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 through 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 hots up. Then there’s lots to do over the Easter holidays – from egg hunts to craft workshops, 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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Adventure Golf at Upton Country Park

Upton, Poole

Located next to the Education Centre, a British wildlife-themed 9 hole course packed with fun features, and suitable for all ages and abilities.

Dates

From:

27 May 2024to31 May 2024
BattleZone: Apocalypse with New Forest Activities

Bailey's Hard Lane, Beaulieu

New Forest Activities' 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. New Forest Activities' ghostly…

Dates

From:

21 Oct 2023to29 Oct 2024Open 16:00 - 18:00
Birdwatching Cruise (Swanage Side)

Poole

Departing during the puffin nesting season from Poole Quay and Swanage Pier.

Dates

From:

10 May 2024to5 July 2024Various Opening Times
Bournemouth Air Festival

Bournemouth

Dates for the biggest free land air and sea festival have been confirmed for 2024, Thursday 29th – Saturday 31st August.

Dates

From:
29 Aug 2024Open 10:00 - 22:00
From:
30 Aug 2024Open 10:00 - 22:00
From:
31 Aug 2024Open 10:00 - 22:00
Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail

Bournemouth and Poole’s award-winning seafront has been transformed into a work of art! The Selfie Wall Trail stretches from Sandbanks all the way to Southbourne! Win fantastic prizes! Use #loveselfiewalls

Dates

From:

26 May 2021to31 Dec 2024
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
Christchurch Carnival

Christchurch

Come along and enjoy some long awaited carnival fun on the Quay!

Dates

From:

10 Aug 2024to11 Aug 2024
Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival 2024

Christchurch

Get ready for a sizzling celebration of flavour and fun at the Cheese & Chilli Festival, the ultimate family-friendly extravaganza!

Dates

From:
18 May 2024Open 10:00 - 18:00
From:
19 May 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00
Cillian O'Connor: My Magic World

Bournemouth

Cillian O'Connor is bringing his first ever live stage show to Bournemouth Pavilion in 2024!

Venue

Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth

Dates

From:
29 July 2024Open 19:30 - 21:00
Coastal Speed and Supercar Sunday

Bournemouth

Experience the extraordinary Coastal Speed and Style is the first of its kind outdoor supercar and luxury lifestyle family event on the South Coast of England, with our inaugural gathering set in the heart of Bournemouth on 26 May 2024.

Dates

From:
26 May 2024
Dinosaur Adventures

Station Approach, Swanage

Travel back in time and Go Jurassic on the Jurassic line!

Dates

From:
6 July 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00
From:
7 July 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00
Dorset Balloon Festival 2024

Dorchester

A family friendly event set to take flight on 4th & 5th May at Dorchester Showground!

Dates

From:
4 May 2024Open 11:00 - 23:00
From:
5 May 2024Open 11:00 - 21:00
Father's Day Paddle to the Pub with New Forest Activities

Beaulieu, Beaulieu

Treat your Papa to a relaxing paddle on the stunning Beaulieu River this Father's Day with New Forest Activities.

Dates

From:
16 June 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
16 June 2024Open 12:30 - 14:00
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
Fireworks 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:

25 July 2024to29 Aug 2024Various Opening Times
'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:
27 Apr 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
25 May 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
29 June 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
27 July 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
31 Aug 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
28 Sept 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
26 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
30 Nov 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
Great Dorset Steam Fair

Blandford

If you are looking for an excellent fun and action packed day out for all the family, you’ll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair!

Dates

From:

25 Aug 2024to29 Aug 2024
Harry Paye Pirate Day

Poole

Avast me harties! Tis time for land lubbers to dig out yer eye patch, earing and cutlass for Poole’s annual celebration of its favourite pirate son Harry Paye.

Dates

From:
15 June 2024

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

Family Events

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