Things to do with kids in Bournemouth and Dorset - A local guide

Bournemouth is a gold mine for family-friendly activities and things to do. Whether you're looking for educational or fun options or want to burn some energy, we have no shortage of choices. From the famous seven miles of golden sand beaches to nature reserves and interactive museums, Bournemouth and the surrounding area have something for everyone.

In this blog, we’ll introduce you to some of our favourite places for families to explore, all within driving distance of Hotel Collingwood. Let’s get started.

Explore Bournemouth’s beaches.

Okay, let’s start with the obvious - the beaches! Bournemouth is famous for its seven miles of golden sands, which regularly retain their Blue Flag awards, recognising beaches for water quality, environmental management, and safety. They are the perfect place for kids to run around and splash in the sea. 

Towards the east side of Bournemouth beach, you’ll find quieter spots, perfect for a family picnic. Take the time to explore these quieter beaches, and you’ll be pleased you did: 

Boscombe Beach

Where: About a 15-minute walk or short land train ride east of Bournemouth Pier.

Why it’s great for families:

• Softer waves and cleaner sands, ideal for kids to paddle or build sandcastles.
• Boscombe Pier offers free activities, such as musical instruments built into the structure and art installations.
  The Boscombe Chine Gardens nearby offer a play area, mini golf, and water play features in the summer.

Fisherman’s Walk Beach

Where: East of Boscombe, below Fisherman’s Walk Gardens in Southbourne.

Why it’s great for families:

• Access via the cliff lift (seasonal) makes it fun for kids and easier for parents with buggies.
• It's less crowded, great for spreading out a picnic blanket and relaxing.
• Often visited by locals, with clean facilities and beach huts you can hire.

Southbourne Beach

Where: A bit further along from Fisherman’s Walk.

Why it’s great for families:

• It’s one of the quietest sections along Bournemouth’s beach stretch.
• Safe, clean, and calm - perfect for kids to play freely.
• Close to Southbourne Grove, a high street with independent cafes and ice cream spots.

Alum Chine Beach

Where: West of Bournemouth Pier, about a 15–20 minute stroll along the promenade or a short drive with convenient parking nearby.

Why it’s great for families:

• A family-friendly play park right by the promenade, ideal for little ones to burn off energy.
• Plenty of space to spread out for a picnic or games in the sand.
• The on-site car park makes it easy to unload beach gear.
• You’ll find a pizza place and other casual spots to grab food without leaving the beach vibe.

Sandbanks Beach

Where: East of Poole Harbour, about a 15-minute drive from central Bournemouth.

Why it’s great for families:

• Famous for its soft, golden sand and calm waters, perfect for safe paddling and sandcastle building.
• Excellent facilities, including a car park, toilets, and a children’s play area.
  A lovely choice if you want to mix beach time with a scenic drive — or hop on the open-top bus mentioned earlier!

Studland Bay (Nature Reserve)

Where: Across the chain ferry from Sandbanks - a fun ride in itself! Studland Bay sits within a National Trust-protected area on the Isle of Purbeck.

Why it’s great for families:

• A nature-rich beach experience, with dunes, heathland and wildlife, great for curious kids and mini explorers.
• You can rent kayaks, pedal boats, or paddle boards and enjoy the gentle waters in the bay.
• It’s a literary treat too, Enid Blyton based many of her stories on the surrounding landscape.
• Wide open spaces mean it never feels too crowded, and it’s well-maintained by the National Trust.

Mini Land Train

The land train runs along the promenade from Bournemouth to Boscombe and sometimes further. Kids love the novelty of the ride, and it saves little legs from long walks. Simply sit back and enjoy the seafront scenery as we sweep you along the promenade. Trains feature accessible facilities for wheelchair users, and well-behaved dogs are welcome.

KidZone

Free to all visitors and residents, the KidZone is a beach safety scheme which protects and reunites lost children and vulnerable adults with their families or guardians during the busy summer months by the sea. The KidZone scheme runs from July 14 to (and including) September 3.

Along the seafront, you’re spoilt for choice regarding family-friendly cafes where you can grab an ice cream or hot chocolate (ideal if it gets chilly). A day spent on one of the many beaches in Bournemouth is well spent, especially if you're looking to unwind with the kids.

Hop on, Hop Off Bus

If you're looking for an easy and fun way to explore the south coast, a hop-on, hop-off bus ticket is your perfect travel companion. Not only will you get to see the best of Bournemouth, but you’ll also be able to venture out to Poole and the stunning Sandbanks, all at your own pace.

Whether you want to spend the morning browsing Bournemouth’s shops, relaxing in a seafront café, or catching a show at one of the local theatres, you’re free to hop off wherever catches your eye. When you’re ready to move on, just hop back on the next red double-decker and continue your adventure.

As you ride along, you'll soak in coastal views, golden beaches, and sparkling sea stretching to Poole Harbour and the exclusive Sandbanks peninsula. It's the perfect way to explore without the stress of parking or navigating unfamiliar roads.

‍Book your ticket today.

Visit the Oceanarium

If you’ve got little ones who love sea creatures, you won’t want to miss the Oceanarium. Ideally located on the seafront (and just a short walk from Hotel Collingwood), it’s great for a rainy day. It's guaranteed to be a hit with the kids, from penguins to touch pools and the tunnel through the shark tanks. It’s a fun, educational experience that the whole family can enjoy.

Experience RockReef activity centre.

For older kids, or if you have a group ready for a challenge, the RockReef activity centre on Bournemouth Pier is highly recommended. The indoor climbing walls cater to a variety of skill levels, and the experience makes for a great day out for everyone involved. It’s a fun way to stay active and enjoy a day full of laughs as a family. Plus, you’ll get unbeatable views of the Dorset coastline when you take a break. 

The centre also boasts a vertical drop slide and zip wire if you want to push the adrenaline levels a little higher!

Discover Brownsea Island.

For a more down-to-earth experience, head to the National Trust's Brownsea Island. A short ferry ride from Poole’s quayside, when you arrive, you’ll be met by red squirrels, one of only two places in England where they still reside naturally. The island is perfect for family walks, with amazing views of Poole Harbour. The kids will love the outdoor play areas, and it’s the ideal location for a family picnic while soaking in the views. It’s a hidden gem, often overlooked by visitors to the area.

Step into history at the Tank Museum.

If your kids are into history (or just love big vehicles), the Tank Museum is a must-see. This is one of those places that appeals to people of all ages, from interactive exhibits to plenty of opportunities to climb on the tanks and see them up close. It’s an educational and fun day out that has been a family favourite spot to visit for years. Just a 40-minute drive out of Bournemouth, you won’t be disappointed if you choose to visit.

Explore the ruins of Corfe Castle.

Another National Trust attraction steeped in local history is Corfe Castle. Located in a beautiful village with stunning views of the Purbeck Hills, it’s an excellent location for kids to run around and explore while learning more about the story behind the castle. The visitor centre boasts fun activities, and the castle ruins are full of interesting nooks and crannies that provoke imaginative thoughts about the past. It’s also home to seasonal events like medieval fairs and treasure hunts, which the kids love!

Enjoy Farmer Palmers

For a day out that’s a little different from the beach, Farmer Palmer’s is a brilliant option for families with young children. Located just outside Poole, it’s full of hands-on fun - from feeding farm animals and riding tractors to exploring indoor soft play and outdoor adventure zones. With plenty to do whatever the weather, it’s the perfect mix of learning, laughter, and letting off steam. The park is open most of the year and often runs seasonal events and themed activities, so it’s well worth checking what’s on before you visit.

The world-famous Jurassic Coast

For a bit of adventure mixed with a dash of history, the Jurassic Coast is one of the South Coast’s famous attractions. This UNESCO World Heritage site stretches for miles along the coastline and offers plenty of opportunities for fossil hunting, especially at Lyme Regis and Charmouth. There’s always something exciting to find. Whether you’re hiking, hunting or just enjoying the views, the Jurassic Coast is a must-visit for any family staying in the area.

Stay at Hotel Collingwood

Hotel Collingwood, located in the centre of Bournemouth, is the perfect base for any family adventure. Located a short walk from the beach, close to local travel connections, including rail, road and air. The hotel offers comfortable, family-friendly rooms, an indoor pool, a games room, and live music most weekends in the summer months.

It’s the perfect place to relax after a fun-filled day of sightseeing and activities. You're spoilt for choice with our famous Gold Room restaurant for evening meals and a hearty Dorset breakfast, or the Bubble Lounge for more relaxed bar food.

Bournemouth and Dorset have much to offer families, whether you’re here for a day or a week. With a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, educational experiences, and relaxing beach days, there’s something for everyone. It’s a wonderful part of the UK and we hope to welcome you soon.