Discover five of the best family days out in Poole, from searching for red squirrels on Brownsea Island and racing down the flumes at Splashdown to meeting farm animals, exploring Poole’s maritime history and enjoying outdoor adventures at Upton Country Park. With options for toddlers, older children and adults, these varied Poole attractions offer memorable activities for sunny days, rainy afternoons, school holidays and relaxed weekends by the coast.
30th July 2026
Keeping every member of the family entertained is not always easy, particularly when children are different ages. Fortunately, Poole offers much more than beaches alone. We can travel by boat to a wildlife-rich island, spend several hours inside an all-weather waterpark or enjoy an affordable day surrounded by parkland and play areas.
These five family attractions have been chosen for their variety, giving us options for energetic children, curious young explorers and days when the weather refuses to cooperate.
The journey to Brownsea Island is part of what makes it such a memorable family day out. Boats depart from Poole Quay, crossing the harbour in around 20 minutes before arriving at an island covered by woodland, heathland and wildlife habitats.
Brownsea is one of the best places in southern England to look for red squirrels. Although sightings can never be guaranteed, children can turn the woodland walk into a wildlife-spotting challenge by watching the branches and listening for movement among the leaves.
The island’s natural play area continues the theme, with balancing beams, climbing equipment and seesaws designed to encourage children to scramble and move like the resident squirrels. Seasonal trails and family activities add more structure to the visit, while the Lookout provides panoramic views across the lagoon and an opportunity to observe its birdlife.
Bring comfortable shoes and allow enough time to explore rather than treating Brownsea as a quick stop. Families must pay for the ferry, while separate island admission applies to non-National Trust members.
Best for: Wildlife, boat journeys and children who enjoy outdoor exploration.
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Splashdown at Tower Park is the strongest choice when the family wants a high-energy day out - or when heavy rain rules out outdoor plans.
The waterpark contains 13 indoor and outdoor flume rides, ranging from twisting family-friendly slides to faster experiences aimed at confident older children and adults. Its better-known rides include Infinity, Dragon’s Lair, Mississippi Drifter and the high-speed Screamer, which descends through approximately 40 metres of slide in fewer than five seconds.
Younger visitors are not forgotten. Splashdown has two dedicated splash zones for children under five, including an indoor area and a seasonally available outdoor space. However, individual slides carry their own height, age or supervision requirements, so it is worth checking these before promising children a particular ride.
Visits are sold as timed sessions, and tickets must currently be booked online in advance. Because much of the park is indoors, it remains useful throughout the year rather than being restricted to warm summer days.
Best for: Rainy days, older children and families who prefer action to sightseeing.
Located near Poole, Farmer Palmer’s has been created particularly with younger children in mind. It combines farm animals with indoor and outdoor play, allowing families to move between structured activities and independent play throughout the day.
Children can encounter animals while learning more about life on a working farm, with the daily programme helping families plan their visit around different sessions. The precise timetable can change, so it is worth checking the board on arrival rather than assuming activities will run at the same time on every visit.
The farm park also provides plenty of opportunities to release energy between animal encounters. Its mixture of indoor and outdoor areas makes it more adaptable than a straightforward petting farm, particularly when the weather changes halfway through the day.
During school holidays, Farmer Palmer’s frequently adds themed entertainment and special activities. Its 2026 summer programme, for example, includes changing weekly activities alongside outdoor play and animal experiences. Advance online booking is recommended and can provide discounted admission.
Best for: Toddlers, primary-school-aged children and first encounters with farm animals.
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Poole Museum provides a quieter family experience without feeling like a day spent simply reading display boards.
Following its major redevelopment, the free museum spreads six new galleries across five floors. Three maritime galleries explore Poole’s relationship with the sea, while another space presents the largest public collection of Poole Pottery.
For children, the strongest visits are likely to be those built around a question: What did Poole look like hundreds of years ago? Why did the harbour become so important? How were local boats, pottery and other objects made? Giving younger visitors something specific to investigate can make the collections feel more like clues than lessons.
The museum also runs hands-on workshops, storytelling, family activities and temporary events throughout the year, so checking its programme before visiting may reveal something beyond the permanent displays. Entry remains free, making it easy to combine with lunch on Poole Quay or a walk through the Old Town.
Best for: A free rainy-day activity and families interested in ships, local stories and creative workshops.
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Upton Country Park is one of Poole’s most useful low-cost family days out because there is enough space to create a different visit each time.
The estate includes 160 acres of parkland, woodland, formal gardens and 2.6 kilometres of shoreline. Families can walk or cycle along its routes, explore the Walled Garden, watch for wildlife beside Holes Bay or bring a picnic to enjoy on the open lawns. Entry is free throughout the year, although parking charges apply.
Spurrier’s Play Park is the main attraction for children. Its bespoke timber equipment follows natural, heritage and environmental themes and has been designed for a range of ages and abilities. The play features extend down towards the woodland, making the area feel more adventurous than a small conventional playground.
During warmer months, the splash fountain in the Walled Garden gives children another reason to visit, so packing spare clothing can be sensible. The park also hosts regular activities, including a Sunday junior parkrun for children aged four to fourteen.
Best for: Affordable outdoor fun, picnics and families bringing children of different ages.
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