May Half Term in Dorset: Your Ultimate Guide to Family Fun!

Dorset is bursting with incredible opportunities for family fun in Dorset this May Half term! Whether you’re seeking thrills, a journey into the past, or encounters with nature, you’ll find an abundance of activities to create fun days out.

Thrilling Adventures for Active Families in Dorset this May Half Term

Get ready for action-packed family fun in Dorset this May Half term with a fantastic array of active adventures designed to keep everyone entertained!

Dive into excitement at Splashdown Waterpark, boasting 13 exhilarating indoor and outdoor flume rides perfect for family fun. Little ones will adore the two dedicated splash zones for under 5s. 

Let the kids run wild at Lemur Landings Soft Play, a massive soft play centre in Poole. With trampolines, slides, and a role-play village for under 7s, it’s ideal for energetic family fun. Don’t miss the special Action-Packed Phaser Tag Event on 28th May for extra excitement, and even create your own cuddly friend at the Ted Shed! 

For all-weather family fun in Dorset, pre-book your tickets to RockReef (top image) and save! Conquer 28 themed indoor climbing walls, brave the Vertical Slide drop, take a thrilling Leap of Faith, navigate the Highline aerial obstacle course, or explore the expansive Pier Cave.

Experience the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire at PierZip! Soar 250 metres across the water on this dual zip line, offering an unforgettable and unique adventure for the whole family. 

Embrace the outdoors with an unforgettable Go Ape experience at Moors Valley Country Park. Swing through the trees, tackle aerial obstacles, and enjoy a truly adventurous day out. For double the family fun, save £10 when you book a Nets Adventure and Treetop Adventure on the same day!

Discovering Dorset’s Rich Heritage this May Half Term

Step back in time and explore the fascinating history of Dorset, offering engaging and educational family fun in Dorset this May Half term.

Commemorate VE Day and enjoy explosive live displays, over 300 tanks, interactive games, and a children’s trail at The Tank Museum. It’s Dorset’s largest indoor attraction, promising a “biggest day out in history” for all ages. Take part in family-friendly crafts and tours commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day. 

Uncover Dorset’s hidden gem, the Royal Signals Museum, located within an active Army camp. This unique and interactive museum brings to life the vital role of military communications, offering a captivating experience for families, history buffs, and technology enthusiasts alike. 

Journey to Kimmeridge and discover the incredible Jurassic Marine Life at The Etches Collection, Museum of Jurassic Marine Life. Witness exceptionally preserved fossils and learn about ancient sea creatures through engaging, family-friendly exhibits. 

Explore the captivating world of dinosaurs at The Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester. With life-sized reconstructions, skeletons, and fossils, plus an interactive dinosaur hunt, it’s a prehistoric adventure perfect for all ages and fantastic family fun. 

Experience the awe-inspiring recreation of Tutankhamun’s tomb and treasures at The Tutankhamun Exhibition. Walk through the tomb just as Howard Carter discovered it, a truly immersive historical journey. 

Step into a whimsical, timeless world at the Dorset Teddy Bear Museum in Dorchester. Meet Edward Bear and his family of ‘people’ size teddy bears, and relive cherished childhood memories with beloved “bearsonalities” like Paddington and Winnie the Pooh.

Animal Encounters and Beautiful Gardens for Family Fun in Dorset

Connect with nature and meet some incredible creatures, offering delightful family fun in Dorset this May Half term amidst stunning surroundings.

Beyond the charming farm animals, indoor, and outdoor play areas, enjoy special Tractor Trailer Rides and Kids Bubbles and Foam Parties on select days this half term, ensuring endless family fun at Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park. 

Learn about the history of rare breed Heavy Horses and enjoy daily feeding tours and hands-on learning experiences. Children will also love the range of fairground rides and play areas for extra family fun at Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park. 

Witness a colony of over 600 Mute Swans at Abbotsbury Swannery on the Jurassic Coast. May and June are ideal for seeing nesting swans and adorable cygnets. Don’t miss the special May Bank Holiday weekend with Dorset Food and Drink stalls and the chance to see the new fluffy cygnets of 2025 – perfect for a unique day of family fun. 

Combine conservation with family fun at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre, home to over 240 rescued and endangered primates. Enjoy free daily talks, explore the Great Ape Play Area (the South’s largest adventure playground), and even receive a free badge when bringing an unopened bag of nuts for the primates over the May bank holiday weekend. 

Explore eight acres of naturalistic gardens at Bennetts Water Gardens, home to the National Plant Collection® of Water Lilies. Discover the Claude Monet style Japanese Bridge, Tropical House, Woodland Walks, and Museum, offering a peaceful and beautiful setting for a leisurely day out this May.

Wander through 30 acres of award-winning gardens surrounding the 900-year-old Forde Abbey and Gardens. With stunning topiary, vibrant herbaceous borders, tranquil ponds, and meandering pathways, it’s a beautiful and serene spot for family fun in Dorset. 

With such a diverse range of attractions, from thrilling waterparks and climbing adventures to fascinating museums and serene gardens, family fun in Dorset this May Half term is truly limitless. Discover Dorset’s attractions.