29th November 2025
Venue: Corfe Castle
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle
Family quest to learn about the ghostly figures roaming the castle ruins
The Dorset Open - Celebrating Creativity Across the County
18th October-30th November 2025
Venue: Dorset Museum
Website: www.dorsetmuseum.org
Brand-new major art competition
Halloween Children's Trail
22nd October-5th November 2025
Venue: Durlston Country Park
Website: www.durlston.co.uk
Take a trip around the park to get into the spooky season
Christmas at Russell Cotes
1st November-4th January 2026
Venue: Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
Website: www.russellcotes.com
Christmas themed event with Trail and the opportunity to find out more about Christmas traditions and collection items linked to this time of year
Discover Sharklife
3rd-30th November 2025
Venue: SeaLife Weymouth
Website: www.visitsealife.com/weymouth
Learn all about sharks with a fun activity trail and challenges throughout the aquarium, visual games and activities and more
Beach bonfire and fireworks
5th-5th November 2025
Venue: Weymouth
Website: www.weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk/weymouth-fireworks
See the website for details
Fireworks - Poole
5th-5th November 2025
Venue: Poole
Website: www.visit-dorset.com
Free firework night - see website for details
Home Education Days 2025/2026
5th-5th November 2025
Venue: Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre
Website: www.monkeyworld.org
Workshop style teaching of subjects relevant to Monkey World for home educated children and their families
Ringrwood grand fireworks
5th-5th November 2025
Venue: Ringwood
Website: www.ringwood.gov.uk/firework-display
Popular event for all ages and this year's entertainment incluidng a fairground, two fireworks displays, a bonfire and live music
Standing with Giants: Falklands Tribute
5th-30th November 2025
Venue: Nothe Fort
Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture
Find out about the fascinating world of the Bats with Jennie from Upton Country Park, and make your own flapping bats to take home - suitable for 4 to 8 year olds
A Home on the River
7th-7th November 2025
Venue: Bridport Library
Website: www.bridlit.com
Part of Bridport Literary Festival
Bournemouth Butchers Coppice Fireworks Display and Bonfire
8th-8th November 2025
Venue: Butchers Coppice Scout Camp, Bournemouth
Website: www.butcherscoppice.org.uk
Remembrance Sunday Weymouth 2025
9th-9th November 2025
Venue: Weymouth
Website: www.weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk
See the website for details
Christmas in Bournemouth
13th November-4th January 2026
Venue: Bournemouth
Website: www.christmasinbournemouth.co.uk
See the website for details
Sixpence Day
14th-14th November 2025
Venue: Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
Website: www.russellcotes.com
Discover the Art Gallery and Museum for the 1922 admission price of sixpence. Entry on this day will be free, but they welcome anydonation of 6p or more
A Dorset Christmas
15th-16th November 2025
Venue: The Tank Museum
Website: www.tankmuseum.org
Over 70 stall holders, Christmas lunch, Santa arriving in a tank, live entertainment and more
Autism Friendly Day at Monkey World
15th-15th November 2025
Venue: Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre
Website: www.monkeyworld.org
Monkey World opens an hour early at 9am, exclusively for neurodivergent visitors and their families
Shire Hall Christmas Market
15th-16th November 2025
Venue: Shire Hall
Website: www.shirehalldorset.org
Market hosting local businesses
Christmas at Russell Cotes
18th-4th November 2025
Venue: Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
Website: www.russellcotes.com
Follow the Christmas Trail to find out more about Christmas traditions and collection items linked to this magical time of year. There will also be a festively themed trail for families to enjoy
Christmas Afternoon Tea
19th November-23rd December 2025
Venue: Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
Website: www.russellcotes.com
Christmas themed Afternoon teas
Allendale Christmas Craft Fair 2025
22nd-22nd November 2025
Venue: The Allendale
Website: www.theallendale.org
Handpicked arts and crafts items available
Christchurch Christmas Lights
22nd-22nd November 2025
Venue: Christchurch
Website: www.christchurch-tc.gov.uk
Light switch on event - see website for details
Christmas Lights Switch On at Lyme Regis
22nd-22nd November 2025
Venue: Lyme Regis
Website: www.lymechristmaslights.co.uk
Kingston Lacy's magical Christmas ball
22nd November-4th January 2026
Venue: Kingston Lacy
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy
Explore the house and gardens, decorated for a spectacular Christmas ball
Protest
5th-9th March 2024
Venue: Theatre Royal Plymouth
Website: https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/protest/
For ages 7+. Running is Alice’s happy place – you might even say it’s in her DNA. She’s the best runner at her school but is struggling to prove her worth. Jade is slowly coming to realise that...
30% off Oceanarium memberships
Venue: Oceanarium
Address: Bournemouth
Website: www.oceanarium.co.uk
See the website for details
Attenborough's Giant Sea Monster - Sea Rex
Venue: The Etches Collection
Website: www.theetchescollection.org/giant-sea-monster
Pliosaur Skull Discovery - see the amazing creature and learn more about how it lived, hunted and died in the Jurassic seas of Kimmeridge 150 years ago
Beautiful Bournemouth Mini Exhibition
Venue: Russell Cotes Museum
Website: www.russellcotes.com
Discover the evolution of Bournemouth through this display in the Print Room
Easter Hunt at Moors Valley Country Park
Venue: Moors Valley Country Park
Website: www.moors-valley.co.uk/easter
Find the hidden giant Easter egg shapes around Moors Valley - solve the riddles, spot the eggs and write down the letters to work out the hidden answer
Fantazy
Venue: Babbacombe Theatre
Website: www.babbacombe-theatre.com
Variety show with comedy, illusion, vocalists and dance
Pieces of our Past
Venue: Highcliffe Castle
Website: www.highcliffecastle.co.uk
Experience the history of the Castle with never before seen photographs and artefacts
Rebellion and Revolt
Venue: Museum of East Dorset
Website: www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk
Thought provoking exhibit delving into two pivotal national struggles that profoundly impacted Dorset: the English Civil War of the 1640s and the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685. Themed trail around the Museum,...
West Bay In The War
Venue: West Bay Discovery Centre
Website: www.westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk
Discover what happened locally in WW2. Find out about local memories, coast defences and more