FamiliesDorset1JulAug2018

IN THIS ISSUE

Summer What’s On Guide Win Paultons Park tickets and more Preparing your child for school Summer activities for under 5s Issue 1 July/August 2018

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Discover 1000’s of creatures come rain or shine!

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Editor’s Welcome Managing Editor - Keren Moseley editor@familiesdorset.co.uk 07518 514012 Advertising - Claire Clarricoates Claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk 07812 218331

Welcome to Families Dorset Magazine. I am very proud to bring this much loved family magazine to Dorset and I hope you will enjoy it as much as the thousands of other families across the UK have for almost 30 years!

This issue has plenty to whet your appetite including ideas to keep your children occupied over the summer, tips on preparing your child for school and your essential guide to what’s on around Dorset during July and August.

If you have any news or events to share with our readers, or if you run a local business and you’d like to target parents and families in our next issue, do drop me a line. Plus, don’t forget to like us on Facebook for up-to-date information, competitions and more.

Best wishes,

Design - Matthew Craig mattcraigdesign.co.uk Next Issue September / October 2018 Education News, Back to School, Classes & Clubs, October Half Term, Halloween Activities and more.

Booking Deadline: 1 August Copy Deadline: 7 August Distribution We distribute in Bournemouth, Beaminster, Blandford Forum, Broadstone, Bridport, Christchurch, Dorchester, Ferndown, New Milton, Poole, Ringwood, Sherborne, Swanage, Verwood, Wareham, Wimborne and more.

New Fun Rides at Peppa Pig World Paultons Park is a great value family day out with over 70 wonderful rides and attractions including big rides, small rides, play areas, entertainments and a collection of exotic birds and animals all set within 140 acres of the beautiful New Forest National Park.

Find Families Dorset Magazine on Facebook & Twitter.

Also new for 2018 is Little Africa, the Park’s own little corner of Africa where you can discover the amazing animals and birds of the savannah. From meerkats, to porcupines, fennec foxes to lizards there are animals of all shapes and sizes to delight and entertain.

© Families Dorset Magazine July/August 2018.

Families Dorset is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Dorset are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Dorset. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Dorset, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Peppa Pig World in individual coaches starting from the top of the majestic Queen’s Castle.

Children and parents will also be able to hop aboard brightly coloured boats at Grampy Rabbit’s Sailing Club where they can join the adventure and sail around Peppa Pig World and discover Pirate Island!

Paultons is of course home to the world’s first and UK exclusive Peppa Pig World and it recently got even bigger and better with even more Peppa fun than before! Peppa Pig World has two fun new rides, The Queen’s Flying Coach Ride and Grampy Rabbit’s Sailing Club. The Queen’s Flying Coach Ride will take families on a royal tour around part of

Don’t forget to discover Lost Kingdom, a dinosaur adventure like no other featuring world class family rollercoasters, life-like animatronic dinosaurs, Jurassic themed family rides and a chance to come face to face with ‘living’, walking Dinosaurs!

Further information including opening times is available at paultonspark.co.uk

Enter

DISTRIBUTORS WANTED Looking for some extra income?

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Families Dorset Magazine is looking for friendly, local distributors to deliver our magazines.

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BRIDPORT / BLANDFORD FORUM / DORCHESTER WAREHAM / WIMBORNE / SWANAGE

Contact Keren at editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

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WIN a Paultons Park Family Pass!

Families Dorset has teamed up with Paultons Park to offer one lucky reader a family ticket for entry to Paultons Park for the day.

To enter the competition, just email editor@familiesdorset.co.uk with your full name, address and tell us what two new fun rides are available at Peppa Pig World

to Win

this summer, or like Families Dorset Magazine’s Facebook page, click on the pinned post at the top of the page, and tell us the answer on that post.

Entries close on 31st July.

T&Cs apply. No cash or prize alternative. Prize includes a family of four day ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to Paultons Park valid until 5th November 2018. Excludes food, travel or accommodation and Christmas at Paultons.

Families Dorset 3

iV ews s w e N &

New Free School Opening 2019 A new free school is due to open in Bournemouth town centre next year.

The Livingstone Academy will host pupils aged four to 19 and will specialise in preparing pupils for the rapidly-changing digital world. When full, the new school will accommodate 1,370 students but in September 2019 it will only be taking two classes of Year 7 students. Parents can apply through Bournemouth Council from 1 September.

For further details, visit livingstone-aspirations.org

‘Mischief Makers’ Summer Reading Challenge 2018 Children's reading can 'dip' during the summer holidays if they don't have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure.

The annual Summer Reading Challenge helps get three quarters of a million primary school children into libraries each year to maintain their reading skills and confidence.

This year’s challenge focuses on the theme of mischief and pranks, as inspired by the much-loved

Beano comic, which celebrates its 80th anniversary next year.

IN THIS ISSUE

Children are challenged to read at least six library books over the school holidays and collect incentives, such as stickers, to earn their final challenge certificate and medal. Children can choose, recommend and review books at the Book Sorter on the Challenge website.

Visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Summer What’s On Guide Win Paultons Park tickets and more Preparing your child for school Summer activities for under 5s Issue 1 July/August 2018

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To receive FREE copies of Families Dorset magazine, email editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

Label Uniform the Easy Way With the holidays underway and thoughts turning to the back to school uniform, Easy2name have some great solutions to getting this sorted quickly with the StickEasy Label! developed by mum of four, Melanie King.

Easy2name will save hours as their labels just stick onto wash care labels and they stay put no matter what. Try a Sticky Starter pack with brightly coloured stickers which are wash proof and go in shoes easily, with clear covers popped on the top.

Visit www.easy2name.com for details.

OL! BACK TO SCHO STICK ON IRON ON SEW ON SEW NO IRON - NO GS BA & PENCILS

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You name it we label it!

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Early Years Care Better for Children’s Development A study funded by the Department of Education has found that the provision of early education to children aged 2 has a significant positive effect on their language and socio-emotional development when they reach age 3. This is regardless of their family’s level of advantage.

The report found that no matter how rich and how high the quality of a child’s home environment is or if early childcare is provided by relatives, friends or non-Ofsted registered carers, it was more beneficial for a 2 year old’s development to have spent time in early education and care in a group-based setting,

such as a nursery or playgroup, or with a registered childminder.

Interestingly, the report found that increased time spent with registered childminders at age 2 is associated with a better outcome in terms of verbal development for children at age 3 than time spent in group-based settings. However, spending time in group or childminder settings is associated with similar amounts of benefit for social and behavioural outcomes.

For more information, visit www.natcen.ac.uk

Families Dorset 4

Park School Cooks Up Mud Pies Park School Nursery in Bournemouth is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and has marked this special occasion with the opening of its impressive new outdoor learning facilities.

Staff and families celebrated the opening of the new garden which features a mud kitchen, wooden play houses, sandpit and a climbing ship. 2018 marks a special year for Park School as it’s also commemorating its 90th year since being established.

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Preparing Your Child for School If your child is starting school in September, you may be wondering how best to prepare them for this big new adventure!

Firstly, don’t worry if they can’t read a word or write their own name. The ability to interact, communicate and exercise a degree of independence is actually far more important than reading or writing skills when a child starts school.

In fact, research shows a link between strong personal, social and emotional skills in Reception and higher levels of attainment in the future. So, if you want to strengthen your child’s skills in these areas, here are some tips.

Independence The aim is for children to be responsible for themselves, their belongings and their actions at school. Help your child learn to get dressed, put on their coats/shoes, go to the toilet, tidy away toys and select their own activity resources.

Communication and Language Research demonstrates that competent speakers develop into competent readers and writers; without competent spoken language, learning to read and write is more difficult. Language allows children to interact with the world. Being able to communicate their message effectively is satisfying and develops their esteem and self-confidence.

Model good spoken language, with correct pronunciation of sounds, and encourage your child to speak in full sentences using an expanding vocabulary. Talk to your child about their experiences and feelings throughout the day and develop a positive ethos around the importance of communicating and expressing feelings, of any kind. This will have multiple benefits (including knowing how your child is really feeling and maintaining an open and trusting rapport), both now and in the future.

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Sharing and Interaction The more opportunities your child gets to interact and learn how to share and take turns, the less of a shock it will be when he or she starts school!

However, expect this to be an on-going process.

Allow your child lots of opportunities to play with siblings and organise lots of play dates. If disagreements occur between children, talk to them about how to resolve issues, modelling language and behaviour which gives them strategies and words to prevent or resolve disagreements in the future.

climbing, throwing, catching, and kicking a ball.

Varying the speed and direction of movement activities also develops spatial awareness. Your child can have fun developing fine motor skills at home with every day activities such as using pegs and scissors, bead threading, button fastening, moulding play-dough, and painting.

Exploring and Investigating

Often the most effective learning occurs when a child is left to his own devices, without nicelyprepared resources and prescriptive instructions about how to do something. Make a conscious effort to step back and allow your child the Respect for Behavioural Boundaries opportunity to use his initiative and develop his At school, behavioural expectations and boundaries creative, imaginative and innovative skills through are likely to include: exploring, investigating and initiating his own • Listening the first time they are asked learning. Children learn by exploring, trying out to pay attention and adapting ideas for themselves and taking ownership. Present your child with a large • Keeping hands/feet to cardboard box (and the opportunity to themselves Often the most access other resources/toys). See what • Sharing and taking turns effective learning he or she does with it. In the latter • Looking after things occurs when a stages of his or her ‘creation’ you may • Tidying away wish to step in to play too, but allow child is left to his your child to initiate the direction of the • Being kind to others own devices play and conversation.

You can reinforce these All these skills can be naturally weaved into expectations at home by teaching your everyday lives. Enjoy and treasure these children to respect themselves, their precious last few months with your child at home actions and the feelings of others. and keep these tips in mind to promote a positive Physical (Gross and Fine Motor Skills) start to your child’s school life.

All activities require some sort of physicality, whether it be large (gross) or small (fine) movements. Gross motor skills are developed when hopping, skipping, running, jumping, galloping, balancing, pedalling a bike, using a scooter,

Sarah McKinlay is a mother and school teacher with qualifications in psychology and can provide support and strategies to give your child a happy transition to school.

For more info, visit www.bounceparental.co.uk

Families Dorset 6

Helping Your Child Avoid the Language

Word Gap

g is an Readin t way for tan impor en to learn childr bulary voca

A recent report has revealed that schools teachers are seeing an increasing number of children with a limited vocabulary – a word gap.

Why the Word Gap Matters: Oxford Language Report found that without enough words a child will not only find it hard to understand instructions at school, but also to play and communicate with others. Word gap is not only affecting children’s achievements at school but also it can have a damaging impact on selfesteem and a child’s ability to make friends.

Leading educational experts and teachers offer their thoughts on the word gap and share practical ideas on building children’s vocabulary and sparking their interest in learning new words. Here are just a few:

Not just Reading but Being Read To 93% of primary school teachers said that a root cause of the word gap is that children aren’t spending enough time leisure reading. Reading is an important way for children to learn vocabulary.

Encourage your child by reading aloud and sharing picture books, traditional tales, or non-fiction books. Help them read as widely as possible. For inspiration, you can find booklists at www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home.

There are multiple benefits to reading aloud to your child, even when they are able read fluently. In this way your child experiences books that they may not

be able to read on their own yet and is exposed to new words that they wouldn’t otherwise find.

Talk about books – ask your child what they liked or didn’t like about a story. What was their favourite bit? How do they think a character felt at a certain point? You can even try asking them to re-tell the story using their own words.

Talk, Talk, Talk!

While parents talk to their children all the time, research with very young children shows that if we use richer language, a child’s vocabulary can increase dramatically1. Name and describe objects rather than falling back on pronouns (like ‘this’ and ‘that’). Try using alternative words for the same thing – instead of saying ‘It’s hot’, say ‘It’s scorching’ or ‘It’s blistering.’

Have Fun with Words Create an excitement around discovering and talking about new words together.

When your child comes across a new word, encourage them to talk to you about what it might mean, and to use the other words and sentences around it to try to work out the meaning. Older children reading on their own could be encouraged

to write unknown words on a card bookmark for you to discuss and look up together later. Talk about other ways you could use the new word – give them examples of sentences using that word and encourage them to think of their own sentences.

Pick up the Dictionary It’s helpful if your child has access to a dictionary and a thesaurus at the right level for them, written in language they can understand. These are vital tools for developing and enriching children’s language and helping to improve their spelling.

Check for Understanding In the report, educational psychologist Jean Gross (CBE) explains that she assessed children of all ages and abilities using a test that asked them to say what “on purpose” meant. Very few could do this, despite often hearing “You did that on purpose” at home and at school. Jean suggests that we should never assume that children know the meaning of even simple words. Make sure you check for understanding.

To read the full report, visit oxford.ly/wordgap David Reedy explores this study in Why the Word Gap Matters: Oxford Language Report, page 14 1

WIN a Pair of term® School Shoes or Wellies term® Footwear is a UK brand of school shoes and wellingtons. Designed in the UK by New Brands, a Dorset based family-run company specializing in children’s footwear, term® has been created to provide shoes with great design, comfort and fit.

Children are very style conscious now and it can be difficult buying school shoes that are suitable and that a child will want to wear. Focusing

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on beautiful, fashionable styles with comfortboosting features, term® shoes are designed with foot health as a priority and to be worn all day, looking after growing feet from young to teenage years. term® wellington boots have a removable roll top sock, which keep feet warm in winter. When the socks are removed, the wellies are one EU size bigger, so the wellies grow with your child!

Great colours and of course great comfort too with a stitched insole on the sock, providing

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support and keeping it in place. term® school shoes for learning, term® wellies for play!

For your chance to win a pair of term® school shoes or wellies, just answer this question: Where are term® shoes designed?

To enter the competition, email editor@ familiesdorset.co.uk with your full name, address and answer. Entries close on 31st July.

T&Cs apply. Sizes subject to availability. No cash or prize alternative.

Visit www.termshop.co.uk.

Families Dorset 7

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How to:

Ward Off Summer Holiday Brain Drain

By Claire Winter

Children need a break during the summer, so they come back to school refreshed and ready to learn. However, research consistently shows that children can lose up to a third of what they have learned during the holidays.

Here are some great ideas to keep young brains active during the long break:

Write a Summer Bucket List Get the kids to write a list of things they want to do during the holidays. Get them to research where the places are and the cost of visiting. You can also get them involved in household budgeting, shopping and cooking too.

Read for Pleasure

Travel

Being outdoors in new environments will keep everyone happy as well as firing up brain neurons!

Spending time outdoors not only makes you happier, it also leads to an increased sense of vitality. Being in nature also calms the mind, boosts creativity and improves focus and attention.

Take a Class Summer holiday workshops and camps can teach your children some new skills, which will also help their brains stay active.

Being on holiday helps families use their brains differently. Research suggests it can trigger systems in the limbic part of the brain ‘play’ and ‘seeking’ (Panksepp 2016). Play is activated when you mess around in the sea or build sandcastles.

Seeking is activated when you explore and find a new rock pool to investigate Being in nature or restaurant for a meal. Being on a family holiday can activate these boosts creativity and systems in our brains. This triggers improves focus and feel-good neuro chemicals making attention parents and children feel happier and less stressed, allowing them to re-connect emotionally.

Create Art

Remind them about the wonder of books. Being told what to read at school can make it less enjoyable, so let them choose. You can also sign up your children for the Summer Reading Challenge at your local library.

Avoid Gadgets Most kids need an Xbox or mobile phone detox, so just set some limits on screen time and let them decide when they get to use their allocation.

EntotWeinr

Get Outside

Mindset Matters

Holidays are supposed to be fun, so get the kids creating some fun art in the garden or kitchen. This will enhance their creativity and motor skills. Leysa Henderson, education specialist says, “We need to encourage creativity. Give children a chance to get it wrong as it teaches resilience to push through challenges.”

Teach your children resilience and the growth mindset – for example, they aren’t good at something ‘yet.’ The fixed mindset is the belief that they can’t change or develop new or different skills.

The summer is the perfect time for them to try new things or develop existing skills and understand that you can become good at something if you practice.

Children who have a growth mindset are much more likely to try a new challenge.

WIN a copy of The World of David Walliams: Book of Stuff In celebration of ten wonderful Walliams years, Families Dorset is offering you the opportunity to win this brand new compendium perfect for the ultimate David Walliams fan. Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books this is David Walliams’ first ever activity book, perfect for bags of fun this summer!

Published in glorious colour, this spectacularly funny feast of a book is jam-packed with exclusive sneak peeks, fun character facts, games and quizzes. It’s the ultimate compendium for super fans, new fans and

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anyone who enjoys laughing out loud! For further information, visit www.worldofdavidwalliams.com To enter, simply email your answer to the following question to editor@familiesdorset.co.uk For how many years has David Walliams been writing children’s books? a) 50

b) 2

c) 10

Closing Date: 17 August (T&Cs on our website).

Families Dorset 8

18 Things To Do with Your Under 5s this Summer

By Vanessa Christie

When term time classes and drop-in activities close for the summer holidays, you may be left feeling out on a limb. So, here’s some fun ideas for your toddlers and pre-schoolers during this time.

Keeping Cool

Deal Hunting

Rainy Days at Home

Beach life

Your Local Council

Have buckets and spades at the ready and head beach-side for rock-pooling and castle building. Inland lakes and urban areas often have man-made “beach” areas and activities going on over the summer, so check your local websites for information.

Once you’ve exhausted the options in the What’s On section, check your local council website to find out about free or discounted holiday sessions at local leisure centres, libraries, theatres and other venues.

Kids Eat Free

Washing Up

Water Pistol Targets Fill up the pistols, line up some empty cans or paper cups and fire away. For added fun, keep a score card.

Lots of restaurants help families out in the holidays and drum up their own business, so it is always worth having a shop around for good deals.

Sprinklers

Culture Kids

Get an enthusiastic toddler together with a washing up brush and they can be (a little) more useful than you think. This activity can also keep them blissfully happy for ages! So as long as everything in the bowl is kid-friendly, let them wash away!

Failing the beach and assuming it’s not dry enough for a hose-pipe ban, water sprinkler action can’t fail to cool off the steamiest of tempers and meltdowns.

Plenty of museums are free to enter, or at least offer good holiday discounts and have lots of interactive entertainment to keep little brains engaged. Failing that, at least they are a cool on a warm day and dry if it’s raining!

Bath If it’s Just. Too. Hot. Retreat inside to the relative cool of the bathroom, run a tepid bath and pile your young ones in.

Kitchen chaos

If you are feeling stuck at home , join forces with other parents

Mini Beast Mayhem

Pimp Up Your Walk

A child’s fascination with bugs can be fascinating to watch. Give them a pot and a little shovel and set them to work exploring under pots, logs, loose soil and leaves.

If your child is digging their heels in, try giving walking a new twist. Prepare a piece of paper with a circle, triangle, rectangle and square drawn down one side and track objects that are these shapes along the way e.g. fence posts, road signs, wheels, swings etc. You can do a similar thing with textures.

All you need is a jam jar (or something with a lid), flower petals and any other scented outdoor offerings, a little water and a mixing stick. Hey presto, you have a bespoke smelly perfume, potion or concoction! Your child can even make their own label to stick on.

The Woodland Trust Check out www.woodlandtrust.org.uk for loads of free, downloadable activity sheets that you can use any time you are outside.

Fruit Picking

National Trust

A trip to a Pick Your Own will keep their bellies occupied and give you plenty of healthy goodies to take home for fruity treats - and all for next to nothing on the spending front.

The National Trust has many child-friendly gardens and outdoor spaces that are perfect for little ones to enjoy running around. Look up www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/our-top-gardensfor-children to see where best to head to.

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Vegetable Paint Printing Give life to the stubby bits of veg lurking in the bottom of the fridge. Turn them into paint stamps before dumping them in the bin, compost or food waste.

Indoor Dens and Picnics

Getting Back to Nature

Flower Power

Keep little hands busy and titillate taste buds by making fruit kebabs, juicy lollies and berry crumbles. If your children like rainbows, they can design their very own fruit rainbow on a plate for pudding.

Who said you have to be outside to build a den or have a picnic? Chairs, bed, tables, sofa, indoor clothes dryer plus an old sheet or blanket make the perfect hidey hole for all manner of adventures.

Ring Your Friends If you are feeling stuck at home, the chances are there will be a friend nearby in exactly the same position. Never hesitate to pick up the phone and join forces. They will be as glad as you that you did.

Vanessa Christie is a Lactation Consultant and Early Parenting Expert at The Baby Show, the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event, which returns to London Olympia 19–21 October.

For more information, visit www.vanessachristie.com and/or www.thebabyshow.co.uk

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Feel the Magic of Vintage Train Travel Swanage Railway is the picture postcard branch line to the seaside.

Steam trains run for six miles, weaving their way through the beautiful Purbeck countryside from Norden, home of the Purbeck Mineral Mining Museum, past the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle to the sandy beach of Swanage, the eastern gateway to the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage site.

Swanage Railway offers an intensive heritage steam train service with departures up to every 40 minutes in the summer season. Dining services complement themed events, including steam and diesel galas and the acclaimed Santa Specials and Christmas Belles during the festive season.

Take the Plunge at Splashdown Waterpark A roaringly good welcome awaits those who dare to enter the lair of the resident Dragon; or plunge into the Mississippi Drifter for a fantastic river tyre ride; or get into a spin on Infinity with its funky laser lights and jukebox.

There are 13 fantastic rides to choose from.

You should be at least 1m tall and confident in water to ride the flumes but with Ricky’s Reef, children under 6 years can enjoy spotting rays, corals and more beneath the surface of the toddler pool, with its 3D effect reef liner plus there’s interactive waterplay especially for under 8s.

Get Closer to Nature at Kingston Maurward Even wet weather cannot detract from the beautiful grounds and lake at Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park.

This family friendly day out is ideal for little ones and it won’t break the bank either! There are so many animals to see including goats, ponies, birds of prey, wallabies, pigs, ducks and Drako and Freedom the two alpacas! The grade 2 listed gardens are fantastic open spaces where little kids (and big ones too) can run free.

Plus, with sun terraces, bubble spa and Café, there’s sure to be something for everyone (some facilities are seasonal).

Free parking and easy, signed access from all routes to Tower Park.

Admission Prices Adult £6.95 Senior £6.50 Child £4.95 Family £22.00 (Two adults and up to two children) Children aged 3 and under go FREE

discount Voucher: One child free with a paying adult!

One Voucher per group per visit. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers.

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Say Hello to Benny & Nia! Visit Monkey World this summer and see the newest arrivals, whitethroated guenons Benny & Nia! For Sat Nav, use DT2 8PX

These incredibly rare monkeys were smuggled from the wild into Lebanon, and Monkey World were called to rescue them. They join over 250 endangered monkeys and apes to live their lives in a safe, stable environment at the Dorset sanctuary.

Combining fun with conservation, half-hourly keeper talks explain all about man’s closest living relative, and the stories that led them to Monkey World. Visitors can see the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Life’, then ‘monkey around’ in the south’s largest Great Ape play area.

For more details visit www.monkeyworld.org

Families Dorset 10

Explore a Miniature World at Wimborne Model Town

All Weather Fun at Bournemouth Oceanarium Immerse yourself in the underwater wonders of the world at the Oceanarium, situated next to Bournemouth Pier.

With more than 1,000 creatures, the Oceanarium hosts an array of species including loggerhead turtles, mesmerising jellyfish and stunning sharks, as well as the unmissable colony of Humboldt penguins and incredibly cute otter family. Tickets are valid all day so don’t miss the regular talks and feeds. Plus you can visit the kids play zone, relax in the Offshore Café and discover The Cove gift shop!

Wimborne Model Town is a magnet for your little ones this summer.

Take a stroll around the charming streets and shops of the original 1950s miniature buildings with a free quiz guide, see Thomas and drive the trains on the model railway.

Inside, see the illuminated dolls’ houses and 1950s school and shop area. Wendy Street is a treat for younger visitors along with free family entertainment Tuesdays to Thursdays in the holidays. Unwind with a cream tea or lunch (kids menus available) in the Tea Room or grab a souvenir from the gift shop.

Visit www.wimborne-modeltown.com

There’s so much to ‘sea’ and explore, whatever the weather!

Book online for great savings at www.oceanarium.co.uk

Falconry Flying Experience Days & More at Liberty’s Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre in Ringwood is home to a large collection of birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, owls and vultures.

Observe these magnificent birds flying free or treat yourself to a special Flying Experience Day and experience the thrill of falconry for yourself.

You can also get up close and personal with the snakes, lizards and spiders during various displays in the day. At the rescue centre, come and see wild birds of prey on their road to recovery and release back to the wild.

Open daily March - October 10am – 5pm.

For more information visit www.libertyscentre.com

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Families Dorset 11

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Bees in the Garden

Poole Lighthouse, Poole BH15 1UG

Knoll Gardens, Wimborne BH21 7ND

Crazy, colourful and chaotic, Now or Never is a celebration in a big top with international acrobats and musicians in a circus spectacle. Join in the feast as acrobats mingle, making and sharing pancakes before launching into an exhilarating fanfare of music and circus.

From £12.

Explore the wonderful world of bees in Knoll’s beautiful naturalistic garden.

This family event will open your eyes to the wonderful world of bees with walks and talks by bee experts, beehouse and beeswax candle making, and honey tasting. 11am–4pm. Normal admission charges.

6 July - 27 August Throughout July & August Up Close & Personal with Birds of Prey Liberty’s Owl, Raptor And Reptile Centre, Ringwood BH24 3DZ A fun, thrilling and educational family day. Liberty’s houses a large collection of birds of prey and an indoor reptile house.

Observe these magnificent birds flying free or experience falconry firsthand with our Flying Experience Days.

Fossil Hunting & Rockpooling Walks Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Bridport DT6 6LL Lyme Regis Museum, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA Go fossil hunting with the experts and see what you can find. Or roam the rockpools and explore the fascinating marine creatures on the seashore.

Check venues for dates, times and prices.

Booking essential.

Get Hooked on Fishing Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath BH24 2ET An introductory taster fishing session for children aged 5+. Learn the basics including setting up a rod, casting and fish welfare, with the added bonus of a fish or two!

Fishing tackle & bait provided. Selected dates. Contact venue for details. £12.

Hands-on Family Fun The Priest’s House Museum, Wimborne BH21 1HR Explore with fun trails, dress up as a Roman soldier and enjoy special family summer events. Dig It! on 28 July, Little Explorers is on 31 July, 7 & 14 August and Family Explorers on 28 August offering hands-on activities for kids aged 2+ and families. Or join the summer fete on 4 August.

Meet the Animals Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park, Dorchester DT2 8PX Come on down and spend a fun filled day feeding sheep, alpacas and goats, meet the piglets, miniature Shetland ponies, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and more!

A great day out whatever the weather.

Pottery, Craft & Model Making & More Create at the Cove, Wareham BH20 5SG Get creative at this charming and unique all-weather venue. Choose from a variety of craft kits, fossil digging, model making, decopatch, paint your own pottery, colouring & painting and much more.

There really is something for everyone, and to suit most budgets. Open daily from 10am–5pm.

Special Crafts & Soft Play Events Lemur Landings, Poole BH12 4NY Pre-schoolers can go creative crazy with fun craft sessions Tuesday – Thursday 10.30–11.15am (term time). Disabled children and siblings can enjoy exclusive soft play sessions on 10, 24 July and 7, 21 August.

Pre-registration required. Or enjoy phaser evenings 15 & 29 August. £10. 6.30–8.30pm.

Stokewater Meadow Donkey Walking Days Donkey Walking Adventures, Beaminster DT8 3LW Spend a family morning or afternoon with a friendly donkey. Practice getting him ready and enjoy the relaxing experience walking with him along the bridleways and back waters around Beaminster. These affectionate donkeys are easy to manage for over 5s.

Booking required.

Summer Fun Family Shows Have a Go at Archery Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath BH24 2ET Adults & children over 4 years can learn the basic skills you need to be an archer, then give it a go and see if you can hit the target. £3.50 for 8 arrows. From 12pm on selected dates. Contact venue for details.

Lizard Feeding, Ladybird Box Building, Reptile Walks & Den Building Avon Heath Country Park, Ringwood BH24 2DH There’s plenty of ways to get closer to nature. Every Monday in the school holidays, be enraptured by lizard feeding, make nesting boxes for friendly bugs on 1 August, go on a reptile hunt on 6 August or have a go at building your very own den on 20 August. Check venue for times and prices.

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Wimborne Model Town, Wimborne BH21 1DY Come and enjoy Summer Family Fun Shows with magic & puppets every Tuesday & Thursday in the school summer holidays. Plus, there’s crafts and storytelling every Wednesday in August at 2.30pm.

Underwater Wonders Bournemouth Oceanarium, Bournemouth BH2 5AA Plunge into the underwater wonders of the ocean, with over 1,000 marine creatures, including turtles, jellyfish and sharks. Come and marvel at our penguins and cute otters with regular talks and feeds throughout the day.

14 July

Circa Tsuica: Now or Never

14 - 15 July

Vintage Funfair

Dorset Seafood Festival

Pier Approach, Bournemouth BH2 5AA

Weymouth Harbour, Weymouth DT4 8BG

Great family fun at Bournemouth’s Pier Approach with traditional fairground rides.

Catch this award-winning festival around Weymouth’s harbourside with fishy fun in the Family Activity area as local fishermen teach you knot tying, basket weaving and lobster pot making. There’s also a crabbing competition, slime making, pot throwing & rock painting. Free.

7 July National Meadows Day Cogden, near Bridport DT6 4RL Explore the meadows and discover the vibrant wildflowers and insects that live there. Family-friendly activities available from the information point at Cogden and at nearby Burton Bradstock. From 11am–3pm.

No booking required. Free.

Witchampton Village Fete Wimborne BH21 5AG A quintessentially English experience in one of the most beautiful villages in Dorset. A fun family day with karate demonstrations, children’s games, bouncy castle & assault course, music, arts & crafts, face painting, local produce and more. 1.30–5pm.

8 July Nature Detectives Trail: Amazing Meadows Lorton Lane, Weymouth DT3 5QH Pick up a trail guide from Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre and become a nature detective to find the mini bugs hiding among Lorton’s wildflowers.

30–45 minutes approx. Open 10.30am– 4pm. £1 child, must be accompanied.

13 July Pirates of Penzance Corfe Castle Open Air Theatre, Wareham BH20 5EZ When a young man named Frederick leaves the band of pirates he was raised by to find true love and respectability, hilarity ensues. Bring a picnic from 6.30pm.

Performance begins at 7pm. £18 adult, £9 child on the door.

13 July - 27 August Summer Live Bournemouth Square, Bournemouth BH2 6ED A fantastic summer event for all ages with live music every day, huts offering delicious treats, arts & crafts workshops and children’s entertainment shows from 14-25 August. Free.

Dream Dorset Trail Dream Cottages Kiosk, Weymouth DT4 8TT This fun trail takes you around Weymouth’s Old Harbour and Nothe Gardens, with activities to enjoy along the way. Collect a map from the Dream Cottages Kiosk at Cove Row. The first 500 children daily win an edible medal biscuit.

10am–4pm. Free.

15 July Moors Valley’s Big Birthday Bash Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath BH24 2ET A day of celebration for Moors Valley’s 30th birthday with bouncy castles, jugglers, big bubbles, party games and more. Just turn up and join in the fun from 11am–4pm. Over 13s can also drive one of the railway’s steam locomotives for £5 as part of their Model Railway Weekend event.

Poole Goes Vintage Poole Quay, Poole BH15 1HJ Celebrate all things retro with this celebration of 1940s–60s music, fashion, memorabilia, entertainment and transport.

A feel-good festival the whole family will enjoy. Free.

Wild Sunday Avon Heath Country Park, Ringwood BH24 2DH Celebrating all things wild - wildlife, rustic crafts, demos, workshops and more. Hold a bird of prey, meet the farm animals, throw a clay pot and bounce on the inflatables. This event is at South Park, BH24 2SF. Charges may apply for some activities. 10am–4pm. Under 2s free.

15 July & 19 August Boat & Raft Racing Dreamboats Boat Hire, Wimborne Minster BH21 1QU Take to the water in a fun boat race on 15 July or have a go at raft racing for lots of splashes and giggles on 19 August.

Dreamboats is open every day from 14 July–9 September, 11am–5pm.

Families Dorset 12

19 - 22 July

22 July

Larmer Tree Festival

RNLI College Summer Fete

Larmer Tree Gardens, Tollard Royal SP5 5PY

RNLI College, Poole BH15 1HZ

Enjoy this boutique-style festival on the Dorset/Wiltshire border, with comedy, theatre, workshops, talks and music. See CBeebies presenter Cerrie and Gem from the hit show Swashbuckle, plus magical family shows and activities. Under 10s free. Advance booking.

Visit RNLI’s family Summer Fete for lifeboat demonstrations, circus school, face painting, street food, live music, cream teas and traditional games. Free entry & parking. 11am–4pm.

Wareham Carnival Wareham Recreation Ground, Wareham BH20 4PQ

20 July Little Mix Experience Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne Minster BH21 1LT A special tribute to one of the UK’s finest girl-bands. Show is packed with all of Little Mix’s greatest hits and is suitable for all ages. Starts 6pm. Tickets from £16.50.

21 & 22 July Wimborne History Festival Various venues, Wimborne Minster BH21 Celebrating 100 years since the end of WW1 and women gained the vote, this colourful living history festival features toy soldier making, WW1 themed Punch & Judy, spy training, storytelling and more.

At various venues in Wimborne. Check online for details. Free.

21 July & 25 July Sherlock Gnomes (PG) Verwood Hub, Verwood BH31 7QE After a string of garden gnome disappearances in London, Gnomeo & Juliet look to legendary detective Sherlock Gnomes to solve the case of their missing friends and family.

Performances at 11am, 21 July & 4.30pm, 25 July. £4 adult, £2 child.

21-22 & 26-27 July Sorted in Dorset Hamworthy Park, Poole BH15 4DH Shelley Park, Bournemouth BH5 1LX Enjoy the tastes of locally produced food and drink whilst listening to talented local musicians. Children’s activities feature Jamie Jigsaw’s stilt walking, circus workshop and magic & juggling show. 21–22 July Poole, 26–27 July Bournemouth. £8 adult, £4 child.

21 July - 2 September Summer Fun at Crealy Crealy Adventure Park & Resort, Exeter EX5 1DR Enjoy great events, amazing rides & attractions, and magical live shows from Crealy’s mascots Buddy Bear & Blossom.

This summer, be enthralled by City Cirque Xtreme from the streets of New York, with an action-packed, adrenaline-fuelled stunt show from Monday to Saturday.

Enjoy the grand procession through the town followed by family fun events on the recreation ground, live music and more.

Theme this year is ‘Parasols and Brollies’.

1–8pm.

24 July - 2 September Summer Holidays at The Tank Museum The Tank Museum, Bovington BH20 6JG Explore and take part activities for all the family. See tanks roll into action at 1pm every weekday. Experience the thrill of riding in an M548 tracked vehicle daily, 11.30am–4.30pm (£3.50pp charge applies). Outdoor play zone and indoor soft play area & family trails. Under 5s free.

Create at the Cove is a unique all weather, all yearround attraction nestled between the iconic Jurassic Coastal features of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. With a spacious interior, we can happily accommodate large numbers - including school groups, clubs and birthday parties.

The welcoming, relaxing and inspiring environment encourages old & young alike to participate and ‘have a go’, whatever your skill level.

Choose from a wide range of creative activities from Paint your own pottery to Decopatch, Fossil digging to Model making – plus lots more!

Open every day from 10am with tasty refreshments available from our small but welcoming Coffee Shop. Also, we have a super Gift Shop full of goodies and facilities including baby change and an accessible toilet.

Why not call in and unleash your creative side!

No wo pen !

25 - 28 July Awful Auntie by David Walliams Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth BH1 2BU From the award-winning West End producers of Gangsta Granny comes the world premiere of David Walliams’ amazing tale of frights, fights and friendship, featuring a very large owl, a very small ghost and a very awful Auntie!

Show times vary. From £20.50.

26 - 29 July

Church Road, West Lulworth, Dorset BH20 5SG Tel: 01929 400270 ∞ www.createatthecove.com

Camp Bestival Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth BH20 5QS Set sail on a nautical voyage of family festival fun & laughter with a huge line-up of music & kids TV favourites including Mr Tumble and Dick and Dom. Fun activities for kids aged 2+ with circus skills, the world’s biggest bouncy castle & fairground rides or crafts. Book online.

26 July - 30 August Rockley’s Summer Spectacular with Fireworks Poole Quay, Poole BH15 1HJ Every Thursday from 7pm, enjoy a great music lover’s event with a host of varied street entertainment and activities for all the family. There are special themed nights and a spectacular fireworks finale. Free.

26 July - 2 September Elf & Fairy Trail Durlston Country Park, Swanage BH19 2JL Visit fairies and elves, win a prize if you find them all and make a magic wand to help you on your way! 10.30am–4pm. £3.

Check details with the venue before you come just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.

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Exciting Lulworth Attraction Now Open!

26 July - 3 September

27 July - 14 August

Shire Hall Summer Family Activities

Rock Pool School

Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, Dorchester DT1 1UY

Lulworth Visitor Centre, Lulworth Cove BH20 5RQ

Fun family creative arts and crafts activities for families inspired by stories from Shire Hall’s amazing history and Dorset’s farming heritage. New activities every Monday. 10am–4pm. Check venue for details. Free.

Ramble across the rocks, discover fantastic wildlife and identify creatures with your own spotter’s sheet. The pools are only uncovered for a few hours each day so don’t miss your chance to explore an array of marine life. Booking recommended. £4 child.

26 July - 9 September Owl Flying Displays

28 July

Abbotsbury Children’s Farm, Weymouth DT3 4JJ

Bournemouth Pavilion Family Fun Day

Watch the amazing flying displays and maybe come and meet the owls and have a photo with one too. 12.15pm & 3pm.

A great fun day packed with entertainment including face painting, watch the Terrace Tale shows, dance along to the music or take part in a Pavilion Dance or Pavilion Youth Theatre workshop. Jamie Jigsaw will be entertaining the crowds with his clowning, magic and circus skills throughout the day. Free.

27 July

By The Sea Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Bournemouth BH6 4EN A special children’s craft and art workshop using various materials to create a canvas picture of the natural beauties of Hengistbury Head. £10 child. Booking essential. 10am–12pm.

Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth BH1 2BU

The Creepy Crawly Show Brewery Square, Dorchester DT1 1QZ Discover the wonders of nature, from insects to animals. Families meet, hold, and find out more about the animals during this fantastic show. 12–3pm. Free.

Families Dorset 13

28 & 29 July

29 July

Make Bird Feeders, Bottle Rockets & Kites

3 - 31 August

Bing Live!

Metropole Market - Summer Circus

Durlston Country Park, Swanage BH19 2JL

Summer Holiday Fun Fridays

Poole Lighthouse, Poole BH15 1UG

Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth BH8 8AD

Calling all Bingsters! Join Bing, Sula, Coco and Pando as they find out how to tell stories by pretending, dressing-up and singing songs. Full of fun, laughter and music, it’s a perfect introduction to theatre for pre-schoolers. Show times vary. From £15.

A day of magic, music, comedy, fun and laughter featuring children’s entertainers, triumphal tunes and tantalising treats. Free.

Fun & useful craft making sessions. Make bird feeders to help your garden flourish on 1, 8 August. £3. Bring a pop bottle and create and launch your own rocket on 14 August or build a kite on 28 August.

Activities £3. Booking essential.

Abbotsbury Children’s Farm, Weymouth DT3 4JJ

Great Dorset Chilli Festival St Giles House, Wimborne St Giles BH21 5NS A great weekend for food lovers and families. With stalls selling all things chilli and cooking demonstrations, plus plenty for the little ones including bouncy castles, face painting, falconry and magician. 10am–5pm. Under 10s free entry.

28 July - 3 August Lifeboat Week Lyme Regis DT7 3BS A fun-packed week, from a teddy bears picnic, pavement art to a bathtub race. There will be various displays, music evenings, fireworks, Paras Red Devils Parachute Team display and duck race. Free.

28 July - 4 August Swanage Carnival Sandpit Field, Swanage BH19 1NP From this year’s magnificent two-mile ‘Swanage Goes Safari’ carnival procession to amazing firework displays, sand castles, talent show, treasure hunts, dog show, stunt displays, crabbing, water and land sports, Swanage Carnival promises entertainment for all the family.

28 July & 25 August Bugs and Buds Knoll Gardens, Wimborne BH21 7ND A Saturday morning monthly toddler club to inspire a love of nature by encouraging interaction with the garden’s many wildlife inhabitants, trees and flowers.

10.30am–12pm. £4.50.

28 July - 2 September

The Reluctant Dragon Highcliffe Castle, Highcliffe BH23 4LE In this beloved classic story, a young boy befriends a poetry-loving dragon living in the Downs above his home. When the town-folk send for St. George to slay the dragon, the boy needs to come up with a clever plan to save his friend and convince the townsfolk to accept him. 3–5pm. £13.50 adult, £5 under 14s.

30 - 31 July Bushcraft Bootcamp & Musical Madness Durlston Country Park, Swanage BH19 2JL Join the Buschcraft Bootcamp on 30 July & make dens, cook marshmallows and create wild art! 2.30pm. £3. Or have fun with Musicial Madness and make instruments with natural items from around the park on 31 July. 2.30pm. £3. Booking essential.

30 July - 29 August Pirates of the Pavilion Weymouth Pavilion, Weymouth DT4 8ED Families will love this new hilarious swashbuckling summer pantomime featuring spectacular scenery, toe-tapping songs and breath-taking special effects.

Get ready for rib-tickling laughter and bags of audience participation as you join the potty pirates on a new swashbuckling adventure. Tickets from £14.

30 July, 13 August, 1 September Be a Ranger for the Day Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour BH13 7EE Roll up your sleeves and join an expert Ranger on Brownsea Island, completing a range of outdoor tasks and bush craft skills. Bring a lunch box. Suitable for age 8+. Booking recommended. £15.

11.30am–3.30pm.

31 July - 28 August

Civil War Encampment

Pond Dipping

Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ

Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath BH24 2ET

Get hands on with history this summer and step back in time to the English Civil War where a journey of discovery and intrigue awaits. Free event but normal admission charges apply.

Summer at the Seaside Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth BH1 3AA Celebrating the magic of Victorian nonsense, there’s a jam-packed schedule of Alice in Wonderland themed activities including crafts, trails, competitions and garden games. Come for a tea party, find and create some of Wonderland’s most famous characters and play croquet with flamingos - just don’t lost your head!

Join the Rangers and discover who likes to live in the pond. Grab a net and see how many different creatures you can find, or even ‘Neville the Newt’ and ‘Deano the Dragonfly’. Equipment provided. Tuesdays at 10am. £2 child.

Throughout August Children’s Outdoor Adventure Day Fore / Adventure, Studland BH19 3AP Explore Studland’s local cliffs, shore, sea, beach, woods and heathland with a raft of outdoor activities and stimulating experiences to show how great the outdoors really is. Dates vary. Contact venue for details. Suitable for ages 7-14. £40.

Ranger Den Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath BH24 2ET Learn about nature, meet Bramble and Berry our resident Harvest mice, hold a giant millipede, discover who lives in the pond. Try leaf printing, fossil hunting and bird watching and craft activities. Most activities free, small charge for crafts. Dates vary. Contact venue for details. 1–4pm.

Until 28 August Durdle Door Circular Family Stroll Durdle Door Holiday Park Reception, West Lulworth BH20 5PU Explore the surrounding Downland with Rangers. Learn about the geology, wildlife, land use and ancient history.

Great for little ones, this 1.5mile walk runs at a gentle pace and there are plenty of children’s activities to participate in during the walk. 11am Tuesdays. Booking essential. £4 adult, £2 child.

1 - 22 August Wildlife Wednesday Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath BH24 2ET Go Nuts about Nature exploring meadows and ponds to discover all kinds of wacky wildlife with the Park Rangers.

Wednesdays from 11am–2:30pm. £2 child.

1, 15 & 28 August Character Meet & Greets Adventure Wonderland, Christchurch BH23 6BA Meet your favourite TV Characters at the park: PJ Mask’s Owlette & Gekko on 1 August, Paw Patrol’s Chase & Marshall on 15 August and Bing & Flop on 28 August.

Families will love the ‘Thank Alice for the Music’ special theatre show and the park’s rides & attractions including South’s largest hedge maze.

2 August Dino Day Portland Museum, Portland DT5 1HS Dino Day is a children’s activity day with many different Dinosaur craft-based activities for all ages. 10.30am–4pm. £3.50 adult, £1 6-15 years, under 5s free.

2 - 23 August Forest Fun Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath BH24 2ET Head out into the forest for some outdoor fun. Build a den using ponchos, make a headdress, create a forest friend, and weave a willow wand to take home.

Saturdays. £2 child. Times vary.

To promote your local event in the next issue please email editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

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Kids will love watching the ferret racing on 3, 24 & 31 August, delight at the Wild & Deadly Spider & Insect Shows on 10 August and relish Strawberry Jam the Clown’s comedy magic and circus shows on 17 August.

4 August Dorset Food & Arts Festival Queen Mother Square, Poundbury DT1 3BW Come and discover the best of Dorset food and arts, with local live music and demonstrations by food experts and chefs.

Children’s entertainment features crafts, tattoos, jewellery making, colouring and a treasure trail. Free.

4 & 5 August Poole Town & Country Fair Upton Country Park, Poole BH17 7BJ All day family entertainment includes Savage Bike Skills Display Team, birds of prey flying displays, terrier racing, children’s entertainer, goats, bottle feeding lambs & kids, animal petting, historical re-enactment and more. Sunday has the Dog Companion Show so bring along your canine friend to join in. From 10am–5pm. Under 5s free.

4 - 12 August Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week Marine Parade, Lyme Regis DT7 3JF Come along for all day family entertainment including fireworks, carnival procession, regatta races, activities and events for all ages. Free.

4 - 18 August Terrace Tales Bournemouth Pavilion Terrace, Bournemouth BH1 2BU Interactive stories for under 6s. Join nautical storytellers Pirate Polly, Mermaid Molly and Scuba Stan in a series of story time events that combine movement, sound and play. Embark on imaginary adventures and tales of local legends, swashbuckling songs and games.

Saturdays & Wednesdays. Pre-booking required. Free.

5 August Family Fun Day The Hamworthy Club, Canford Magna BH21 3AP Fun day with character appearances, arts & crafts, children’s entertainment, mini funfair and live entertainment, with proceeds going to the Forest Holme Hospice. Plus, the first 50 children win a free facepaint. 11am–4pm. Entry £1.50.

Party in the Park Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth DT4 7SX A great afternoon of family friendly entertainment with Air 107.2 radio. There’s a great line up of musical acts, stalls and displays and a dedicated family arena with activities and entertainment aplenty.

12–7pm. Free.

Families Dorset 14

7 August Butterfly Bunting Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Bournemouth BH6 4EN A lovely craft activity for children. Make some colourful butterfly bunting to take home with you. 1–2.30pm. Booking essential. £6 child.

9 August Black Magic – The Little Mix Show Weymouth Pavilion, Weymouth DT4 8ED A highly energetic tribute show that follows in the footsteps of the awardwinning girl band, Little Mix. Suitable for all ages, there’s added extras including dance competitions, free giveaways and even a Meet & Greet. 7–9pm.

9 & 24 August Family Adventure Day Fore / Adventure, Studland BH19 3AP A day of adventures and wild workshops giving you a taster of lots of different outdoor activities, from short foraging walks, beach school and bushcraft.

10am–3pm. £35.

9 August - 2 September Roller Coast Roller Rink Bournemouth BIC Solent Hall, Bournemouth BH2 5BH Get your skates on for rockin’ and rollin’ fun for all the family, whatever the weather. Open 10am – 5pm. 4+ years only, under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets from £5.

10 August Spy Day Durlston Country Park, Swanage BH19 2JL Drop in for a fun packed day of spy activities and become a Durlston investigator! £3.

11 August Fossil Fun Day The Etches Collection, Wareham BH20 5PE Special event with stalls, games, fabulous prize draws and a street show retelling the story of the origins of geology in a unique and fun way for all the family. Free event, normal museum admission charges apply.

14 & 15 August Weymouth Carnival The Esplanade, Weymouth DT4 7NF The carnival celebrates its 700th year with two days of fantastic entertainment, events and unmissable activities along Weymouth seafront including the Red Arrows, carnival procession, dog show, fairground and evening fireworks display.

10am–10.30pm. Free.

16 August Family Summer BBQ Verwood Hub, Verwood BH31 7QE A day bursting with summer fun including a BBQ, bouncy castle and a disco. 4–8pm.

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Make a Clay Starfish Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Bournemouth BH6 4EN Learn how to make a starfish using clay. Booking essential. Spaces limited.

10.30am–12.30pm. £6 child.

16 - 19 August Purbeck Valley Folk Festival Purbeck Valley Farm, Corfe Castle BH20 5HU This small & friendly folk festival has loads for families to enjoy, including live performances, music workshops, crafts, storytelling, puppet shows, games, circus skills and clowns. Under 3s free. 20% off entry for BH19/BH20 residents.

17 & 18 August Squashbox Theatre: Tales from the Trees & Woodland Puppet Workshop Durlston Country Park, Swanage BH19 2JL Child Okeford Village Hall, Blandford Forum DT11 8EL A fun puppetry storytelling show with live music and comedy, that teaches children how to identify different trees, meeting some friendly forest creatures and folklore characters along the way. Suitable age 5+. From £5. After the show, children can create moving card puppets of sea creatures, pixies and fairies, dinosaurs and cavemen. At Durlston on 17 August & Child Okeford 18 August.

18 August Bridport Carnival Town Centre, Bridport DT6 3RG This colourful, fun packed gala has plenty on offer for families including a spectacular parade of 1,500 torches from Bridport to West Bay from 9pm, for a celebration of live music and fireworks.

18 & 19 August Victorian Family Fun Day Nothe Fort, Weymouth DT4 8UF See the ‘Ragged Victorians – The Great Unwashed’ re-enact the lower classes of the Victorian era. A fun throwback to the Victorian period for all the family.

11am–5pm

19 August Buckham Fair Stinford Lane, Beaminster DT8 3SH A great, vintage fair and family day out with plenty to see and do including funfair, horse and dog show activities, local artisan stalls and foods. 9am–6pm. £8 adult, children free.

Country Day Creech Grange, Wareham BH20 5DF A local fundraising event for all the family, with hurdle making, donkeys and alpacas, vintage cars and motorbikes and children’s activities. 11am–5pm. £2 adult, children free.

International Orangutan Day Monkey World, Wareham BH20 6HH Bring a special treat for the orangutans to receive a special orangutan present.

Help Monkey World celebrate all things orangutan with stalls, fun trails, and talks.

10am–6pm.

23 August

1 & 2 September

Rustle

Dorset County Show

Maumbury Rings, Dorchester DT1 1QN

Dorchester Showground, Dorchester DT1 1NF

Dorchester Arts invites you set up camp & hear the greatest campfire story ever told where sleeping bags evolve into monsters, rucksacks become friends and torches highlight the forest’s closest secrets. An interactive family adventure jam-packed with puppets, songs and outdoor surprises. 1pm. Age 3+.

23 - 27 August The Great Dorset Steam Fair Tarrant Hinton, Blandford DT11 8HX If you’re looking for a fun and actionpacked day out for all the family, this typically British event offers a unique blend of nostalgia and entertainment. Day entry ticket £20 adult, £8 child.

25 - 27 August Melon Madness at Monkey Word Monkey World, Wareham BH20 6HH Monkeys love melons, so every child who brings one receives a free badge. With over 250 primates, 3 play areas and the kids centre running daily activities there is plenty to do this summer at Monkey World! 10am–6pm.

26 August Outdoor Activity Day Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour BH13 7EE Join the Outdoor Centre Team for a session of archery or low ropes run by qualified instructors. Session times vary.

Suitable for age 6+. Booking essential.

28 August Harmans Cross Field Day Harmans Cross Village Hall, Swanage BH19 3EB A traditional village fete featuring the Wessex Military Band, dog agility displays, show rings, children’s entertainer, rides, amusements, gymkhana & horse show.

50% off entry with a valid Swanage Railway train ticket.

30 August - 2 September Bournemouth Air Festival Bournemouth Beach BH2 5AA See some of the world’s most powerful and agile aircraft over 1.5mile coastline stretch between Bournemouth and Boscombe, with plenty to see and do for all the family. From 10am daily. Free.

End of the Road Festival Larmer Tree Gardens, Tollard Royal SP5 5PY A music and comedy festival with a wealth of things to children to do including the School Of Noise, sun printing, jewellery making, and the popular HungaMunga’s Monster Mashup. Book online.

A celebration of Dorset’s agriculture and rural life with 450+ stands, attractions, competitive classes and farm animals for a fun-filled, action packed weekend for all ages. Under 16s go free.

PAW Patrol Live!

Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth BH2 5BH X barks the spot in “The Great Pirate Adventure”. It’s Pirate Day in Adventure Bay, and Mayor Goodway is getting ready for a big celebration. But first, Ryder and his team of pirate pups must rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious cavern where they discover a secret pirate treasure map.

Show times vary. From £16.

Until 2 September Park Yoga Bournemouth Gardens, Bournemouth BH2 6EY Grown-ups and children can try out yoga every Sunday from 10–11am. Just bring a mat, towel and some water and be part of something great! All abilities welcome. Free.

The Bournemouth & Poole Selfie Wall Trail Sandbanks, BH13 7PS to Southbourne, BH6 4AY This summer, Bournemouth and Poole’s award-winning seafront has been transformed into a work of art! Stretching from Sandbanks to Southbourne, create your perfect selfie opportunity and post your pic using #loveselfiewalls for a chance to win a family break in Bournemouth.

Until 8 September Summer Steam Train Travel Swanage Railway, Swanage BH19 1HB Swanage Railway is an award-winning heritage steam railway operating between the Victorian seaside town of Swanage and Corfe Castle / Norden in Dorset. The railway operates daily April to October and at weekends and school holidays during other times. Summer Saturday Specials to Corfe Castle run from Salisbury, Dorchester and Weymouth until 8 September.

Until 9 September Park Yoga Upton Country Park, Poole BH17 7BJ Every Sunday the whole family can get active with outdoor Park Yoga sessions on the Upton House back lawn. So roll up your mat and treat yourself to some health & wellbeing. From 9.30–10.30am. Free.

Summer Beach Party Show Paultons Park, Ower SO51 6AL Paultons Park is hosting its very own Summer Beach Party Show with singing, dancing and exciting games with characters Bruce the Lifeguard, Shelly the Turtle and Manta the Ray. Daily Shows from 13 July until 2 September. Weekend shows until 13 July and 8, 9 September.

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Families Dorset 16