Things to Do in Dorset for Families During the School Holidays

 Looking for fun things to do in Dorset during the school holidays? You’re in luck! From beautiful beaches and wild country parks to charming villages and historic sites, there’s something for every family in Dorset — whether you want to keep the kids busy, make memories together, or simply appreciate the magic of your home county. 

🍦 Spend Time at Our Amazing Beaches 🍦

Did you know Bournemouth Beach and Weymouth Beach made it into Tripadvisor’s Best Beaches in Europe for 2025? (Yes — we’re up there with the world’s finest!)

✅ Bournemouth Beach — Miles of sand, traditional amusements, ice cream stands — perfect for children and families!
✅ Weymouth Beach — Shallow waters, sheltered sand, and plenty of space for games. More of a traditional seaside town
✅ Studland Bay— Much quieter than it's Bournemouth and Poole neighbours - great for a more restful family day by the sea. We particularly love Knoll Beach. Look out for the ice cream boat! 

Knoll Beach, Studland

🍉 Outdoor Adventures  🍉

Looking for something more energetic?
✅ Dorset Adventure Park (Corfe Castle) — Water slides, an assault course, and lakes to splash in — a wild day for children and adults alike!
✅  The Alpine Adventure Park at Snowtrax offers swings, trampolines, super slippy slides, and much more including a pirate ship situated on it's own island— perfect for children who love a bit of a challenge.

🦉 Get Closer to Nature 🦉

✅ Brownsea Island — Take a short ferry ride from Poole Quay and discover peacocks, red squirrels, secluded beaches, and rich wildlife — a magical adventure for children!
✅ Blue Pool — Wander through this tranquil spot near Wareham, where a dramatic pool glows blue and green, surrounded by heathland and forests — a wonderful opportunity for children to connect with nature. Look out for their special events throughout the year, we love visiting at Halloween! 
✅ RSPB Arne Nature Reserve — Amazing trails, rich birdlife, deer, and beautiful views — a perfect spot for a family wildlife adventure in Dorset. 

Blue Pool

🍃 Enjoy Our Country Parks 🍃

✅ Moors Valley Country Park and Forest — Amazing trails, a miniature railway, high-ropes course, playgrounds, a lake, and it's very own Gruffalo  — perfect for children of all ages!
✅ Avon Heath Country Park — Miles of walking trails, wildlife spotting, a children’s play area, and plenty of space for a picnic with the whole family.
✅ Upton Country Park — Stroll through beautiful gardens, explore the woodlands, let the children burn off energy at the large playground, or enjoy a cream tea in the well stocked cafe afterwards

The Gruffalo at Moors Valley Country Park

 🐷Fun for the Whole Family 🐷

✅ Farmer Palmers Farm Park — Petting sessions, bouncing castles, a dinosaur trail, ride-on toys, and much more — a classic Dorset family day out during the school holidays! (Plus the cakes in the Hen House cafe are 10/10!)
✅ Monkey World — Home to over 250 rescued primates — a wonderful blend of education and entertainment for children of all ages.

Meeting a new friend at Farmer Palmers

🦕 5. Dig Into History — And Some Fossil Fun! 🦕

✅ Lyme Regis  — The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — grab a fossil hammer, go fossil hunting with your children, and uncover ancient creatures!
✅ Charmouth Beach and  Heritage Coast Centre — Learn alongside your children about dinosaurs, ancient creatures, and their stories — and then go and explore the rock pools where you might find your very own ammonite to take home

Fossil Hunting on the Jurassic Coast

🎪 Local Festivals 🎪

Dorset really knows how to throw a family-friendly festival — and summer is bursting with music, magic, and muddy knees (the fun kind). Here's what not to miss during the school holidays in Dorset:

✅ Poole Harbour Festival (25–27 July) — Amazing food trucks, live bands, children’s entertainment, and a chilled holiday-like atmosphere — a perfect Dorset festival for families!
✅ Camp Bestival (31 July - 3 Aug) - The ultimate family festival! Think glittery wellies, circus tents, Mr Tumble, fireworks, fancy dress parades, big-name bands, and a dedicated kids’ field full of crafts, theatre shows, and activities. This one’s family festival royalty — a proper bucket-list experience!
✅ DorsetFest (27–28 June) – A charming folk festival in the countryside with live music, craft stalls, children’s games, storytelling, and plenty of space to run wild.

Camp Bestival - Dorset's biggest festival

Whether you're a local looking to rediscover your favourite spots or planning brand new adventures with the kids, Dorset is packed with unforgettable experiences this summer. From beach days and castle explorations to nature trails, festivals, and fossil hunts, there’s something to excite every kind of family. So pack the buckets and spades and get ready for a Summer full of fresh air, fun and memories that’ll last long after the school holidays end.