Half-term Events in Dorset

So, it’s the October half term and you may be wondering how you’re going to keep the kids entertained!

Well don’t worry, whether you are local resident or are staying in Dorset on a break, there’s lots to do throughout the half term holidays. If you're looking for things to do in Dorset we have found lots of Dorset events to keep you entertained. Our Resort family has children of different ages, here are some of the things we plan to enjoy during the school holidays; perhaps you will too. If you are looking for lots of half-term events to put in your diary, see below.

Half-term Events

13 Dec 2025 to 22 Feb 2026

Cool Coast Ice Rink Bouremouth 2025

Bournemouth, Dorset

Cool Coast Ice Rink is the largest indoor ice skating rink on the South Coast. Located in Bournemouth International Centre from November to February, it’s the perfect winter activity with friends and family. Enjoyed by so many every year, it’s even a great way to stay fit and active over the wintery months. At Cool Coast you can enjoy a fun filled ice skating session regardless of the weather ...

14 February 2026

Everybody Chase the Dinosaur

Weymouth, Dorset

Roarsome fun! Weymouth's Dinosaur week is an exciting celebration of family fun themed around prehistoric life! Last year, We Are Weymouth hosted the second ‘Chase the Dinosaur’ event, as part of 'Dino Week' raising funds for the Will Mackaness Trust and kicking off the February half term in true Jurassic style. Runners raised double its £500 donation in 2024 giving over £1000 to the ...

Fossil Hunting – Will you be the next person to find a Sea Rex? Who knows you may just discover the next big thing! Do be aware of the tide times, stay away from unstable cliffs and always follow the fossiling code of conduct. Lyme Regis beach, Charmouth and Kimmeridge are all great spots and perfect for exploring over the half-term holiday. 

Bike Rides – get the kids active with a shorter ride for little legs or something a bit more adventurous for older children: take a look at some great cycling routes here. 

Head for Heights – at 191 metres (627 ft), where is the highest point on the south coast of Great Britain? Yes you guessed right, it’s Golden Cap, and on a good day it is visible for tens of miles along the coastline. Why not challenge your family to see who can get to the top first? Remember to take care and not to get too close to the cliff edge, keeping any dogs on a lead.

Sculptures – the family will enjoy seeking out the creations carved out of stone at the Tout Quarry Sculpture Park and Nature Reserve on the isle of Portland, it’s also a great place to take some lovely family photos – picture perfect!

Shopping – OK I get it, kids don’t always like shopping, but we mums do and Bridport’s Saturday and Wednesday markets have lots of unique stalls: you’ll find vintage clothing, Dorset art, ceramics, bric-a-brac, wooden walking sticks and, of course, a few kids’ toys. There’s also one of the best independent toy shops in Dorset, on East Street. You should also head to Bridport’s vintage quarter where you will find many interesting shops to explore.

Woods – we all love a trip to the woods, especiallly in the October half-term when the leaves start to change colour and crunch underfoot. We particularly love Thorncombe Woods, near Dorchester, Moors Valley Country Park, which is located on the Dorset/Hampshire border, and the fabulous New Forest too.  If the kids’ legs get tired start a treasure hunt; we hide chocolate coins as we go along for the kids to spot and enjoy whilst taking in the fresh air.

On the Water – It might not be the summer holidays but the October half term will hopefully bring some good weather, pop on a dry suit on and find your sense of adventure, try kayaking, windsurfing, or paddle boarding. Or perhaps the simple things work for you; like a stroll along the shoreline, an ice-cream (they're still nice in the autumn), or skimming stones. Fresh air is good for the soul, and it doesn’t always mean you have to dip into your pocket! You will also find that many of Dorset's beaches have saunas, so you can certainly warm up and cool down with a sea swim!

Cheeeeeese – not the edible kind (although we do love Dorset cheeses), but photo opportunities. In Dorset you are spoilt for choice with a host of perfect locations to capture the sunrise, sunset or just your children roaming free in the vast open spaces we are blessed with here. Let the children have a go too; they might find a healthy new hobby this half term, or perhaps even become the next David Bailey!

Some of the best spots we like for photos: Kimmeridge, Man O’ War Bay, Corfe Castle, Durdle Door, Golden Cap, The Cobb - Lyme Regis, Portland Bill, Gold Hill - Shaftesbury, Thorncombe Woods and any of Dorset’s beaches!

Attractions – animal adventures, aquariums, interactive museums, steam trains, gorgeous gardens, and kids’ play, we really are spoilt for choice. Local attractions offer you a great day out, and some will have special half-term events on. Take a look at the list below and see what will work for your family, whether it be monkey madness, rides and slides, history highlights or something else, these businesses will welcome your family and keep everyone entertained during the half-term in Dorset. 

Food - Fish and chips, are hard to beat so head to the coast and enjoy them by the seaside.

We hope whatever you and your family plan to do, you have a great week. Below are a list of Dorset attractions and activity providers who would love you to join them over the school holidays.

Attractions and Activities

Abbotsbury Subtropical GardensAbbotsburyAthelhampton House & GardensDorchesterBeaulieuNew ForestBuckler's HardNew ForestChesil Equestrian CentrePortlandCompton AcresPooleCorfe CastleCorfe CastleDorset Heavy Horse Farm ParkWimborneFarmer Palmer'sPooleHighcliffe CastleChristchurchKeep Military MuseumDorchesterLemur LandingsPooleLiberty's Owl Raptor & Reptile CentreNew ForestLongdown Activity FarmNew ForestLulworth Castle & ParkLulworthMapperton House and GardensBeaminsterMonkey World - Ape Rescue CentreWarehamNew Forest Wildlife ParkNew ForestNothe FortWeymouthOceanariumBournemouthPirate Adventure GolfWeymouthPortland AlpacasPortlandPurbeck Sports CentreWarehamPurbeck BreezerPoolePortland Bill Lighthouse & Visitor CentrePortlandRockReefBournemouthShire Hall Historic Courthouse MuseumDorchesterSplashdown WaterparkPooleSwanage RailwaySwanageTank MuseumWarehamWeymouth Sea Life Adventure ParkWeymouthDorset Museum & Art GalleryDorchesterPortland MuseumPortlandAbbotsbury SwanneryAbbotsburyBrewery SquareDorchesterCastletown D-Day CentrePortlandKingston Maurward House, Gardens & Animal ParkDorchesterSherborne CastleSherborneWimborne Model TownWimborneBadger WatchDorchesterLyme Bay Rib CharterWest BayMoonfleet Adventure Sail TrainingPortlandSandworldWeymouthSticks & BonesWeymouthSymondsbury EstateBridportWeymouth PavilionWeymouth