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

You are here: Home > What's On > Events > Family Events

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.

Searching for...

What's On
Things To Do
Accommodation
Food & Drink

Things to Do

Accommodation

Food & Drink

What's On

Things to Do

Accommodation

Food & Drink

Number of results:

Number of results: 35

, currently showing 19 to 35.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Events

Halloween Pumpkin Archery Shooting

Beaulieu

We've put a spooky twist on our archery sessions for October, with ghosts, ghouls, zombies and werewolves acting as your new targets.

Dates

From:

19 Oct 2024to27 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30

From:

19 Oct 2024to27 Oct 2024Open 12:30 - 14:00

From:

19 Oct 2024to27 Oct 2024Open 15:00 - 16:30
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:
19 Oct 2024Open 09:00 - 11:00
Spooky Halloween River Tour with New Forest Activities

Beaulieu

Come in your best fancy dress and head out on the water in illuminated canoes, stopping along the way to hear ghoulish ghost stories from your nighttime guide.

Dates

From:

23 Oct 2024to31 Oct 2024Open 18:00 - 20:00
Celebrate Halloween with 'The Shining' Dining Experience at Key West

Bournemouth

On Halloween Thursday 31st October 2024, we welcome you to Key West on Bournemouth Pier where you will enter a 1920s Cocktail Soiree to end all soirees.

Dates

From:
31 Oct 2024Various Opening Times
Firework Night 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:
5 Nov 2024Open 19:00 - 20:15
November 5th Fireworks

Poole

FREE Firework Night on Poole Quay! No better way to spend bonfire night.

Dates

From:
5 Nov 2024
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland

Bournemouth

Spectacular Christmas tree trail, enchanting illuminations and seasonal family fun! Experience the magical spectacle of hundreds of glittering trees from around the world!

Dates

From:

23 Nov 2024to31 Dec 2024
Sail with Santa at Poole Quay

Poole

Santa has taken a break from all of his hard work in the North Pole this winter to join us on our Sail with Santa cruises around Poole Harbour.

Dates

From:

30 Nov 2024to31 Dec 2024Open 11:00 - 16:00
Poole Sail with Santa

The Quay, Poole

Every Saturday and Sunday in December up to 22nd December plus Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th December – Sail with Santa himself!

Dates

From:

1 Dec 2024to24 Dec 2024Various Opening Times
BattleZone: The Great Grinchmas Heist with New Forest Activities

Beaulieu

In a festive holiday clash, the Grinch has pulled off his most mischievous stunt yet, crash-landing Santa's sleigh and scattering his precious presents across the BattleZone!

Dates

From:

7 Dec 2024to8 Dec 2024Open 13:30 - 15:30

From:

14 Dec 2024to15 Dec 2024Open 13:30 - 15:30

From:
21 Dec 2024Open 13:30 - 15:30
Christmas Canoe Paddle with New Forest Activities

Beaulieu

Join us for a festive paddle on The Beaulieu River this Christmas.

Dates

From:

7 Dec 2024to8 Dec 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30

From:

7 Dec 2024to8 Dec 2024Open 12:30 - 14:00

From:

14 Dec 2024to23 Dec 2024Open 10:00 - 11:30

From:

14 Dec 2024to23 Dec 2024Open 12:30 - 14:00
The Original Harlem Globetrotters

Bournemouth

Prepare for an electrifying experience as the iconic Harlem Globetrotters return to Bournemouth International Centre, promising unmatched basketball innovation and unparalleled fan engagement, on their 2025 UK tour.

Venue

Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth

Dates

From:
22 Apr 2025Open 19:30 - 21:30
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 2021to31 Dec 2024
BattleZone: Apocalypse with New Forest Activities

Bailey's Hard Lane, Beaulieu

New Forest Activities' 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. New Forest Activities' ghostly…

Dates

From:

21 Oct 2023to29 Oct 2024Open 16:00 - 18:00
Sea Train Adventure Return

Poole

A relaxing cruise around the eastern tip of the Jurassic Coast with live commentary into the Victorian seaside resort of Swanage, where you shall disembark.

Dates

From:

30 Jan 2024to31 Oct 2024Open 09:00 - 16:45
Swanage Jurassic Circular Cruise

Poole

Embark on a round trip to Poole and back on our circular Jurassic cruise from Swanage.

Dates

From:

30 Mar 2024to31 Oct 2024Open 10:15 - 14:30
Art & Makers Market

Bournemouth

The Art & Makers Market runs from May to September in Bournemouth’s historic Westover Gardens.

Dates

From:

17 May 2024to29 Sept 2024Various Opening Times

Ratings & Reviews

Things to Do PierView Room , Attractions, Activities, Beaches, Beach Hut Hire, Sports & Leisure, Entertainment, Tours & Sightseeing ,	What's On April, August, December, February, January, July, June , March, May , November , October, September, Events, Festivals, Exhibitions,	Accommodation Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, Self Catering, Touring Caravan & Holiday Parks, Camping & Glamping, Dog Friendly, Group Friendly,
Food & Drink Restaurants, Pubs & Bars, Cafes & Delis, Afternoon Tea, Food & Drink Experiences, Vegetarian & Vegan, Search By Cuisine ,	Inspire Me Escape the Everyday , Itineraries, School Holidays in Bournemouth, Short Breaks, Weddings, LGBT, International Education, Bournemouth Blog, News,	Shopping Markets, High Street, Shopping Centres,
Explore Towns & cities, Villages, Beyond the Beach , The South Coast , Countryside, History of Bournemouth, Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter ,	Your Visit Accessibility Guide, Awards, Living in Bournemouth, Tourist Information Centre, Bournemouth Loves Groups, Travel Information, Weather, Newsletter Sign-Up, Contact Us,	Work With Us Destination Awards, About Us, Advertise on our websites, Jobs & Vacancies , Destination Management Board , Tourism Partner HUB, Business Events Bournemouth, Events & Filming,
Media Media Hub ,

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

Family Events

Searching for...

What's On

Things To Do

Accommodation

Food & Drink

Things to Do

Accommodation

Food & Drink

What's On

Things to Do

Accommodation

Food & Drink

Number of results:

Events

Dates

Venue

Dates

Dates

Dates

Dates

Dates

Dates

Dates

Dates

Dates

Dates

Venue

Dates

Dates

Dates

Dates

Dates

Dates

Follow Us...

Don't Miss