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Windswept visitors on Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Dorset
Windswept visitors on Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Dorset | © National Trust Images / John Millar

Family-friendly places in Dorset

There's all sorts of things to do in Dorset with the family, including discovering places to explore in gardens, parks, the countryside and on the beach.

What's on for May half term in Dorset?

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail at Kingston Lacy 

Calling Pokémon fans new and old! Get active outdoors on our Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail. Team up as a family to search the woodland for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers and complete your own challenges.

Pokémon Mega Evolution Trails

Nature walks and tractor and trailer rides at Kingston Lacy 

As well as the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail, visit Kingston Lacy for family nature walks, bug hunting, and tractor and trailer rides across the parkland to see the Red Devon cows up close.

A groups of children playing with a huge tree branch

The New Famous Five and the Smugglers Code trail at Studland Bay 

This new interactive trail will have you following a treasure map, cracking codes and having lots of family fun along the way, while discovering secrets of Studland Bay.

An adult helping a child across a tightrope on the beach at Studland Bay

Family Neurodivergent Nature Walk at Studland Bay 

A walk for neurodivergent families to connect and enjoy nature together. Led by ADHD coach Jane Woods and National Trust.

Children walk their dog through the nature reserve at Studland, Dorset

Poo-tastic activity trail at Brownsea Island 

Join us on a quirky trail dedicated to animal droppings. Have a go at games like cow pat frisbee, roll balls like a dung beetle, and try to identify the poopetrator.

Visitors on the beach on Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Dorset

Stories and Seedlings at Corfe Castle 

Grow, explore and time travel this May half term. Join us at Corfe Castle for a fun mix of hands‑on planting and interactive storytelling with the Keeper of the Castle, where families are welcomed as guests from the past.

Man and boy peering through an arrow loop at Corfe Castle

Cerne Abbas Giant Rechalking Family Weekend 

Join us for a special family volunteering weekend, when families with children can get involved in the rechalking of the Cerne Abbas Giant.

Aerial view of Cerne Abbas chalk giant after being re-chalked surrounded by fields and woodland in early autumn in Dorset.

Places to visit with the family

Find all the best places to make a memorable day out for all the family.

Family days out at Kingston Lacy 

There is so much to explore Kingston Lacy from natural play areas to family crafts or taking your bike for a ride through the woodland trail. A visit here is a great day out.

A mother pushing a buggy with a small child alongside walk along a path lined with bluebells

Family fun at Corfe Castle 

Corfe Castle is the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled family day out. There is always something new to explore and join in with a jam-packed programme of events.

Two children play with toy swords in front of Corfe Castle in Dorset

Family-friendly things to do at Studland Bay 

With miles of sand dunes, beaches and sea, Studland Bay is the perfect place for a family adventure at any time of year. Find out more and plan your visit.

A family looking at shells on Studland Beach, Dorset

Family adventures on Brownsea Island 

Famous for red squirrels, wildlife and scouting. A family adventure on Brownsea Island starts from the moment you catch the ferry. There are lots of activities and a wild play area and a café.

Family in the woods at Mottistone Gardens, Isle of Wight climbing over fallen tree with bluebells flowering.

Family-friendly coastline and beaches in Dorset

Discover walks along the coastline or build a sandcastle on the beach.

Golden Cap 

Visiting Golden Cap is always a big adventure. Discover treasure on the Stonebarrow Smugglers' Trail, take on a big challenge and climb Golden Cap, or try out geocaching on the wider estate.

A woman and a man with a baby carrier looking out over the Jurassic Coast from Golden Cap in Dorset, on a bright summer's day

Burton Bradstock 

From bracing coastal walks to views of the Jurassic Coast, a visit to Hive Beach has a number of highlights to look out for.

Couple walk beside the sea at Hive Beach, Dorset in spring

Ringstead Bay 

Unspoilt beach, farmland and cliffs on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site

near Weymouth, Dorset

Fully open today
The shingle beach with the sun rising behind the cliffs in the background at Ringstead Bay, Dorset

Studland Bay 

Four miles of beautiful beaches line the sheltered waters of Studland Bay. The area is ideal for family beach trips and coastal walks.

Aerial view of Middle Beach

'50 things to do before you're 11¾' come rain or shine

The weather can be unpredictable so we've pulled together ideas to help keep the family busy - whatever the weather

Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities to do in spring 

Spring is the perfect time to get started on our list of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’. Here are some of the best activities to try, from stargazing to snail racing.

Children sit with nets at the rock pools at Giant's Causeway, County Antrim

Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities to do when it’s raining 

We've compiled a selection of items from the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ list that are perfect for rainy days, so grab your waterproofs and get involved.

Boy jumping in a puddle. The boy is wearing a woolly hat and wellies
An early morning view across Corfe Castle, Dorset in winter

Discover more in Dorset

Home to everything from an island, ancient coasts and hidden gems to a castle and a house inspired by an Italian palace.