The Summer holidays in Dorset 2024 runs from Wednesday 24th July – Friday 30th August. There are some great things to do this summer in Dorset for all the family, some are even FREE.
6 weeks can be a long time to try and entertain the kids. Perhaps you’re holidaying in Dorset and looking for some additional things to do, or seeking out something a little different that might be happening in Dorset this Summer.
Related post – Kids eat FREE and for less in Dorset this Summer
Even if the weather isn’t great, you can find plenty of things to do on rainy days in Dorset.
Don’t forget to discover the great events happening in July and August as well.
Dorset Mazes
Traditionally a maize maze is planted in Spring and is ready to explore during August. Across Dorset you can discover a maize maze at Farmer Palmers. Explore as part of your entrance price into the farm park, which is a great day out suitable for children up to 10 years.
Summer Fireworks In Dorset
Traditionally through the Summer months, there are fireworks displays across Dorset. Stay up to date with all the dates for fireworks in Dorset this Summer.
Outside Cinema Showings
Dorset has some great locations that are perfect for showing drive in cinema or outside cinemas. In locations such as Upton House this Summer, you can enjoy a variety of different movies under the stars.
Read more regarding locations, films and dates.
Beach Activities
Why not plan to spend a day at one of the great beaches in Dorset. If you’re thinking of visiting towards the end of the Summer holidays, then Bournemouth Air Festival is running between the 29th – 31st August 2024.
A day at the beach can be an inexpensive day out, perfect for good weather days. With so many beaches to choose from, you may decide to visit some of the quieter beaches in Poole, or the hustle and bustle of Weymouth beach.
If you’re visiting Bournemouth and want the main Bournemouth beach, you may be looking for places to park.
Why not pick a quieter beach in Dorset to perhaps explore some rock pools, or try your hand at crabbing near the quays and piers across the county. You can also find some great fossil beaches in Dorset.
Fruit Picking
Another inexpensive day out is to visit a fruit farm. Typically in the Summer months, you can find strawberries, raspberries and soft fruits in season. There are plenty of great PYO farms in Dorset.
Water Parks & Splash Parks
You can find plenty of parks around Dorset with outside paddling pools and splash parks to enjoy. There are also two great water parks in Dorset to enjoy including Splashdown, and Dorset Adventure Park in Corfe.
Theme Parks
There are multiple theme parks and amusement parks across Dorset, perfect for spending a few hours to a whole day out. Check out the complete list.
Crazy Golf
Who doesn’t love a game of adventure golf. With a variety of different themed crazy golf courses, can you play them all?
Country Parks
Pack a picnic and enjoy a whole day out at one of the country parks in Dorset. Choose from Moors Valley near Ringwood, Lodmoor Country Park in Weymouth, which is also home to Weymouth Sealife Centre.
Durlston Country Park is close to the South West coastal path in Swanage, and Avon Heath and Upton County parks are great places to explore with plenty of green space.
Summer Holidays Events in Dorset 2024
West Bay Fun Fair
Dates: Mid July until August Bank holiday 2024
Location: Brit Valley Camping Ground, behind the Riverside, DT6 4EZ
Attractions include dodgem cars, various side stalls, shooting games and the ever popular Mega Dance.
Lyme Regis Egg Catching
Dates: 3rd, 7th, 9th August 2024
Eggsciting, eggstremely funny and hilariously messy, egg catching is one of the most popular events during Carnival Week in Lyme Regis. The event attracts both children and adults alike.
Throw the egg to your partner and, if it is caught successfully, you move further apart as directed by the organisers. The last pair with an unbroken egg wins the prize.
Creepy Crawlies Week At Mapperton
Dates: 4th – 8th August 2024
Get ready to take on an adventure into the captivating realm of Creepy Crawlies! This August, visit Mapperton Estate for an engaging and interactive exploration of the incredible world of creatures from across the globe.
Mega Slip and Slide Dorset
Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3RH
Dates: opening on 20th July 2024
As well as the selected dates in July above, the Dorset Mega Slip and Slide will be running all through August as well.
Just outside of Wimborne, you can cool down with these fun 1 hour sessions which include rings, double rings and body boards to slide down the 110 meter slides.
Summer Of Play At Corfe Castle
Dates: 19th July – 31st August 2025
Explore play zones at Corfe Castle to get your legs and minds racing. See if you can hit the bullseye in the Archery Zone, or use the mini slingshots to fire beanbags onto the target boards.
Visit the Obstacle Zone for stepping stones and balance beams, or the Music Zone to make some noise. If you’re after something a bit calmer, visit the garden games area to get your thinking caps on.
Littledown Family Fun Day
Date: 27th July 2025
Location: Littledown, Chaseside, Bournemouth
There will be plenty of local talent showcasing gymnastics, taekwondo and cheerleading. There will also be a Punch and Judy show, magic acts and a fun fair.
Stay refreshed at the licensed bars and enjoy a BBQ and wood fired pizzas. There’s also plenty of other food stalls available too.
Circus Wonderland Bridport
Pasture Way, A35, Bridport, DT6 4DN
Dates: 31st July – 4th August 2024
If you’re visiting the circus this year in Dorset, you can expect a Cuban carnival , Girls flying high, Drums, Hair hanging, Fast duo skating and Cuba’s famous New Revolution Boys.
Summer Holidays At The Tank Museum
Linsay Rd, Bovington, Wareham BH20 6JG
Dates: 22nd July – 1st September 2024
There will be plenty of interactive kids tours happening at the Tank Museum during the Summer holidays.
Other Summer holidays activities include tank displays every day, vehicle rides and plenty more for the whole family.
Meet The Gruffalo At Moors Valley Country Park
Dates: 6th July and 21st August 2024
Meet the Gruffalo at Moors Valley Country Park this Summer. He’ll be making appearances throughout the day.
Dorset is an amazing county. I love it every time I visit.
Love Dorset especially the Jurassic coast line