Dorset's attractions have everything you need for fun-filled family days out. From waterparks and wildlife sanctuaries, to museums and climbing centres, there's something for everyone in Dorset.
1st May 2025
Dorset's attractions have everything you need for fun-filled family days out. From waterparks and wildlife sanctuaries, to museums and climbing centres, there's something for everyone in Dorset.
Visit Monkey World in Wareham - a 65-acre animal sanctuary that lets visitors gain insight into the lives of its primate inhabitants. Monkey World is involved in international breeding programmes to protect endangered apes and offers a fun and fascinating experience. Plus, there are plenty of cafes and play parks to while away the hours in after watching the monkeys and apes interact!
This award-winning rescue and rehabilitation centre is home to over 250 primates from around the world. Visitors can see chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, gibbons, and many other species in spacious enclosures. There are also daily talks and feeding demonstrations, making it an educational and entertaining experience for the whole family.
Address: Longthorns, Bovington, Wareham, Dorset BH20 6HH
Call: 01929 462537
Opening Times: 10.00-17.00 (September - June), 10.00-18.00 (July - August)
Discover a world teeming with over 1000 sea creatures at Weymouth Sea Life Centre. Walk through the 24-hour Coral Reef Tunnel. Marvel at the penguins, turtles and sharks - along with hundreds of other species. Burn some energy swimming in the Castaway Bay Splash Zone and Pool. Whatever you choose to do, Weymouth Sea Life Centre is a fun-filled haven for all the family!
Address: Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 7SX
Contact: 01305 761070
IG: Adventure Wonderland Christchurch
Find out more about Adventure Wonderland in Christchurch - an award-winning family themepark inspired by the loveable tale of Alice in Wonderland. You can enjoy family favourite rides such asBattle Boats, Wild Bill's Runaway Train and the Turbo Teacups. Don't miss the south's largest hedge maze, or the performances by the resident characters (including Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts). You can even meet them afterwards!
Address: Merritown Lane, Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 6BA
Contact: +44 01202 483444
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park is the perfect spot for fun-filled family adventure!
Ride on a tractor, meet and cuddle the adorable animals, and have fun for hours in the outdoor play areas.
Visitors can meet a variety of farm animals, enjoy thrilling rides, explore the adventure playground, and even take a tractor ride!
Address: Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset BH16 6EU
Contact: 01202 622022
IG: Swanage Railway
Don't miss Swanage Railway - a heritage railway between Corfe Castle and the seaside town of Swanage. The railway opened in 1885 and has been operating ever since with steam trains throughout Dorset.
Address: Swanage BH19 1HB
Contact: 01929 425800
Dorset Adventure Park is an unmissable inflatable waterpark and mud trail attraction - guaranteed fun for all the family! Complete with 18 acres of woodland and the two lakes overlooking Corfe Castle, this excursion is the perfect chance to get messy and enjoy yourselves.
Address: Arfleet Mill Lakes, Studland Road, Corfe, Dorset BH20 5JG
Contact: 01929 505030
Discover the hundreds of birds of prey on display at Dorset Falconry Park - a seven acre bird of prey collection. You can marvel at daily flying demonstrations, learn more about the park's conservation efforts, or (if you prebook) experience handling the birds yourself!
Address: Lewell Mill Lane, Lewell, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8AN
Contact: 01305 250710
Located in Poole's Tower Park entertainment complex, Splashdown is a waterpark with 13 flumes both indoors and outdoors (plus a cafe and bubble spa). It is the perfect spot for an adventurous family day out - maybe even with a bite to eat from one of Tower Park's many eateries afterwards!
Address: Tower Park, Yarrow Road, Poole, BH12 4NY
Contact: +44 01202 716000
Find out more about the largest collection of tanks in the world - Bovington's Tank Museum.
With over 300 vehicles on exhibition from 26 countries, the six halls of the museum are filled with fasinating insights into the history of the tank. Through a combination of interactive displays and real life exhibits, follow the tank's past from WW1 to present day. Make sure you don't miss WW2's Tiger I - the only operational Tiger tank in existence.
This fascinating museum features an extensive collection of tanks and armored vehicles from various countries, with origins tracing back to World War I.
Guests can wander through the exhibits, step inside the tanks, and discover the history of warfare. There are also interactive displays and activities designed for children, ensuring an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
Address: R A C Tank Museum, Linsay Rd, Bovington, Wareham BH20 6JG
Contact: 01929 405096
Opening Times: 10am to 5pm
Visit Moors Valley Country Park - a spot with an abundance of critters and stunning nature views. Walk through the scenic forest, play for hours in the parks, swing in the trees as part of Go Ape! This picturesque zone of nature has something for all ages.
Address: Horton Rd, Ashley Heath, Ringwood BH24 2ET
Contact: 01425 470721
Discover the adrenaline rush of the world's first sea to shore zipline at Bournemouth Pier! This 250m dual-line zip wire can be ridden with family and friends alike - sharing the beautiful view of Bournemouth's coast together. If that somehow isn't enough adventure, be sure to check our Rock Reef's centre on the pier as well. With 28 unique climbing challenges, an aerial obstacle course, and a vertical slide, you are guaranteed to be challenged by this thrilling activity centre. Plus, once you're done, you can always grab a bite at the Rock Reef cafe and observe all the action.
Address: Pier Approach, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AA
Contact: 01202 983983
Whether you're a novice or an expert, Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre offers exhillerating snowboarding, ringos and skiing experiences on the dry slopes. Afterwards, check out the Alpine Adventure Park or Alpine Pub for the cherry on top of this action-packed and family-friendly experience.
Address: Matchams Ln, Christchurch BH23 6AW
Contact: 01202 499155
Nothe Fort - initially built to protect from French Invasion in the 1800s, and then used in both world wars - is now a fascinating museum filled with the secrets of Weymouth's military past. Explore the maze of underground tunnels, discover the nuclear bunker, even sit on the WW2 gun on the ramparts! On second and forth Sundays of the month, you can also watch the uniformed artillery take part in firing drills and musketry. Plus, you can finish the day with delectable sandwiches, scones and refreshments in the on-site Fort View Cafe.
Address: Barrack Rd, Weymouth DT4 8UF
Contact: 01305 766626
Located right on Weymouth's gorgeous coast, Fantasy Island Fun Park is buzzing with attractions, arcade games and soft play areas guaranteed to delight your little ones. With family favourites like the Ghost Train, Ferris Wheel, Bumper Cars, Teacups and more, kicking back and enjoying this classic theme park is the perfect way to spend the day. You can even stop off at the Sunset Cafe or Beach Bar afterwards if you're feeling peckish.
Address: Bowleaze Coveway, Weymouth DT3 6PW
Contact: 01305 834746
Wonder at the impressive sand sculptures in Weymouth's SandWorld Sand Sculpture Park - filled with amazingly detailed works inspired by popular films and shows like Avatar, Dr Who, Sherlock, Star Wars & more. If you're lucky, you might even catch one of the sculptors mid-project! Or, if you want to prolong the family fun, why not try your hand at one of the sand-sculpting workshops that offers expert advice on how to hone your skills?
Address: Lodmoor Country Park, Preston Beach Road, Weymouth DT4 7SX
Contact: +44 07411 387529
Find out more about Kingston Lacy - a vast 1600s family home with spectacular artworks, 8,500 acres of estate (including Badbury Rings and part of an old Roman road), gorgeous gardens, and the largest egyptology collection in the UK. The country manor and its founding family are steeped in history - they gained much of their wealth through involvement in the Atlantic slave trade, and the house as seen today was remodelled whilst explorer William John Bankes was exiled in Venice for homosexuality. Be sure to check out facilities like the second hand bookshop, plant shop, and cafe. All in all, visiting Kingston Lacy is a fascinating and beautiful estate with a rich past and stunning views well worth visiting for a fun family day out.
Address: Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA
Contact: 01202 883402
Discover the millenia of history behind 11th century Corfe Castle - an impressive castle with breathtaking views across Purbeck. You can follow the humorous audio trail as you explore fallen walls and arrow loops, or grab a bite to eat in the tearooms or nearby village. Either way, it's a fun and fascinating experience for all ages.
Address: The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
Contact: 01929 481294
In 1840, famous author Thomas Hardy was born in this very cottage, and it was here that he wrote many of his poems and novels such as 'Under the Greenwood Tree' and 'Far from the Madding Crowd'. It is a secluded and charming cottage, with a quaint thatched roof and gorgeous garden, and it is situated right beside beautiful Thorncombe Wood. Fans of literature will find the visit incredibly fascinating and enriching.
Address: Higher Bockhampton, DORCHESTER, DORSET DT2 8QJ
Contact: +44 01305 262366
Opening Times: 10.00 - 16.00
Take the ferry across to the charming wildlife haven of Brownsea Island - the birthplace of scouting and home to approximately 200 red squirrels. You can follow trails past play areas and fascinating information centres all based around the surrounding heathland, woodland and lagoon. Revel in the stunning abundance of nature at this spot as part of a family adventure you won't forget.
This historic island, located in Poole Harbour, is a haven for wildlife and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore the nature reserve, spot red squirrels and peacocks, and even take a boat trip to see the resident colony of wild wallabies!
Address: Poole Harbour, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7EE
Contact: 01202 707744
Discover Abbotsbury Swannery, a unique wildlife sanctuary on the beautiful Dorset coast. The 600 year-old site is home to a colony of free-flying mute swans and is spread over 25 acres. You can help hand feed the swans at 12.00 and 16.00 every day, paired with a fascinating talk by the swanherd. May to June, you may even be lucky enough to witness a cygnet being born! As well as walking amongst these amazing birds, you can also discover the largest willow maze in England, ride on pedal go-carts, enjoy yourself in the play area, and explore the Swanherd's Hut and History Room.
Address: New Barn Road, ABBOTSBURY, DORSET DT3 4JG
Contact: +44 01305 871858
Opening Times: 10.00 - 17.00
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