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

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
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Bournemouth

Escape to a world of pure imagination with Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical.

Venue

Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth

Dates

From:
28 May 2025Open 19:30 - 22:00
From:
29 May 2025Open 14:30 - 17:00
From:
29 May 2025Open 19:30 - 22:00
From:
30 May 2025Open 19:30 - 22:00
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31 May 2025Open 14:30 - 17:00
From:
31 May 2025Open 19:30 - 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 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
Oceanarium Animal Feeding Experiences

Bournemouth

Would you like to get even closer to our amazing creatures? Have a penguin take a fish right out of your hand, see a shark’s teeth in action, or look closely into the eyes of our gentle turtle, Carrie. There are many different opportunities to get…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Open 10:00 - 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
10 years of RockReef & PierZip Competition!

Bournemouth

10 Years of RockReef & PierZip Competition! WIN A FREE single Clip 'n Climb or a single PierZip session!

Dates

From:

1 July 2024to21 Dec 2024Various Opening Times
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
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

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

Family Events

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