Best Family Days Out in Dorset (That Adults Will Enjoy Too)
Planning family days out in Dorset? Whether you’re travelling with toddlers or older children, Dorset offers the perfect balance of nature, history, and interactive experiences.
Here are our favourite family-friendly attractions – tested with visiting relatives and friends.
Abbotsbury Swannery
One of Dorset’s most unique attractions.
Children can help hand-feed swans during feeding time, and there’s plenty of space to explore. It’s educational but still exciting.
Best for: Wildlife + interactive experiences.
Monkey World
A rescue centre home to chimpanzees, orangutans, and monkeys from around the world.
Large enclosures and walking paths make it an engaging half-day out.
The Tank Museum
Surprisingly good for families. We’ve visited twice with family guests, and everyone left impressed.
Interactive exhibits and live tank demonstrations keep both parents and older children fascinated (we haven’t seen the demonstrations ourselves yet, as they’re held only on selected days.).
Beach Day at Bournemouth Beach
For classic seaside fun, Bournemouth Beach is hard to beat. With its wide sandy shoreline, traditional pier, ice cream kiosks, and lively promenade, it’s perfect for a relaxed day by the sea.
It’s especially great in the warmer months, when families can enjoy swimming, paddling, or simply stretching out on the sand. Keep in mind that during hot, sunny weather the beach can become very busy – arriving early is a good idea if you’d like a quieter spot.
Explore Brownsea Island
Accessible by ferry from Poole, Brownsea Island is a wonderful spot for gentle walks and wildlife watching. The island feels peaceful and unspoilt, with woodland trails, open heathland, and beautiful harbour views.
One of the highlights, especially for children, but adults too, is the chance to spot rare red squirrels in their natural habitat.
It’s worth noting that a visit can be relatively costly. You’ll need to purchase a ferry ticket to reach the island, and there is also an entrance fee on arrival. National Trust members may receive a discount, although this doesn’t always guarantee free entry.
A Jurassic Coast Walk with a View
Enjoy relaxing walk along Jurassic Coast. Watch sea and skies walking along Jurassic Coast near West Bay.
The coastal path rises steeply to around 50 metres, offering panoramic views across Lyme Bay.
How to Plan a Balanced Family Day
In our experience, Dorset works best when you mix:
- One interactive attraction
- One outdoor scenic stop
- Plenty of space for kids to move
That way, both adults and children enjoy the day.
Exploring the planet together – from wild roads to quiet evenings
The author, ainarsbl, is a Level 7 Google Local Guide, Master Reviewer and Expert Photographer with over 1,000 contributions, 200 reviews and 600 photos. Explore more about the Travel42.uk authors.