Top Things to Do for Children

Watersports

Mudeford Quay
Mudeford Quay is situated at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour and provides spectacular views out to sea and back to Christchurch town. There are a range of water activities available, as well as being a great area for picnics.
Mudeford Quay, Christchurch BH23 4AB (30 minute drive)
07867 575280

Parks

Poole Park
In Poole Park you will find that there is something for all the family. One of the most popular activities with the younger visitors is feeding the ducks and swans on Swan Lake. There is also the miniature railway which winds its way round Swan Lake, again very popular with the children and fathers! By the lake you will find The Ark, an extraordinary adventure playground for children, where you can try the spiral slide, rush down tube slides or have a ball in the huge ball pool. For parents there is a restaurant, where if the sun is shining you can relax on the patio safe in the knowledge your children are having fun and are safe.
Poole Park, Parkstone Rd, Poole BH15 2SF (25 minute drive)
01202 739073

Dolphin Watching

Sea Fishing Poole
Dolphins are becoming an increasingly frequent sight within the waters of Poole Bay. They can show up anytime from around April and sightings have been reported as late as November. Initial sightings are always by chance as it is impossible to know where and when they will be seen. Sightings can sometimes be frequent over several days but sometimes there may be weeks between sightings. Places on the boats will be filled on a “First come, first served” basis. The cost to enjoy a dolphin watching experience which will last between two and four hours is £30 per head. If dolphins are not spotted during the trip, then you will only be required to pay £10 (fuel costs).
Fishermans Dock, The Quay, Poole, BH15 1HJ (35 minute drive)
01202 679666 | www.seafishingpoole.co.uk | [email protected]

Zoos & Aquariums

Oceanarium
Marvel at fascinating creatures from above and below the waves! Come face to face with sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, dwarf crocodiles, jellyfish, clownfish and the very cute otter family.
Pier Approach, West Beach Bournemouth, BH2 5AA (5 minute drive)
01202 311993 | www.oceanarium.co.uk

Marwell Zoo
Explore Marwell Zoo and get closer to the wonders of the natural world. 100s of animals, including giraffes, tigers & penguins. 140-acre park, train and 3 adventure playgrounds. Daily talks and animal feeds, as well as cafés and gifts.
Thompson’s Ln, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JY (50 minute drive)
01962 777407 | www.marwell.org.uk/zoo/

Museums

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Known as Bournemouth’s Victorian Treasure. Over 1,000 objects and works of art on display.
East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, BH1 3AA (5 minute drive)
01202 451858 | www.russellcotes.com

Bovington Tank Museum
The Kuwait Arena is the home of the external action-packed Tanks in Action displays with lifelike explosions, thundering engines and expert commentary.
Linsay Rd, Bovington BH20 6JG (45 minute drive)
01929 405096 | www.tankmuseum.org

Railways

Bournemouth Land Trains
These scenic land trains take you along the beach between Alum Chine, Bournemouth Pier and Boscombe Pier. There’s also a new route taking you to Boscombe Precinct and Boscombe Chine Gardens Bournemouth and Boscombe Pier (5 minute drive)
www.bournemouth.gov.uk

Theme Parks

Adventure Wonderland
Adventure Wonderland is a family theme park situated in the village of Hurn, near Bournemouth, United Kingdom. The park offers rides and attractions aimed at families with children up to the age of 12.
Merritown Ln, Hurn, Christchurch BH23 6BA (15 minute drive)
01202 483444 | www.bournemouth.gov.uk

Paultons Park
Home of Peppa Pig World is located in the village of Ower, near Romsey, in Hampshire, England. The theme park has 70 rides and attractions.
Paultons Park, Ower, Romsey SO51 6AL (35 minute drive)
www.paultonsbreaks.com

Farm Parks

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park
Hands-on animal experiences for your children and plentiful play areas, all in a safe and welcoming environment.
Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset BH16 6EU (30 minute drive)
01202 622022 | www.farmerpalmers.co.uk | [email protected]

Rock Climbing

RockReef
Complex featuring a rock-climbing wall, ropes course, zip line & cave-themed tunnels with ball pits.
Bournemouth Pier, Bournemouth BH2 5AA (5 minute drive)
01202 983983 | www.rockreef.co.uk

Paint-It-Yourself Pottery

All Fired Up
Airy, bright cafe to buy and paint ceramic mugs, plates and tiles, serving coffee and sandwiches.
35-37 Bourne Ave, Bournemouth BH2 6DT (10 minute drive)
01202 558030 | www.allfiredupceramics.co.uk/bournemouth.htm

Poole Pottery
For real Poole Pottery enthusiasts a visit to the Poole Pottery on the Quay shop and studio is a must. On the ground floor you can watch several skilled artists at work. Have a go at painting your own masterpiece in the Paint a Pot area. Choose from a wide selection of pieces including mugs and plates, money-boxes and animal figurines, from £6 per item. Your item is then glazed and fired in the Poole Pottery kilns and ready for collection in a few days.
The Quay, Poole BH15 1HJ (30 minute drive)
01202 668681 | www.poolepottery.co.uk

Water Parks

Splashdown
Splashdown is home to 13 thrilling indoor and outdoor flume rides and three under-5s splash zones.
Yarrow Rd, Poole BH12 4NY (25 minute drive)
01202 722917 | www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk/poole/

Beaches

There are a number of great beaches nearby: –
Bournemouth, Boscombe, Branksome and Sandbanks