Things to Do in Bournemouth with Kids
Planning a family outing in Bournemouth? You’re in luck! The town brims with a variety of exciting options tailored to keep both kids and parents entertained. If you’re searching for things to do in Bournemouth with kids, you’ll find everything from hands-on activities to relaxed environments perfect for a family day out.
Start by exploring family-friendly spots where kids can play while parents unwind. These venues are perfect for striking the right balance between fun for the children and relaxation for the adults, offering food, games, and spacious areas to roam.
For an interactive experience, look into venues with unique games. These places aren’t just for adults; many provide age-appropriate activities that keep kids engaged while fostering family bonding.
If you’re planning a weekend outing, don’t miss Bournemouth’s top brunch spots. These locations offer diverse menus and child-friendly atmospheres, making them a hit for families wanting a laid-back start to the day.
For more active families, consider destinations that combine sports and entertainment. These venues offer exciting options like kid-friendly games and outdoor activities, ensuring there’s never a dull moment for your little ones.
If your kids love birthday celebrations, Bournemouth’s party venues are also great spots for family outings. Many locations offer packages that include games, food, and themed decorations for an unforgettable experience.
As the day winds down, why not head to one of Bournemouth’s entertainment hubs? These spots are perfect for family-friendly shows, interactive storytelling, and group activities that captivate audiences of all ages.
No matter your plans, Bournemouth is filled with opportunities to make memories with your children. From engaging activities to cozy places for downtime, this seaside destination promises a day full of laughter, joy, and togetherness.
1. Sixes Bournemouth – The Best Spot in Bournemouth for Fun and Interactive Activities with Kids
When looking for exciting activities to enjoy with kids in Bournemouth, Sixes Bournemouth stands out as a top choice. Located inside TeamSport Bournemouth, this unique venue offers an immersive and interactive experience that’s perfect for family outings. With its high-tech cricket batting nets, Sixes Bournemouth combines active fun, learning, and laughter, making it one of the best places to visit in Bournemouth with children.
The highlight of Sixes Bournemouth is its state-of-the-art cricket simulators, designed to be inclusive and engaging for all ages. Kids can step into the nets and experience the thrill of facing virtual bowlers while practicing their batting skills. The simulators allow for different levels of difficulty, so even younger children can participate and feel like cricket stars. For parents, it’s a wonderful way to introduce kids to the sport in a relaxed, friendly environment. The interactive nature of the activity ensures the entire family stays entertained, and the shared experience fosters bonding through fun and teamwork.
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Sixes Bournemouth is that it provides an energetic alternative to traditional indoor activities. Whether it’s a weekend treat, a holiday outing, or a way to celebrate a special occasion, Sixes offers something truly memorable for children and parents alike. While Sixes itself doesn’t provide food or drinks, its location inside TeamSport Bournemouth means you’re just steps away from dining options where you can recharge after an active session in the nets.
2. TeamSport Bournemouth – The Ultimate Family-Friendly Destination in Bournemouth for Thrilling Fun
For families seeking a high-energy outing, TeamSport Bournemouth delivers an unforgettable experience with its premier indoor go-karting track. Known for its inclusive design and thrilling races, this venue is an excellent choice for kids and parents alike, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy the excitement.
The multi-level karting track at TeamSport Bournemouth is specially designed to cater to drivers of all ages and skill levels. Kids can experience the joy of zooming around tight corners and racing down straights in safe, easy-to-handle karts. With adjustable speeds and safety measures in place, parents can feel confident that their children are having fun in a secure environment. Meanwhile, older kids and parents can embrace the competitive spirit and challenge each other to see who can clock the fastest lap time.
Once the race is over, the on-site café provides the perfect spot to relax and refuel. Enjoy a selection of kid-friendly snacks, hearty meals, and refreshing drinks while sharing stories about the race. The café’s welcoming atmosphere is ideal for unwinding as a family after the adrenaline rush of karting.
Combining the interactive cricket experience at Sixes Bournemouth with the high-speed thrills of TeamSport creates the ultimate day out for families. These venues provide a perfect mix of active fun, laughter, and bonding, making Bournemouth a top destination for memorable adventures with kids.
3. Discover Marine Life at Oceanarium Bournemouth
Introduce your children to the wonders of the underwater world at the Oceanarium Bournemouth. Located along the seafront, this award-winning aquarium offers an immersive experience that captivates visitors of all ages. As you wander through the various exhibits, you’ll encounter a diverse array of marine creatures from around the globe, providing both education and entertainment for the entire family.
The Oceanarium features interactive displays and feeding demonstrations that bring you closer to the animals. The walk-through underwater tunnel is a highlight, allowing you to observe sharks, turtles, and colorful fish swimming overhead. Children will be fascinated by the playful antics of the penguins at the Penguin Beach Encounter, where they can watch these charming creatures both above and below the waterline.
Educational talks and activities are scheduled throughout the day, offering insights into marine conservation and the habits of different species. The Global Meltdown exhibit addresses environmental issues in an engaging manner, encouraging kids to think about their impact on the planet. The aquarium also provides touch pools where children can gently interact with starfish and other harmless sea creatures under the guidance of knowledgeable staff.
After exploring the exhibits, you can relax at the on-site café, which offers a variety of meals and snacks with views of the seafront. A well-stocked gift shop provides an opportunity to take home a memento of your visit. With its combination of interactive learning and captivating displays, the Oceanarium Bournemouth is a must-visit destination for families seeking a memorable and educational outing.
4. Enjoy Outdoor Fun at Littledown Park and Splashpool
For a day of active play and outdoor enjoyment, head to Littledown Park, a sprawling green space that offers a multitude of activities for kids. The park features expansive lawns, woodlands, and lakes, providing the perfect setting for picnics, games, and leisurely walks. The highlight for many families is the Splashpool, an interactive water play area that’s a hit during the warmer months.
The Splashpool boasts a variety of water jets, fountains, and sprays that keep children entertained and cool on sunny days. Adjacent to the water area is an extensive playground equipped with slides, swings, climbing frames, and a zip line. The playground caters to a range of ages, ensuring that both younger and older children find equipment suited to their interests and abilities.
For families interested in sports, Littledown Park offers facilities for football, tennis, and mini-golf. The park’s fitness trail includes outdoor gym equipment and marked paths for walking or jogging. A boating lake allows for paddle boating, providing a leisurely activity that parents and kids can enjoy together.
The on-site café serves a selection of refreshments, including sandwiches, ice creams, and hot drinks. Picnic areas are plentiful, so you can bring your own food and enjoy a meal outdoors. Restroom facilities and ample parking add to the convenience of the venue. With its diverse range of activities and beautiful natural setting, Littledown Park and Splashpool offer a delightful day out for families seeking fun and relaxation.
5. Unleash Creativity at Science Zone UK
Stimulate your children’s minds with a visit to Science Zone UK, an interactive science center located in Boscombe. Designed to make learning fun, this venue offers hands-on exhibits and workshops that cover a wide array of scientific topics. From paleontology and astronomy to chemistry and physics, kids can explore different fields through engaging activities that spark curiosity and imagination.
One of the standout features is the Dinosaur Den, where young paleontologists can dig for fossils and learn about prehistoric creatures. The Space Zone offers immersive experiences with a planetarium that showcases the wonders of the universe, including stars, planets, and galaxies. Interactive exhibits allow children to conduct simple experiments, observe reactions, and understand scientific principles in a tangible way.
Regular workshops and themed events provide deeper dives into specific topics. These sessions are led by enthusiastic educators who tailor the content to be age-appropriate and accessible. Whether it’s creating slime, launching rockets, or exploring the properties of light, the activities are designed to be both educational and entertaining.
Science Zone UK also offers a sensory room for younger children and those with special needs, providing a calming environment with tactile and visual stimuli. A small café area is available for snacks and drinks, and the facility is fully accessible with amenities for families. By combining learning with play, Science Zone UK offers a unique and enriching experience that makes science exciting for kids.
6. Embark on a Coastal Adventure with RockReef Activity Centre
Located on the iconic Bournemouth Pier, the RockReef Activity Centre provides a thrilling experience that challenges kids physically and mentally. This indoor adventure center features a variety of activities, including climbing walls, a high ropes course, and the Pier Cave, catering to children of different ages and skill levels.
The climbing arena offers 28 unique climbing challenges with varying difficulty levels, ensuring that both beginners and more experienced climbers are accommodated. Safety harnesses and professional instructors provide a secure environment where kids can build confidence and develop their climbing skills. The HighLine aerial obstacle course adds an extra layer of excitement, testing balance and agility as participants navigate suspended elements high above the ground.
The Pier Cave presents a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that simulate caving experiences. Equipped with headlamps and guided by staff, children can explore this underground world, encountering twists, turns, and hidden surprises along the way. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, the Vertical Slide and Leap of Faith attractions offer daring drops that are sure to thrill.
RockReef also features the Pier Zip, the world’s first pier-to-shore zip line, though height and age restrictions apply. After an action-packed session, families can relax at the RockReef Café, enjoying refreshments with stunning sea views. With its blend of adventure and safety-conscious design, the RockReef Activity Centre provides an unforgettable experience that encourages active fun and teamwork.
7. Explore Nature at Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve
Immerse your family in the great outdoors with a visit to Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, a protected area of outstanding natural beauty. This coastal gem offers diverse landscapes, including heathland, woodland, and sandy beaches, providing a perfect setting for exploration and learning about the environment.
Well-marked trails lead you through different habitats, where children can observe wildlife such as birds, insects, and small mammals. The area is rich in history and geology, with informational signs that share insights about the site’s archaeological significance and natural features. The visitor center enhances the experience with interactive exhibits, educational displays, and knowledgeable staff ready to answer questions.
One of the highlights for kids is the land train that runs from the main car park to Mudeford Spit. The train ride offers scenic views and a fun mode of transport for little ones. Upon reaching the Spit, families can enjoy the beach, build sandcastles, or have a picnic overlooking Christchurch Harbour.
Activities like kite flying, shell collecting, and nature photography add to the day’s enjoyment. Facilities include restrooms, a café serving light meals and ice cream, and ample parking. By offering a blend of recreation and education in a natural setting, Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve provides a wholesome and invigorating outing for families.
8. Dive into Fun at Splashdown Waterpark Poole
Just a short drive from Bournemouth, Splashdown Waterpark Poole promises a day of aquatic excitement that’s sure to delight kids of all ages. This indoor and outdoor waterpark features a variety of thrilling slides, flumes, and pools, making it a perfect destination for a family adventure regardless of the weather.
With over 13 different rides, children can choose from adrenaline-pumping slides like the Screamer and Velocity, or opt for gentler options like the Red River Roller. The water play areas are designed with safety in mind, featuring shallow pools and lifeguard supervision. Younger children will enjoy the Little Buccaneers’ Splash Zone, complete with interactive water jets and mini slides.
For those looking to relax, the park offers sun loungers and a lazy river where families can float along at a leisurely pace. On-site facilities include changing rooms, lockers, and a café serving a selection of meals, snacks, and beverages. The park also provides picnic areas for those who prefer to bring their own food.
Safety protocols are strictly enforced, and the staff are trained to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all visitors. With its combination of exhilarating rides and family-friendly amenities, Splashdown Waterpark Poole delivers a fun-filled day that leaves kids excited and parents satisfied.
Conclusion: Create Lasting Memories with Kid-Friendly Activities in Bournemouth
Bournemouth offers a wealth of attractions that cater to families seeking engaging and enjoyable experiences for their children. From the educational exploration at the Oceanarium Bournemouth and Science Zone UK, to the outdoor adventures at Littledown Park and Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, there’s something to inspire curiosity and joy in every child.
Thrill-seekers can find excitement at the RockReef Activity Centre and Splashdown Waterpark Poole, where physical challenges and water fun create unforgettable moments. These venues provide not only entertainment but also opportunities for learning, growth, and quality family time.
By choosing activities that combine fun with education and physical activity, you ensure that your visit to Bournemouth is both rewarding and memorable. So pack your bags, gather the kids, and embark on an adventure filled with laughter, discovery, and the simple pleasures of spending time together. With so many things to do in Bournemouth with kids, your family is sure to create memories that will be cherished for years to come.