What's On: Children & Family
Event types
Children & Family
23 upcoming events
Jul 2026
The Tiny Art House
A recreation of a Dorset artist Clem's home and studio, made by Art in Poundbury.
Fri 17th Jul - All day
and 6 future schedules
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Treasure! Lost and Found Exhibition
The Treasure! Lost and Found exhibition reveals the stories of objects once treasured, buried for centuries, then rediscovered – celebrating our fascination with uncovering the past.
Fri 17th Jul - All day
and 58 future schedules
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The Buzzing Dumbledore Trail
Follow the buzz around our galleries and spot the hidden bees – known as 'Dumbledore' in Dorset dialect.
Fri 17th Jul - All day
and 2 future schedules
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The Martinstown Garden Fête
Gather your friends and family and join us for a traditional Garden Fête filled with fun, laughter and community spirit.
Sat 18th Jul - 2:00pm
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Kids Eat Free at Santos + Co
School Holiday Special. Order any Main Course and get a FREE Kids Meal on us - all school holiday long! All day. All week. From 21st July - 2nd September 2026. Bring the family, enjoy a delicious meal, and let us take care of the rest. *(Age restrictions apply. Only from the kids menu.)
Tue 21st Jul - All day
and 43 future schedules
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St George’s Summer Dragon Quest
Free Children's Activity
Wed 22nd Jul - All day
and 39 future schedules
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Smugglers’ Summer Escapade
Join our Summer Smugglers' Escapade and discover the world of Victorian smugglers through a family-friendly trail and hands-on crafts.
Thu 23rd Jul - All day
and 34 future schedules
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Let’s Go Fly! Dorchester Kite Festival
A new festival is coming to Dorchester on Saturday 25th July 2026. Let’s Go Fly! Kite Festival is being hosted on The Great Field between 11 am and 4:30 pm.
Sat 25th Jul - 11:00am
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Free ‘Drop in and Draw’ on the Great Field
Art in the Park is back… with a twist!
Sat 25th Jul - 11:00am
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Mayhem of Mad4Animals
Snakes ready to charm. Geckos ready to pose. The tenrec ready to act like the boss again.
Mon 27th Jul - 8:00am
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Butterfly Safari for Children and Families at Kingcombe
Join us on a mission to identify and enjoy beautiful butterflies at Kingcombe this summer.
Wed 29th Jul - 10:30am
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Aug 2026
Dorset Sunflower Trail 2026
Two trails, endless memories.
Sat 1st Aug - 11:00am
and 30 future schedules
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Young Jurors: A Victorian Courtroom Experience
An exciting, immersive courtroom experience for families with young people aged 10+
Wed 12th Aug - 1:30pm
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Circus Cortex
For five days only, the Big Top will arrive at The Great Field, bringing one of the UK's most exciting live family entertainment experiences to Dorset.
Thu 13th Aug - All day
and 4 future schedules
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Art in the Sunflowers
Spend a glorious day painting amongst thousands of spectacular sunflowers at Maiden Castle Farm. Open to artists of every age and ability, this much-loved event combines creativity, community and a little friendly competition, with fantastic prizes
Sun 16th Aug - 11:00am
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Dorchester Inflatable Theme Park
We’ve got giant castles, super slides, obstacle courses and our ever popular 'Blob'! And we don't forget the little ones - we have a dedicated under 5's area as well
Thu 20th Aug - All day
and 1 future schedules
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Make Your Own Gold Lunula!
A free drop-in craft session where families can make their own shimmering gold lunula – a crescent-shaped piece of ancient jewellery.
Sat 22nd Aug - 10:30am
and 1 future schedules
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Metal Detecting – Have a Go!
Join local metal detectorists Karen Brown and Brian Reid for an exciting family digging experience where you will search for hidden coins and uncover the secrets of the past.
Sat 22nd Aug - 10:30am
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Bark in the Park
A Family Fun Dog Show on the Great Field in Poundbury supporting The Lexi May Trust
Sun 23rd Aug - 10:00am
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Anonymous Festival 2026
Free music festival supporting a range of young local musicians, playing live music and DJing.
Mon 31st Aug - 11:00am
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Sep 2026
Dorset County Show
Celebrating Dorset Agriculture, Countryside and rural life. Acting as Dorset’s end of harvest celebration.
Sat 5th Sep - All day
and 1 future schedules
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Quiet Opening
Explore the Museum and take part in drop-in activities during our Quiet Openings. Especially suitable for visitors with autism or other sensory conditions, and their siblings, parents and carers. The sessions are also suitable for any group or individual who would like to visit our museums and galleries at a quieter time.
Sat 5th Sep - 10:00am
and 3 future schedules
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