The spring half term is already here, the weather is unpredictable and the children need entertaining. If you’re looking for things to do to keep them occupied then here’s some ideas of child friendly places and events in Dorset. Just remember to pack the wellies and the waterproofs if you are venturing outdoors!
FARMS AND ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS:
Farmer Palmers (Poole, Dorset) Suitable for children aged 0-12
Farmer Palmers is a fabulous day out for all the family, children will love petting the animals, playing in the softplay and taking in the countryside. Make sure they dress in old clothes that you don’t mind being covered in mud!
Putlake Adventure Farm (Swanage, Dorset) Suitable for chilldren aged 0-12
Children will adore Putlake, its a real working farm with some awesome extras. The pedal go karts are so much fun! There’s tractor rides, a huge indoor softplay area, outdoor play equipment and lots of different animals to pet and feed.
Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens (Dorchester, Dorset) Suitable for children aged 0-12
Kingston Maurward Animal park and Gardens is a fantastic place to relax and take in the stunning scenery while the children let of some steam, meet and learn about a whole host of animals. Over this half term Kingston Maurward are running lets go wild week which is various free activities including meeting the ponies and feeding the chickens.
SEA LIFE Adventure Park (Weymouth, Dorset) Suitable for all ages
If your children prefer the creatures of the deep to farm animals then the SEA LIFE centre is well worth a visit. There is so much to see and do and so many fascinating creatures to learn about. You can also meet the worlds tiniest penguins and marvel at the sea creatures swimming above you in the tunnel. SEA LIFE are running “Jawsome Sharks and friends” where children need to locate missing Top Trumps around the park to receive a very special reward. https://www.visitsealife.com/weymouth/
Longleat Safari Park (Warminster, Wiltshire) Suitable for all ages
When you’re looking for a big day out for the entire family look no further then Longleat. One of the most spectacular animal parks in the country and home to the largest collection of species of animals it truly is somewhere special. Over this half term the focus is on getting to know the Tigers and meeting the Tiger family. https://www.longleat.co.uk/
PLAY CAFES
Marlowes Makes Imagiplay Centre (Gillingham, Dorset) Suitable for 0-8
The Imagiplay centre is a new play café which opened August 2019. The whole experience is very sensory friendly and the main play room is seasonally themed. The focus is on small world play and imagination with plenty of opportunity for little ones imagination to run wild. Whilst they are playing you can relax with a coffee. If your children are creative there’s also sand painting, ceramic painting kitsand teddy bear making sets available for purchase. https://www.marlowesmakes.co.uk/imagiplay/
Palm House Play Cafe (Weymouth, Dorset) suitable for Pre School children.
Palm house was previously known as blooming kids! It’s a lovely indoor and outdoor play cafe tailored for pre school children and babies. There are beautiful colourful indoor and outdoor play areas which offer creative, educational and interactive play opportunities. They also have comfortable seating for parents within the play areas so you can relax with a drink whilst still keeping a watchful eye on your little ones. If you have older children as well there is a ceramic painting studio on site and battery powered bicycles for hire! https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/attractions/palm-house-play-cafe-9c6f966f
Pause Cat Cafe (Bournemouth, Dorset) suitable for all ages
This one is not strictly a play cafe but amazing fun for all the family! Booking is definitely advisable as it’s extremely popular. Little ones will love sitting down to eat whilst the cats wander amongst guests and tables. Interacting with animals can provide therapy, comfort and promote a sense of well-being. The cafe itself is ethically minded and serves a wide range of artisan vegan and vegetarian food. https://pausecatcafe.co.uk/
OUTDOORS and PLACES OF INTEREST
Kingston Lacy house and gardens (Wimborne, Dorset) Suitable for all ages
In Dorset we are so fortunate to have a large number of beautiful National Trust places to explore. One of the most picturesque is Kingston Lacy. Set in the heart of the countryside Kingston Lacy boasts gorgeous gardens, dog walks and a nature trail for children to follow. There’s always something fun to do. This half term there are Bird kite making activities and a fabulous woodland nature trail. Just make sure you check online as there has been some weather warnings and closure of the woodland trail due to stormy weather. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy
Moors Valley Country Park (Ringwood, Dorset) Suitable for all ages
Moors Valley is a fantastic place for the children to really run off steam whatever the weather. The play trail captures their imagination right from the start and there is always something fun and exciting happening at Moors Valley. If you’re feeling brave you can try the Go Ape trail (Booking essential). Children will love following the trail and playing on the nature themed equipment. There are a number of events over the half term including a nighttime wildlife safari and building a bird box. https://www.moors-valley.co.uk/
Brownsea Island (Poole, Dorset) Suitable for all ages
There are some exciting things happening at Brownsea Island this half term. Ferries will be running every hour from 10:30am to 4pm to transport you to your island adventure. Brownsea Island is famous for Red Squirrels so see how many you can spot! This half term is the first opportunity for visitors to try out the new natural play trail with balance beams stepping stones and climbing frames. Once you’ve exhausted the little ones head to the outdoor centre to toast some marshmallows by the campfire. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island
SOFTPLAY
Softplay is like marmite, you either love it or hate it, Children certainly love it! Whether as a parent you love it or hate it we can all agree that they are fantastic places for children to burn off some energy and run about in a safe environment while you watch on with a coffee or get roped into chasing them around! There are a number of places around Dorset which offer softplay with ballpits, fun squishy shapes and above all slides for children to throw themselves down! All of these softplay centres have dedicated areas for babies and toddlers to keep them safe from the more boisterous children. Below are some links to the best places to go in Dorset.
https://www.crazymonsters.co.uk/index.html (Blandford, Dorset) Suitable for ages 0-12
http://www.coolplay.biz/(Sturminster, Dorset) Suitable for ages 0-12
http://www.thearkpoolepark.co.uk/ (Poole, Dorset) Suitable for ages 0-11
http://www.lemurlandings.co.uk/ (Poole, Dorset) Suitable for ages 0-12
https://www.riversmeetgillingham.org/rivers-meet-riverkidz.php (Gillingham, Dorset) Suitable for ages 0-12
And relax.. It is only a week! Enjoy your time with the little ones! x
Love,
Alma
Whatever you do this half term, make sure that you make memories, take photos and enjoy time with your little ones!