Things to do in Dorset with kids
Dorset’s picturesque coastlines and rich heritage make it a popular family destination. Staying at Haven’s Littlesea, Rockley Park, Seaview or Weymouth Bay holiday parks puts you close to exciting activities for families with children.
- Things to do with babies and toddlers in Dorset
- Best soft plays for babies and toddlers in Dorset
- Best cafes for babies and toddlers in Dorset
- Best places to visit for babies and toddlers in Dorset
- Things to do with kids aged 4-11 in Dorset
- Best activity centres for kids aged 4-11 in Dorset
- Best places to eat with kids aged 4-11 in Dorset
- Best places to visit for kids aged 4-11 in Dorset
Things to do with babies and toddlers in Dorset
Dorset’s relaxed vibe and family-friendly attractions make it a wonderful choice for little ones. Let’s explore the best soft plays, cafes, and scenic spots to visit with babies and toddlers in Dorset.
Best soft plays for babies and toddlers in Dorset
1. Sprouts Play Barn, Weymouth
This bright and spacious soft play offers active fun for toddlers, and an outdoor play area for sunny days.
2. Lemur Landings, Poole
A multi-level play zone with a ball pit and climbing wall, plus a café for the parents.
3. Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Poole
An indoor soft play area within a family farm park, with animal encounters and outdoor fun too.
Best cafes for babies and toddlers in Dorset
1. The Stable, Bournemouth
Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and delicious pizza, The Stable is perfect for a cozy meal.
2. Salt Pig Cafe, Wareham
www.visit-dorset.com/listing/the-salt-pig/208829301
This relaxed cafe serves locally sourced dishes with a welcoming vibe for families, and a children’s menu.
3. The 1859 Pier Café & Bistro, Swanage
With stunning shorefront views, this cafe offers kid-friendly meals and nearby attractions.
Best places to visit for babies and toddlers in Dorset
1. Monkey World, Wareham
A rescue centre where toddlers can learn about monkeys, chimpanzees and orang-utans and enjoy stroller-friendly paths.
2. Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
www.visit-dorset.com/listing/durdle-door/126276301
A natural wonder on the Jurassic Coast with scenic trails, ideal for a day out with young ones.
3. SEA LIFE Adventure Park, Weymouth
Toddlers can marvel at marine life in this interactive aquarium with its walk-through ocean tunnel and penguin island.
Things to do with kids aged 4-11 in Dorset
For kids aged 4-11, Dorset offers a range of fun activities. We’ve rounded up the top activity centres, family eateries, and fascinating places to visit for a memorable family holiday.
Best activity centres for kids aged 4-11 in Dorset
1. RockReef Adventure Centre, Bournemouth
Kids can try their hand at indoor climbing, the vertical slide, and the thrilling PierZip line.
2. Longleat Safari Park
The renowned safari park experience includes a stately home, formal gardens, and a chance to see animals at large, including lions, giraffes, and meerkat.
3. Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, Ringwood
Offering a treetop trail and biking routes, this park is great for families with active kids.
Best places to eat with kids aged 4-11 in Dorset
1. Rick Stein’s Sandbanks, Poole
This seafood restaurant offers a kid-friendly menu, live music nights, and stunning harbour views.
2. The Woodman, Bridport
Known for its welcoming atmosphere and hearty meals, this pub is popular with families.
3. The Crab House Cafe, Weymouth
A coastal restaurant with fresh seafood and a kid-friendly atmosphere. Perfect after a walk on Chesil Beach.
Best places to visit for kids aged 4-11 in Dorset
1. Corfe Castle, Wareham
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle
This 1000-year-old historic ruin offers scenic views, hidden passages, and history to captivate young minds.
2. Swanage Railway, Isle of Purbeck
A vintage steam train ride through the beautiful Dorset countryside, with sights including Corfe Castle.
3. Brownsea Island
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island
A scenic island with nature trails and a chance to spot rare, playful red squirrels.
Start planning your Great British break
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Important information
Let2offset - make no site fee payments for 7 years
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion.
An example of how ‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Seton Sands with a monthly site fee of £667.08 (includes purchasing discount of £17.08) and monthly letting income of £673.17. The monthly difference equates to £23.17, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024.
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