This is the only place in the world with a colony of nesting swans that you can visit. There are two mass feedings each day which are not to be missed! A swan maze is a great challenge for all the family and there are lots of special events throughout the year.
Tel: 01305 871130
Address: New Barn Rd, Abbotsbury, Weymouth DT3 4JG
Family fun for all, giving love and cuddles to the animals. You can even give them a groom. They can’t wait to meet you all.
Open weekends – 11am-2pm
Adults £5 / Children £3
28, Sherborne Causeway, Shaftesbury, SP7 9PX
Falconry park across seven acres of nature park, offering more than 100 different birds of prey, in addition to demonstrations and handling experiences.
Tel: 01305 250710
Address: Lewell Mill Lane, Lewell, Dorchester, DT2 8AN
This community farm on Portland has free entry and free parking. Open every day from April-October. There are lots of animals, including wallabies, goats, ducks, chickens, geese, pigs, owls and more, with cups of food available to buy and feed to them.
Tel: 07810 485351
Address: Glacis, Portland, DT5 1FR
This all-weather attraction is perfect for under 8s. There are animals, go-karts, ride on tractors, parks, dinosaurs and softplay, plus much more!
Visits need to be booked, which can be done online.
Tel: 01202 622022
Address: Farmer Palmers, Wareham Rd, Organford, BH16 6EU
This unique setting enables you to spend time with animals, including walking alpacas! Camping is also available. Animal interactions need to be pre-booked.
Tel: 07554 675543
Address: Bridevalley Farm, Higher Kingston Russell, DT2 9ED
This free attraction is brilliant for all ages. There’s some animals, outdoor play area, softplay, cafe and lots of opportunities for exploring the grounds.
Free entry & free parking.
Tel: 01305 215000
Address: Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8PY
This traditional, family-run, aquarium offers a fantastic insight into the sea creatures of the Jurassic coastal water. It includes sea creatures, different presentations and historical exhibits.
Tickets can be bought online. Open February to October, 7 days per week.
Tel: 01297 444230
Address: The Cobb Lower Walkway, Lyme Regis, DT7 3JJ
This primate rehabilitation centre is a good day out for animal lovers. There are various talks throughout the day, as well as a big outdoor play area and refreshments.
Prebooking is advised and the venue is completely cashless.
Tel: 01929 462537
Address: Longthorns, Wareham, BH20 6HH
A family-friendly farm with tractor rides, animals, outdoor play areas and a giant indoor softplay. Camping is also available during the summer months. There’s a cafe for refreshments, as well as interactive experiences, like bottle feeding animals.
Recommended for children 0-10 years.
Tel: 01929 422917
Address: High St, Langton Matravers, Swanage, BH19 3EU
This aquarium has 13 different zones with more than 1000 creatures, making it a full day out for the family. There’s also a great playground and splash zone for summer days!
Pre-booking is essential.
Tel: 01305 761070
Address: Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, DT4 7SX
This tearoom is based on a working farm, it has delicious cakes and the opportunity to explore, visiting the farm’s animals. There is also a popular savoury menu.
Tel: 01929 480519
Address: East Creech, Wareham, BH20 5AP
The Ranch offers lots of opportunities for interaction with animals, including preschooler sessions and yoga with goats! Look out for their seasonal activities too. All information, and booking on their website.
Address: Coombe Valley Road, Weymouth, DT3 6NL
This free garden is perfect with or without kids. There is a lovely cafe, some farm animals and a small playpark.
Free entry and free parking.
Just down the road is also Moreton Ford, for a paddle in the sunshine!
Tel: 01929 462243
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Rd, Moreton, DT2 8RG
This 20-acre farm has lots for the whole family to enjoy, with plenty of animals, a play area, maze, picnic areas, pig racing, tearooms and an indoor softplay.
Tel: 01308 897160
Address: Coast Rd, Swyre, Dorchester, DT2 9DB
