Enjoy fantastic family events such as the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival

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Family Events

With warmer weather than the rest of the UK, soft sandy beaches and a ton of traditional seaside attractions, Bournemouth is a great place for a family day out, quick getaway or summer holiday. And we put on hundreds of events through the year to make sure that everyone is entertained during their stay.

In the spring, kids can get involved in the Bay Run. There’s a 1k fun run with a fancy dress theme so they can start getting out and about as the resort hots up. Then there’s lots to do over the Easter holidays – from egg hunts to craft workshops, your little ones can enjoy their days away from school beside the seaside.

Once we get into the heart of the summer season, there are a great selection of events and festivals to be enjoyed across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

One of the largest is our very own Bournemouth Air Festival! Families come to enjoy four days of action in the air, out at sea and on land. It all takes place along Bournemouth’s award-winning seafront and there are 1 1/2 miles of stalls, rides, games and demonstrations to wow visitors of all ages. In August, be dazzled by our Friday night fireworks – a great way to make the most of the balmy summer evenings.

As we come into autumn, Bournemouth does anything but hibernate! There are half term and Halloween events at our visitor attractions and museums, as well as our very own Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival. A celebration of dance, theatre, comedy, art, performance, film and more features free and family friendly events in and around the town at a variety of venues – some are even roaming outdoor shows!

In November and into the New Year, celebrate Christmas in Bournemouth.

And as if that wasn’t enough, all year round we’ve got family friendly shows at theatres in and around the resort, including the Bournemouth International Centre, Pavilion, and the Lighthouse in Poole.

So, what are you waiting for? Rally the troops, pack up your bags and head to Bournemouth for a fun-filled and carefree break beside the sea.

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Number of results: 34

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Featured Events

Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival

High Street, Southbourne

For fans of vintage and retro music, vehicles, dancing, fashion and lifestyle living

Dates

From:

22 June 2024to23 June 2024
Poole Summer Fireworks

Poole

Get your groove on for Poole Quay Summer Fireworks, as fabulous FREE live music, entertainment and fireworks come to Poole Quay over the summer!

Dates

From:
8 Aug 2024
From:
15 Aug 2024
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22 Aug 2024
From:
29 Aug 2024
Bournemouth Air Festival

Bournemouth

Dates for the biggest free land air and sea festival have been confirmed for 2024, Thursday 29th – Saturday 31st August.

Dates

From:
29 Aug 2024Open 10:00 - 22:00
From:
30 Aug 2024Open 10:00 - 22:00
From:
31 Aug 2024Open 10:00 - 22:00

Events

'Fox & Cubs Club' dads and kids activity sessions

Upton, Poole

Find out more about the nature on your doorstep by getting active and creative at our monthly Fox and Cubs Club sessions, designed for Dads and Kids to spend some quality time together.

Venue

Upton Country Park, Poole

Dates

From:
27 Apr 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
25 May 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
29 June 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
27 July 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
31 Aug 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
28 Sept 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
26 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
30 Nov 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
Dorset Balloon Festival 2024

Dorchester

A family friendly event set to take flight on 4th & 5th May at Dorchester Showground!

Dates

From:
4 May 2024Open 11:00 - 23:00
From:
5 May 2024Open 11:00 - 21:00
South Coast Makers Night Market

Bournemouth

Retro stalls + Handmade Makers plus DJ's, crate digging, street food, pop up bar, creative drop in recycled craft workshop.

Dates

From:
4 May 2024Open 16:00 - 20:00
Birdwatching Cruise (Swanage Side)

Poole

Departing during the puffin nesting season from Poole Quay and Swanage Pier.

Dates

From:

10 May 2024to5 July 2024Various Opening Times
Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival 2024

Christchurch

Get ready for a sizzling celebration of flavour and fun at the Cheese & Chilli Festival, the ultimate family-friendly extravaganza!

Dates

From:
18 May 2024Open 10:00 - 18:00
From:
19 May 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00
May Half Term: D-Day Deceptions

Wareham

This May Half Term at The Tank Museum, 25 May-2 June 2024, enjoy D-Day-themed fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Venue

The Tank Museum, Bere Regis & Surrounding

Dates

From:

25 May 2024to2 June 2024Open 09:30 - 17:00
May Half-Term at RockReef

Bournemouth

Are you ready to make the most of the May half-term in Bournemouth? Whether you're a local looking for rainy-day activities or a visitor seeking seaside fun, we've got you covered.

Dates

From:

25 May 2024to2 June 2024Various Opening Times
Coastal Speed and Supercar Sunday

Bournemouth

Experience the extraordinary Coastal Speed and Style is the first of its kind outdoor supercar and luxury lifestyle family event on the South Coast of England, with our inaugural gathering set in the heart of Bournemouth on 26 May 2024.

Dates

From:
26 May 2024
Adventure Golf at Upton Country Park

Upton, Poole

Located next to the Education Centre, a British wildlife-themed 9 hole course packed with fun features, and suitable for all ages and abilities.

Dates

From:

27 May 2024to31 May 2024
Harry Paye Pirate Day

Poole

Avast me harties! Tis time for land lubbers to dig out yer eye patch, earing and cutlass for Poole’s annual celebration of its favourite pirate son Harry Paye.

Dates

From:
15 June 2024
Quiet Mornings at The Tank Museum

Wareham

Quiet Mornings at The Tank Museum are aimed at anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to The Tank Museum.

Venue

The Tank Museum, Bere Regis & Surrounding

Dates

From:
15 June 2024Open 09:00 - 11:00
From:
19 Oct 2024Open 09:00 - 11:00
Father's Day Paddle to the Pub with New Forest Activities

Beaulieu, Beaulieu

Treat your Papa to a relaxing paddle on the stunning Beaulieu River this Father's Day with New Forest Activities.

Dates

From:
16 June 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
16 June 2024Open 12:30 - 14:00
TANKFEST

Wareham

The world's best display of historic moving armour returns for three explosive days in June.

Venue

The Tank Museum, Bere Regis & Surrounding

Dates

From:

28 June 2024to30 June 2024Open 08:30 - 17:00
Dinosaur Adventures

Station Approach, Swanage

Travel back in time and Go Jurassic on the Jurassic line!

Dates

From:
6 July 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00
From:
7 July 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00
Pilford Heath Transport and Heritage Show 2024

Wimborne

Family weekend featuring all things classic. Cars, motorbikes, tractors, stationary engines, big and small Steam Engines, Military, Classic and working Commercials, Buses, Fire Engines.

Dates

From:

12 July 2024to14 July 2024Open 10:00 - 05:00

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Enjoy fantastic family events such as the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival

Family Events

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