What's On in Dorset this May & June

Throughout May & June

Pottery, Crafts, Cuddly Toy Making & More Create at the Cove, Wareham BH20 5SG

Get creative at this charming and unique all-weather venue. Choose from a variety of craft kits, fossil digging, model making, decopatch, paint your own pottery, colouring & painting, make your own cuddly toy and more. Open daily from 10am–5pm.

Up Close & Personal with Birds of Prey Liberty’s Owl, Raptor & Reptile Centre, Ringwood BH24 3DZ

A fun, thrilling and educational family day. Liberty’s houses a large collection of birds of prey and an indoor reptile house. Observe these magnificent birds flying free or experience falconry first-hand with our Flying Experience Days. 10am–5pm.

4, 11, 18, 28-29, 30-31 May, 8, 15, 22, 29 June

Bikeability Level 1 & 2 Courses King’s Park Cycle Centre, Bournemouth BH7 7AF

Give your child the skills to cycle on today’s roads. Level 1 & 2 cycle training for children aged 10 and over to help build the skills and confidence to ride a bike safely on the road. Saturdays & May Half Term from 9am–12.30pm & 1–4.30pm. Visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/bikeability or call 01202 454636 to book.

4–6, 25–27 May

Go Nuts! Monkey World, Wareham BH20 6HH

Every child who brings an unopened bag of nuts for the primates receives a free Monkey World badge over the Bank Holiday weekend. 10am–5pm. Adult £14, child £10, under 3s free.

5 May

Knob Fest Kingston Maurwood College, Dorchester DT2 8PX

Visit the world-famous Dorset Knob Throwing Festival. Fun attractions include fun Knob Eating, Knob Painting, a Knob & Spoon Race, Knob Darts and a Knob Pyramid. A fun family day out with a difference! 10am–4pm. Adult £5, child <12 free.

Until 6 May

Jawsome Sharks Sea Life Adventure Park, Weymouth DT4 7SX

Take a dive into the deep as a Jawsome Ranger and fulfil the mission of finding the missing shark teeth. Help Professor Finn locate the large Play-Doh model shark teeth in the tanks. Once qualified, Jawsome Rangers get a special Play-Doh gift.

6 May, 3 June

Wildlife Tots Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, Ringwood BH24 3PJ

Fun outdoor play and wildlife discovery activities for the family. For age 2–5. 10.30am–12pm & 1–2.30pm. Booking essential.

10 – 12 May

Diesel Gala Swanage Railway, Swanage BH19 1HB

Swanage Railway’s Diesel Gala and Dorset Beer Festival runs an intensive daily service over the full 10 mile line between Swanage and Wareham. 1 Day Rover tickets on the day: Adult £35, child £25, family £73. Discounts on advance bookings.

11 May

Sooty’s Magic Show The Regent Centre, Christchurch BH23 1AS

Izzy Wizzy let’s get busy! Join Sooty for his brand-new Laugh Out Loud Magic Show! A spectacular family treat with a chance to meet Richard and Sooty after the show! 11am & 2.30pm. Adult £12.50, child £10.50, family £40.

Spring Country Fayre High Mead Farm, Ferndown BH22 9DR

There’s something for all the family to enjoy with children’s play area, small animal cuddle corner, alpaca walks, fun dog show, birds of prey, storytelling and country fayre games. 10am–7pm. Adult £5, child £3, under 3s free.

12 May

Once Upon A Princess Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne BH21 1LT

The ultimate pop Princess party, live on stage! This glittering production features your favourite fairytale Princesses and a soundtrack of top pop hits and movie musical classics. 12pm & 4pm. £12.

18 May

The Amazing Bubble Man Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA

Experience the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and spellbinding bubble tricks. 11am & 2.30pm. Adult £12, child £10 advance.

Wipeout World Rossmore Leisure Centre, Parkstone BH12 4HR

Dash through the 50ft obstacle course. Get unlimited use of nine activities for you and your family to enjoy. Why not compete against the kids? Suitable age 5+. 10am–4.30pm. Advance booking. £9.99.

21 May – 13 June

Matchstick Fleet Exhibition Nothe Fort, Weymouth DT4 8UF

Made entirely of matchsticks and matchboxes, marvel at a special exhibition of model ships, that have taken one man a lifetime to build. Be amazed at the detail and accuracy of the modern warships models on display. 10.30am–5.30pm.

24 – 27 May

Purbeck Pirate Festival Sandpit Field, Swanage BH19 1LA

There’ll be much raiding, pillaging and plundering with pirate stalls, food, re-enactments and entertainment for all ages. 10am–4pm.

25 – 26 May

1940’s Home Front Family Weekend Nothe Fort, Weymouth DT4 8UF

What was life like during WW2? 1940’s war time history is brought to life with Home Front re-enactments, or try the Evacuee Experience and visit secret areas of the fort. Plus 1940’s vehicle displays, live entertainment, themed activities, side shows and stalls. 10.30am–5.30pm. Adult £8, child £2, family £18, under 5s free.

25 – 27 May

Inflatable Theme Park Redland Community Sports Hub, Weymouth DT3 5BA

Experience some of the best bouncy castles and slides in Dorset. Children receive unlimited access to 10 large inflatables, a visit from Mickey and Minnie Mouse and a free face paint. There’s also an under 5’s inflatable area. 10am–12pm, 12.30–2.30pm, 3–5pm. Adult free, child £6.

25 May – 1 June

Family Fairground Baiter Park, Poole BH15 1TQ

Dorset’s favourite family fairground is returning to Baiter Park. Enjoy amazing value for money with a £6.99 wristband for unlimited rides on all the family favourites for two hours! 12–2pm, 2–4pm, 4–6pm and 6–8pm. Come along and enjoy the fun!

25 May – 2 June

50 Things This May Half Term Kingston Lacy House & Gardens, Wimborne BH21 4EA

Have some wild fun over May half-term. Explore the woods and parkland on the Woodland Walk, have a go at some of the 50 Things to do before you’re 11¾ and celebrate birds, bugs and bees with some hands-on activities. 10am – 4pm. Admission charges may apply.

May Half Term on Brownsea Island Brownsea Island, Poole BH13 7EE

Get your children out and about and enjoying nature on Brownsea Island. Grab a free adventure trail or join a special free Minibeast guided adventure, and more to discover the island’s weird and wonderful wildlife. 10am–5pm. Normal admission fees apply.

May Half Term at Kingston Maurward Kingston Maurward Animal Park & Gardens, Dorchester DT2 8PX

Go wild at Kingston Maurward this half term! Explore the stunning parkland estate, discover our friendly farmyard animals, and enjoy a range of kids’ activities. 10am–5pm. Adult £7, child 4-16 £5, child age 3 £2, under 2s free.

Treasure Trail Avon Heath Country Park, Ringwood BH24 2DH

Your treasure awaits you, but first you must embark on an adventure across the heath and through the woods in search of clues to unravel the wildlife riddles for your prize at the end. 11am–3pm. £3.

26 May

West Bay Pirate Day West Bay, Bridport DT6 4HA

Shiver me timbers! There’s pirate mayhem at West Bay harbour with pirate games and entertainment for all the family. 12–5pm. Free.

27, 29 May

Creepy Crawly Show Upton Country Park, Poole BH17 7BJ

Mad 4 Animals returns with their energetic Creepy Crawly Show introducing some exotic animals while encouraging participation. 9.45–11.30am. Child £2.50. Adults & under 2s free.

27 - 31 May

Half Term Pirate Trail & Crafts Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch BH23 4LE

Follow the Pirate trail around the inside of the castle, with crafts and activities in the Dining Room. 10am–3.30pm. £2.50.

28 May

The Biiiggg Bounce! QE Leisure Centre, Wimborne BH21 4DT

Come and try out this Olympic Sport and learn all the moves and routines to make you into a top trampolinist! Socks must be worn. Age 5–12. 10–11.30am. £5.40.

28, 31 May

Multi Sports Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Christchurch BH23 1HW

A fun-packed day in which your child will enjoy a multitude of sports such as hockey, football, tag rugby, dodgeball, swimming and more. Age 5–13. 8.45am–4pm. £19.50 day.

28 – 30 May

Fun First Club QE Leisure Centre, Wimborne BH21 4DT

A daily programme of sporting activities and creative arts and crafts for children aged 5-13. 8.45am–4pm. £19.50 day.

28 May – 2 June

Medieval Mayhem with Fiery Jack Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ

Celebrate May madness at the castle with Fiery Jack and the medieval jester academy. Experience new and different activities during the week to entertain the fools in your family as Fiery Jack and friends hold court. 10am–5pm. Free events. Admission charges apply.

29 May

Pop Up Pottery Avon Heath Country Park, Ringwood BH24 2DH

Sculpt, create and decorate your own spring time decorations from air dry clay. Suits age 4+. 11am & 1.30pm. Booking essential. £8.

29 – 30 May

Bounce, Bend & Boogie Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Christchurch BH23 1HW

A great day to enjoy gymnastic activities, trampolining, swimming and dancing. It’s enough to tire even the liveliest children! Age 5–13. 8.45am–4pm. £19.50 day.

Wild Days Out: Wild in the Woods Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, Ringwood BH24 3PJ

Outdoor fun in the woods cooking up wild treats over the campfire and building dens! 10am–3pm. £21.

30 May

Universarama! Corn Exchange, Dorchester DT1 1HF

Using only silly puppets, ridiculous props and assorted fruits and vegetables, you’ll learn the secrets of the universe! A blend of spectacle, storytelling and cabaret making an accessible, funny and unique family show. 2pm. Adult £8, child £6, family £25.

31 May

Mad 4 Animals Jungle Challenge Barrington Theatre, Ferndown BH22 9TH

With a learning through laughter approach, you will have a great time meeting some incredible animals, no doubt with a few screams along the way! With meet & greet after the show. 10.30am–12pm, 1.30–3pm, 5.30–7pm. £5.

Teeny Topple Adventure Zone QE Leisure Centre, Wimborne BH21 4DT

Unlimited soft play with two new bouncy inflatables for children aged 1–5. 9am–12pm. £3.80.

Wildlife Detectives Avon Heath Country Park, Ringwood BH24 2DH

Put on your detective hats, look for animal tracks, trails and signs and maybe meet a mammal. Suitable age 5+. 9–10.30am. Booking essential. £3.

1 June

Eco Crabbing Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, Kimmeridge BH20 5PE

Find out how to catch seashore crabs without harming them or the other marine life that lives with them, and learn how to look after your catch. 1.30–3pm. £5.

Spring Arts Fest Kings Park, Bournemouth BH7 6JD

With live entertainment, mascot appearances including Paw Patrol’s Marshall, mini funfair and more. 12–7pm. Free entry. Donations to Amelia’s Rainbow charity.

6 – 7 June

Much Ado About Nothing Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch BH23 4LE

The sparring antics of Shakespeare’s erstwhile lovers, Beatrice and Benedick, provide great hilarity for the other members of the household who plot to reunite them. A delicious comedy treat for all the family. 7pm. Adult £13.50, child £5, family £44.

7 June

Fathers’ Day Mini Makes & Bakes Lollipops Play Café, Bournemouth BH4 9EH

Make memories with your child with 30-minute sessions of biscuit making and card and gift making for Father’s Day. For 2-5 years. £7.50 hour.

8 - 9 June

Cheese & Chilli Festival Hurn Bridge Farm, Christchurch BH23 6AD

The only UK show which celebrates cheese and chilli within a family festival setting. With stalls, competitions, live demonstrations and music plus a children’s play zone including Punch and Judy, magician, circus skills, crazy golf, human sized table football, children fun rides and inflatables. 10am – 5pm. Adult £8/£6 advance, child under 16 free.

9 June

Open Farm Sunday Meggy Moo’s Dairy, Shroton DT11 8TP

A fun family day on the farm. Say hello to goats, pigs, lambs and calves and enjoy children’s activities including butter and cheese-making, cupcake decorating and welly-wanging. Free goody bag to the first 50 children. 11am–3pm. Free entry. Donations welcome.

15 June

Family River Dip Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, Ringwood BH24 3PJ

Pull on your wellies for a splash in the Dockens Water river in search of fish. 10–11.30am. £4pp.

Happy’s Circus St Mark’s School, Bournemouth BH10 4JA

This amazing show features acrobats, aerialists, magic, speciality acts, clowns, audience participation and more! Plus stalls and games. Gates 12pm. Starts 2pm. Ticket £10, family £37.

Harry Paye Pirate Day Poole Quay BH15 1HA

Poole celebrates its famous pirate son Harry Paye with a day of pirate themed family fun and entertainment. The event kicks off with the Parade of Pirates followed by muskets and cannon displays. 12–6pm. Free.

16 June

Father’s Day Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Poole BH16 6EU Monkey World, Wareham BH20 6HH

Treat dad to a fun family day out! Dads get free entry to Farmer Palmer’s and 50% off entry at Monkey World with valid vouchers from the venues’ websites.

22 – 23 June

Watersports Taster Sessions Poole Park, Poole BH15 2NE

Rockley Watersports are offering free taster sessions in kayaking, sailing, and stand up paddleboarding (SUP). From 12.30pm Saturday & from 10am Sunday. Free.

23 June

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch BH23 4LE

Shakespeare’s most enduringly popular comedy of love and intrigue, magic and mayhem, is brought to life in this wonderfully funny and exuberant Shakespeare classic. Come and be enchanted too by this exciting and intriguing family production. 7pm. Adult £13.50, child £5, family £37.

Kingston Maurward Summer Open Day Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester DT2 8PY

The perfect day out for all the family. Enjoy live music, birds of prey, pony rides, tractor driving and dog shows, buy local produce, watch demonstrations or head down to the animal park for bouncy castle, soft play and even Guinea pig fishing! 10am–5pm. Free entry.

28 – 30 June

Dorset Moon feat. Museum of the Moon Bournemouth Central Gardens, Bournemouth BH2 6DY

Bournemouth’s exciting new summer arts event features Luke Jerram’s internationally acclaimed Museum of the Moon – a 7m diameter spherical sculpture that’s a fusion of NASA lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound. Free.

29 June

Weldmar Family Dog Show Joseph Weld Hospice, Dorchester DT1 2SL

This annual dog show is great fun for the family and your furry friends. Enter your pooch for £1 and enjoy stalls, food and more. Proceeds to Weldmar Hospice Care. 11am–4pm. Under 3’s free.

Detective Pikachu (PG) Verwood Hub, Verwood BH31 7QE

In a world where people collect Pokémon to do battle, a boy comes across an intelligent talking Pikachu who seeks to be a detective. 1pm & 4pm.

DON’T FORGET to check with the venue before setting off just in case anything’s changed since we went to print. And remember to tell them you heard it first in Families Dorset magazine!