Planning a family holiday in Dorset? From fossil hunting and exploring ancient hillforts to meeting rescued primates and racing down water slides, there are plenty of Dorset family activities to keep everyone entertained.
Whether you're visiting during the summer holidays, planning a weekend break or looking for ideas for a rainy day, Dorset has attractions and activities to suit children of different ages.
The county's combination of coastline, countryside, history and family attractions means you can enjoy a different adventure every day of your holiday.
Here are just seven Dorset family adventures we recommend adding to your itinerary.
Few family activities in Dorset offer quite the same opportunity to step back millions of years as fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast.
The coastline around Charmouth and Lyme Regis is internationally famous for its Lower Jurassic fossils, and remarkable discoveries continue to be made today. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is a great place to start your adventure, with fossil displays, information about the local geology and advice on finding your own fossils. Entry to the centre is free.
The centre also runs guided fossil hunting walks, giving families the opportunity to head onto the beach with an experienced guide and learn how to identify fossils. The current public walks last around 1.5 hours and children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
If you prefer to explore independently, remember that the centre recommends looking for fossils in loose material on the beach rather than breaking into the cliffs. Coastal conditions can also change quickly, so follow local safety advice and check tide times before setting out.
For children fascinated by dinosaurs, geology or prehistoric life, fossil hunting is a brilliant way to turn a trip to the beach into an educational adventure.
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For a more relaxed family day out, head to Mapperton House and Gardens in West Dorset.
The historic estate is surrounded by beautiful gardens and countryside, with formal planting, terraces, topiary, an Italianate garden and wider landscaped grounds to explore.
Mapperton is also a great option if different members of the family have different interests. Younger visitors can enjoy exploring the gardens and grounds, while adults can appreciate the historic house, architecture and garden design.
The estate has also featured as a filming location, making it an interesting stop for film and television fans as well as garden lovers.
A visit to Mapperton can easily be combined with a wider day exploring West Dorset, with the Jurassic Coast and towns such as Bridport and Beaminster within reach.
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Take the family back thousands of years with a visit to Maiden Castle, one of Dorset's most impressive prehistoric landmarks.
Located just outside Dorchester, Maiden Castle is one of the largest and most complex Iron Age hillforts in Europe. Its enormous ramparts cover an area equivalent to around 50 football pitches, giving children plenty of space to explore while learning about Dorset's prehistoric past.
The site is free to enter and is open at reasonable times during daylight hours. There are multiple ramparts and uneven paths to explore, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Sheep graze the site, meaning dogs should be kept on leads.
For an extra layer of history, English Heritage also offers a digital guide to the site, while the Echoscape audio experience brings together stories connected with Maiden Castle and is suitable for children aged seven and over.
Maiden Castle is a great choice for families who enjoy being outdoors but want something more interesting than a conventional walk.
Discover our holiday cottages in Dorchester and surrounding villages.
For an animal-filled family day out, Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre near Wool is hard to beat.
Monkey World is an ape rescue centre that has worked since 1987 to help stop the illegal smuggling of primates from the wild. The centre rehabilitates rescued primates and helps them form natural living groups.
Today, the centre is home to more than 250 primates, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about chimpanzees, orangutans, marmosets and other rescued animals while finding out about the centre's conservation and rehabilitation work.
Monkey World is open throughout the year apart from Christmas Day, with seasonal opening arrangements. It's a particularly good option when you're looking for a Dorset attraction that combines entertainment with opportunities to learn about animal welfare and conservation.
Discover our holiday cottages in Dorchester and surrounding villages.
If you’re looking for a family day out that will keep younger children entertained, Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park near Poole is a great option. Designed especially for families with children aged eight and under, the farm park combines animal encounters with plenty of indoor and outdoor play.
Children can meet the farm animals, take part in daily activities and explore attractions including the Dinosaur Roar Trail and Straw Mountain. There are more than 23 indoor and outdoor attractions, making it a useful option whatever the weather.
With a mix of animals, adventure play and hands-on activities, Farmer Palmer’s is particularly well suited to families with younger children looking for an action-packed day out in Dorset.
The farm park recommends booking online in advance, so it’s worth checking availability and opening times before you visit.
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Not every Dorset family adventure needs to take place outdoors. If the British weather isn't cooperating, head to The Tutankhamun Exhibition in Dorchester for an all-weather activity.
The exhibition recreates many of Tutankhamun's famous treasures and provides visitors with the opportunity to explore recreated sections of the pharaoh's tomb, including the antechamber and burial chamber. Exhibits include a recreation of the famous golden funerary mask, Tutankhamun's mummy and a selection of jewellery and other treasures.
The exhibition is currently open every day from 10am to 4pm, making it a useful option when you're looking for things to do in Dorset on a rainy day.
Located in the centre of Dorchester, it's also easy to combine a visit with the town's other museums, shops and cafés.
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When the weather is warm, head to Splashdown Waterpark at Tower Park in Poole for a day of slides, water and family fun.
Splashdown offers a range of water-based attractions, making it a good option for families looking for something energetic to do during the school holidays. The park has different admission options, including two- and three-hour sessions, and tickets currently need to be booked online in advance.
The waterpark is located at Tower Park, around three miles north-east of Poole, with free parking available at the wider complex.
It's a particularly useful option for a hot summer day when everyone needs a chance to cool off. Before your visit, we recommend checking current opening times, age restrictions and ride requirements before heading out.
Discover our holiday cottages in Poole and surrounding villages.
Enjoy a Dorset Family Adventure
Finding things to do with the whole family during the school holidays can sometimes be a challenge, but Dorset makes it easy to fill your itinerary.
From searching for fossils on the Jurassic Coast and exploring the ancient ramparts of Maiden Castle to meeting rescued primates at Monkey World or cooling off at Splashdown, there are plenty of family days out in Dorset to choose from.
And if the weather isn't on your side, attractions such as the Tutankhamun Exhibition provide an interesting alternative to the beach.
With so many family attractions, beaches, walks and historic sites to explore, Dorset is a fantastic destination for a family cottage holiday.
FAQs
What are the best family days out in Dorset?
Dorset has plenty of family-friendly attractions and activities, including fossil hunting at Charmouth, Monkey World, Maiden Castle, and Splashdown Waterpark. There are also beaches, walks, museums and gardens to explore.
What are the best things to do in Dorset with kids?
Some popular family activities include searching for fossils on the Jurassic Coast, visiting Monkey World, exploring Maiden Castle, meeting animals at Farmer Palmer's and spending the day at Splashdown Waterpark.
Where can children go fossil hunting in Dorset?
Charmouth is one of the best-known places for fossil hunting in Dorset. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre offers advice and guided fossil hunting walks, while loose fossils can be found on the beach. Always follow local fossil-collecting and coastal safety guidance.
What can families do in Dorset on a rainy day?
There are plenty of indoor attractions in Dorset for wet-weather days, including the Tutankhamun Exhibition in Dorchester. Museums, cinemas, indoor play centres and swimming pools also provide alternatives when the weather isn't suitable for outdoor activities.
Is Monkey World suitable for children?
Monkey World is a family attraction where children can see rescued primates while learning about animal welfare, conservation and rehabilitation. The centre is home to more than 250 primates.
Is Maiden Castle free to visit?
Yes. Maiden Castle is currently free to enter and can be explored during reasonable daylight hours. The site has uneven paths and exposed ramparts, so suitable footwear and care are recommended.
What can families do in Dorset during the summer holidays?
Summer is a great time to explore Dorset's beaches, go fossil hunting, visit family attractions, explore historic sites and enjoy outdoor activities. Booking popular attractions in advance is advisable during school holidays.
Where can I find family attractions near Dorchester?
Dorchester is close to several family attractions, including Maiden Castle and the Tutankhamun Exhibition. The town also provides a convenient base for exploring the wider Dorset countryside and Jurassic Coast.
Is Splashdown Waterpark suitable for families?
Splashdown Waterpark in Poole offers a range of water-based attractions and admission sessions for visitors. Current tickets must be booked online in advance, and families should check the latest ride requirements and restrictions before visiting.
What are the best outdoor family activities in Dorset?
Fossil hunting, exploring Maiden Castle, visiting Farmer Palmer's and discovering Dorset's beaches and countryside are all good options for families who enjoy spending time outdoors.
What are the best family activities on the Jurassic Coast?
Fossil hunting around Charmouth is one of the most distinctive family activities on the Jurassic Coast. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre also offers fossil walks and educational activities about the area's geology and marine life.
Do I need to book Dorset family attractions in advance?
Some attractions recommend or require advance booking, particularly during school holidays. Splashdown currently requires tickets to be booked online in advance, while guided fossil walks at Charmouth also have limited availability. Check the attraction's website before travelling.