Two children play with toy swords in front of Corfe Castle in Dorset — Children dressing up and playing at Corfe Castle in 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.

Ready for a fun-filled summer? Take part in Summer of Play throughout the school holidays, sponsored by Starling Bank, and create memories with the whole family.

A woman holding a babay wearing a sun hat with rainbow of ribbons in the background

Kingston Lacy

Discover a summer jam-packed with fun for all ages in Kitchen Garden. Play with giant building blocks, visit the story garden, race on bouncy strawberries or join one of our pop-up events. 10:00 - 16:00, from 19 July to 7 September.

Corfe Castle

Hop into a summer of fun at Corfe Castle and discover a variety of games and activities throughout the ruins. Explore play zones at Corfe Castle to get your legs and minds racing. 10:00 - 16:30, from 19 July to 31 August.

Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island’s Summer of Play is packed with family fun, from Wild Wednesdays nature activities and Survival Saturdays bushcraft skills to creative Hapa Zome art workshops. With trails, games, and pirate-themed adventures like Treasure Island Day, it’s the perfect spot for kids to explore, learn, and play outdoors.

A child plays in the sand on the beach at Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire

Studland Bay

Enjoy a range of free games to suit a variety of interests and ages including giant snakes and ladders, badminton, volleyball and sensory play every Wednesday throughout the school summer holidays. (Weather dependant). 10:00 - 15:00, 30 July to 27 August

Stourhead

Just over the border at Stourhead join us for endless fun at the Stableyard and the Summer of Play Meadow. Scramble up the mighty straw castle, aim for gold at the archery range, or race through the meadow maze to find the hidden camp. 10:00 - 16:00, from 5 July to 2 September.

A girl holding up a pebble with a fossil in it on a beach in Yorkshire

Creative Coast Club at Hive Beach

Every Wednesday throughout the summer, enjoy free, family-friendly sessions of art, yoga, and nature play led by local creative partners. No booking needed - just turn up and explore the coast through hands-on fun, imagination, and seaside adventure.

The Festival of Archaeology is the biggest archaeological celebration in the UK and is organised by the Council for British Archaeology. Whether you’re an archaeological amateur or the next Indiana Jones, there are plenty of opportunities to discover more about the places in our care this July.

A child digging in contains as part of the Festival of Archaeology

Time Team Weekend at Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle welcome Time Team and their Geodome to celebrate all things archaeology on 19 & 20 July. The weekend will include guided walks around the castle, talks and activities including have a go at a mock excavation, spot the difference between Roman and Anglo-Saxon poo, Medieval dress up, archaeology demonstrations, blacksmithing, and stonemasonry.

A large detached, red brick Victorian home in summer. The garden is in bloom in the foreground.

The New Hardy Players at Max Gate.

Discover the hidden history beneath Max Gate, Thomas Hardy’s former home—unknowingly built atop a 3200 BC Neolithic enclosure, older than Stonehenge. Unearthed burials and a mysterious ‘Druid Stone’ inspired Hardy’s poetry and lifelong fascination with archaeology. Join The New Hardy Players on 26 & 27 July for live readings in the garden, 11:30am–3:30pm.

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

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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.

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Family days out at Kingston Lacy

Auutum 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.

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

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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.

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

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Family adventures on Brownsea Island

Famous for red squirrels, wildlife and scouting - reopens spring 2025

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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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Ringstead Bay

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

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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.

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

Two children in coats and wellies walk along the path with umbrellas up towards East Riddlesden Hall, Yorkshire

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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.

Children enjoy a swing at Osterley Park and House, London

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

Plan an adventure this summer with our activity guides for children. Try everything from floating in a boat, to rock-pooling, identifying animal poo and fossil hunting.