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!
May Half Term and beyond in Dorset 2024
The summer is getting warmer and there is more and more to do for families in Dorset. Check out our details below of things to do this May half term and beyond.
Don’t forget that you can also see our frequently updated general listings here
Half Term Fun at Lulworth Castle
GO WILD! At Lulworth Castle this May half term and enjoy our animal and critter themed trails, lawn games, hunts & crafts all included in the usual admission price. Spend the day exploring the Castle, climb the tower, visit our Peacock Park woodland playground and enjoy some tea and cake in the castle tearoom.Join the team from MAD 4 ANIMALS at 12 noon and 2pm for daily critter shows. Everyone can join in from Toddlers to Teens, not forgetting the adults too. Enjoy Comedy, challenges and don’t forget the animals, with Snakes, Tarantulas, and many more.
Find out more at www.lulworth.com
'BOOK NOW FOR SUMMER HOLIDAYS' -Epic Outdoor Adventures Await with Land & Wave!
Give your kids the gift of adventure with Land & Wave’s Holiday Club this May Half Term and Summer! Packed with thrilling outdoor activities, new experiences, and plenty of fresh air, the Ofsted registered Land & Wave club is all about real fun – no screens, just muddy knees, sandy toes and big smiles. From wild woodland bushcraft games and watersports to learning awesome new skills, every day is a new adventure. It’s the perfect way to stay active, build confidence, and make unforgettable memories with new friends. Let them run wild, explore, and reconnect with nature – the way childhood should be! Book now, spaces fill fast. Min age 8+. £245 for 5 days. Childcare vouchers accepted.
Find out more at www.landandwave.co.uk or 01929 423 031
Westival is back for its fifth year on Saturday 12th July, offering all the fun of a festival for one day only!
Join in on Fryer Field (off Bond Avenue, BH22 0LL) between 12 and 4pm for a fun-packed afternoon of live music and entertainment. You can expect a hilarious magic show from Krazy Kev, impressive MTB stunts from Urban Displays, a craft tent run by Creative Kids UK, birds of prey handling and flying displays from The Falcon Crest, the chance to try tightrope and aerial hoop with Steamship Circus and an amazing wheel display of over 100 vehicles! Not to mention all the usual rides, climbing wall, bouncy castle, face painting and a big cash raffle with £1000 in prizes! You’ll find a wide variety of stalls and fantastic food and drink options too. Free parking, free entry and lots to keep the whole family entertained!
Find out more at www.westmoors-tc.gov.uk
- Contact details: West Moors Town Council, office@westmoors-tc.gov.uk, 01202 861044, https://www.westmoors-tc.gov.uk/
A Day at Durlston!
May half term 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 bustling seabird colonies. Explore Durlston Castle, where you will find exhibitions, interactive displays, food and drink and our friendly Rangers, who will help you get the most out of your visit. Or try the new play trail through the woods!
Some great family events include free drop in craft-activities, Drawing Workshops and the Underwater World Children’s Trail!
Visit www.durlston.co.uk for details.
There are no barriers to the joy and magic of live performance at Lighthouse Poole
In the coming weeks there are shows for all ages – and their grownups – from interactive puppets and live action to beatbox adventures and a host of family-friendly activities in Poole Pride 2025.
Take a look:
Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids
Saturday 24 May, 2pm, 4pm, Sherling Studio
The world record-breaking beatboxer makes amazing music with just a mouth and a mic as he shows how anyone can do it, whether they’re aged 1 or 101.
A Squash and a Squeeze
Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 May, Theatre
Based on the brilliant picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Age guidance: 3-8
Poole Pride 2025
Saturday 7 June, all day, throughout Lighthouse
A day-long family-friendly free festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with cabaret, comedy and music performances, as well as workshops, talks and crafts.
Pirates Love Underpants
Thursday 12 June, 1.30pm, Theatre
Filled with music, puppetry and glittering piratical pants of gold!
Dinosaur World Live
Friday 29, Saturday 30, Sunday 31 August, 2pm (11am not Fri), Theatre
Olivier Award-winning Best Children’s Show invites you to meet a host of roar-some creatures, including flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex! Age guidance: 3+
National Trust - Kingston Lacy
Join in at Kingston Lacy for a wild May half term, with nature-inspired adventures and crafts for the whole family. From exciting scavenger hunts to bug hotels and free eco-crafts, they’re inviting little explorers and nature enthusiasts to take part in a range of hands-on activities designed to connect children with the tree-mendous and bug-tastic natural world. Parents and guardians are encouraged to join the fun and help their little ones discover what’s all around us. Mon 26 May-Fri 30 May, see website for details; booking advisable (places limited).
Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy
National Trust – Corfe Castle
Step back in time and sign up to serve your country as the Corfe Castle storyteller takes you on a WWII-themed tour. Not only will you discover how Corfe Castle played its last defensive role, but also learn about secret agents, cunning weapons, and battles for the sky – all while your military skills are put to the test. Explore the ruins with their new family quest: Flight of the Castle, in collaboration with Nosy Crow Books. Plant a sunflower seed or climb the tower like medieval royalty with their Kings’ View experience.
Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle
**In the email it says they’ve sent images by Wetransfer**
Rockley Kids Summer Adventure Camps
Get ready for an unforgettable week of adventure and excitement at Buddens Activity Centre! Their all-inclusive Monday to Friday programme offers a fantastic range of outdoor activities, delicious meals, and excellent supervision from their experienced team of qualified activity instructors. Your young explorers will enjoy activities such as high ropes, abseiling, watersports, target sports, and bushcraft, all while making new friends and creating lasting memories. With everything taken care of, parents can rest easy knowing their young explorers are in safe hands and having the time of their lives!
Go and experience the ultimate summer camp at Buddens Activity Centre!
Also includes a day at the Dorset Adventure Park.
They also accept Childcare Vouchers!
Find out more at www.rockley.org
New Summer Story Trail
Brambly Hedge and the Swannery have teamed up to create a story trail for children and families. The trail is based on one of the most delightful books in the Brambly Hedge collection called Summer Story. The trail takes visitors around the Swannery grounds, to discover more about the swans and the adventurous mice. Designed for families to enjoy, the trail includes stamp points, questions to answer and fun facts, all alongside the swans and discovering more about the unique Swannery.
Find out more at www.abbotsburyswannery.co.uk or contact via info@abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk or 01305 871858
May Half Term: VE Day Stories at The Tank Museum
24 May to 1 June 2025
Enjoy a family-friendly day out, including spectacular live tank displays and tracked vehicle rides, at The Tank Museum. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, take part in family-friendly crafts, talks, and tours, and hear stories of courage from WWII this May half term. Alongside the Museum’s interactive exhibitions, mini-tank fans can let off steam in the soft-play and enjoy trails, dressing up and more.
All regular tickets include an Annual Pass, book online to save 15%.
Find out more at tankmuseum.org
Upcoming events at Monkey World
Go NUTS at Monkey World! Saturday 3rd – Monday 5th May and Saturday 24th to Monday 26th May
Every child who brings an unopened bag of nuts for the primates receives a free Monkey World badge over the bank holiday weekend.
Half Term Fun at Monkey World! Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June
The activity centre will be open throughout the holidays with extra fun crafts, competitions and trails for children to get involved in! Check the website for all details.
Father’s Day! Sunday 15th June
Dad’s get 50% off entry at Monkey World on Father’s day!
Autism Friendly Day! Saturday 21st June
Monkey World opens an hour early at 9am, exclusively for visitors with autism and their families. Sensory trails, a calm room, and drop-In room for support all ensure that Monkey World is a great day out – for all.
Find out more at www.monkeyworld.org
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
Parkstone Grammar School
The staff and students will be delighted to welcome current Year 5 students and families to their open evening on 10 July 2025. In addition to the headteacher's address, there will be opportunities to discuss the admissions process, tour the facilities, enjoy department demonstrations and speak with staff and existing students.
There are very few selective girls’ schools in the country and Parkstone is one of the best. Students join from a wide range of schools and enjoy a variety of subjects, including those offered at GCSE and A Level. Your child will be joining a school that really understands the needs of able young people, providing a supportive environment and ensuring students develop into well-rounded individuals, prepared for future success.
At Parkstone, students embody the qualities of highly effective learners. They take pride in their work, show resilience, and eagerly work things out independently. Students at Parkstone are not only encouraged to succeed academically, but to enjoy the wide range of musical, theatrical, sporting, speaking and charitable opportunities.
Laugh, Learn, and Play at Discovery Village!
Looking for something different this May half term? Discovery Village in Bournemouth invites families to experience their exciting performer-led play sessions — themed around Italy and the fun of making a giant pizza!
Children will be whisked away on a playful journey through Italy, with interactive storytelling, imaginative role-play, and creative activities designed to spark curiosity. It’s hands-on fun that feels like play but is packed with learning — the perfect recipe for family memories!
Discovery Village offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere — a refreshing alternative to noisy soft play centres. Every corner has been thoughtfully designed for children to laugh, learn, and play, making it the ideal spot for families with children aged 1–7.
Parents can unwind too, enjoying a proper coffee and tasty hot or cold food from their café while the children explore. Whether building a pizza masterpiece, taking part in performer-led games, or discovering new skills through play, every visit is a new adventure.
Book your visit now at www.discoveryvillage.co.uk — and get ready to make magical family memories!
Bryanston’s Summer 2025 Holiday Activities
Bryanston’s holiday activities programme will return this summer, with a wide range of camps available.
They welcomed approximately 400 children in 2024 for our summer camps and look forward to offering musical theatre (Beauty and the Beast), sports camps, skateboarding, bouldering, equestrian, DJing and music production this year – with a handful of courses still to be released!
Our stunning 400 acres of grounds, coupled with top-quality indoor and outdoor facilities, provide the perfect backdrop for your child to forge new friendships and hone their talents.
Courses run throughout July and August and are open to children of all abilities
Laugh, Learn, and Play at Discovery Village!
Looking for something different this May half term? Discovery Village in Bournemouth invites families to experience their exciting performer-led play sessions — themed around Italy and the fun of making a giant pizza!
Children will be whisked away on a playful journey through Italy, with interactive storytelling, imaginative role-play, and creative activities designed to spark curiosity. It’s hands-on fun that feels like play but is packed with learning — the perfect recipe for family memories!
Discovery Village offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere — a refreshing alternative to noisy soft play centres. Every corner has been thoughtfully designed for children to laugh, learn, and play, making it the ideal spot for families with children aged 1–7.
Parents can unwind too, enjoying a proper coffee and tasty hot or cold food from their café while the children explore. Whether building a pizza masterpiece, taking part in performer-led games, or discovering new skills through play, every visit is a new adventure.
Book your visit now at www.discoveryvillage.co.uk — and get ready to make magical family memories!