Family-friendly things to do at Studland Bay

Children walk their dog through the nature reserve at Studland, Dorset — Children walking their dog in the nature reserve at Studland, Dorset | © National Trust Images/David Levenson

With miles of sand dunes, beaches and sea, Studland Bay is the perfect place for a family adventure at any time of year. Alternatively, just relax and enjoy and ice cream or fish and chips in our beachside café.

Nature journaling for kids

Dates from March - October | 10.30am - 12 noon | Free event but booking essential

A great way to encourage children to explore their surroundings and connect with nature, our guided nature journaling sessions takes families through the woodland, dunes and beaches of Studland Bay. We will talk about what we can see, hear, feel and smell along the way and use drawings, words, poems and stories to record it. Younger children can make a nature bracelet along the way.

To book, and for further information: Nature journaling for Kids

Become a nature detective during May half term

Saturday 24 May - Sunday 1 June| 10am - 3pm | Free to borrow | Visitor reception at Knoll Beach

Do you love nature and enjoy a bit of detective work? Come along to Knoll Beach to borrow one of our nature detective bags. Bags contain binoculars, magnifying glasses, bug pots and activity sheets to help you on your nature finding journey. Sensory bags also available.

For further information: Become a nature detective this May half term

Nature tots

Every Monday in term time | 10am - 11am | Free event | Booking not needed

Explore the outdoors with your little ones at our weekly Nature Tots group – for children up to five years old and their parents or carers.

Nature Tots discover Studland Bay and the landscape around them through activities and stories. The beautiful coastal setting with dunes and woodland makes the perfect location to discover the outdoors through the seasons. Sessions take place during term time.

Find out more: Nature tots at Studland Bay

See all of our events here: Events at Studland Bay

Family friendly things to do at Studland Bay

Head outdoors and get your little ones closer to nature.

Children can run on our miles of coastline, build sandcastles, make beach art and enjoy being outside in nature. Refuel with ice creams and fish and chips from the Knoll Beach Café.

Older children will enjoy the picuresque walk up to the top of Old Harry Rocks and learn about Studlands role in WW2 at Fort Henry near Middle Beach.

Please remember to follow the countryside code when visiting, to help look after this special place.

Old Harry Rocks walking sign | © National Trust Images/ Jon Bish

50 Things to do before you’re 11¾

Are you ready to try out 50 of the wildest most fun-packed things to do in the great outdoors? Whatever the time of year, there’s something here for every explorer. Do your favourite activities over and over again, or try all 50: the choice is yours. Download the activity sheet and find out more.

Planning your family visit

There are toilets with baby changing facilities at Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and Shell Bay, as well as a council run toilet at South Beach.
Beach prams and wheelchairs are available to hire for free from Knoll Beach Office, these can be booked in advance by calling the Knoll Beach Office 01929 450500.
There is hard level access from the accessible car park to Knoll Beach Office, Shop, Cafe, and toilets. Elsewhere at Studland there is varying terrain from soft sandy beaches and dunes to rugged paths in the woodland.