There's no better time to explore the stunning local area than Easter, when the south coast comes alive with family adventures, creative workshops, seaside traditions and springtime surprises around every corner.
Poole
Start your Easter adventure at Upton Country Park, where things are going full Jurassic. The Dino Eggsplorer Trail (27 March–12 April) sends families on a mission to help dinosaurs track down their missing eggs — with a cuddly prize waiting at the finish (£4.50 per trail sheet). With 160 acres of parkland, pop-up inflatables, face painting, magical workshops at Rock & Rose Rituals and crafty sessions at Create, you could easily spend a whole day here.
Over at Poole Museum, the holidays are packed with hands-on fun — think clay modelling, pirate workshops and shipwreck explorer sessions. Little ones can unwind in the Creative Space and Terrace, or wander the beautiful walled herb garden at Scaplen's Court. Entry is free, with advance booking recommended for workshops.
While you're in the Old Town, take a stroll along Poole's cobbled streets and browse the independent shops and food spots. Don't leave without picking up something sweet from Truly Scrumptious.
Christchurch
Step back in time in Christchurch, where family-friendly heritage trails wind through the town's historic landmarks — round off the walk with a cream tea at the Priory Tea Rooms.
Highcliffe Castle hosts an Outdoor Easter Trail from 3–6 April (£3.50 per child, adults free). Woodland animal-themed craft sessions run on 31 March, 2, 7 and 9 April from 10am–3pm — a lovely rainy-day option.
For a quintessentially Dorset experience, head to Mudeford Quay for a spot of crab grabbing against the backdrop of the harbour. And if you're after live entertainment, catch the Highcliffe Charity Players performing Aladdin at the Regent Theatre, with matinee and evening shows available.
Bournemouth
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is hosting its enchanting Flower Fairies: Enchantment by the Sea exhibition (28 March–12 April), complete with dressing up, drop-in crafts, fairy-themed workshops and magical house-and-garden trails — a real highlight for younger visitors.
Smuggler's Cove Adventure Golf is running an Easter Egg Hunt across the same dates, with hidden eggs, scrambled letters, glitter tattoos and seasonal goody bags up for grabs.
Down at Boscombe Pier, follow the social-media clues to hunt for hidden letters around the Pier Amusements arcade and unlock a free Easter goodie bag. Refuel afterwards at the Prom Diner or grab a treat from one of the seafront kiosks — and keep an eye out for the grand reopening of the newly rebranded Pier Kitchen.
On 8 April, the Woodpecker Café at Queen's Park hosts a free Easter Playday with crafts, games, colouring and a special kids' menu, plus a puzzle trail (£2) with a prize at the end.
Make a Weekend of It
With award-winning beaches stretching from Sandbanks to Southbourne, why not hire a beach hut for the day or the week? Prices start from £25 for same-day hire — the perfect base for soaking up the spring sunshine.
Families staying at the Bournemouth Beach Lodges (30 March–13 April) will receive an Easter Bingo activity card at check-in, with prizes for completed cards and Instagram features for those who share their adventures.
Kings Park Leisure and Learning Centre celebrates its first birthday on 4 April with a family fun day featuring a huge inflatable park, soft play, an Easter egg hunt and a prize draw — prebook via the BCP Leisure website or app.
And if the sun doesn't play ball, Poole Dolphin Leisure Centre's Ship Wreck pool inflatable sessions are back, with extended swim hours at Rossmore and 2 Riversmeet too.