Bournemouth Attractions for Children

(Bournemouth, Dorset, England, UK)



Bournemouth landtrain pictureSome of the attractions located in Bournemouth are especially child-friendly, with the surrounding beaches soon filling up with families during the summer months. Inflatable bouncy slides are often present on the most popular areas of the main beachfront, together with ice cream kiosks, cafes, amusement arcades and open-air showers.

Right next to the beach and close to the Lower Gardens, the Oceanarium is hugely appealing and draws crowds of tourists during holidays and at the weekends, who come here to walk through its shark tunnel and enjoy the plentiful local marine life on display. The Upper Gardens now boast a superb recently opened playground, just beyond the tennis centre, while if you have a car and are prepared to drive outside of Bournemouth, then nearby family themed attractions include the Tower Park Leisure Complex, Poole Park and the Alice in Wonderland Family Park.


Snapshot of the Oceanarium

Oceanarium

Address: Pier Approach, West Beach, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1202 311 993
The Bournemouth Oceanarium is situated right on the seafront's West Beach promenade, next to the pier amusements, where it features many well-stocked aquariums and huge tanks. Specific attractions at the Oceanarium include large sharks, an underwater viewing tunnel, enormous sea turtles, colourful marine fish, coral reef recreations, crabs, lobsters, tropical fish, giant catfish, feeding displays and talks, plasma screen documentaries and a number of interesting exhibits. There is also a café with beachfront views, as well as a large gift shop selling sea shells and marine-themed goodies.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors, students and children

Tower Park Leisure Complex

Address: Mannings Heath, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NY, England
Tel: +44 (0)1202 722917
The enormous Tower Park Leisure Complex is located on the outskirts of Poole and draws thousands each week, come rain or shine. This leisure centre is the largest entertainment complex on the south coast and features a wide range of activities for both children and adults. Visitors will find a ten-screen Empire cinema, Splashdown - with shallow pools and water slides, a huge tenpin bowling alley centre, bingo, numerous restaurants and cafés, fast-food outlets, amusements featuring the latest arcade games and an ice skating rink. Just a stroll away is a large Tesco supermarket.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Alison in Wonderland Family Park

Address: Merritown Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1202 483444
The Alison in Wonderland Family Park is aimed at families with younger children and is situated close to Bournemouth International Airport, within the Hurn area. Inspired by Lewis Carroll's famous story 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', this theme-park includes many enjoyable attractions, such as jumping bean trampolines, junior go-karts, a large astroslide, a runaway train, flying elephants and an indoor play area, with soft toys for toddlers. Also onsite is one of Europe's largest hedge mazes, a restaurant, picnic areas, a gift shop selling a range of Alice-themed souvenirs, and summer storytelling on the lawn, with a large cast of colourful actors.
Open hours: April to mid-September, daily - 10:00 to 18:00, mid-September to October,Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, children three years old and under are free

Paultons Park

Address: Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6AL, England
Tel: +44 (0)2380 814455
Paultons Park is located 47 km / 30 miles from central Bournemouth and is easy to reach by car. This family leisure park has more than 50 attractions for both adults and children of all ages. These include many slow and fast rides, replica dinosaurs, museums with interactive exhibits, animated shows, landscaped gardens, exotic birds and play areas. The rides at Paultons Park include a log flume, a wave runner, an exciting rollercoaster and a teacup roundabout. There is also a 'Tiny Tots Town' for younger children and an enchanting 'Magic Forest' area, together with a large gift shop, a café and parking.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:30 (weekends only during November and December, closing earlier)
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Other attractions for children nearby Bournemouth include: