In case you missed it see what’s in this section
AirJumpX
About: This indoor inflatable obstacle course is the perfect option for your restless little ones when the weather outside isn't the best!
Air Jump is Sir David England's super-sized infoor inflatable obstacle course! As well as enjoying time on the bouncy castle obstacle course, AirJumpX also includes; the slam dunk, a giant side, a jelly mountain, wipe-out balls, and an assault course!
Children do not need to be accompanied onto the course but an adult will need to sit nearby.
Opening Times/Prices: The 50 min sessions are £12 pp, all children 5-8 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
- Mon-Thurs: 6:30-22:00
- Friday: 6:30-21:00
- Sat-sun - 9:00-17:00
Location: BH Live Active Sir David English, East Way, Bournemouth BH8 9PZ
Telephone Number: 01202 055503
The Shire Hall Museum
About: The Shire Hall Museum is a fantastic destination to consider when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Located in Dorchester, this historical gem has diverse exhibits, interactive displays, and engaging narratives, the museum offers an enriching and enjoyable experience that can easily fill a rainy or gloomy day with fascination.
Opening Times/Prices: Monday - Saturday from 10am - 4pm (last entry to the Museum is 3pm).
Location: High W Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UY
Telephone Number: 01305 261849
Farmer Palmer's
About: Farmer Palmer's Farm Park in Poole is an incredibly family friendly animal park. If you're looking for things to do with the kids in Poole, Farmer Palmer's Farm Park is the perfect choice for a family day out come rain or shine!
One of Dorset's most popular animal parks that has been designed to keep your little ones entertained. Farmer Palmer's farm park features indoor and outdoor play areas, offering kids plenty of entertainment to keep them happy throughout your stay even if the weather isn't quite on our side.
Opening Times/Prices: Please check their website for opening times and prices as these vary throughout the year.
Location: Wareham Rd, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU
Telephone Number: 01202 622022
Insanity Arcade
Where: Insanity Arcade
About: Insanity Arcade in Poole are one of the pioneering pay-per-session free-play arcades in the South of England! With over 60 machines spread across two floors, it offers an unparalleled gaming experience!
This is a great spot for celebrations, rainy days and just fun trips out! And make sure to head over to their in house bar and grill for a great selection of food and drinks!
Menu: View their House Bar and Grill menu, here.
Go For Dinner
About: When the weather isn't playing ball it doesn't mean you have to sit inside all day. We know a fair few ways on how to cure boredom when it's raining but this might just be our favourite.
Head on down to one of Dorset's delicious restaurants where you can indulge in mouth-watering dishes and forget about the awful weather.
Locations: Pizzeria Valona, Jenkins & Sons, Drgnfly Pan-Asian Restaurant, Siam Signature Thai, South Deep, Dolce Vita, Da Vinci's Italian Restaurant, El Murrino, Vicolo, The Tickled Pig, Al Molo Dorchester
Pottery
About: When the weather isn't playing ball, head on down to Studio Poole! Poole plays host to a large selection of things to do that no matter the weather can still go ahead and are fun for everyone.
Poole is home to the largest pottery outlets in the world, Studio Poole, who have an in house working pottery studio that allows you to create momento baby/toddler footprints and handprint impressions and the chance to paint animals and fantasy creatures.
Opening Times: Their 'Have a Go' is open 7 days a week from 10.00am until 3.00pm and last entry is 2.00pm.
Location: Unit D2 to D5, Dolphin quays, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HU
Telephone Number: 01202497492
Cinema Trip
About: You can’t beat a trip to the cinema to see a new film, and it certainly keeps you busy whilst those dark grey skies are looming! With a whopping 16 different screens, Tower Park Cineworld in Poole always shows a range of new releases including family films, action films, rom-coms and plenty more genres to suit everyone’s tastes!
Or, enjoy 10 screens at Bh2 Leisure’s Odeon cinema including a 3D iSense screen for a fully immersive experience. Why not fully relax with the superior comfort recliner seats?
The Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne offers both on screen and on stage showings; showcasing upcoming films. alongside; ballet, live music, pantomines and comedy! Head down for a more intimate and unique cinema experience!
Locations: Cineworld, Odeon, Tivoli Theatre
Bournemouth
The Pavilion
About: The Pavilion in Bournemouth Town Centre is a great spot for both local and famous talents! Enjoy a range of live music events, comedy shows and theatre; there will be a range of different events running for everyone! View their list of events below.
Events: View here.
Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
Telephone: 0300 500 0595
Uptown Junk
About: Not only do Uptown Junk sell beautifully refinished, hand-painted quality furniture, they also offer a variety of different workshops that you can take on! If you attend one of their creative workshops, you will learn how to upcycle furniture, these are suitable for all skill levels. These workshops range from small projects, such as coasters, to bigger furniture paining workshops.
Workshops: View their workshops here.
Address: Uptown Junk, Surrey Road, Bournemouth, BH12 1EG
Telephone: 07795 482318
Bournemouth International Centre
About: The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is one of Bournemouth's hotspots for live entertainment! Enjoy a range of live music events, comedy shows and performances; there will be a range of different events running for everyone! View their list of events below.
Events: View here.
Address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Rd, Bournemouth BH2 5BH
Telephone: 0300 500 0595
Swimming
About: Swimming is not only great fun on a rainy day, but it’s a great way to keep fit too! On a day where it’s simply too cold and wet to swim in the sea, there are plenty of indoor swimming pools at the local leisure centres you can get your exercise in at for a small fee! Many of the leisure centres also hold sessions for children, so you can bring the whole family along!
Please see individual leisure centres for more details.
Locations: David Lloyd Poole, Two Rivers Meet Leisure Centre, Jurrasic Fun Centre, Blandford Leisure Centre
Visit Monkey World
About: If the rainy weather is driving you insane this Winter and you've already exhausted all the typical activities then this one is for you! Why not throw on your rain coats and take a visit down to Monkey World. Whilst you warm up, you can take a tour around the inside enclosures. Once you're ready to explore, tour around the sanctuary and maybe even capture a glimpse of the monkeys playing and having fun in the rain!
Monkey World offer family bundle tickets, senior tickets and student tickets! View here.
Opening times: 10:00-17:00
Location: Tout Hill, Longthorns, Wareham BH20 6HH
Telephone Number: 01929 462537
Website: https://monkeyworld.org/
Soft Play
About: Parents – this one is for you if the kids are driving you mad on a rainy day! Soft Play is the ideal way to allow the little ones burn off their endless amounts of energy whilst keeping out the rain, all whilst having lots of fun.
We highly recommend Kidz Kingdom at The Junction Broadstone. It's a great space for your little ones to run around and let off some steam.
Location: The Junction Sports & Leisure Centre, Station Approach, Broadstone, Dorset, BH18 8AX
Telephone: 01202 777766
Go Shopping
About: There's no better way to cheer yourself up on a rainy day than with a touch of retail therapy! Whether you love to shop for fashion, homeware, or something completely different - our shopping centres across Dorset have it all. Why not enjoy a day out shopping with your friends? It keeps you out of the rain and gives you the opportunity to have a good catch-up too!
Locations: Poole has a range of shopping centres full of fashion, homeware and essential stores. Check out our Shopping guide for a full list of all the retail parks and shopping areas and see which takes your fancy!