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!
Summer holiday activities for children in Dorset
Updated: 1/5/2015
10 Things to do before Summer’s Up
Before you know it, September will be here and the children will be returning to school. So, in the meantime, how do you intend to spend your summer holiday? Primary Times has created a checklist of 10 Things to Do Before Summer’s Up to make sure you don’t miss out on anything!
1. Explore a Country Park
Children really love the freedom that nature brings, so try to schedule some time to visit the countryside or a country park. Make the visit as exciting and interesting as possible by organising a nature treasure hunt where you create a worksheet with pictures of different animals, bugs and plants for the children to discover on their explorations. For more ideas take a look at the Countryside Learning website - www.countrysidelearning.org
Alternatively, take advantage of the free activities that many local authorities host in recreation grounds during the summer months such as family fetes, live music and even big lunches! Notably, Love Parks Week takes place between 27 July and 4 August. To find out more go to www.loveparksweek.org.uk
2. Go out and get active
Many sports clubs and leisure centres offer a huge range of children's activities at affordable prices. Complete training packages can bring youngsters up to speed on their favourite sport. Why not treat your child to a day at a summer club at the sports centre while you indulge in a much-deserved day to yourself?
3. Pitch Up!
Enjoy an enlightening night lying under the stars and sample the pleasures of living al fresco. Camping out is a fantastic adventure for any child with the added bonus that it doesn’t come with a weighty price tag. Pitch up in the back garden or local campsite, and with your children, master the skills required to put up a tent! And why not live the outdoor experience to the full by firing up the BBQ and tucking into flame grilled chicken or burgers, before an intrepid expedition at dusk by torchlight? On your return you could warm marshmallows by the fire before snuggling in to your sleeping bags under the stars, searching the sky for constellations and listening to all the unfamiliar night time sounds.
4. Blossom in the Garden
Gardens explode with vibrant colours and textures, fragrant smells and buzz with life in the summer months making it a wonderful time for children to acquire basic horticultural skills. Children will love the chance to get muddy, remove worms, inspect tiny bugs and explore this tiny piece of wilderness. You can boost interest by devoting a patch of the garden, back yard or window box just for the children. For ideas and inspiration check out the following websites: www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/gardening_with_children; www.gardeningwithchildren.co.uk and www.rhs.org.uk/children
5. Embark on the Summer Reading Challenge
A spine-tingling adventure awaits children who decide to take part in the 2013 Summer Reading Challenge. This year’s theme is ‘Creepy House’ which ties into the publishing trends for books that thrill without being too scary. Young book-loving adventurers are encouraged to explore the Creepy House, simply by reading six books from the library. To find out more go to www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
6. Enjoy days out at Local Attractions
Those six weeks can crawl idly by, so a welcome treat to a local attraction, zoo, fun park, planetarium or fairytale castle will inject a spark of excitement for all the family. Meeting other parents will allow you to enjoy some adult conversation and swap holiday stories, content in the knowledge that the children are having a great time close by.
7. Wise up on Local History
They’re free, educational and entertaining. Yes, these days local museums offer visitors much more than prehistoric artefacts behind glass cages. Interactive displays captivate children so that they learn without realising it! During the summer holidays, for a nominal fee, many a museum runs workshops especially for children. Local museums are red hot favourite places to visit for culture vultures. Try visiting www.24hourmuseum.org.uk the UK's official guide to over 3000 museums and heritage attractions.
8. Make a Splash
Learning to swim is an important part of a child’s development, and most parents will find structured swimming lessons at local swimming pools, private swimming schools and local clubs. Many local pools run intensive summer courses designed to fast track swimming performance. Ask at your local pool or check out the ASA website - www.theasa.org - for details.
Knowing how to swim will suddenly open up a wealth of new possibilities, allowing a child the chance to test out a variety of other water-based activities such as diving, sailing, visiting water parks, surfing, snorkelling, kayaking and canoeing. And the thrill and excitement of a water attraction or activity will always score highly as a fun way to spend time. Alternatively, if your child would prefer to spend time by the water rather than being in it, there are many free fishing courses suitable for the under 12’s.
9. Make and Bake at Home: When the sun is not baking outside, let your children bake inside instead! Yes, they’ll relish licking the bowl clean and getting their hands covered in gooey cake mix. If you don't fancy sharing your pristinely clean kitchen for the day, then rummage around for the glue, glitter and gum paper and encourage your children to enjoy a messy day creating some artistic masterpiece instead.
10. Sample some local culture
Let your child sample some culture at a local art gallery or watch a musical together. In the summer, many theatres run performances outdoors using as a backdrop the natural setting of a park or historic building. Alternatively, you may wish to grab a bag of popcorn, use your children as an excuse and snuggle down into a comfy seat at the cinema. Let’s admit it – we adults love to lose ourselves in the latest blockbuster too!
Fin-Tastic family fun at The Oceanarium this summer!
Situated on Bournemouth seafront the Oceanarium is the perfect all-weather attraction to visit for some fin-tastic family fun this summer holiday. There is so much to ‘sea, learn and explore’ especially between Wednesday 24 July and Tuesday 3 September 2013.
Home to hundreds of awesome creatures; families will be able to get face to face with all their marine favourites including giant sea turtles, brightly coloured clownfish, stunning sharks, menacing piranhas and new for 2013 the very adorable, yet very mischievous otter family! Plus throughout the holiday, families will be able to enjoy the Meet the Creature sessions, help Feed the Turtles (extra £2 donation in aid of the Oceanarium’s chosen charity), take part in quizzes, competitions and much more. Tickets are valid all day so visitors can enjoy a relaxing break in the family-friendly beach side Offshore Café, which serves Starbucks Coffee and offers delicious hot and cold snacks, meals, refreshments and children’s menus, then re-enter to view the nine daily feeding presentations. Visit www.oceanarium.co.uk or call 01202 311993 or email info@oceanarium.co.uk for further details and to buy discounted tickets online. Find the Oceanarium next to Bournemouth Pier, BH2 5AA.
Get your skates on to Ferndown Leisure Centre this summer
The ever popular Oli’s Roller Disco will continue to take place every Sunday this summer at Ferndown Leisure Centre. The family session takes place from 4.30pm-6pm and costs £3.50 per skater. For more details go to www.olisrollerdisco.co.uk or ring 01202 877468
Breaking News: the BIC is under Alien Invasion!
Ever wondered how thrilling it would be to come face-to-face with a Martian? How about Darth Vader or even The Predator? This summer at the Bournemouth International Centre, get up close and personal with monsters and aliens from some of Hollywood’s biggest sci-fi blockbusters. Enter the atmospheric extraordinary Alien world and see this spectacular collection of movie props and costumes from Star Wars to Doctor Who. This one-off exhibition is a rare opportunity to see pieces of memorabilia celebrating some of the greatest movies and TV shows ever made such as Star Wars, Alien, Star Trek, Doctor Who, Mars Attack, X-files, Planet of the Apes, Red Dwarf and many more. For more details go to www.bic.co.uk or call 01202 456526
Book your place now - Saturday Art School to resume
The Arts University Bournemouth is a specialist university dedicated solely to the study of art, design, media and performance. During the autumn and spring terms it opens its doors to younger students and welcomes them to Saturday Art School, which is an exciting range of arts-based courses for young people in school years 5 to 13. Saturday Art School provides a great opportunity for young people to try out a new subject or focus on something they already have an interest in such as fine art, fashion, photography or more. Courses commence in October 2013. To find out full details of all the courses and enrol visit www.aub.ac.uk/saturdayartschool. For queries phone 01202 363030 or email saturdayartschool@aub.ac.uk
Bookings now taken for Kids Camera Action summer film school
Every year the Kids Camera Action 5 day summer film school becomes more and more popular. Children work with award-winning writers, stunt men and ex-BBC producers plus the young Kids Camera Action crew will spend 5 days writing, shooting and directing a film. All students take turns to be behind or in front of the camera and the final film will be shown at a private screening at a local cinema, which will be opened just for students and their families. So if your child would like to find out what it might feel like to be a star, then this is a good time to find out. The summer film school which runs from 29 July to 2 August, includes a free breakfast club to help working parents. For more details go to www.kidscameraaction.co.uk or call 01202 509089 or email hello@kidscameraaction.co.uk
Stock up on summertime toys now!
Visit the Toy Box in either Sherborne or Shaftesbury for some true summertime fun! In these wonderful toy shops you will find swimming pools, sand pits, play sand, garden games and so much more - the list goes on. The Toy Box also stocks many favourite brands including LEGO, Playmobil, Sylvanian Families, and not forgetting plenty of traditional wooden toys.
The Sherborne shop has a labyrinth of 8 rooms to explore and both shops have a wide variety of tasty traditional sweets to enjoy. The Shaftesbury shop has the added bonus of selling stationery, chocolate bars, cold drinks and ice-creams.
You will find the Toy Box at 7 Cheap Street in Sherborne - call 01935 817193 and also at 59-61 High Street in Shaftesbury - call 01747 850877. For more details go to www.thetoybox.uk.com
Get 20% off nonstop fun at Woodlands
How can you entertain various members of your family when they all want to do something different? Well the varied play zones at Woodlands can provide the answer as each zone has attractions, rides and indoor play for every age group. There is an extensive Zoo-Farm, new Fantasi Forest, TV Character Days, white knuckle rides like the high flying Swing Ship and pulse pounding Avalanche, watercoasters that electrify and then there are gentle rides for little ones too. The fantastic Dinosaur Farm Ride allows children to drive man sized tractors past the massive T Rex and cute baby dinosaurs, plus this summer, the one and only Peppa Pig will be returning to Woodlands on 23 August and will be appearing at various intervals throughout the day.
Rainy days are no obstacle at Woodlands as there are unbelievable indoor Fun Factories to explore. Discover 5 floors packed with climbing, swinging and sliding action, then take off on four great rides including the chilling drop of the 40ft Trauma Tower. The two indoor soft play centres are packed with interactive and challenging activities and the Master Blaster enables young guests to blast balls at buddies in the two Alien Planet Arenas.
The massive Zoo-Farm features cuddly coatis, comical meerkats, amazing birds, and exotic animals such as reptiles, spiders and insects. After a tour of the Zoo-Farm head over to the fascinating Falconry Centre to watch the owls gliding and hawks diving in the brilliant Flying Displays. Remember: Simply buy online to receive a fantastic 20% off a day of nonstop fun which includes all the attractions, fun factories and awesome rides. For more details go to www.woodlandspark.com or call 01803 712598
Swish of the Curtain re-launches its popular summer school
In July and August, the well-established, hugely popular part-time theatre school, Swish of the Curtain will be running a summer school. Participants will have the chance to perform a complete musical show for parents, friends and relatives which incorporates a mixture of drama, dance and song which the children have studied for in just one week. Two age groups are catered for with venues in Bournemouth, Southbourne, New Milton, Ringwood, Poole and Winton. Children aged 3 to 6 years will be able to perform in The Wizard of Oz, whilst children aged 7 years+ will perform Disney’s Camp Rock. These sessions offer children a great opportunity to learn new performance skills and make new friends in a safe and educational environment. Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. All Staff hold full enhanced CRB (DBS) and First Aid certificates. Visit www.swishofthecurtain.com or telephone 01202 418999 for full details. Plus: There’s a special offer for Primary Times readers! Just mention Primary Times when booking and receive a Summer School T-shirt free of charge! (Normal price £10).
Make the ocean your playground with Sorted Surf School!
Sorted Watersports Centre is a large provider of watersport activities in Bournemouth with many activities available for all ages. Sorted Surf School started 5 years ago and has since grown to offer sports and activities such as surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding (SUP), beach volleyball, and beach football and surf life saving awareness.
Sorted Surf School run sessions for children as young as 6 years old+ and for mums and dads too! Daily surf kids clubs take place throughout the school holidays and at weekends, plus there is a dedicated weeklong kid’s camp in the summer holiday for children aged 8 years+.
There is no need to worry about equipment as all is provided as well as changing facilities, hot showers, storage and a convenient café next door for mums, dads or teachers. Sorted Surf School can also tailor make a day for a birthday, school, scout or brownie outing. You will find Sorted Watersports Centre at Boscombe Pier, Bournemouth. For more details go to www.sortedsurfschool.co.uk or call 01202 300668
Make this summer a blast!
Amazing holiday opportunities exist for children throughout the summer in East Dorset and Christchurch.
The Summer Blast brochure includes a colourful and complete listing of activities for all ages taking place at QE, Verwood, and Ferndown Leisure Centres, Priest’s House Museum, Highcliffe Castle, Ancient Technology Centre, The Sting in the Tale Festival of Stories, Christchurch Play Rangers, Go Ape, Moors Valley Country Park, Walford Mill Crafts, Lifestyle Hub, Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne Minster Tennis Club and Wimborne Model Town.
The Summer Blast brochure lists hundreds of wonderful activities for children from sports, arts, crafts, adventure, survival, storytelling, history and play. Download a copy of the Summer Blast from www.dorsetforyou.com/405717 or pick up a free brochure from any of the participating venues or contact tcooper@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk to request a brochure
Even more fluming fun this summer
No family visit to Dorset should be without a trip to the area’s only waterpark, Splashdown, with its fun packed water flumes and slides. New ride “Velocity” is open and it really does live up to its name! A roaringly good welcome awaits those who dare to enter the lair of the resident Dragon. Thrills and spills, laughs and shouts all round as children tumble through the visitors’ favourite, the Mississippi Drifter or little ones can enjoy a splash into Little Buccaneers Splash Zone. Splashdown is open every day – from 9am to 9pm in high season and has free parking and easy access from all routes; follow signs to Poole then brown tourist signs to Tower Park. There is also a new online booking facility. Check for full details before travelling at www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk, or call 01202 716000.
Affordable summer childcare at Osprey Leisure Centre
This school summer holiday Osprey Leisure Centre has scheduled in the usual variety of popular activities for kids aged 5 -14 years and now parents have the option to enrol their children for a whole week for just £55 for 5 full days. This is certainly a benefit for working mums and dads who may be looking for childcare during the school holiday.
Amongst the usual mix of activity days Osprey is now offering an indoor football academy on Tuesdays and Thursdays which when added to the half day multi activity sessions on the same day, gives 2 extra full days from 9am – 4pm which have not been available before.
There is also a competitive swim camp operating throughout the school holiday and a programme of intensive swim lessons for children wishing to improve their swimming skills. Children wishing to collect achievement badges can do so every Wednesday morning at 9.30. For any further information feel free to contact the centre on 01305 824378 or visit www.ospreyleisure.co.uk
Keep cool when it’s hot, and dry when it rains at Paint a Pot
This summer pop in to Paint a Pot at Poole Pottery and have fun designing and painting a masterpiece. Choose from a wide selection of pieces from plates, mugs and bowls to money boxes, picture frames and ornaments. Prices start from just £6 and remember to cut out the advert in this magazine for a money-off voucher.
Paint a Pot is great fun for all ages and helps families keep cool in the heat and dry when it rains! Paint a Pot is open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 10.30 – 4pm, and is ideal for children’s parties and group bookings. You will find Paint a Pot at Poole Pottery at The Quay in Poole. For more details call 01202 -668681 or email enquiries@poolepotteryretail.co.uk
A summer school with a difference - Sing, Dance and Act with Big Little!
Big Little Theatre School founded in 1996 and regarded as a respected acting and musical theatre school, invites children to join them for an action-packed five days of singing, dancing and acting culminating in a unique and exciting themed showcase written by the Big Little Directors. Each child is given a full character part enabling them to develop their skills in an exciting role. The course is suitable for all abilities and students will work in two age groups - from 5 to 7 years and from 8 to 11 years - with a choreographer and Musical Director coming together to produce the show at the end of the course. The children are also involved creatively in characterisation, scene and prop-making and putting together costumes. The course is managed by very experienced creative and pastoral care staff who give the students the best possible experience. Sessions take place in Bournemouth from 29 July to 2 August and in Ringwood from 5 to 9 August. For more details call 01202 434499 or go to www.biglittle.biz
Moors Valley celebrates its 25th anniversary
You may already know Moors Valley Country Park and Forest as a great destination for a family day out with its huge wooden play structures, the authentic narrow gauge Steam railway and the Go Ape Tree Top adventures, but if you haven’t already discovered the huge selection of events available throughout the year, this season is the best time to join the fun as Moors Valley celebrates its official 25th anniversary. This year will see their largest ever programme of events including wildlife discovery days, fishing tuition, adventure bike rides, a railway gala, and the incredibly popular Gruffalo Trail. The official anniversary weekend will take place on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July when the Gruffalo will make an appearance. Plus don’t miss the fantastic display of model railways at Moors Valley railway. For details visit the website www.moors-valley.co.uk or call 01425 470721
Enjoy a thrilling Altitude High Ropes Adventure at Littledown Park
If your family is looking for a thrilling outdoor aerial adventure during the summer, take a look at Altitude High Ropes Adventure at Littledown Park. Ideal for families with children aged 5+ years and upwards, Altitude has two high ropes courses, a climbing wall, power fan descender vertical drop and a speedy zip wire over the Littledown Park Lake. In addition there’s a children’s play park nearby, a café in the Littledown Centre, swimming pools, two giant waterslides, wet and wacky inflatable fun sessions at the adjacent Littledown Centre plus free parking for up to three hours. Save money at Altitude High Ropes Adventure at Littledown Park by booking in advance or pay on the day. Visit www.altitudehighropes.com and www.littledowncentre.co.uk for details.
July events at Pavilion Dance South West
July will see the return of Pavilion Dance South West’s popular dancing terraces and free outdoor dance classes. The style taught on Friday 12 July will be African Dance; Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July will be devoted to Street Dance to fit in with the major Hip-hop event B-town Throwdown. Also held at the Pier Approach, B-town Throwdown will see some of the best Hip-hop crews to be found these days battling it out in the open. Saturday 20 July will bring Africa to Bournemouth for African Dance festival Bloom, a whole day of free outside dance performances and workshops on the Pavilion Dance terraces.
The Pavilion Dance Summer School kicks off on Monday 29 July for a week dedicated to music and its many styles. Three age groups, 5–8 years, 9–13 years and 14–19 years, will explore pop, rock, and urban music, learning high energy choreography and background information on each musical genre. For more information about any performances or events at Pavilion Dance South West, call 01202 203630 or visit www.paviliondance.org.uk
Jolly Boating Weather!
After last year’s disappointing wet summer, Dreamboats in Wimborne is optimistic about the weather this year! So, to help families enjoy the sunshine they would like to offer a massive 20% reduction on the cost of hiring a boat this year. That means families can hire a boat for four people for an hour for just £10! To receive this offer just take this copy of Primary Times with you and show it to the boatman who will reduce the price by 20%.
Also, Dreamboats has arranged a couple of exciting free events this summer holiday. On Sunday 14 July there will be an annual Race Day from 2pm to 5pm. As well as the races there will be teas, a barbecue, music, a raffle and fun games. On Sunday 25 August between 2pm and 5pm Dreamboats will be hosting a Family Fun Day featuring special activities for children, plus there will be refreshments and entertainment. Look at the website www.dream-boats.org.uk for more information, including directions to the River Stour in Wimborne.
A packed summer programme of events at Corfe Castle
This summer at Corfe Castle there will be plenty of brilliant experiences for families. There will be living history displays and hands-on activities for The Festival of British Archaeology on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 and Thursday 25 and Sunday 28 July. The highlight of the summer is of course the popular Medieval Village with Knight and Damsel Academy every day in August. Step back in time to the 14th and 15th centuries and immerse yourself in the Hundred Years War – this is an action packed, family fun day out, with interactive activities for budding knights and damsels, including new displays for 2013. Two performances of Open Air Theatre take place in August, The Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan on Thursday 1 and Babe the Sheep-Pig by Dick King-Smith adapted by David Wood on Thursday 29. There’s also open Air Cinema over the August bank holiday weekend, featuring The Woman in Black on Friday 23, Brave (the awarding winning Disney-Pixar animated family film) on Saturday 24 and Skyfall on Sunday 25. For more details call 01929 481294 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfecastle
Go Green this summer with the Green Community Fair
The Green Community Fair, now in its 3rd successful year will be running Green Areas at the Slades Farm Festival on Sunday 14 July and also at the hugely popular Bournemouth Family Festival on Thursday 25 July. The Main Event is at Shelley Park, Bournemouth featuring a solar powered stage on the Friday 30 and Saturday 31 August which is also the weekend of Bournemouth Airshow. Free activities will include making masks from recycled materials and Giant Bee puppet making workshops thanks to funding from Green Goals. There will be ethical and environmental stalls, face-painting, traditional craft demonstrations and information to inspire families to recycle, reuse and reduce, to become more self-reliant, to grow food, to learn new skills and use public transport - all practical steps to ease the negative impact modern society has on the environment. For more information call 01202 386348
Explore the world of aviation at Bournemouth Aviation Museum
Bournemouth Aviation Museum has over 20 hands-on exhibits relating to the world of aviation and provides an interesting and informative visit for people of all ages to share the enjoyment of the exciting world in the skies. Visiting families will be able to see the piston-powered and jet aircraft and a RAF Rescue helicopter displayed in a spacious and natural setting, plus children will love the chance to clamber into cockpits, twiddle the knobs and imagine they are pilots! Families can enjoy the panoramic view of the busy Airport from the top of the on-site, double-decker bus and also take off in a light aircraft from the Airport opposite in the sit-in flight simulator and fly around the area using realistic scenery. Entry to the museum is £6 for adults and £3 for children aged 3-16. Free car parking is available. Bournemouth Aviation Museum is open all year – from 10am to 4pm during the winter and from 10am to 5pm in the summer. For more details call 01202 473141 or go to www.aviation-museum.co.uk
Coda Music presents a summer Rock and Pop Academy
For older siblings, Coda Music is offering a summer Rock and Pop Academy for 11-19 year olds from 22 to 26 July from 10am-4pm. This is an intensive 5 day course, held at Coda Music Centre, Walkford, Christchurch, BH23 5QL, where students will stretch their instrumental and/or vocal skills, play in a band, write songs, receive specialist advice and guidance from a host of professionals, take part in a recording session and perform to friends and family. To book, call 01425 276161, email: contact@coda.org.uk or go to www.coda.org.uk
‘Water Lotta Fun’ With New Battle Boats at Adventure Wonderland!
This season, Dorset’s popular theme park is now officially bigger and better than ever with the introduction of the new Battle Boats water ride!
This new water ride with 6 boats with on board water jets allowing you to spray others has become an overnight sensation! But beware of the lighthouse with revolving water jets of its own - you will get wet but you’ll have the time of your life!
There’s also the totally new look Cuddle Corner Farm with a varied selection of animals to see and learn about, including alpacas, Pigmy goats, Saddleback pigs, lambs, chicks, ducks, ponies and turkeys along with rabbits and guinea pigs. What’s more there are even opportunities to feed and walk some of these friendly farmyard creatures.
Another new attraction is the Dragon’s Drop Megaslide which has already proved to be hugely popular with some of the braver young visitors who just love to plunge down this giant inflatable, time and time again!
But it’s not just young visitors who go to Adventure Wonderland – this season the theme park has a number of fantastic and fabulous characters calling in on the ‘all inclusive’ guest days, including Katsuma from Moshi Monsters on 13 July, Peppa Pig on 29 July, Captain Barnacles from Octonauts on 20 August and Tree Fu Tom on 28 August. Plus, of course there are still over 30 other rides and attractions including the park’s characters, Will Bill’s Runaway Train, Turbo Teacups, The Ghostly Galleon and Polly Drop - all in a magnificent parkland setting with the natural hedge maze, Happydrome Theatre and vast Wild Thing indoor Aztec adventure play centre. For further information visit www.adventurewonderland.co.uk or call 01202 483444.
Sing, dance, pretend, play - where will your child’s imagination take them today!
If your little one loves pretending, role-play, singing, dancing and playing games, then they’ll love the exciting new classes from Pyjama Drama. Pyjama Drama’s motto is, ‘Sing, dance, pretend, play; where will our imagination take us today?’ and this very much sums up what happens in a class. Every session is an amazing journey of the imagination; one week participants might be visiting the man on the moon, the next they could be taking a poorly pet to the vet, getting ready for a party at the palace or swinging through the trees with the monkeys! There’s no repetition of classes so it’s always fresh and children never get bored.
Pyjama Drama’s number one priority is to encourage children to use their amazing imaginations and have lots of fun! If you’d like your child to try a Pyjama Drama class, there is a very special summer programme starting in the summer holiday. For more information email gina@pyjamadrama.com or visit www.pyjamadrama.com or call 01202 232393
Get closer to nature this summer at Kingston Lacy Estate
This summer let the kids run wild and get closer to nature as Kingston Lacy is celebrating the outdoors and creating childhood memories with the brilliant “50 things to do before you reach 11¾”. From den building to bug hunting, from making mud pies to bird watching, create a summer to remember. Download or pick up your map of activities and begin exploring the 8,500 acres of countryside at Kingston Lacy Estate. Join the team every Monday from 29 July to 2 September for ‘wild art’ and crafts in the woods (weather permitting), alternatively in the Study Centre. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingstonlacy or call 01202 883402.
Al fresco fun and games at a castle campsite by the sea
What better way to kick off the school summer holidays than with a trip to Camp Bestival from 1 to 4 August? Set against the backdrop of Lulworth Cove and Dorset’s dramatic Jurassic coastline and with a host of the UK's most beautiful must-see landscapes, fantastic wildlife sanctuaries and theme parks only a stone's throw away, it’s the ultimate destination for a family break at a castle campsite by the sea. The wonderful pop-up world of Camp Bestival is built for your pleasure around the majestic Lulworth Castle – a stunning location, steeped in history, providing one of the best campsites ever for a family festi-holiday! Add into the mix four days of amazing music, live shows, and over 100 things for kids to do, and its non-stop fun all the way.
This year’s key attractions include meet Erth's lifesize dinosaurs, a Son Et Lumiere fireworks extravaganza, a Freestyle Sports Park featuring pro-riders open sessions, the Four Corners treasure hunt, Under the Dragon’s Wing’ woodland fire trail, boutique camping under the stars, medieval jousting, the ‘Greatest Sandpit’ ever, falconry and a Birds of Prey display, 80 games around the world tournament, ‘Wild Things’ bushcraft workshops, Kawa Circus, evening campfires in the Soul Park, Jurassic crime scene investigates and shadow puppetry and storytelling in the woodland story den. There’s so much more to enjoy, so head to www.campbestival.net for all the latest news
Families get animated this summer at Dorset County Museum
This summer there’s so much going on at Dorset County Museum. The new family exhibition, ANIMATE! opens on 13 July and will reveal the wonderful world of film animation over the last two centuries. Children can make their own animated films and participate in workshops to learn how it’s done. A series of talks will provide a fascinating insight behind the scenes of famous animated films.
During the school holidays there are Dino Club sessions on 6, 13 and 20 August especially for the under 7s. Regular family activities also run throughout the holidays on Wednesday mornings and are always popular. Three of the sessions will take up the animation theme of the summer exhibition. All Dino Club and family activities in 2013 are generously sponsored by Battens Solicitors and are free! Contact the Museum on 01305 756827
Companion Dog Show and Fun Day - Sunday 4 August
Enjoy a fabulous day filled with fantastic prizes, competitions, tasty food, lively bands, refreshments, eclectic stalls and fun at the Margaret Green Animal Rescue centre this summer. Dorset’s oldest and largest animal rescue charity will be holding its Companion Dog Show and Fun Day on Sunday 4 August 2013 which is sure to be a brilliant day out for all the family with every penny raised going directly to animal care. The Dog Show and Fun Day will take place in Church Knowle, at the animal sanctuary and visitor centre, just behind Corfe Castle. Margaret Green Animal Rescue is also holding one of the qualifying dog show classes for Martin Clunes’ Dog Show – Buckham Fair! For more information or to adopt or sponsor an animal call 01929 480 474 or visit www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk
Budding archaeologists to flock to The Priest’s House Museum this summer
The Priest’s House Museum and Garden in Wimborne Minster, Dorset, has fun for all the family this summer. On Saturday 20 July, the Earth Detectives event will give budding archaeologists the opportunity to put on a hard hat and try their hand at a mini excavation, along with quizzes, trails and other hands-on activities. On Thursday 15 August, the ‘Garden Mini Beasts’ event will offer fun art and craft activities for all the family. Meanwhile the Ermine Street Guard will be paying a visit to the museum on Saturday 31 August, when visitors will be able to discover the life of a Roman soldier on campaign. Visit the Priest’s House Museum and Garden website for further events and activities, and to find out more about the new annual pass which offers up to 2 free children per adult (excluding some special events). You will find the Priest’s House Museum and Garden at Wimborne Minster. For more details call 01202 882533 or go to www.priest-house.co.uk
Enjoy a packed calendar of events at Devon’s Crealy
The summer is even more exciting at Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park with its packed calendar of fantastic events as well as plenty of rides and attractions to keep the whole family entertained whatever the weather!
Boasting over 100 acres of fun and attractions, the multi award winning adventure park provides the perfect day out for the whole family featuring over 60 rides and attractions including the newest additions, The Safari Express and Jungle Wars. Guests to Devon’s Crealy can enjoy thrills and spills galore on Maximus the Roller Coaster, the Flying Dutchman Swinging Galleon and many more. Cool down on the Vortex Water Coaster, the Tidal Wave Log Flume and in the Soak Zone on a hot summer’s day. With the friendliest animals in the Animal Kingdom and 75,000 sq ft of undercover play and outdoor adventure areas, there is something for everyone.
Throughout the summer holiday Crealy will welcome a different children’s TV character every Monday to meet and greet their fans including Rastamouse, Octonauts, Mike the Knight and Peppa Pig. Plus, there are mini shows with Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder. Visit www.crealy.co.uk to book your advance tickets online and receive up to 20% off. Validate your tickets on your first visit and enjoy 7 days of fun for the price of 1.
Enjoy some monkey business at Monkey World
Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all the family at Monkey World, Ape Rescue Centre in Dorset this year. The 65-acre park is home to the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Life’ and ‘Monkey Business’, and provides sanctuary for rescued and endangered primates from around the world. The park is well laid out and spacious for both humans and primates alike. While away the hours watching the monkeys and apes interact, then let the kids use up all their energy in the huge Great Ape Adventure Play Area. The cafés serve good value hot and cold food or there are numerous picnic areas to be enjoyed, plus a well stocked gift shop! You can also support Monkey World in continuing their rescue and rehabilitation work by ‘Adopting a Primate’, which includes a free entry pass to the park for a whole year! For more details visit www.monkeyworld.org
Sizzling summertime fun on the slopes
Ok, it may be summer but there are still plenty of good reasons to slope off to Snowtrax in Christchurch this July and August. What is promised is an action-packed exhilarating day the children will simply love. Even though the sun may be shining children can still enjoy hours of fun sliding down the slopes – ski-bobbing or ringo-ing. Plus, afterwards they can run wild afterwards in the Alpine Adventure Park. For more information call 01202 499 155 or visit www.snowtrax.eu
Leaping Lemurs – it’s time to play!
Lewey the Lemur wants some new friends to play with at the huge soft play centre on Tower Park, formerly Monkey-Bizness, where he lives, so why not swing on by and give it a try? There’s loads of space for your little lemurs to run about, leap, climb and explore, plus it’s perfect for mum’s meet ups (or dads, grandmas or grandpas). Lemur Landings is also a brilliant place for parties, is great value and there’s no clearing up to do afterwards - that’s got to be worth considering! Also, just in, there’s a new WOW toys play arena for under 5’s too. Lemur Landings is open every day from 9.30am until 6pm (except Christmas and Boxing Day).
Find out about membership which offers a great discount to the play centre and Splashdown Waterpark on the website - www.lemurlandings.co.uk - or give the friendly team a call on 01202 740500 to find out more.
Farmer Palmer’s delights in working with children and animals!
Watching the delight on the children’s faces as they observe a milking demonstration or listening to the roar of excitement when they first meet a cute piglet makes the owners of Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park realise that their decision, to combine working with children and animals, was completely justified as it is as exciting now as it was when the farm park first opened in June 1998.
The ability to learn, adapt and progress has kept this family business strong and has made it an award-winning attraction. Trip Advisor agrees as Farmer Palmer’s has won their Excellence Award for two years running.
“In the early days”, said David ‘Farmer Palmer Senior’, now 77, “My alarm clock would go off at 5.30am. I worked very hard, milking our 110 cows, making hay, growing corn, maize, silage and market garden vegetables, which I sold locally in Wareham. My wife, Pat, ran the house and brought up our children who also eventually helped on the farm.” It was his son Phillip who put forward the idea to turn the family farm into a tourist attraction. Together with Sandra, his sister, they make a successful formula, each with a different role within the company.
“We would be nothing without our wonderful team of loyal, dedicated staff,” said Sandra. “They never cease to amaze us with their creativity and enthusiasm. This can be seen in the smiles around the Farm Park.”
Looking to the future the team are really excited about their green plans for the farm which includes a biomass boiler for the farm heating system, a new milking demonstration and education barn. Go to www.farmerpalmers.co.uk or call 01202 622022 for more information
Magic, story-telling and history at Wimborne Model Town
Go back in time to explore Wimborne as it used to look in the 1950’s at Wimborne Model Town. Wander through the streets of 1/10 scale buildings with detailed shop fronts armed with free quiz and puzzle sheets for all ages. The award winning gardens include a large outdoor chess board, putting green and Wendy Street for younger visitors. A new developing feature is the Sensory Garden designed with visual impairment in mind. Also, indoors and freshly constructed, the 00 gauge railway offers push button interaction in a yesteryear setting. After browsing the model town, stop by at the tea shop for morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon cream teas.
This summer the resident funny magician entertainer, Mervin Cole Magician Entertainer, will perform on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout August.
On Wednesday 21 August at 7pm the Sting in the Tale Storytelling Festival will host “A Candle Evening” with Tree House Theatre at Wimborne Model Town. This is interactive family theatre for children aged 3–12 years. To book tickets and to find out more about exciting family events at Wimborne Model Town call 01202 881924, email info@wimborne-modeltown.com or go to www.wimborne-modeltown.com
Brownsea Island celebrates its 50th anniversary
This year Brownsea Island is celebrating its 50th year and will commemorate the occasion with an outdoor festival. So much work has been undertaken to care for the island and increase public access, and this year the National Trust has been working hard to promote all of the incredible ways that visitors can enjoy the island, from wildlife walks to children’s trails and adventure activities. It has launched a new tree climbing trail and will be running events all year to celebrate 50 years of the great outdoors. Families will be able to learn more about the history, spot incredible wildlife or explore this stunning island set in the middle of Poole Harbour.
The 50 year anniversary celebrations on Brownsea continue this summer with lots more ways for families to get involved. There is a wildlife trail, mini beast safaris, wild art workshops, den building, an archaeology festival and a very special apple day. So why not go along at this special time and make the most of everything this incredible island has to offer? For more details take a look at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island or call 01202 707744
A jam packed summer of entertainment at the BIC
There’s a jam packed summer of entertainment at the BIC and Bournemouth Pavilion this year. Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat will arrive in town from 20 to 24 August with Steps star starring Ian ‘’H’ Watkins taking the lead role. Then CBeebies favourite double act Chris and Pui take their roadshow to the Pavilion on Bank Holiday Monday 26 August.
The Roller Coast roller rink provides a healthy all-weather activity at the BIC from 20 July to 1 September costing just £4.50 with free skate hire, and next up, the family can get up close and personal with monsters and aliens from some of Hollywood’s biggest sci-fi blockbusters and the Alien Invasion Exhibition from 20 July – 25 August. For full event listings for the BIC and Bournemouth Pavilion visit www.bic.co.uk
Get active this summer at Dorchester Sports Centre
Join Dorchester Sports Centre from 22 July to 2 September for a full or half day camp complete with swimming, team games, a bouncy castle and lots of outside sporting activities. If your child doesn’t fancy a whole day of activities, then there are shorter 1 or 1 ½ hour wet activities available such as total wipe out, learn to dive, synchro, plus starts and turns. There are less wet activities also available such as netball, tiny kickers, football or badminton. For details call 01305 858400 or go to www.1610.org.uk/centres/20/dorchester-sports-centre
Get in touch with nature at Honeybrook
Honeybrook, a unique Victorian farm in the countryside north of Wimborne, offers beautiful chalk stream meadows with farm animals, loads of fantastic play activities and a huge park of discovery. There are newborns, ponies to ride and groom, riding lessons, all sorts of animals to see and a programme of activities throughout the day. Tractor rides take visitors further into the country and Pets Corner offers cuddles and information on smaller furry friends. In addition there are large playgrounds, a famous Jumping Pillow, an enticing Water Jet Pad and a Grand Summer Fayre on Saturday 20 July. Throughout the holiday, Honeybrook will be running ‘Wildskills’ which offers outdoor thrills, wildlife adventure and outdoor survival skills lead by knowledgeable rangers – this is ideal for 7-9 year olds and the 10-12’s. Check the website for more information at www.honeybrook.com or call 01202 881120 or email info@honeybrook.org
Escape a hectic schedule at All Fired Up!
All Fired Up ceramics cafe is a wonderful place to meet friends, enjoy time with family or simply escape a hectic schedule. Families are encouraged to paint one of the many ceramics from an extensive display or ask about the special ordering service. Then they can choose the paints, pencils, stencils, stamps, brushes and palettes which are provided. The friendly staff will be on hand to help should inspiration be needed. Next, visitors simply get creative and paint! There are no rules; everything's a work of art and everyone's an artist. A few days later, the unique masterpiece will be ready for collection.
Ceramic items are individually priced and start at £5. Studio fees start at just £3 which includes painting, glazing and firing of the ceramic. Pre-booking is recommended. After a busy morning or afternoon creating a work of art, be tempted by All Fired Up’s freshly made sandwiches, delicious cakes and Italian coffee – then simply sit back and relax. For more details go to www.allfiredupceramics.co.uk/bournemouth.htm or call 01202 558030