Family Days Out Near Bournemouth: Our Top Picks
Theme parks, rescued monkeys and climbing walls on the pier - six brilliant family days out near Bournemouth, all easy trips from Peartrees.
The Peartrees guide · Family days out
There is so much to do in and around Bournemouth with kids in tow - award winning theme parks, rescued monkeys in the Dorset countryside, underwater worlds on the seafront and climbing walls at the end of the pier. Whatever the weather and whatever their ages, this corner of the coast delivers. And with Peartrees, our luxury holiday let with hot tub and pool table as your base in Bournemouth, every one of these adventures is an easy day trip during your stay.
At a glance
- Six handpicked family days out, from theme parks to underwater worlds
- Rides and attractions for every age, from tots to teens
- Rescued monkeys, sea creatures and the world's best tank collection
- All weather picks for rainy days, right on the seafront
Six days out the kids will love
From full throttle theme parks to gentler wild encounters, here are the family days out we send our guests to first.
Paultons Park
Theme park · home of Peppa Pig WorldRated the UK's number one family theme park on Google, Paultons packs over 70 rides and attractions into 140 acres of beautiful parkland on the edge of the New Forest National Park. A proper full day out.
Visit Paultons Park →Adventure Wonderland
Theme park · ages 3 to 10An award winning, family run theme park made for younger children, with 30 rides and attractions plus twice daily character entertainment. The sweet spot for little ones not quite ready for the big coasters.
Visit Adventure Wonderland →Monkey World
Ape rescue centre · Dorset countrysideA 65 acre park in the heart of the Dorset countryside, home to over 260 rescued monkeys across 24 species. Three adventure playgrounds keep small humans just as entertained as the residents.
Visit Monkey World →The Tank Museum
Military history · all weatherHome to the world's best collection of tanks, told through modern exhibitions that bring British military history to life. A guaranteed hit with curious kids and a brilliant rainy day option.
Visit The Tank Museum →The Oceanarium
Aquarium · on the seafrontRight on Bournemouth seafront, the Oceanarium takes you on an underwater adventure through some of the world's most amazing waters. Minutes from the beach, so it slots easily into a seaside day.
Visit the Oceanarium →Rock Reef
Indoor climbing · on the pierAn all year, all weather attraction at the end of Bournemouth Pier, with 28 indoor climbing walls suitable for ages 4 to 94. The answer to "what do we do when it rains?"
Visit Rock Reef →Make a day of it: gentler adventures nearby
Between the big days out, there is plenty of easy going family fun closer to home.
Bournemouth Beach
Seven miles of award winning beach with warm seas and views to the Isle of Wight. Explore the beaches →
Moors Valley
A country park managed for people and wildlife, with space for play, recreation and ranger led activities year round. Explore Moors Valley →
Brownsea Island
An island sanctuary famous for its rare red squirrels, with protected habitats for birds. Visit Brownsea Island →
For ideas on where to eat in Bournemouth, check out our guide here.
Your base for exploring
Check availability →
Come home to Peartrees
After a day of rides, rescued monkeys and rock pools, unwind in the hot tub, put a film on in the cinema room, rack up the pool table or settle into the spacious garden. Still weighing up where to base yourself? Our post on luxury stays in Bournemouth is a good place to start.
Hot tub
Cinema room
Pool table
Garden dining
Frequently asked questions
What are the best family days out near Bournemouth?
Top picks include Paultons Park and Adventure Wonderland for theme park thrills, Monkey World and the Tank Museum in the Dorset countryside, and the Oceanarium and Rock Reef right on Bournemouth seafront.
What can we do with kids on a rainy day in Bournemouth?
Rock Reef at the end of Bournemouth Pier is an all year, all weather attraction with 28 indoor climbing walls, the Oceanarium on the seafront is under cover, and the Tank Museum's modern exhibitions are indoors too.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Booking online ahead is recommended, especially during school holidays and summer weekends. Each attraction's own website is the best place for current prices, opening times and tickets.
Ready to plan the family getaway?
Make these days out part of your holiday - theme parks and beach days for them, and a hot tub waiting for you at the end of it all.
Book your stay at Peartrees →
Nikki
Host of PeartreesNikki is the host of Peartrees, a luxury holiday let in Bournemouth, and writes these guides from years of exploring the area and pointing guests to the places she rates herself.
Written by Nikki, polished by Claude