So you are visiting the region of Dorset and decide to take some time exploring the city of Bournemouth and its surroundings. You might wonder what are the best things to do in Bournemouth that are suitable for kids? You’ve come to the right place then.

This resort city on the South coast of England has all the trappings of the perfect family weekend away.

Miles of sandy beaches, acres of unspoiled countryside (the New Forest National Park is on your doorstep) and most importantly, plenty of child-friendly activities.

There are indoor adventure parks for active kids, a role play centre for creative kids and a fantastic aquarium for the whole family.

BabyBreaks has done the hard work for you, and researched the best things you could do in Bournemouth with your kids. Let’s go!


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1. Oasis Fun

👶Baby & Toddler Friendly👶

A whole day out for the family, Oasis Fun offers six bowling lanes, indoor soft play, arcade games, an adventure golf course and an American-style diner. There’s hours of fun to be had here, perfect for a rainy day when the beach isn’t too appealing.

Please note: The diner is only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Address: Glen Fern Rd, Bournemouth BH1 2LZ

Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs 10am – 10pm, Fri & Sat 10am – 11pm

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A great soft play area in Bournemouth for kids

2. Kids Play Cafe

👶Baby & Toddler Friendly👶

An innovative space for children to explore their imagination, Kids Play Cafe offers regularly changing role-play areas such as a fire station, castle, construction site, safari area and pirate ship.

In reality, children will broaden their personal, social and emotional development. They will also expand their language and communication skills and evolve their knowledge of the world they live in.

Play sessions start from 90 minutes to 120min and need to be booked online. There is a café where parents can relax with a well-deserved coffee.

Address: 280 Charminster Rd, Bournemouth BH8 9RT

Opening Hours: Open daily 9:30 am – 3.30pm

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A soft play centre with cafe in Bournemouth for kids
Source: Kids Play Cafe

3. Rock Reef

Located at the end of Bournemouth Pier, Rock Reef offers lots of active fun for tiring out the kids, both indoors and outdoors. Suitable for ages 4 and above, the all-weather attraction tops the list of lots of tourists. There are climbing walls, vertical drop slides, an aerial obstacle course and a 65 metre ‘cave’ to explore.

If the weather brightens up, head outside to the PierZip – an amazing pier to shore zip wire which will have you soaring 25 metres above the sea!

Address: Bournemouth Pier, Bournemouth BH2 5AA

Opening Hours: Open 10am – 5:30pm on weekends. Weekday opening times vary depending on school holidays / seasons.

Visit the website to book your session (essential).

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Rock Reef - things to do in bournemouth with kids
Source: Rock Reef

4. Oceanarium

It wouldn’t be a visit to the seaside without a trip to an aquarium! Kids will love getting up close and personal to the fantastic array of sea creatures here, from playful penguins to graceful rays to cute otters.  Pick up the Adventure Quiz Trail at the start and see if you can answer all the questions as you wander around.

Under 10’s can also enjoy an underwater themed play zone too, next to the underwater penguin windows and jellyfish displays, which offer even more entertainment !

Address: Pier Approach, Bournemouth BH2 5AA

Opening Hours: Open daily 10am – 6pm

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A great aquarium to visit in Bournemouth with kids
Source: Oceanarium

5. Lollipops Cafe

👶Baby & Toddler Friendly👶

And finally, a world of fun and exploration for under 7, this soft play cafe is light and airy, giving it a sense of relative calm, compared to other soft play centres. In addition to the three storey play frame and baby sensory area, there are various events throughout the week such as messy play and baking.

As well as good coffee and cake (essential for early morning parenting) there is even a TV area showing sky sports – a very welcome new addition for some parents!

Address: 16 Landseer Rd, Bournemouth BH4 9EH

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A great family friendly cafe with soft play area in Bournemouth for kids
Source: Lollipops Cafe

Interested by more things to do with your kids in Bournemouth? Read on…

6. Bournemouth BMX Track

If your children are into BMX bikes, they are going to love this track situated on the east side of Bournemouth near Christchurch.

This outdoor dedicated area to the motor cross bikes has lots of ramps and will be a fun way to get your kids active and release energy into this activity.

Beware that the track is home to BMX championship and competitions so make sure to check out their website before coming.

Address: Iford Ln, Bournemouth BH6 5NF

Source: Pixabay

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7. Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park

👶Baby & Toddler Friendly👶

If your children are asking you to go to a fun park when it rains or not, Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park is a great choice if you visit Bournemouth for day out with the kids.

The venue has both indoor and outdoor attractions including a soft play area, go karts, pedal tractors and many more.

The farm will be the highlight of your visit where your little ones will get close to goats, alpacas, donkeys or ponies.

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park is one of the favourite family friendly attractions near Bournemouth and Pools with thousands of positive reviews for a few years now. Don’t miss out on the special events such as Halloween and Christmas.

Address: Wareham Rd, Organford, Poole, Organford, Poole BH16 6EU

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Source: Pixabay

8. Mighty Adventures Crazy Golf

Need to keep the kids busy and entertained for one hour? You should definitely try playing this fun mini adventure golf around the theme of dinosaurs.

This family friendly attraction in Bournemouth is always fun to be part of whether you excel in your putting skills or not.

It is a good way to initiate a family competition between parents vs. children too. Who will claim the lowest score card?

Address: Playgolf, Riverside Ave, Christchurch, Bournemouth BH7 7ES

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A great mini golf to try with kids in Bournemouth
Source: Mighty Adventures Bournemouth

9. Science Zone UK

👶Baby & Toddler Friendly👶

As it name suggests, Science Zone UK is a great venue where your children will be fully hands on in different workshops such as fizzy science.

This place is a great introduction to science with a sensory room for your little ones and also a planetarium dome.

And if your kids are into dinosaurs, there is a specific room about them as well.

Make sure to check their website to see the workshops available during your stay in Bournemouth with your kids.

Address: 21 Royal Arcade Boscombe, Royal Arcade, Bournemouth BH1 4BT

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Source: Science Zone

10. Marvo Mysteries Escape Room Bournemouth

This attraction is not suitable for children under 12 years.

We are a big fan of escape rooms at BabyBreaks. You will probably come across quite a few during your visit in Bournemouth with your family. But which one to choose that are suitable for families?

Marvo Mysteries Escape Room has been praised by many families in the recent months and has received many awards too.

The immersive attraction lasts about 80 min and you have 60 min to solve different puzzles, mysteries and hopefully exit the room.

Address: 664 Christchurch Rd, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH7 6BT

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Source: Marvo Mysteries

11. Compton Ares

Admire over 10 acres of beautifully manicured gardens at Compton Acres, that is to say a fabulous day out for all the family.

Constructed in 1920, these are certainly some of the UK’s finest privately owned gardens.

Firstly explore The Italian Garden, secondly The Japanese Garden, then The Wooded Valley and more.

There’s a charming tea room to retire to after all that fresh air.

In addition, a plant centre and gift shop for green fingered inspiration to take home.

Address: Canford Cliffs Rd, Poole BH13 7ES

Opening Hours: Open daily 10am – 4pm / 6pm (winter / summer)

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day out in Bournemouth
Source: Compton Acres

12. Alum Chine Beach

Alum Chine Beach is voted the best in the area for families. Boasting both green and blue flag awards, a pirate themed playground, tropical gardens.

Moreover a paddling pool for little ones and colourful beach huts to hire.

The gently sloping sand makes certainly swimming safe all year round, and there are lifeguards on watch from May to September.

Address: Alum Chine, Bournemouth, Dorset. BH4 8HS

things to do in bournemouth with kids
Source: Pixabay 

13. Splashdown Waterpark

A water park offers guaranteed fun for the family, and this is one of the UK’s best. Offering 13 indoor and outdoor rides for older kids and three ‘splash zones’ for young ones (under five yrs.)

Chill out with the kids as you glide down the lazy river or choose the Infinity flume, which is accompanied by dance music and laser beams.

Don’t forget your camera for some great action snaps!

Address: Tower Park, Poole BH12 4NY

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Source: Shutterstock

14. Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

This 82 acre country park is a fantastic place to visit with kids on a sunny day. For instance, discover the mile long Play Trail’s wooden play equipment, or brave the treetop trail’s wooden walk ways.

Keep your eyes peeled for The Gruffalo and his friends, as you meander along one of the cycle trails. Also head to the Zog activity trail for dragon themed adventures.

In other words, a charming place to spend the day soaking up fresh air and nature. You will be guaranteed a fantastic day out in Bournemouth.

Address: Horton Rd, Ashley Heath BH24 2ET

Opening Hours: Open daily 8am – 5/6/7pm (depending on season)

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15. Adventure Wonderland

A family theme park for children under 12, Adventure Wonderland has to keep your brood entertained all day.

There’s a miniature railway, a maze, teacup rides and much more. In addition, expect to meet lots of favourite childhood characters too, including Alice in Wonderland.

If the weather turns wet, fear not, there’s in addition, an indoor Aztec Adventure playground to explore!

Address: Merritown Ln, Hurn, Christchurch BH23 6BA

Opening Hours: Open daily 10am – 6pm

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Source: Adventure Wonderland / Facebook

CONCLUSION

You’ve come to the end of our suggested list of things to do in Bournemouth with kids. I hope you have enough ideas to keep your brood busy during your day out in the city. Bournemouth is a great city for a weekend break across all seasons. Make sure to visit it again. Happy Travels!

Pin it for later!

15 Things to Do in Bournemouth with Kids

  • Oasis Fun
  • Kids Play Café
  • Rock Reef
  • Oceanarium
  • Lollipops Café
  • Bournemouth BMX Track
  • Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park
  • Mighty Claw Adventure Golf
  • Science Zone UK
  • Marvo Mysteries Escape Room
  • Compton Ares
  • Alum Chine Beach
  • Splashdown Waterpark
  • Moors Valley Country Park and Forest
  • Adventure Wonderland

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