Awesome things to do in Dorset with kids

Dorset is jam-packed with things to do. Add fun and exciting days out to natural green landscapes, stunning beaches and it’s no wonder the county attracts millions of visitors every year. There is plenty on offer for families and here are our suggestions for the best things to do in Dorset with kids.

Adventure Time

Take a walk on the wild side at Moors Valley Country Park. Here you can wander through a peaceful forest, or explore the Play Trail where you’ll find a playground of wooden play equipment. You can cycle on miles of track, or try something new by hiring an all-terrain Segway! There are no entry fees, with your parking cost covering use of the play areas, though extra activities such as the Segway, steam train and Go Ape adventure cost extra. Parking fees range from as little as 80p up to £8.

Dorset’s naval heritage means it is full of castles and forts still standing today. Nothe Fort in Weymouth is one of the most popular. Here you can learn about the history of the structure, see the massive guns once used to fight the enemy, and explore the underground labyrinth of passageways – but beware, they are said to be haunted! Adult tickets cost £7, but this is a bargain for kids with under 5s free and those aged between 5 and 16 paying only £1.

Explore the nature thriving at Brownsea Island. There is heathland and a lagoon, where kingfishers, oystercatchers and other birds live happily, and there is woodland where the island’s famous red squirrels live. For your chance to spot red squirrels, either quietly explore the wooded areas of the island or take a free red squirrel walk with a guide. There are half-hourly boat services to the island from Poole Quay and Sandbanks.

Animal Antics

Take your own cheeky monkeys to visit the recued and endangered primates at Monkey World! Based near Wareham, this sanctuary became famous after appearing on the TV programme Monkey Business, and later Monkey Life. Covering over 65 acres, the sanctuary is home to 250 primates including chimpanzees, orang-utans, spider monkeys and lemurs, many of whom are being rehabilitated. Adult tickets cost £11.25, children aged 3-15 cost £8, or you can purchase a family ticket for £35.

Another unique family activity you’ll find in Dorset is Abbotsbury Swannery. Here you’ll get the chance to walk among a whole nest of swans, and even help hand-feed them! Feedings take place daily at 12 noon and 4pm. There is also a subtropical garden to stroll around, and baby goats to see at the Children’s Farm area. You can choose to pay for one part of the attraction only, or get a complete pass for £17 an adult, and £12 per child. 

Adrenaline Kicks

For those who fancy something of a faster pace, head to Splashdown in Poole. This indoor water park is perfect any time of the year, including those rainy British summer days! You must be brave to take this on, with flumes and slides named Tennesee Twister, Space Bowl and Dragon’s Lair to name a few. There are also small pools and slides for the very tiny children. Admission prices vary depending on whether you wish to spend 2 hours or all day at the park.

If that isn’t enough excitement for you, your family can enjoy a day on outdoor rides at the Adventure Wonderland near Bournemouth. Take a gentle ride on the Flying Elephants or whizz around on the Space Orbiter! Younger kids will love this day out. Tickets to the full park cost £11.95, or £5.95 for children under 2, though it’s worth knowing you save 10% by booking online. 

Families from all over the country flock to Dorset for their holidays year after year, and with this number of attractions they always find plenty to do!