Summer is here, and once again there are dozens of big family days out available across East Dorset.
Here are just a few we’ve hand picked for you, including a number of free events suitable for the whole family to enjoy.
These are in addition to the hundreds of events listed in our What’s On Guide at BournemouthOne.com/events with Total Guide to Dorset, which also has lots of ideas for getting out and about.
FREE! Bournemouth Bus Rally (5 July, Kings Park)
Bus rallies are hugely popular with families thanks to displays of heritage and modern buses, vehicle rides and opportunities for children to climb aboard and explore vehicles up close. Kings Park also offers plenty of open space for a family picnic.
Christchurch Music Festival (17-19 July, The Quay)
Website: Christchurch Music Festival
Staged beside Christchurch Quay, the festival mixes live music with food and family entertainment. The riverside location, nearby play areas and relaxed atmosphere make it an easy event for families with children of all ages.
Bournemouth Reggae Weekender (24-26 July, Kings Park)
Website: Bournemouth Reggae Weekender
The event combines live reggae performances with food traders, market stalls and a festival atmosphere. Families can enjoy music during the daytime while children have room to play in the spacious park surroundings.
BONUS: Snowtrax is offering 30% off a family fun package for use in the summer holidays, covering the Alpine Adventure Park, Ringo Session, and a meal. Available to buy online before the summer holidays kick in.
Website: Snowtrax
New Forest Show (28-30 July, Brockenhurst)
Website: New Forest Show
Further afield but always a good day out if you want to head into the New Forest. Taking place at Brockenhurst over three days – this is a large event with activities for all the family, and too many things to mention. Check out the website for all the info.
Poole Harbour Festival (31 July-2 August, Poole)
Website: Poole Harbour Festival
One of Dorset’s biggest festivals, Poole Harbour Festival includes family entertainment, children’s activities, pirate shows, music stages and food stalls. There is enough variety to keep both younger children and teenagers entertained throughout the day.
FREE! Stompin’ on the Quomps (1 August, Christchurch)
This free community music event offers live performances in the attractive setting of The Quomps. Families can enjoy music, riverside walks and nearby play facilities, making it a simple and inexpensive summer outing.
BSO Proms in the Park (7-8 August, Meyrick Park)
Outdoor Proms events are excellent for families because they combine picnic-style seating, live music and plenty of open space. Children can move around more freely than at indoor concerts while parents enjoy the performances.
FREE! Christchurch Carnival (14-16 August, The Quay)
Website: Christchurch Carnival
A long-running community favourite, the carnival features parades, fairground attractions, live entertainment and family activities. The mix of traditional carnival fun and riverside setting makes it one of the area’s best free family events. (Poole Tourism)
South Coast Wine Festival (14-16 August, Highcliffe Castle)
Website: South Coast Wine Festival
Although wine is the main focus, the beautiful grounds of Highcliffe Castle, food offerings and entertainment make it suitable for families during daytime sessions. Children can explore the castle grounds and nearby cliff-top walks while adults enjoy tastings.
Dorset County Show (5-6 September, Dorchester)
Website: Dorset County SHow
Families can spend an entire day meeting farm animals, watching horse displays, seeing livestock competitions, exploring craft and food marquees, and enjoying live entertainment in the main ring. The huge variety of attractions means there is something to appeal to toddlers, teenagers and adults alike.
The main photo is from the Dorset County Show.
Bookmark this page to check again in the summer holidays – or print off our guide below.
Event missing? Email news@bournemouthone.com
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