Free 2022 Summer holiday activities for families in Dorset

If you have been following me since pre covid you may remember that I used to write school holiday blogs containing ONLY FREE activities for families during the holidays.

This year seemed like the perfect time to re-start. We are all watching what we spend at the moment, so I hope these will help you out. 
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6 weeks is a long time, and I expect most of you have some plans already whether or not you are going away or have planned some fun days out , all of this costs money, so I am here to help you find lots of things to do all for FREE to fill up some of the days and keep the kids occupied. 

There is so much to do on our doorstep for FREE, but there are only so many times you can go to the local park, beach or out for a picnic. so look no further than my ultimate FREE summer holiday guide, Enjoy!

Things to do in Dorset for FREE

I thought I would start with a basic list for when you need inspiration, maybe you might find something on here that you haven't tried before, or something that you have long forgotten about.
* Crabbing at Poole Quay, or Mudeford Quay
* Visit the beach
* Swim in a lake
* Try geocaching
* Go to the park
* Go to a local splash park. There are so many locally including; Redhill Park, Littledown Park, Upton     County Park, Hamworthy Park, Christchurch Quay, Boscombe Gardens, and Brewery Square
* Fossil hunting
* Watch the sunset/ sunrise
* Blackberry and apple picking
* Camp in the garden
* Picnics
* Prize bingo night
* Movie nights
* Games nights
* Do some baking
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Free activities for Teens

Up4Summer is a BCP initiative for young people. They have lots of free activities on over the summer holidays, please visit their website for more information.
Summer Activities (upinbcp.co.uk)

Watersports Library

It is now free to join and borrow paddleboards, kayaks and other water sports equipment from The Watersports Library! 
You can find out more on the watersports library website.

Reading Challenge

Once again the libraries are running their summer holiday reading challenge. You can sign up at your local library anytime from now. The aim is to read 6 books during the holiday and you get rewarded along the way. 

FREE famliy attractions in Dorset

Poole Museum

Learn about Poole's history at Poole Museum. On Poole Quay , and free entry for all. They often have quiz trails on for the kids. 
​Home | Poole Museum | History of Poole | Poole Heritage | Maritime Museum

Kingston Maurward Animal Park

Kingston Maurward is now free to entry for all. As well as animals they have an indoor and outdoor play area and beautiful walks.
Kingston Maurward Animal Park & Gardens | Dorchester, Dorset (kmc.ac.uk)

Fancy's Farm, Portland

Another amazing free farm is Fancy's Farm in Portland. They have lots of animals and a large indoor playroom. 
​Fancys Farm

FREE summer holiday events in Dorset

Here are some date specific events that are taking place over Dorset to keep the kids entertained. All are free. Please make sure you check with the event providers for up to date information and if you need to pre book etc.

Festival Coast Live

Every Tuesday Poole Dream Machines takes place on Poole Quay. Visit to see a huge display of motor bikes.
Every Thursday from 21st July to Thursday 25th August, Poole Quay will be giving you FREE live music, entertainment and fabulous fireworks from 7pm until 10pm.

Art Workshops 23-27th July, Gather, Poole Dolphin Centre

Arts2educate are holding free "setting sail" art workshops for children. You can book a space via eventbrite.

Summer Live in Bournemouth

There is lots of free family entertainment going on in Bournemouth gardens this summer. Please check the Facebook Event for more information.

Small business netwalking - Wedneday 10th August 10am

If like you me you run your own business and would love to meet up with other likeminded parents for a walk and chat. This is for you! I have been going to Joannes netwalking events since they first started many years ago, we meet up once a month and in the summer holidays we can bring the kids too. We meet at Potterne and walk (the kids usually bring their scooters) through the woods to Moors Valley. Please visit Joannes Facebook event for more information.

Crazy Golf at Brewery Square - Tuesdays in August

Commonwealth Games Trails, until 9th September

5 different trails in Bournemouth have been created to raise awareness of the Commonwealth games this summer. Each trail is between 1.2-1.6k , you can find more information here:

Your School Games - Bournemouth Commonwealth Games Trails

Maumbury Rings Family Fun Day - Sunday 31st July