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 throughout 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 heats up. Then there’s lots to do over the Easter holidays – from egg hunts to craft workshops, so 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: 35

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Featured Events

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:
25 July 2024
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1 Aug 2024
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8 Aug 2024
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15 Aug 2024
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22 Aug 2024
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29 Aug 2024
Bournemouth - Coastal BID presents Friday Fireworks By The Sea

Bournemouth

Come and enjoy our dazzling Friday Night Fireworks by the Sea in Bournemouth!

Dates

From:
26 July 2024
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2 Aug 2024
From:
9 Aug 2024
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16 Aug 2024
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23 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
Bournemouth Air Festival Fireworks

Bournemouth

Bournemouth Air Festival's much loved FREE fireworks return for 2024 sponsored by Coastal BID, to round off 2 spectacular days.

Dates

From:

30 Aug 2024to31 Aug 2024
Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival

Bournemouth

Arts by the Sea is a celebration of art, culture, people and place.

Dates

From:

27 Sept 2024to29 Sept 2024

Events

Xchurch Music Festival 2024

Christchurch

Get ready for the ultimate summer party at Xchurch Music Festival, happening July 19th-21st. Loaded with the finest local talent from across Dorset and beyond

Dates

From:

19 July 2024to21 July 2024Open 16:00 - 23:00
Exciting Things to Do in Bournemouth This Summer Holidays - Rain or Shine!

Bournemouth

Whether you're a local or just visiting Bournemouth, visit us at RockReef & PierZip on Bournemouth Pier offers fantastic fun for all ages, no matter the weather!

Dates

From:

24 July 2024to1 Sept 2024Various Opening Times
Fireworks Cruise

The Quay, Poole

Join us for the best seats in the house as you sail through Europe's largest natural harbour past Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula, Studland Bay and more.

Dates

From:

25 July 2024to29 Aug 2024Various Opening Times
'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 July 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
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31 Aug 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
28 Sept 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
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26 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
From:
30 Nov 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30
Ladies Only Paddles with New Forest Activities

Beaulieu

During our ladies only paddles, you'll receive expert guidance from one of our awesome female instructors to help you get to grips with kayaking.

Dates

From:
27 July 2024Open 18:00 - 20:00
From:
14 Aug 2024Open 18:00 - 20:00
From:
28 Aug 2024Open 18:00 - 20:00
Sunset Chasers Paddling with New Forest Activities

Beaulieu

Chase the warm glow of the sun's last rays of the day as they settle on the river's calm waters. You'll want to bring your cameras, as the Beaulieu River wildlife really comes alive in the evening!

Dates

From:
28 July 2024Open 19:00 - 21:00
From:
13 Aug 2024Open 19:00 - 21:00
From:
14 Aug 2024Open 19:00 - 21:00
From:
26 Aug 2024Open 19:00 - 21:00
From:
27 Aug 2024Open 19:00 - 21:00
Cillian O'Connor: My Magic World

Bournemouth

Cillian O'Connor is bringing his first ever live stage show to Bournemouth Pavilion in 2024!

Venue

Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth

Dates

From:
29 July 2024Open 19:30 - 21:00
Christchurch Carnival

Christchurch

Come along and enjoy some long awaited carnival fun on the Quay!

Dates

From:

10 Aug 2024to11 Aug 2024
Africa comes to Bournemouth

Bournemouth

We bring you a weekend of activities to showcase the best of African and Caribbean music, art, food and culture.

Dates

From:

31 Aug 2024to1 Sept 2024Open 10:00 - 20:00
Miniature Steam Festival on Poole Quay

Poole

The marvels of steam will take centre stage as Poole Quay plays host to a bygone era of magnificent miniature steam engines..

Dates

From:
21 Sept 2024Open 10:00 - 18:00
WACKADOO! Bluey is visiting Swanage Railway!

Station Approach, Swanage

Come and see everyone's favourite Blue Heeler at Corfe Castle Station on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September.

Dates

From:
28 Sept 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00
From:
29 Sept 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00
BattleZone Laser Tag Apocalypse with New Forest Activities

Beaulieu

Our fan favourite BattleZone just got a whole lot scarier! Paint the battlefield dead as your ghoulsome troops creep up on the enemy, using infra-red technology guns to spook your way to victory.

Dates

From:
19 Oct 2024Open 16:00 - 18:00
From:
21 Oct 2024Open 16:00 - 18:00
From:
23 Oct 2024Open 16:00 - 18:00
From:
25 Oct 2024Open 16:00 - 18:00
From:
26 Oct 2024Open 16:00 - 18:00
Canoe Halloween Treasure Hunt with New Forest Activities

Beaulieu

We'll head out in our stable Canadian canoes on the hunt for devilishly delicious Halloween candy along the riverside.

Dates

From:

19 Oct 2024to24 Oct 2024Open 11:00 - 13:00

From:

25 Oct 2024to27 Oct 2024Open 14:00 - 16:00

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

Family Events

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