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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Events

Cinderella Pantomime 2025

Bournemouth

You shall go to the ball! Get ready to join us next year for our brand new panto, Cinderella! Noel Brodie will return for his 11th year in panto as Buttons.

Venue

Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth

Dates

From:
6 Dec 2025Open 14:30 - 17:30
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6 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 22:00
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7 Dec 2025Open 13:00 - 16:00
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7 Dec 2025Open 17:00 - 20:00
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9 Dec 2025Open 18:00 - 21:00
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10 Dec 2025Open 18:00 - 21:00
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12 Dec 2025Open 14:30 - 17:30
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12 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 22:00
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13 Dec 2025Open 14:30 - 17:30
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13 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 22:00
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14 Dec 2025Open 13:00 - 16:00
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14 Dec 2025Open 17:00 - 20:00
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15 Dec 2025Open 18:00 - 21:00
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16 Dec 2025Open 18:00 - 21:00
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17 Dec 2025Open 18:00 - 21:00
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19 Dec 2025Open 14:30 - 17:30
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19 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 22:00
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20 Dec 2025Open 14:30 - 17:30
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20 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 22:00
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22 Dec 2025Open 14:30 - 17:30
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27 Dec 2025Open 14:30 - 17:30
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27 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 22:00
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28 Dec 2025Open 17:00 - 20:00
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29 Dec 2025Open 14:30 - 17:30
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30 Dec 2025Open 14:30 - 17:30
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31 Dec 2025Open 11:00 - 14:00
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31 Dec 2025Open 15:00 - 18:00
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2 Jan 2026Open 14:30 - 17:30
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2 Jan 2026Open 19:00 - 22:00
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3 Jan 2026Open 14:30 - 17:30
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3 Jan 2026Open 19:00 - 22:00
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4 Jan 2026Open 14:30 - 17:30
Elf: The Musical

Bournemouth

ELF The Arena Spectacular—the hilarious, hit stage adaptation of the beloved holiday movie—is coming to Bournemouth in 2025!

Venue

Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth

Dates

From:
19 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 22:00
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20 Dec 2025Open 13:00 - 16:00
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20 Dec 2025Open 18:00 - 21:00
Diversity: Soul

Bournemouth

Diversity returns to Bournemouth as part of their major new tour of the UK and Ireland in spring 2026.
The UK's most successful dance group will bring their new concept tour SOUL to 31 towns and cities, performing over 60 dates between February and…

Venue

Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth

Dates

From:
5 Apr 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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5 Apr 2026Open 19:45 - 22:00
Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail

Bournemouth and Poole’s award-winning seafront has been transformed into a work of art! The Selfie Wall Trail stretches from Sandbanks all the way to Southbourne! Win fantastic prizes! Use #loveselfiewalls

Dates

From:

26 May 2022to31 Dec 2025
Canoe Easter Egg Hunt

Beaulieu, Brockenhurst

Enjoy a fun filled Easter paddle along the Beaulieu River in our stable 'Canadian style' canoes. Spend time taking in the stunning scenery of the river before disembarking for an Easter egg hunt with a twist!

Dates

From:

5 Apr 2025to21 Apr 2025Open 09:00 - 17:00
Easter activities at RockReef

Bournemouth

Looking for fun activities to keep the kids entertained this Easter? Whether you're a local living in Bournemouth or visiting the area for a seaside break, we've got you covered - rain or shine!

Dates

From:

5 Apr 2025to20 Apr 2025Various Opening Times
Easter Archery Tournament

Beaulieu, Brockenhurst

Join New Forest Activities for some target shooting with a twist!

Dates

From:

5 Apr 2025to21 Apr 2025Open 09:00 - 17:00
Easter Holiday: Ink & Iron

Wool

Celebrate wartime storytelling at The Tank Museum with Easter Holiday fun for the whole family.

Venue

The Tank Museum, Bere Regis & Surrounding

Dates

From:

5 Apr 2025to20 Apr 2025Open 09:30 - 17:00
The Great Tail Trail

Poole

A free sculpture art trail featuring 45 giant mermaid tails in support of Julia's House children's hospice charity in partnership with Wild in Art
Saturday 5 April - Sunday 1 June 2025
Various locations around Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Dates

From:

5 Apr 2025to1 June 2025Various Opening Times

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

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