ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A FANTASTIC SUMMER ACTIVITY FOR YOUR CHILD? ✨
The Artori Academy may have the answer! We are so excited to share our Summer School with you! A whole week of thrilling activities, with visiting West End Professional guests! 🌟
Running 10:30-15:30 every day 14th-18th August at The Corn Exchange, Blandford, your child will experience a week of fun and friendship they will never forget! ⭐️
During the week with us your child will have a chance to experience:
🌟 Acting
🌟 Stage combat
🌟Singing
🌟 Prop making
🌟 Dancing
🌟 Special effects makeup
🌟 & so much more!
All this for only £30 a day! Message The Artori Academy now to reserve their place! ✨
Bring history to life by embarking on a guided Roman tour of Dorchester’s historical sites with your own Roman guide from Dorchester Roman Tours! March alongside a Roman soldier as you explore the ancient and rich heritage of Dorchester, known by the Romans as Durnovaria.
Tours run Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, at 11am & 2pm.
Careys Secret Garden is an extraordinary destination that offers an array of delights for families seeking a memorable and enriching experience.
Nestled amidst lush greenery and blooming flowers, this enchanting garden provides a haven of tranquility and wonder, making it a perfect place for families to explore together. Children can immerse themselves in the true magic of a ‘real’ Secret Garden, and discover natural play areas to engage in imaginative play, fostering their creativity and physical development. We hope little wildlings will grow a sense of appreciation and responsibility towards nature.
Grown-ups will love the experience too, with guided tours available on Fridays. Come explore the rich biodiversity within the garden, hear how the garden was found, and understand our vision for the future.
For those seeking relaxation, Careys provides ample space for peaceful moments. Families can enjoy delicious refreshments amidst the picturesque surroundings or find solace in the shade of towering trees while engaging in quiet conversations. Come and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Careys Secret Garden is a true gem for families. With its enchanting atmosphere and diverse planting this garden offers an unforgettable adventure where children and adults alike can create cherished memories together.
Join us for summer holiday fun the whole family will enjoy. Tank displays, kids’ activities, a new exhibition, and more!
From 22 July – 3 September, why not dive deep into history with a family day out at The Tank Museum. See explosive tank displays with mock battles and expert commentary, 1pm Monday – Thursday until 29 August and get into the arena yourself with tracked vehicle rides, available every day until 28 August.
Explore The Tank Museum’s powerful exhibitions and over 300 military machines, full of interactives suitable for all ages, with games, trails, puzzles and hands-on activities. Spend time discovering our new exhibition ‘Tanks for the Memories: The Tank in Popular Culture’, which displays how the tank has become a cultural icon through toys, models, comics and film.
Kids can let off steam in the museum’s indoor soft play or on the new outdoor tank-themed play area, before refueling in the museum restaurant or cafe. Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to see the vehicles not on public display in the Vehicle Conservation Centre, open every day.
Experience the biggest day out in history this half term at Dorset’s largest indoor visitor attraction!
Please check our website for times and prices.
Visit the world’s only managed colony of swans, take on the maze and enjoy exploring! A particular highlight is the twice daily feeds, at midday and 4pm.
Tel: 01305 871130
Visit Athelhampton House & Gardens to explore the stunning property and visit the delicious cafe! Look out for special events, like concerts and local markets.
Tel: 01305 848363
A brilliantly created maize maze, for hours of outdoors fun! There’s a mini maze for little legs and a cafe onsite, or you’re welcome to enjoy a picnic.
Tel: 07375 360567
Bridport Carnival has lots of events running throughout the week, including the grand procession. Other events include the royalty’s crowning, a quiz, bingo, darts competition, live music, a torchlight procession and fireworks!
12th – 20th August 2023
Visit Brownsea Island and explore this unique place! It’s got lots to offer, including a lovely play park and cafe, so is a perfect day out for the family. There are a variety of activities over the summer holidays, including an open-air theatre presentation of Romeo & Juliet.
26th July – 11th August 2023
Tel: 01202 707744
Visit this hidden gem for lots of activities over the summer, with things to do from toddlers to adults, there’s something for everyone! Booking is required, please see the website for further details.
Tel: 07927 132148
Decorate a pot, plant summer flowers and loads more! Various dates throughout the summer holidays – booking is recommended.
Tel: 01747 822242
Shell Bay is offering a range of pop-up beach games, including giant snakes & ladders, badminton, volleyball and more, free of charge.
The games will be around 300m from Shell Bay car park.
There’s a saunter through the sunflower field, as well as PYO sunflowers and refreshments including local ice cream and cake.
Tel: 07966 849876
Enjoy a selection of summer games at Corfe Castle, with options like giant Jenga, archery and skittles, there’s something for everyone. Standard admission applies.
22nd July – 10th September 2023
Tel: 01929 481294
The trails return to Moreton, available throughout the summer. Once you have completed the trail, claim your prize!
Suitable for all ages and buggy-friendly, Moreton’s trails are brilliant. Maps available from the shop, no booking required.
Tel: 01929 462243
Celebrate 250 million years of Dorset’s history! Look out for special, child-friendly events, as well as FREE museum after hours sessions and Roman Town House tours.
Tel: 01305 262735
Visit Durlston for a Time Traveller’s activity trail! Take a trip through time and learn about the prehistoric to now, at the country park. £3.50 per trail pack.
18th July – 10th August 2023
Later on in the holidays, become a pirate and follow the map around the park to find the treasure! £3.50 per map.
11th August – 2nd September 2023
Also look out for exclusive children’s days at the park, including crafts and themed learning, some require prebooking.
Tel: 01929 424443
Enjoy the enchanted garden and trail at Minterne Gardens this summer. The trail takes about an hour, with the pack including a map, colouring book, pencils and wishing tree ribbon.
Normal entrance fees apply. Open throughout the holidays, booking online recommended.
Tel: 01300 341370
Explore the Jurassic coast in a different way with Fore Adventure, go foraging by kayak or enjoy a family paddleboarding session. Booking is essential.
Tel: 01929 761515
Blandford Arts Hub are running creative activities throughout the summer holidays. Booking is available through the Free Expression website.
Tel: 07942 373246
Kingston Maurward is bringing another great trail. Find all the clues before collecting your goody bag! Maps and stickers available from the Estate shop. Open 10am – 4pm every day.
Tel: 01305 215000
An easy 45-minute circular walk around Lodmoor Country Park, exploring the trees. The leaflet is available online or from the kiosks in the park.
Tel: 01305 838000
Address: Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, DT4 7SX
Visit the beautiful Lulworth Castle and grounds, perfect for the whole family. Look out for events over the summer too!
Tel: 01929 400352
Lyme Regis lifeboat week returns for 2023, with lots of different activities on offer, raising money for the RNLI, including a duck race, lifeboat station visits & much more!
22nd – 29th July 2023
Lyme Regis carnival week includes loads of activities, as well as a stunning procession. There will be duck races, murals, sailing events, a torchlit procession, children’s treasure hunt, dog show and so much more!
4th – 12th August 2023
Visit Mapperton Gardens, with children under 5 going free, to explore the house and grounds. Look out for events throughout the year too. Pre-booking online is advised.
Tel: 01308 862645
Visit the fort during the holidays for a great, interactive day out. There is an event programme running too, including Songs in the Sun and Fort Fest – see the website for more details and booking.
Tel: 01305 766626
Enjoy lots of different sea-themed activities in Portland, including loads of watersports taster sessions, swimming with mermaids, a crabbing competition, storytime and lots more!
For full details, see Portland Week on Facebook or online.
21st – 27th August 2023
Tel: 01305 866190
The RSPB Arne trail is great for the whole family. Your chance to explore the nature reserve from a whole new perspective! Trails are available from the shop, daily from 9.30am – 4pm, with all profits going towards Arne’s upkeep.
Tel: 01929 553360
Visit this family-friendly attraction throughout the summer, with this year’s theme ‘Science Fiction’! Explore the sand sculptures, workshops, giant sandpit and lots more.
Tel: 07411 387529
Join our family fun nature trail in the garden this summer. Follow the trail around the garden discovering interesting facts about the nature at Sherborne Castle & Gardens throughout the seasons. Complete the answers to the questions and collect your prize from the ticket box at the end of the trail. Standard admission applies.
31st July – 3rd September 2023
Tel: 01935 813182
Explore historic cells, dress up, discover stories of the museum’s past and much more. Booking available online, or pay on the door. Admission fees applies.
Tel: 01305 261849
Brewery Square in Dorchester are providing free activities throughout the summer holidays! See the website for more details and timings.
Tel: 01305 267777
Enjoy the sunshine (or any other weather!) at Farmer Palmer’s with lots of open space, soft play, animal interactions, tractor rides and lots more. Pre-booking online is essential.
Tel: 01202 622022
Visit the historic Swanage Pier to learn more about the area, join in with their local events, like fish & chip cruises, or simply enjoy the views. Cafe available and dogs welcome.
Tel: 01929 425806
Ride on the traditional steam railway along the Jurassic Line to experience the delights of Swanage, Corfe and the surrounding areas. Booking is advisable.
Tel: 01929 425800
This will be a fantastic week of fun and entertainment with lots of activities on offer. More than 100 activities are planned, including air displays, live music, sports, firework displays and the carnival procession!
29th July – 5th August 2023
Visit the beautiful Symondsbury Estate to explore, enjoy their regular events, visit the farm shop and lots more.
Tel: 01308 424116
Visit the stunning Blue Pool for a lovely day out, there’s accessible walks, play areas, a scrummy tearoom and lots more! Look out for summer activities too.
Tel: 01929 558150
The Sunflower Trail at Maiden Castle Farm returns for 2023! The trail will take around 40minutes to complete, but there is a shorter option that is perfect for buggies and wheelchairs. You can take a picnic and enjoy the day, as well as getting lots of photos. There is even a pop-up cafe on site for snacks and drinks.
Tel: 07855 457522
Visit The Keep in Dorchester to learn all about the Devon & Dorset Regiment’s influence and involvement on the town! Keep an eye out for special events throughout the hoildays too.
Tel: 07586 161872
Holiday sessions suitable for ages 8-12. Activities include feeding animals, crafts, games, pony care, quizzes and loads more! More information & booking on the website.
Address: 43-87 Coombe Valley Rd, Weymouth DT3 6NL
Enjoy themed workshops through the summer, suitable for ages 4 – 12 years & parents/carers must stay. Tickets need to be booked online, in advance.
Tel: 01308 807053
Intensive swim school for children aged 3.5+. Lessons need to be booked in advance, with different time options available.
Tel: 07964 189287
Wednesdays throughout August in Wareham offer different entertainment each week, starting at 6.30pm, and culminating with fireworks at 10pm. There will be stalls, rides and music on Wareham Quay. Information on specific week’s acts is available on their Facebook page.
Tel: 07790 986445
Visit the centre’s Beneath the Waves exhibition to discover the secrets of Lyme Bay, alongside how our marinelife is being protected. Entrance is free, but donations are appreciated.
18th March – 31st October 2023
Tel: 01308 427288
Toy library at Weymouth beach, the first of its kind in Dorset, aims to reduce single-use plastic waste. There will be lots of beach toys available to borrow and use for your beach trip, that you can return at the end for another family to enjoy. The added bonus of not having to transport (quite so much) sand home!
Available every day on the seafront in Weymouth.
Tel: 07791 990171
Free fireworks displays during the summer, with all events on Weymouth seafront, starting at 9.30pm. Further information, including travel options, are on Weymouth Town Council’s website.
31st July, 14th August & 28th August 2023
Tel: 01305 239839
A week of displays, fundraising events and lots of fun for the whole family!
23rd – 19th July 2023
Tel: 01305 785817
