Enjoy fantastic family events such as the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival

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Family Events

With warmer weather than the rest of the UK, soft sandy beaches, and a ton of traditional seaside attractions, Bournemouth is a great place for a family day out, quick getaway, or summer holiday. And we put on hundreds of events throughout the year to make sure that everyone is entertained during their stay.

In the spring, kids can get involved in the Bay Run. There’s a 1K fun run with a fancy dress theme, so they can start getting out and about as the resort heats up. Then there’s lots to do over the Easter holidays – from egg hunts to craft workshops, so your little ones can enjoy their days away from school beside the seaside.

Once we get into the heart of the summer season, there are a great selection of events and festivals to be enjoyed across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.

One of the largest is our very own Bournemouth Air Festival! Families come to enjoy four days of action in the air, out at sea, and on land. It all takes place along Bournemouth’s award-winning seafront, and there are 1 1/2 miles of stalls, rides, games, and demonstrations to wow visitors of all ages. In August, be dazzled by our Friday night fireworks – a great way to make the most of the balmy summer evenings.

As we come into autumn, Bournemouth does anything but hibernate! There are half-term and Halloween events at our visitor attractions and museums, as well as our very own Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival. A celebration of dance, theatre, comedy, art, performance, film, and more features free and family-friendly events in and around the town at a variety of venues – some are even roaming outdoor shows!

In November and into the New Year, celebrate Christmas in Bournemouth.

And as if that wasn’t enough, all year round we’ve got family-friendly shows at theatres in and around the resort, including the Bournemouth International Centre, Pavilion, and the Lighthouse in Poole.

So, what are you waiting for? Rally the troops, pack up your bags, and head to Bournemouth for a fun-filled and carefree break beside the sea.

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Featured Events

Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival

Bournemouth

Arts by the Sea is a celebration of art, culture, people and place.

Dates

From:

27 Sept 2024to29 Sept 2024

Events

Miniature Steam Festival on Poole Quay

Poole

The marvels of steam will take centre stage as Poole Quay plays host to a bygone era of magnificent miniature steam engines..

Dates

From:
21 Sept 2024Open 10:00 - 18:00
'Fox & Cubs Club' dads and kids activity sessions

Upton, Poole

Find out more about the nature on your doorstep by getting active and creative at our monthly Fox and Cubs Club sessions, designed for Dads and Kids to spend some quality time together.

Venue

Upton Country Park, Poole

Dates

From:
28 Sept 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
26 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
30 Nov 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
WACKADOO! Bluey is visiting Swanage Railway!

Station Approach, Swanage

Come and see everyone's favourite Blue Heeler at Corfe Castle Station on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September.

Dates

From:
28 Sept 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00
From:
29 Sept 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00
BattleZone Laser Tag Apocalypse with New Forest Activities

Beaulieu

Our fan favourite BattleZone just got a whole lot scarier! Paint the battlefield dead as your ghoulsome troops creep up on the enemy, using infra-red technology guns to spook your way to victory.

Dates

From:
19 Oct 2024Open 16:00 - 18:00
From:
21 Oct 2024Open 16:00 - 18:00
From:
23 Oct 2024Open 16:00 - 18:00
From:
25 Oct 2024Open 16:00 - 18:00
From:
26 Oct 2024Open 16:00 - 18:00
Canoe Halloween Treasure Hunt with New Forest Activities

Beaulieu

We'll head out in our stable Canadian canoes on the hunt for devilishly delicious Halloween candy along the riverside.

Dates

From:

19 Oct 2024to24 Oct 2024Open 11:00 - 13:00

From:

25 Oct 2024to27 Oct 2024Open 14:00 - 16:00
Halloween Pumpkin Archery Shooting

Beaulieu

We've put a spooky twist on our archery sessions for October, with ghosts, ghouls, zombies and werewolves acting as your new targets.

Dates

From:

19 Oct 2024to27 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30

From:

19 Oct 2024to27 Oct 2024Open 12:30 - 14:00

From:

19 Oct 2024to27 Oct 2024Open 15:00 - 16:30
Quiet Mornings at The Tank Museum

Wareham

Quiet Mornings at The Tank Museum are aimed at anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to The Tank Museum.

Venue

The Tank Museum, Bere Regis & Surrounding

Dates

From:
19 Oct 2024Open 09:00 - 11:00
Spooky Halloween River Tour with New Forest Activities

Beaulieu

Come in your best fancy dress and head out on the water in illuminated canoes, stopping along the way to hear ghoulish ghost stories from your nighttime guide.

Dates

From:

23 Oct 2024to31 Oct 2024Open 18:00 - 20:00
Little Murmur Workshop

Bournemouth

This 40 minute workshop is based on the Little Murmur performance that will be taking place in our Ocean Theatre at 1pm and 4.30pm.

Venue

Pavilion Dance South West, Bournemouth

Dates

From:
26 Oct 2024Open 14:30 - 15:15
Celebrate Halloween with 'The Shining' Dining Experience at Key West

Bournemouth

On Halloween Thursday 31st October 2024, we welcome you to Key West on Bournemouth Pier where you will enter a 1920s Cocktail Soiree to end all soirees.

Dates

From:
31 Oct 2024Various Opening Times
Firework Night Cruise

The Quay, Poole

Join us for the best seats in the house as you sail through Europe's largest natural harbour past Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula, Studland Bay and more.

Dates

From:
5 Nov 2024Open 19:00 - 20:15
November 5th Fireworks

Poole

FREE Firework Night on Poole Quay! No better way to spend bonfire night.

Dates

From:
5 Nov 2024
Red squirrel walk and cream tea in the castle

Poole

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to visit the island out of season and catch sight of the red squirrels as they scurry across the forest floor in search of food.

Venue

Brownsea Island - National Trust, Poole

Dates

From:
7 Nov 2024Open 13:00 - 16:00
From:
14 Nov 2024Open 13:00 - 16:00
From:
21 Nov 2024Open 13:00 - 16:00
From:
28 Nov 2024Open 13:00 - 16:00
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland

Bournemouth

Spectacular Christmas tree trail, enchanting illuminations and seasonal family fun! Experience the magical spectacle of hundreds of glittering trees from around the world!

Dates

From:

23 Nov 2024to31 Dec 2024
Sail with Santa at Poole Quay

Poole

Santa has taken a break from all of his hard work in the North Pole this winter to join us on our Sail with Santa cruises around Poole Harbour.

Dates

From:

30 Nov 2024to31 Dec 2024Open 11:00 - 16:00
Poole Sail with Santa

The Quay, Poole

Every Saturday and Sunday in December up to 22nd December plus Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th December – Sail with Santa himself!

Dates

From:

1 Dec 2024to24 Dec 2024Various Opening Times
BattleZone: The Great Grinchmas Heist with New Forest Activities

Beaulieu

In a festive holiday clash, the Grinch has pulled off his most mischievous stunt yet, crash-landing Santa's sleigh and scattering his precious presents across the BattleZone!

Dates

From:

7 Dec 2024to8 Dec 2024Open 13:30 - 15:30

From:

14 Dec 2024to15 Dec 2024Open 13:30 - 15:30

From:
21 Dec 2024Open 13:30 - 15:30

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Enjoy fantastic family events such as the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival

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