Low cost events and activities in Dorset this semester

But keeping the kids occupied can be quite costly, which makes the half-session a daunting prospect for many of us.

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If you are looking to get your kids out of the house but want to cut costs, fear not, as there is plenty to do this May semester.

Here are some of the best economic events and activities taking place in Dorset:

Football coaching session with AFC Bournemouth

Children can enjoy a free coaching session with The Cherries this semester.

• Where: Waterman’s Park, Christchurch
• When: Tuesday June 1 and Wednesday June 2
• Price: free

If you have a football-crazy kid, you need to sign them up for one of the free 45-minute workouts with AFC Bournemouth and the Parks Foundation.

Meet at Watermans Park in Christchurch, there will be a mix of fun games, shooting, dribbling and skill practice with games to complete.

There are four sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the mid-term, two for 7 to 10 year olds and two for 11 to 13 year olds.

To learn more and to register – visit Eventbrite.

Nature Adventures – Brownsea Island Trail

Take your kids on an adventure around Brownsea Island.

• Where: Brownsea Island
• When: all week
• Price: £ 3 for an adventure pack

Let your little ones wander the wild on the naturally rich island of Brownsea this half-session with the National Trust’s Wilderness Adventure Trail.

Little ones can use their senses to watch and listen to the signs of the island as spring awakens, meet trees and get active in the great outdoors through a series of fun challenges.

The trail costs £ 3 per pack, which includes a bag with an activity sheet and pencil and a National Trust chocolate reward, sustainably sourced from Rainforest Alliance cocoa.

Head to the theater to watch Rapunzel

• Where: Weymouth Pavilion
• When: June 3-6
• Price: Adults £ 18 and under 16 and seniors £ 16

Who would have thought – Christmas Panto in June!

As Rapunzel nears her 18th birthday, the evil witch Gothel and her scheming wizard brother, Alphonso, plot to kidnap her.

They plan to lock Rapunzel in a secret tower in an effort to gain eternal youth from her magical hair.

In a trance and with no memory of her real family, Rapunzel is doomed to spend the rest of her life in the tower.

Can her determination and a little help from her palace friends save the princess and give her ‘happiness forever’?

The incredible pantomime actors are back for three special days of heart-breaking fun as they pick up where they left off in December.

‘Woodland Clan’ Trail and Events

Durlston Country Park won VisitEngland’s Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award last year. Image: ROY EGGLESTONE

• Where: Durlston Country Park
• When: May 17 to June 27
• Price: £ 3 course and free entry

Following the success of the Woodland Trail Pilot which ran from July to September 2020 at Durlston Country Park, the animals are now planning their next trail to make their voices heard.

This imaginative trail through Durlston Country Park was inspired by the Purbeck coastline when writer Annie Herridge heard the voices of animals calling her.

The Woodland Clan Activity Trail ‘invites families to join Purbeck’s’ beak, bone, feather and song’ rhythm and help save Purbeck’s wildlife from destruction by the ‘Bigfoots’. This spectacular trail explores the wisdom of animals through sculptures, activities, quizzes, storytelling and prizes.

Visit the Drive-Thru

Movie buffs will be able to sit outside of their car or inside, so they can watch the latest blockbusters regardless of the weather (FLIX).

• Where: Bournemouth Airport Event Ground on Parley Lane
• When: May 28 to June 6
• Price: £ 34 per car (no maximum number of people per car)

Flix drive-in has announced that it will bring England’s first-ever drive-in, sit-out cinema to Bournemouth this semester.

The events will allow guests to watch a host of the latest blockbuster movies this summer, whatever the weather – day or night, rain or shine, the all-new drive-in offers the ultimate in-house movie theater experience.

Some of the latest blockbusters will be featured, including The Little Things, Godzilla Vs. Kong, Wonder Women 1984, and Golden Globe and Oscar winner Judas and The Black Messiah. There’s also something for the whole family with Warner Bros. screenings. ‘Tom & Jerry’, ‘Scoob!’ and “The Witches” by Roald Dahl.

Bourne 4 Half-Quarter Tennis Camp

Tennis camps at Swanmore Gardens.

• Where: Swanmore Gardens tennis courts
• When: Tuesday June 1
• Price: £ 20 per person

If you’re looking not to keep your little ones entertained all day while you go to get your admin sorted out, look no further.

Bourne 4 Tennis Camp runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and costs £ 20 per child aged 4-16 for training with Matthew Cole.

Bounce back science events

• Where: Science Zone Boscombe
• When: from Tuesday June 1 to Saturday June 5
• Price: variable per activity, from £ 3

Science Zone hosts a range of family events throughout the semester to keep your little ones entertained.

With something for everyone there is a whole range of daily activities, booking in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Calendar:
10.30am-12.00pm: Making Lego robots and educational Lego sets (£ 20 per child)
11.30am-12.00pm: Dig your own fossil activity (£ 5 per child).
1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Creating clay volcanoes and a fun eruption activity (£ 3 per child).
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m .: Making Lego robots and educational Lego sets (£ 20 per child)

Spend a day at Corfe Castle

Sunrise at Corfe Castle by Richard Murgatroyd

• Where: Corfe village
• When: every day
• Price: Adults £ 10 under 17 £ 5

Step back in time with an adventure around Corfe Castle.

The mighty Corfe Castle has stood over the village of Corfe for a thousand years.

The castle has been a Saxon bastion, a Norman fortress, a royal palace and a family home.

It was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and has a myriad of dark and gruesome tales – if only the walls could speak.

READ MORE: Dorset castles you MUST visit this summer

Throughout half of the quarter, the Castle, run by the National Trust, uses a timed entry system, so tickets must be pre-booked in advance.

The Chateau, Chateau View Visitor Center, Retail Shop, and Tea Room are all open.

Go wild at Splashdown

The water park is finally reopened (Splashdown)

• Where: Tower Park, Poole BH12 4NY
• When: every day
• Price: Park tickets start at £ 14.50 for over 5s.

Splashdown is finally reopened, so why not go this half-session and let the kids let off steam.

With a myriad of slides and rides, there is endless fun to be had at Poole Water Park.

Pre-booking is essential via their website.

Four! Visit one of the many mini golf courses

Enjoy mini golf this half quarter

We are spoiled for choice with golf courses, indoor mini golf centers and mini golf parks throughout the county.

From £ 3 per player there is a lot of fun to be had on the course.

From pirate-themed classes to dinosaurs, check out the full list below to find your closest course.

READ MORE: All mini golf courses now open in Dorset

Are there any activities your kids are enrolled in that you want to shout? Let us know in the comments.