Family days out in Dorset

Wareham

Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre

★ 4.7 (13,050)

Discover over 250 rescued primates across 20 different species at this award-winning 65-acre sanctuary in Dorset's countryside, featuring wheelchair-friendly paths and family facilities.

Poole

Sandbanks Beach

★ 4.7 (6,749)

This Blue Flag beach in Poole offers families watersports action including kayaking and inflatables, plus beach volleyball and crazy golf, with onsite parking, dining and accessible facilities.

Weymouth

Weymouth Beach

★ 4.7 (6,193)

This traditional Dorset seaside destination welcomes visitors looking for a classic beach day out, though families should note limited facilities including no toilets or baby changing areas on site.

Weymouth

Nothe Fort

★ 4.7 (4,439)

Step back in time at this historic Weymouth fortress where families can explore military history and watch thrilling live cannon demonstrations from The Fort Artillery team.

Weymouth

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

★ 4.7 (3,900)

Explore exotic plants and hidden pathways through these stunning subtropical gardens near Weymouth, featuring an onsite restaurant and full accessibility for families and wheelchair users.

Poole

Upton Country Park

★ 4.6 (4,257)

This 100-acre Poole parkland features beautiful gardens, woodland walks and a tree trail, plus seasonal water displays. Family-friendly with parking, restaurant and picnic areas.

Bournemouth

ODEON Bournemouth

★ 4.5 (4,753)

Treat your family to the latest blockbusters at this 10-screen cinema on Exeter Crescent, with snacks available and wheelchair access throughout the venue.

Weymouth

SEA LIFE Weymouth

★ 4.3 (6,797)

Dive into an aquatic wonderland featuring Europe's exclusive Fairy Penguin colony, plus seals, 2,500 marine creatures and interactive rock pools. Family facilities include outdoor play areas and accessible amenities.

Bournemouth

Oceanarium

★ 4.2 (7,201)

Discover marine life from around the world at this Bournemouth aquarium, home to 150+ species with daily feeding demonstrations and expert talks. Fully wheelchair accessible throughout.

Poole

Farmer Palmers Farm Park

★ 4.7 (2,687)

Get hands-on with adorable farm animals including bottle-feeding lambs and watching milking demonstrations, then let kids burn energy in fantastic indoor play areas perfect for rainy days.

Wareham

Kimmeridge Bay

★ 4.6 (2,903)

Explore this Dorset coastal gem where families can discover marine life in natural rock pools, enjoy snorkelling adventures, and spot fascinating wildlife along the scenic shoreline.

Swanage

Swanage Beach

★ 4.7 (2,276)

A traditional seaside destination on the Dorset coast with sandy shores and an onsite restaurant, though families should note limited facilities and that picnics aren't permitted.

Weymouth

Abbotsbury Swannery

★ 4.7 (1,810)

Meet hundreds of graceful mute swans at this historic colony nestled in Dorset's countryside, where families can enjoy picnics, wildlife watching and accessible facilities for all ages.

Wareham

The Blue Pool

★ 4.4 (2,766)

Experience a stunning natural pool whose waters shift through mesmerising shades, set within peaceful woodland trails where children can spot hidden model squirrels among the trees.

Wareham

Durdle Door Beach

★ 4.5 (2,250)

This iconic limestone arch rising from the sea creates one of Dorset's most spectacular backdrops for swimming and seaside relaxation, with dogs welcome to roam freely on this Jurassic Coast gem.

Weymouth

Bowleaze Cove

★ 4.6 (1,735)

A delightful Dorset seaside spot combining sandy stretches with shingle shores, offering wheelchair access, onsite parking and space for family picnics by the water.

Highcliffe

Highcliffe Beach

★ 4.6 (1,616)

This Devon seaside spot offers safe summer swimming with lifeguards on duty, plus accessible facilities, parking and picnic-friendly shores that welcome families with children of all ages.

Poole

Splashdown

★ 4.2 (3,146)

Experience thrilling indoor and outdoor water slides at this family-friendly aquatic adventure park in Poole, featuring facilities for visitors with young children and accessible entry points.

Swanage

Swanage Railway

★ 4.8 (1,047)

Experience the charm of vintage steam locomotives as they journey through stunning Dorset countryside, offering families an authentic railway adventure complete with onsite dining and accessible facilities.

Christchurch

Snowtrax

★ 4.5 (1,619)

Hit the slopes at this family-friendly outdoor skiing venue in Christchurch, complete with an exciting Alpine-themed adventure park featuring rope swings and other thrilling activities for all ages.

Dorchester

Athelhampton House and Gardens

★ 4.6 (1,358)

Step into centuries of history at this magnificent Tudor manor surrounded by award-winning formal gardens, where families can explore grand rooms, enchanting topiary, and scenic grounds together.

Arfleet

Dorset Adventure Park

★ 4.8 (899)

Jump, bounce and splash your way across floating platforms at this exciting aqua obstacle course near Corfe Castle, where refreshments are available and four-legged friends are welcome too.

Dorchester

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

★ 4.5 (1,287)

Journey through Dorset's rich heritage with family-friendly galleries showcasing local treasures and creative works. Fully accessible with baby facilities, wheelchair hire available for just £1.

Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis Museum

★ 4.6 (1,073)

Discover the fascinating story of Lyme Regis and its world-famous Jurassic Coast heritage through engaging displays and fossil collections. Onsite refreshments available, with convenient parking close by.

Lyme Regis

The Town Mill

★ 4.7 (891)

This historic watermill on Mill Lane welcomes families with an onsite restaurant and convenient nearby parking, though accessibility is limited and facilities are basic for those with very young children.

Ferndown

Hengistbury Head Beach and Reserve

★ 4.8 (771)

This stunning coastal reserve combines a sandy south-facing beach with 162 acres of diverse natural habitats including woodland and meadows, perfect for family picnics and nature walks.

Wimborne

Model Town at Wimborne Minster

★ 4.5 (1,171)

Step into a miniature world with beautifully crafted 1:10 scale replicas, then enjoy oversized chess and mini golf in the gardens. Family-friendly with onsite dining, picnic areas, and full accessibility.

Wimborne

Wimborne Model Town and Gardens

★ 4.5 (1,171)

Step into a charming miniature world where Wimborne's historic buildings are recreated in perfect 1:10 scale, set within delightful gardens that make this Dorset attraction magical for all ages.

Christchurch

Bournemouth Aviation Museum

★ 4.6 (961)

Climb into genuine aircraft cockpits and discover fascinating model displays at this engaging aviation collection near Bournemouth Airport, perfect for budding pilots of all ages.

Bournemouth

TeamSport Indoor Karting Bournemouth

★ 4.6 (959)

Experience the adrenaline rush of indoor go-kart racing on Bournemouth's multi-level track, where families with older children can compete in high-speed electric karts for an unforgettable day out.

Weymouth

Chesil Beach

★ 4.6 (833)

Experience one of Dorset's most famous natural wonders at this striking pebble beach, perfect for coastal walks and picnics, with wheelchair access and onsite parking available.

Poole

Prevail Skatehouse

★ 4.7 (695)

Rolling fun for active families at this skatehouse venue on Ringwood Road, though visitors should note limited facilities and no wheelchair access before planning their visit.

Dorchester

ODEON Dorchester

★ 4.4 (1,038)

This three-screen cinema in the heart of Dorchester offers the latest blockbusters and classic films for all the family, with wheelchair access and snacks available throughout your visit.

Christchurch

Adventure Wonderland

★ 4.1 (1,715)

This family-friendly park on Merritown Lane combines thrilling rides, entertaining performances and animal encounters, with accessible facilities and picnic areas making it ideal for a full day out with children.

Bournemouth

Pause Cat Cafe

★ 4.5 (865)

Enjoy refreshments surrounded by friendly felines at this welcoming Bournemouth venue, offering accessible facilities and dining options for the whole family to savour alongside playful resident cats.

Swansea

Port Eynon beach

★ 4.6 (737)

This expansive South Wales sandy shore offers wonderful opportunities for building sandcastles and enjoying the waves, with on-site parking and wheelchair access making it easy for families to visit.

Bournemouth

Mulligans Bournemouth

★ 4.4 (990)

Enjoy multi-level mini golf fun at this popular Bournemouth venue featuring three exciting themed courses for all ages. Fully accessible with onsite dining, baby facilities and convenient parking available.

Poole

Insanity Arcade

★ 4.6 (652)

A lively gaming venue offering pushchair-friendly entertainment for all ages, complete with baby changing facilities to help families enjoy their visit together.

Blandford Camp

Royal Signals Museum

★ 4.6 (645)

Royal Signals Museum, listed under Museums & Galleries, near Blandford Forum.

Weymouth

SandWorld Weymouth

★ 4.4 (770)

Marvel at spectacular sculptures expertly carved from local beach sand at this unique outdoor exhibition in Lodmoor Country Park, complete with wheelchair access, onsite dining and picnic areas.

Dorchester

The Keep Military Museum

★ 4.7 (498)

Discover centuries of military heritage at this fascinating museum on Barrack Road, featuring accessible facilities and onsite parking for a convenient family visit exploring local regiment history.

Blandford Forum

Laserguys Laser Tag

★ 5.0 (300)

Experience thrilling outdoor combat battles at this Dorset laser tag venue where families can enjoy wheelchair-accessible action gaming, with toilets on-site and the option to pack your own picnic.

Bournemouth

Mighty Adventures Crazy Golf

★ 4.4 (643)

Putt your way through a prehistoric themed adventure course featuring dinosaurs and exciting obstacles at this family-friendly Bournemouth venue with full facilities including restaurant and accessibility options.

Poole

Lemur Landings

★ 4.2 (821)

This spacious indoor soft play centre at Tower Park welcomes youngsters up to 11 with climbing frames, slides and activity zones, plus an onsite café and full baby facilities for family convenience.

Wareham

Corfe Castle

★ 4.5 (501)

Explore the dramatic ruins of this thousand-year-old fortress perched on a Dorset hilltop, where families can climb ancient towers and discover tales of knights, kings and Civil War sieges.

Swanage

Putlake Adventure Farm

★ 4.5 (500)

Meet farm animals and birds before racing go-karts, bouncing on trampolines and enjoying tractor rides at this action-packed attraction in Langton Matravers.

Shaftesbury

Gold Hill Museum and Garden

★ 4.6 (429)

Explore local heritage and stroll through peaceful gardens at this accessible museum located on the famous cobbled street. Family facilities include baby changing areas and nearby parking.

Weymouth

Pirate Adventure Golf

★ 4.3 (601)

Set sail for swashbuckling fun at this 18-hole pirate-themed mini golf course in Lodmoor Country Park, complete with onsite refreshments and facilities for all ages to enjoy together.

Bournemouth

Laser Quest Bournemouth

★ 4.2 (689)

Battle through multi-level arenas at this action-packed laser tag venue in Bournemouth, where families can enjoy futuristic combat games with snacks available and picnics welcome.

Bridport

Seatown Beach

★ 4.6 (364)

Discover this charming Dorset coastline spot where families can enjoy seaside fun, hunt for ancient fossils, and relax with a picnic while taking in stunning views along the Jurassic Coast.

Bournemouth

Lollipops Soft Play Cafe Bournemouth

★ 4.5 (413)

This welcoming indoor play centre on Landseer Road offers youngsters an exciting adventure playground while parents relax with refreshments from the onsite café, complete with baby facilities.

Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium

★ 4.3 (527)

Get hands-on with marine life at this charming seaside aquarium, where children can feed friendly mullet and handle starfish while discovering the fascinating creatures of Lyme Bay.

Christchurch

Red House Museum and Gardens

★ 4.7 (278)

Step back in time at this historic waterside museum in Christchurch, where fascinating exhibits and peaceful gardens await exploration. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds, with convenient parking and facilities nearby.

Dorchester

Warmwell Snowsports Centre

★ 4.6 (304)

Hit the slopes at this family-friendly indoor ski centre where beginners and experienced riders can practice year-round, complete with refreshments, accessible facilities and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

Blandford Forum

Crazy Monsters

★ 4.3 (435)

This fully accessible indoor play centre welcomes families with babies and wheelchair users, offering energetic fun alongside on-site dining—though furry friends must stay home.

Weymouth

Palm House Play Cafe

★ 4.3 (415)

Let your little ones burn off energy at this lakeside play café where kids can climb and explore while parents relax with refreshments, plus you're welcome to bring your own picnic.

Bournemouth

Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, Bournemouth

★ 4.7 (220)

Set sail on a swashbuckling pirate-themed mini golf adventure right on Bournemouth's seafront, featuring accessible courses perfect for family fun by the pier.

Dorchester

The Tutankhamun Exhibition

★ 3.9 (581)

Step back in time to ancient Egypt and discover the treasures and mysteries of the famous boy pharaoh at this accessible exhibition on High West Street.

Bridport

Foxdown Childrens Farm

★ 4.9 (156)

Meet friendly farm animals at this welcoming family venue with full wheelchair and pushchair access, baby facilities, plus dining options or bring your own picnic to enjoy.

Poole

Sandbanks Crazy Golf

★ 4.5 (243)

Navigate quirky obstacles and unexpected twists on this classic seaside putting course, perfect for competitive families seeking traditional coastal entertainment near Poole's famous beach.