Things to Do with Kids in Bournemouth – The Complete Family Guide
Planning a family trip to Bournemouth? You’ve picked a brilliant spot! This seaside town has everything sorted for families – proper sandy beaches, loads of attractions, and enough activities to keep everyone happy. Whether you’ve got toddlers in tow, energetic school kids, or teenagers who think they’re too cool for everything, Bournemouth delivers.
From the famous golden sands to adventure parks, fascinating museums to outdoor fun, we’ve covered all the best things to do with kids in Bournemouth. No tourist trap nonsense here – just the spots local families actually use and visitors keep coming back to.
Be sure to check out our Things to Do In Bournemouth guide
All prices and opening times mentioned were accurate at the time of writing but do change. Always check official websites before heading out.
Why Families Love Bournemouth
Bournemouth has been welcoming families for over 150 years, and it shows. Seven miles of award-winning sandy beaches, loads of green space, and attractions designed with real kids in mind. Everything’s accessible too – no nightmare pushchair wrestling or endless walks with tired little legs.
Beach Activities and Coastal Fun
Bournemouth Beach: The Main Draw
Bournemouth Beach is genuinely magic for children. Soft golden sand stretches for miles – perfect for sandcastle masterpieces, beach cricket, and the inevitable “bury mum and dad” sessions. The water’s usually calm for paddling, with lifeguards on duty during summer months.
Beach Activities:
- Beach hut rentals (from around £25 per day at time of writing)
- Punch and Judy shows (summer season)
- Beach volleyball courts
- Water sports equipment hire
The Lower Gardens run right along the beach, giving you shade, playgrounds, and easy café access when someone needs the loo or a snack attack hits.
Bournemouth Pier: Classic Seaside
No family visit works without walking the pier. Kids love the traditional feel – penny arcade, grabber machines, that proper seaside atmosphere. The pier stretches 838 feet into the sea with great views back to town and photo opportunities.
What’s There:
- RockReef – UK’s first pier-to-shore zip line and high ropes course (perfect for brave kids and braver parents!)
- Traditional arcade games
- Souvenir shops
- Fishing spots (if your kids have the patience!)
- Sunset views for evening walks
RockReef activities cost around £12-20 per person at time of writing, depending on what you choose.
Adventure and Active Fun
Bournemouth Aviation Museum (Hurn, Near Airport)
Located at Hurn near Bournemouth Airport, this hands-on museum gets kids properly excited about planes. It’s run by enthusiasts who actually know their stuff.
What Makes It Special:
- Real aircraft cockpits kids can climb into (Canberra, Hunter, Vulcan)
- Flight simulators
- Volunteers who love sharing stories
- Spitfire Cafe (weekends and school holidays)
Details:
- Open daily: Summer 10am-5pm, Winter 10am-4pm
- Adults £10, Children £5, Under 3s free
- Note: It’s outdoors so may close in terrible weather
Prices accurate at time of writing – check before you go.
Indoor Activities When Weather’s Rubbish
Bournemouth Oceanarium: Underwater Adventures
The Bournemouth Oceanarium sorts you right out when it’s bucketing down. Walk-through tunnels with sharks swimming overhead, touch pools where kids can actually handle starfish and crabs, and feeding demonstrations that hold everyone’s attention.
Don’t Miss:
- Shark tunnel walks
- Interactive touch pools
- Turtle sanctuary
- Educational talks throughout the day
- Decent gift shop
Practical Info:
- Open 364 days (closed Christmas Day)
- Allow 2-3 hours for full visit
- Family tickets available
Adult tickets around £16, children £13 at time of writing, with family deals.
Mr Mulligan’s: Indoor Adventure Golf
Mr Mulligan’s Bournemouth brings proper adventure golf indoors with themed courses that work brilliantly for families. There are 3 themed courses across 2 levels which means plenty of variety to keep everyone entertained, and the indoor setting makes it perfect regardless of weather.
This isn’t your typical mini golf – the themed environments and multi-level design create genuine adventure experiences that older kids and teenagers particularly enjoy, while still being accessible for younger children with adult help. The venue also includes other activities like electro-darts and gaming options, plus restaurant facilities for when you’ve worked up an appetite.
Perfect For: Families with children aged 5+ who enjoy competitive activities and themed adventures. The indoor setting makes this brilliant for rainy days or when you want guaranteed entertainment regardless of weather conditions.
Check their website for current pricing and opening times at time of writing.
Outdoor Exploration
Bournemouth Gardens: Green Space Galore
The town’s garden network gives kids proper space to run about. The Lower Gardens stretch from town centre to sea, while Central Gardens has more formal areas plus a fantastic adventure playground.
In the Gardens:
- Adventure playground in Central Gardens (Avenue Road entrance) – zipline, climbing equipment, sandpit for ages toddler to teen
- Mini golf courses
- Open spaces for ball games
- Flower displays (good for photos with grandparents)
Hengistbury Head: Natural Adventure
For families who like proper outdoor exploring, Hengistbury Head offers clifftop walks, wildlife spotting, and views across to the Isle of Wight. The land train runs regularly from car park to the headland – lifesaver for tired legs.
Perfect For:
- Bird watching (bring binoculars)
- Kite flying in open areas
- Nature walks and wildlife spotting
- Dramatic coastal views and photography
The Zig Zag path down to the beach – kids love the winding walkway going down, though you might end up carrying tired ones back up (or bribing with ice cream promises!).
Age-Specific Tips
Toddlers (Ages 2-5)
Best Bets:
- Beach paddling and sandcastle building
- Central Gardens playground
- Oceanarium (shorter visits work best)
- Aviation Museum
- Beach exploration around Lower Gardens
Top Tips:
- Bring buckets and spades
- Pack plenty of snacks
- Morning visits work best for attention spans
- Consider beach hut rental for shade and storage
School Age (Ages 6-12)
Winners:
- Aviation Museum (full experience)
- Pier attractions and RockReef
- Hengistbury Head exploration
- Beach games and water activities
- Gardens playground adventures
Making It Work:
- Mix active and quieter activities
- Let them choose between a few options
- Pack swimming gear for spontaneous beach time
- Multi-attraction tickets often save money
Teenagers (Ages 13+)
What Actually Works:
- Laser Quest adventures
- RockReef climbing and zip line
- Water sports on the beach
- Hengistbury Head walks (surprisingly popular)
- Evening pier walks
Reality Check:
- Give them some independence within limits
- Consider their mates’ opinions too
- Mix physical stuff with downtime
- Let them document everything on social media
Seasonal Planning
Summer (June-August)
Peak season means best weather but bigger crowds and higher prices. Beach festivals, extended opening hours, outdoor concerts in gardens.
Spring/Autumn (March-May, September-November)
Brilliant value with fewer crowds. Weather’s hit and miss so pack layers and have indoor backup plans. Lower accommodation costs, shorter queues.
Winter (December-February)
Different charm with Christmas markets and dramatic coastal walks. Beach activities limited but indoor attractions stay open. Wrap up warm for those coastal walks!
Budget-Friendly Family Fun
Free Activities
- Beach access and play
- Central Gardens playground and all garden areas
- Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
- Pier walking (arcade games cost extra)
- Hengistbury Head walks (parking charges apply)
Money-Saving Tips
- Family tickets – most attractions offer significant savings
- Off-peak visits – many places have reduced rates
- Pack picnics – save on attraction food prices
- Online discount codes – check before you book
- Self-catering accommodation – saves on dining costs
Practical Family Information
Getting Around
- Town to beach: Easy 10-minute walk through gardens
- Park and ride: Avoid town center parking hassles
- Local buses: Regular services to major spots
- Walking paths: Pushchair-friendly routes
Family Facilities
- Baby changing: Available at all major attractions
- Pushchair access: Most venues sorted for buggies
- Family parking: Available at shopping centers and attractions
- Kids’ menus: Most cafés and restaurants have them
What to Pack
- Sun cream and hats (even in winter – it’s windy!)
- Spare clothes for beach/water fun
- Snacks and drinks
- Entertainment for car journeys
- Basic first aid kit
- Beach toys if hitting the coast
Local Insider Knowledge
Best Times for Popular Spots
- Weekday mornings – fewer crowds everywhere
- Just after lunch – when families with little ones head home for naps
- Late afternoon – different lighting, cooler temperatures
Hidden Gems
- Shelley Park – brilliant playground away from main tourist areas
- Boscombe Pier – smaller, less crowded than Bournemouth Pier
- Seasonal events – check Bournemouth tourism site for beach festivals, outdoor cinema, kids’ entertainment
Making Your Visit Work
Planning Your Days
Day 1: Beach and pier (outdoor focus)
Day 2: Aviation Museum or Oceanarium (adventure focus) Day 3: Gardens, gentle exploration (relaxed focus)
Accommodation Tips
- Near beach and gardens – reduces travel time and stress
- Family rooms or self-catering – flexibility for meal times and routines
- Swimming pools – bonus entertainment
- Parking – makes day trips much easier
Why Bournemouth Works for Families
Bournemouth genuinely delivers for families. From toddlers taking first beach steps to teenagers seeking adventure, this seaside town has sorted the essentials while keeping that proper seaside feel.
The combination of brilliant beaches, proper attractions, cultural bits, and natural beauty makes it stand out. Whether it’s a weekend break or longer holiday, you’ll find enough things to do with kids in Bournemouth to keep everyone happy.
The town clearly gets families – accessible facilities, friendly welcome, attention to detail. Pack those buckets and spades, charge the cameras, and get ready for a family adventure that’ll have everyone asking when you can come back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age kids work best for Bournemouth activities?
Bournemouth suits all ages brilliantly! Toddlers love the beach and gentler attractions, school-age kids (6-12) get the most from adventure activities and hands-on museums, while teenagers enjoy water sports and more independent exploration around town.
Is Bournemouth beach safe for young children?
Yes! Main beaches have lifeguards during peak season (May-September), with gentle slopes perfect for paddling. Water’s generally calm, though always supervise kids closely around any water.
What are the best free things to do with kids in Bournemouth?
The beach, Central Gardens playground, all garden areas, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, and walking Bournemouth Pier are completely free. Hengistbury Head walks cost nothing too (parking charges apply).
How many days do you need in Bournemouth with children?
Long weekend (3-4 days) gives you time for beach, key attractions, and relaxed exploring. A week allows for day trips to surrounding areas and proper downtime.
Is Bournemouth good for toddlers?
Absolutely! Soft sandy beaches, extensive playgrounds, gentle attractions like the Oceanarium, and pushchair-friendly paths make it ideal for families with toddlers.
What should I pack for Bournemouth beach day with kids?
Sun cream, spare clothes, towels, buckets and spades, snacks, drinks, first aid kit. Don’t forget entertainment for car journeys and warm layers – coastal weather changes quickly!
Are Bournemouth attractions open year-round?
Most major attractions operate year-round with reduced winter hours. Beach activities are obviously seasonal, but there’s plenty of indoor fun during colder months.
Check attraction websites for current opening times, prices, and requirements before visiting. Have a brilliant time exploring everything Bournemouth offers families!