Need to entertain some little ones? Dorset is home to countless attractions perfect for all the family! Find out more about the best Places to Visit with Kids in Dorset
Make the most of the school holidays with five brilliant Bournemouth family days out, from sharks and penguins at the Oceanarium to climbing challenges and the PierZip at RockReef. Discover mini golf in the Lower Gardens, ride the land train across Hengistbury Head or turn Boscombe Beach into an action-packed family sports day. With ideas for toddlers, teenagers, sunny days and rainy weather, Bournemouth offers summer holiday activities for every kind of family.
Enjoy Family Fun All Year Round in Bournemouth. Discover the best family activities — from beaches and adventure parks to the Oceanarium and gardens. Perfect days out for kids in Dorset!
Looking for things to do in Bournemouth? Start with the beach, pier and gardens, then discover pottery painting, indoor adventures, dance classes, outdoor art and neighbourhood walks. This guide combines Bournemouth’s essential attractions with experiences beyond the usual sightseeing list, helping you choose by weather, budget and who you are visiting with. Find suggested day plans, practical booking advice and links to our local guides across Bournemouth, Southbourne, Westbourne, Christchurch and Poole.
Discover five brilliant ideas for a girls’ day out in Bournemouth, from pottery painting and a luxurious coastal spa day to beautiful museum interiors, the PierZip and cocktails beside the sea.
Bournemouth Pier has been named among Britain’s best, celebrating its unique mix of seaside heritage, adventure and entertainment while highlighting its continued importance to Bournemouth’s thriving visitor economy.
Discover Tree of Strings Festival in Abbotsbury, where world-class musicians, emerging talent and a passion for music education come together for a unique weekend of live performances, creativity and community in the heart of Dorset.
Discover everything you need to know about visiting Hengistbury Head, including walking routes, beaches, wildlife, parking, the land train and nearby attractions in Christchurch, Dorset.
Discover seven brilliant things to do in Bournemouth this September, from Arts by the Sea and live music to coastal walks, outdoor yoga and evenings by the beach.
Discover Southbourne Beach in Dorset, including parking, facilities, cafés, nearby attractions and why it's one of the best beaches near Bournemouth and Christchurch.
Dancing Terraces returns to Pavilion Dance South West for summer, bringing free outdoor dance sessions to the Garden Terrace beside Bournemouth’s seafront. Every Friday and Saturday evening in August, visitors can join professional dancers, musicians and DJs for styles ranging from Commercial and African dance to Bollywood, Vintage Jazz, Hip Hop, Ceilidh and Salsa. No booking or previous dance experience is required, making this a relaxed, family-friendly way to enjoy a summer evening in Bournemouth.
Discover the charming Mudeford Quay and the host of seaside activities it offers, from crabbing with the family, to attending one of its annual seafood festivals.
Experience one of Dorset's biggest cultural weekends at the free Arts by the Sea Festival in Bournemouth. This award-winning festival fills Bournemouth Gardens and the town centre with spectacular outdoor performances, live music, street theatre, art installations, dance and interactive experiences.
Celebrate Bourne Free Pride Festival 2027 in Bournemouth, with three days of live entertainment, community celebrations and family-friendly activities at Meyrick Park. Featuring the annual Pride Parade, live music, market stalls and a free Family Fun Day, it's one of Dorset's biggest and most colourful summer festivals.
Find out more about the beautiful Avon Beach, overlooking the scenic blue waters of Christchurch Bay. Perfect for both bathing and watersports, it has everything you need for a fun and memorable day at the beach.
Alum Chine Beach showcases all the qualities that make Dorset's coastline so beautiful: pristine sands, lapping turquoise waves and charming beach huts. Its Blue Flag status speaks to its safe and clean shores, whilst its vibrant promenade and lush, subtropical gardens ensure there is something for everyone.
Experience the Bournemouth Reggae Weekender 2027 at King's Park. One of Dorset's biggest summer music festivals, the event features live reggae, ska and dancehall performances, Caribbean food, family entertainment and a vibrant festival atmosphere. Find event dates, ticket information, opening times, venue details and everything you need to plan your visit to this popular Bournemouth festival.
Looking for free things to do in Bournemouth? From walking along Bournemouth Pier and exploring the gardens to discovering outdoor street art and watching wildlife at Hengistbury Head, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the town without buying an attraction ticket. Our guide brings together free Bournemouth activities for families, couples and solo visitors, with ideas for combining them into a day out and clear advice on extras such as parking and transport.
Rain does not have to put your Bournemouth plans on hold. Explore the rooms at Russell-Cotes, discover marine life at the Oceanarium, try indoor climbing on the pier or challenge friends to bowling, adventure golf and escape rooms. Our guide to things to do in Bournemouth when it rains compares options for families, couples and groups, with booking advice and ideas for putting together a day without spending it outside.
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