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May Half Term and beyond in Dorset

 

The weather 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

 

 

 

RockReef

RockReef has firmly established itself as one of Bournemouth’s most exciting family attractions, bringing energy, adventure and all-weather fun to the heart of the seafront. Perfectly positioned on Bournemouth Pier, it offers a unique mix of indoor and outdoor activities that continue to attract visitors of all ages, from local families to holidaymakers looking for something memorable to do by the coast.

What makes RockReef stand out is its ability to combine physical challenge with genuine fun. Whether it’s scaling the colourful Clip ‘n Climb walls, tackling the indoor cave experience, navigating the high ropes course!

It’s energetic, memorable and distinctly Bournemouth, a contemporary seaside attraction that proves the British coast can still surprise and delight.

Find out more at www.rockreef.co.uk

RockReef, Pier Approach,Bournemouth,Dorset,BH2 5AA and 01202983983

 

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre in Wareham is home to over 240 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes, each with their own incredible story. Set within 65 acres of beautiful woodland, this internationally renowned sanctuary provides a safe haven for primates rescued from the illegal pet trade, laboratories and abuse, now living in large, natural social groups.

Families can discover everything from playful gibbons and lively woolly monkeys to the largest group of chimpanzees outside Africa, as well as orang-utans – including Europe’s only orang-utan crèche.

Little explorers will love the huge Great Ape Play Area – the largest in the South – plus woodland walks with plenty to spot along the way.

After a day of adventure, relax at one of the on-site cafés and don’t forget to pick up a special souvenir from the gift shop.

During the May half term (23rd–31st April), kids’ tickets are just £1!

Book online at www.monkeyworld.org/book-tickets or call 01929 462537.

 

Rockley

Spend an unforgettable 5-day all-inclusive residential adventure week at Buddens Activity Centre with Rockley, where kids stay in the bell tents and enjoy a packed schedule of outdoor fun. With all meals and activities included, it’s a perfect choice for parents with children looking for non-stop adventure. From high ropes and climbing to kayaking and team challenges, each day is about learning new skills, having fun and making friends - all led by their experienced and enthusiastic instructors. Also included, a day at the Dorset Adventure Park.

DATES:  3rd -7th August and 10th - 14th August

They accept Childcare Vouchers

• 30% OFF with code: PRIMARYTIMES

Find out more at www.rockley.org

 

Adventure Kids Club: Unforgettable school holidays packed with adventure

Give your child a school holiday they’ll never forget with the Land & Wave Kids Holiday Club.

Designed for ages 8–14, this exciting programme takes place along the stunning Sandbanks and Dorset coastline, where everyday brings a new outdoor challenge. From paddleboarding and kayaking to beach games and bushcraft, children build confidence, learn new skills, and make lasting friendships. Guided by experienced instructors in a safe, supportive environment, it’s the perfect balance of fun, adventure, and personal growth.

Find out more at  https://landandwave.co.uk/kids-holiday-club/

 

 

 

New Interactive Brambly Hedge Trail

Brambly Hedge and the Swannery have teamed up to create a new interactive trail and story trail for children and families. The interactive trail is based on The High Hills book, along with a charming story trail-based Sea Story from the Brambly Hedge collection. 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 interactive activities, stamp points, and questions to answer, all alongside the swans and discovering more about the unique Swannery.

Also, they have their Abbotsbury Swannery Food & Craft Fair - Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May

Embark on a swan-tastic adventure at Abbotsbury Swannery over the May Bank Holiday weekend! Tickle your taste buds at the Dorset Food and Drink curated food & craft stalls, and don’t miss out on see the new fluffy cygnets of 2026! Please note: No dogs allowed at the Swannery.

Find out more at www.abbotsburyswannery.co.uk

 

 

Upton House Food & Music Festival set to turn up the heat this summer for families, foodies and music fans from June 12th-14th

Festival goers can expect sweet sounds from the food stalls and the main stage, as bangers blast and rolls rock. There’s also plenty of fun for the kids - with rides and a range of children's entertainers across the weekend.

This year the line up includes top UK tributes of Queen, Oasis, Foo Fighters, Bon Jovi, Robbie and Amy Winehouse. Plus, new for 2026, an Ibiza Classics Terrace.

With great pocket friendly prices, buy Adult tickets from £10, Children £5 and Family £27.

 Get tickets: uptonhousefoodandmusicfestival.com

 

 

Parkstone Grammar School

“The staff and students will be delighted to welcome current Year 5 students and families to their open evening on 9th July 2026. 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.

We look forward to meeting you.”

Find out more at www.parkstone.poole.sch.uk

 

The Ultimate Outdoor Party & Holiday Club Experience!

Adventure Pirate

Looking for something truly different for your child’s birthday or school holidays? At Adventure Pirate, they create unforgettable outdoor experiences packed with action, imagination, and fresh air.

Their birthday parties are anything but ordinary. Children can dive into Nerf battles, become explorers in survival parties, cast spells in Witches & Wizards, or take on exciting activities like mountain biking, archery, axe throwing, and shooting. Every party is designed to be high-energy, hands-on, and completely memorable.

During the school holidays, their holiday clubs take things even further. Alongside all their party favourites, children can enjoy team-building games, tree climbing, bushcraft, and survival skills, building confidence, friendships, and a real sense of adventure along the way.

Their experienced team delivers safe, engaging sessions that let kids challenge themselves, get muddy, and most importantly have fun.

Swap screens for adventure. Give them a day they’ll never forget.

Let them be kids.

Find out more at www.adventurepirate.co.uk

 

Nature Nook

The Nature Nook is home for all things outdoors at The Treehouse in Hurn. It is a welcoming space designed to inspire curiosity, confidence, and creativity - encouraging children to explore, develop skills, and connect with nature.

Birthday Parties

If your child loves the outdoors then why not plan a birthday party at the Nature Nook, with a fairy, nerf or bushcraft theme.

Holiday Clubs

Taking place on Mondays and Thursdays during the holidays for children aged 8 to 14 to enjoy a range of nature-based activities such as fire lighting, green wood crafts, and den building.

Discover more: diverseabilities.org.uk/naturenook

 

Westival returns to West Moors on Saturday 11th July, offering a free family day out bursting with community spirit

 From midday to 4pm, Fryer Field will be filled with live music and entertainment, plus a huge vehicle showcase and a variety of stalls. Children will be delighted by Krazy Kev’s magical mayhem, the hands-on craft tent and friendly animal encounters, while all ages can marvel at aerial displays, daring bike stunts and spectacular birds of prey. With free entry and parking, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer’s day.

 Visit www.westmoors-tc.gov.uk for details.

 

Make magical memories at Lighthouse, Poole

Travel back in time with Ice Age Adventure Live (26 May), a laugh‑out‑loud family adventure packed with prehistoric puppets. Feel the beat at Breakin’ Convention (30 May), where electrifying hip hop and jaw‑dropping dance take over the venue. Celebrate creativity and community at Poole Pride (6 June), a joyful, family‑friendly day of workshops, music and fun. Then cosy up for clumsy chaos as Judith Kerr’s beloved story comes alive in The Tiger Who Came to Tea (28 – 30 July), a West End musical delight for ages 3+.

Visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk or call 01202 280000 to find out more.

 

BEAT Street Dance Company

“Celebrating 21 years of BEAT Street Dance Company, we’re proud to continue shaping dancers, culture, and community through passion, creativity, and movement. From our roots to today, BEAT has always pushed boundaries—and next term we’re bringing back one of our most in-demand classes: Flips N Tricks. After being fully booked last time, this high-energy tumbling class returns by popular demand, delivering power, technique, and excitement for dancers ready to level up. Spaces are limited and demand is high, so BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment. Be part of the legacy, feel the energy, and train with the best.”

Find out more at beatcompany.com

 

'A Family Day Out with a Bit of Bite!

If you’re looking for a brilliant family day out that keeps everyone happy, the Cheese & Chilli Festivals tick all the boxes and best of all, kids go free.

Taking place across several stunning locations this summer, the Cheese & Chilli Festivals are a celebration of great food, live entertainment and relaxed family fun. Parents can browse an incredible selection of artisan cheeses, chilli sauces, street food and local produce, while children enjoy a packed programme of activities designed especially for them.

Expect fairground rides, inflatables, face painting, interactive games, live music and plenty of space to run around. There’s always something happening on stage too, from bands and performers to fun chilli-themed competitions (with mild options for younger taste buds!).

The festivals are designed to be welcoming, safe and inclusive, making them ideal for families of all ages. With free entry for children, it’s an affordable way to enjoy a full day out together without worrying about the cost adding up.

Whether you’re food lovers, music fans or simply looking for a lively, friendly atmosphere, the Cheese & Chilli Festivals offer a memorable day out where parents can relax and kids can have fun all in one place.'

Find out more at www.cheeseandchillifestival.com

Poole Harbour Festival to celebrate EPIC 10th Anniversary

Poole Harbour Festival is levelling up - with headliners Kaiser Chiefs, The Fratellis, Groove Armada, Scouting For Girls, Heather Small, and LOADS more acts across six stages. Join us 31st July-2nd Aug 2026 for a fabulous, family friendly summer by the sea!

Packed full of entertainment for all ages, there’s plenty for kids and teens too, with activities, performers, circus skills workshops, and funfair rides!

Family tickets start from £75 (2x adults + 2x child) - What better way to entertain the kids over the summer holidays?

Get Tickets at pooleharbourfestival.com

 

A Roaringly Awesome Family Festival on The Jurassic Coast!

Jurassic Fields Festival, based in Bridport, has now announced the line-up, and what a cracking one it is. You and your family could be joining Scouting For Girls, Feeder, Goldie Lookin Chain, Space, The South and so much more this summer by West Bay on the Jurassic Coast.

With onsite camping, lots of children's entertainment, walk around dinosaurs, rides - as well as the fantastic music and vibes, this is one you won't want to miss!

Weekend Family Tickets start from £193 (2x adults + 2x child). Get tickets here: jurassicfieldsfestival.com

 

 

Birthdays at Farmer Palmers

At Farmer Palmer’s, birthdays are built around children—not squeezed into a two-hour slot. Your child and their friends enjoy the freedom of the whole park, all day, rain or shine, with indoor soft play and real animal encounters keeping every age engaged. They take care of everything—freshly prepared food, a seamless timetable, and a warm, attentive team who look after you from your first enquiry to final goodbyes. Siblings feel included, parents feel relaxed, and every moment feels special. With two adults free per party child, it’s a celebration that values families, creates lasting memories, and delivers a truly effortless party experience. Book online.

Find out more at www.farmerpalmers.co.uk

 

Pokémon fun at Kingston Lacy

Calling Pokémon fans new and old! From 23 May, head to Kingston Lacy near Wimborne to get active outdoors on their Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail. Whether you’re new to the world of Pokémon, you’ve already got fans in your family, or you’d like to introduce the next generation, join us to get active outdoors. Team up as a family to search the garden for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers, and complete your own challenges. There’s no need to book and the trail is free (normal admission applies, free for National Trust members). 

Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy

 

Christchurch Music Festival returns to the Quay this July, bringing three days of live music, entertainment and summer fun for the whole family.

Taking place from 17–19 July 2026, the festival transforms the beautiful riverside setting of Christchurch Quay into a vibrant space filled with music, food and activities for all ages.

Friday evening kicks things off with a lively Soul, Motown and Disco theme, while Saturday delivers a full day of rock, pop, country and dance. Sunday is a dedicated Family & Community Day featuring a mix of live performances, tribute shows and plenty to keep younger visitors entertained.

Alongside the music, families can enjoy a funfair, kids’ activities, street food village and relaxed outdoor spaces, making it easy to spend the whole day by the river.

With tickets starting from just £5 (under 5s go free), it’s designed to be an accessible and memorable day out for local families.

Whether you’re coming for the music, the atmosphere or simply a great day out together, Christchurch Music Festival promises a weekend full of feel-good moments.

Find out more and book tickets at www.christchurchmusicfestival.com

 

Cirque De Crealy - A New Unmissable Spectacular Show This May Half Term

Get ready to be amazed as the magic of the circus meets the excitement of your favourite Theme Park. Packed with incredible circus tricks, high-energy performances & stunts, Cirque de Crealy promises fun, thrills, and wow-moments for the whole family. A Devito's Circus production.

Between shows, enjoy everything Crealy has to offer – from rides and attractions for all ages to outdoor adventures and animal encounters. And just in time for warmer days, they are thrilled to announce the reopening of the Soak Zone - a family water playground.

Book tickets in advance and save £££'s - visit Crealy.co.uk