Hey there, parents and fun-seeking families! As the summer holidays are upon us, it’s time to plan some exciting adventures to keep the kids entertained in Poole. With its beautiful beaches, charming parks, and a plethora of family-friendly attractions, Poole offers the perfect setting for a week of family fun. So, let’s dive into the top school holiday activities for kids in Poole – a lineup of adventures that will create lasting memories and smiles all around!

1. Sandcastle Building on the Beach: Fun in the Sun

Poole’s sandy shores are the ultimate playground for beach-loving kids. Head to one of the beautiful beaches, like Sandbanks or Shore Road, and spend a day building epic sandcastles. Let your little architects’ imaginations run wild as they create moats, towers, and bridges. Don’t forget to bring buckets, spades, and a picnic to keep the energy up for an entire day of fun in the sun!

2. Poole Park Adventures: Swans, Paddling, and Playgrounds

Poole Park is a haven for family fun, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Take a leisurely stroll around the tranquil lake and spot graceful swans gliding by. Let the kids burn off some energy at the playgrounds, complete with climbing frames and swings. And for a memorable experience, rent pedalos and paddle around the lake together – a delightful activity that will create special family moments.

3. Brownsea Island Wildlife Exploration: Nature’s Treasure Hunt

Take a short boat trip to Brownsea Island and embark on a wildlife exploration with the kids. The island is a nature lover’s paradise, home to red squirrels, deer, and a variety of bird species. Go on a nature treasure hunt, trying to spot as many animals as possible, and enjoy a picnic in the midst of the beautiful surroundings. It’s a day of outdoor adventures that the whole family will cherish.

4. Mini Golf Madness at Putt Putt Noodle: Tee Off for Fun

Challenge the family to a friendly game of mini golf at the new Mini Golf Course in the centre of Poole, Putt Putt Noodle.  Putt your way through an Asian themed course, then enjoy a bite to eat and a drink in the restaurant. It’s a fun and lighthearted activity that will bring out everyone’s competitive spirit.

 

5. Flip out Poole: Indoor Fun Rain or Shine

Brand new for 2023 is Flip Out Poole located near to The Dolphin Centre. Flip Out Poole is Dorset’s biggest and best indoor adventure park! With attractions including E-Karting, Laser Tag, Interactive Football, Battle Cannon Arena, Bumper Cars, Soft Play and an Arcade it’s the perfect day out for the whole family!

 

6. Compton Acres Gardens: Enchanting Walks

For a dose of enchantment, visit Compton Acres Gardens. Take leisurely walks through the stunning gardens, with their themed areas, vibrant flower displays, and charming nooks. The kids will love exploring the different landscapes, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities for family photos amidst the beautiful backdrops.

7. Splashdown: Flumin Great Fun

Located on Tower Park, a 10 minute drive from the centre of Poole, Splashdown is home to 13 thrilling indoor and outdoor flume rides and 3 under 5’s splash zones. We’re flumin’ great fun for the whole family.

 

8. Cruising Around The Jurassic Coast: Enjoyable & Educational

Take a boat trip from Poole Harbour and explore the islands within the harbour or go further afield and sail past The Jurassic Coastline towards the Victorian seaside resort of Swanage. Experience a captain’s commentary throughout your trip and learn all about Poole’s maritime history and infamous Pirate, Harry Paye and the geological sites of The Jurassic Coast which is a UNESCO world heritage site. You may even get to spot our Dorset Dolphins that love to swim with the boats in the summer!

So, dear parents and adventure-loving families, there you have it – your guide to the top school holiday activities for kids in Poole. Whether you’re building sandcastles on the beach, pedaling around the lake, exploring wildlife on Brownsea Island, putting your way through mini golf, enjoying indoor play, or wandering through enchanting gardens, Poole offers a diverse range of family fun for a memorable the summer holidays. So, pack your sense of adventure, your sunscreen, and your picnic basket, and let Poole be the backdrop to your family’s week of exciting activities!

FAQs – Family fun in Poole

Why is Poole a great location for family fun?
Poole, with its beautiful beaches, charming parks, and myriad family-friendly attractions, offers a delightful setting for family activities. From sandcastle building on the beach, to adventures in Poole Park and wildlife exploration on Brownsea Island, there are countless ways to keep kids entertained and create lasting memories.

How can a City Cruises trip enhance our family vacation in Poole?
A trip with City Cruises offers an enjoyable and educational experience for families. You can take a boat trip from Poole Harbour to explore the nearby islands or the stunning Jurassic Coast. With a captain’s commentary, you’ll learn about Poole’s maritime history, the geological sites of The Jurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and you might even get to spot Dorset Dolphins that love to swim with the boats in the summer!

What are some family-friendly activities in Poole?
There are many family-friendly activities in Poole. Some of the popular ones include building sandcastles on beaches like Sandbanks or Shore Road, exploring Poole Park, going on a wildlife exploration on Brownsea Island, playing a game of mini golf at Putt Putt Noodle, visiting the Compton Acres Gardens, and enjoying the thrilling indoor and outdoor flume rides at Splashdown.

What can we do in Poole if it rains?
If the weather isn’t cooperative, don’t worry! There are plenty of indoor activities in Poole to keep you entertained. You can visit Flip Out Poole, Dorset’s biggest indoor adventure park with attractions like E-Karting, Laser Tag, Interactive Football, Battle Cannon Arena, Bumper Cars, Soft Play, and an Arcade. It’s a perfect day out for the whole family, rain or shine!

Are there nature-oriented activities for families in Poole?
Yes, Poole has an abundance of nature-oriented activities. You can visit the beautiful beaches for a day of fun in the sun, explore Poole Park with its tranquil lake and playgrounds, or take a boat trip to Brownsea Island for a wildlife exploration. Compton Acres Gardens is another enchanting spot for a leisurely walk amidst vibrant flower displays and themed garden areas.

How can we incorporate learning into our family fun in Poole?
Poole offers several educational experiences for children. A cruise along the Jurassic Coast offers a chance to learn about Poole’s maritime history and geological sites. A trip to Brownsea Island can be a lesson in wildlife spotting and conservation. Furthermore, attractions like Flip Out Poole provide a fun way for kids to learn new skills and engage in problem-solving through play.

What are the top school holiday activities for kids in Poole?
The top school holiday activities in Poole include sandcastle building at the beach, adventures in Poole Park, wildlife exploration on Brownsea Island, a game of mini golf at Putt Putt Noodle, indoor fun at Flip Out Poole, a visit to Compton Acres Gardens, water fun at Splashdown, and a boat trip along The Jurassic Coast with City Cruises.