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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.

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 

Winter is a great time 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.

Two children dressed in colourful pink and yellow clothes walk along a path with puddles, surrounded by daffodils

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.

Easter Egg Hunts in Dorset

Join the Easter fun this spring in Dorset. £3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg.

Kingston Lacy 

From the 21 March - 12 April make your way to the Easter adventure field and find egg-cellent activities for the whole family. Be a whisk-taker and complete the rope maze, become an eggs-pert at carrot throwing and complete an egg-streme rabbit racecourse.

3 boys walking on a woodland path on an Easter Trail

Corfe Castle 

This Easter hop into a fun filled day of spring themed games and activities as you explore the ruins of Corfe Castle. From 28 March to 12 April get involved with some garden games, test your aim with a spot of archery, challenge your friends and family to a traditional egg and spoon race, plus much more.

A young girl reads an Easter trail map at Tyntesfield, Somerset

Brownsea Island 

Celebrate Easter with an exciting woodland adventure on Brownsea Island from 28 March to 12 April. Explore our fun, interactive trail to discover the amazing lives of birds. And don’t forget, there’s a tasty chocolate prize waiting for you at the finish.

Child with an Easter trail sheet and spring flowers

Studland 

From 28 March to 12 April join us for a nature themed Easter trail. Explore the dunes and woodland of Studland and learn about the wonderful wildlife with whom we share this special place.

Easter trail through woods

Stourhead 

From 21 March - 19 April hop along to Stourhead for an egg-cellent Easter adventure this spring. Take part in the 10 exciting Easter-themed activities around the garden, and collect your chocolate egg reward.

A child looking at a Easter Trail map

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.