family places near Rockley park, Poole?

Minxz

Hi
Next week we are off to Rockley park, can't wait! I know there are some days out nearby, like Monkey World, but i wondered if anyone can recomend good places to go with a 6 year old, whether it be free days at a particular beach etc or fun parks?

Thank you!

mrsmcy

There is a park (Hamworthy Park) very close to Rockly which is great for kids. 2 park areas and a large paddling pool area. It's also on the edge of a small beach area so you can take bucket and spades. there is also another park called Whitecliff park which is on the way to sandbanks (5mins).

Moors valley country park is about 30 mins away and worth a visit. Bournemouth by the pier is the ocenarium for a rainy day activity. Poole dolphin centre also have an indoor soft play called Ollies playland.

Next Thursday evening the Bournemouth Carnival band (they perform as spiderman or batman) are playing either at the square or by the pier. Kids love them and it's free! I can't post links but google Bournemouth carnival band and you can see if it's the type of thing your son would enjoy!

pineapple123

Oh goodness where to begin, so much around this area.
Look on pooletourism.com website or Bournemouth tourism.
So much to see and do for free.

Poole- quay evenings different nights classic cars, motorcycles etc. Poole park feed the geese/swans.

Towerpark- cinemas, places to eat and Splashdown fun waterslides etc also tenpin bowling.

sandbanks/the chines great beach but get there early.
Bournemouth gardens see www.bournemouth.co.uk/whats-on/free-family-events loads to do in the evening free and only few miles from Rockley.

Get the ferry to purbeck shell bay is lovely but beware has nudist part around the cove,or stop in Studland for Knoll beach.

Drive to Corfe castle village then swanage lovely old seaside town catch steam train from Norden/ Harmens cross etc (cost involved)

Lulworth cove/durdle door (parking abit expensive)but nice place to go, Lost village of Tyneham free and interesting (DONATION ONLY).

Weymouth approx 45 minute drive lovely seaside town, loads to do Sealife centre etc.

Mudeford Quay for crabbing or Hengingbury head - walk or mini train to headland, great views and nice beach this is about 15 + miles via Bournemouth way but nice dayout.

Brownsea island, get boat from Poole/Sandbanks ferry can be abit pricey.

New forest, loads of forest to see, head to Bolderwood to see the deer, Burley for interesting little shops and tea rooms, or Brockenhurst/ Lyndhurst.

Hope this helps.

Minxz

Thank you both very much!
Loads to think about and plan there, sounds like there are some lovely places nearby
The carnivel would appeal, he loves batman etc!!
What is parkling like in Bournemouth/ Poole? Would it be better to use a bus?

Thank you

mrsmcy

Parking is fine in Bournemouth, lots of large NEC car parks.

APJ

Ahhh I love Rockley Park!

Make sure you get a crab line, bucket and some bacon and go and catch crabs over the edge of the dock in the Rockley Park boating area. Hours of fun for all ages.

Otherwise catch the open-top bus from the park to Poole or Bournemouth. Poole Quay is lovely, with usually something going on in the evenings. The boat trip around Brownsea Island from Poole Quay is lovely, but make sure it's a warm day!

Fantastic beaches at Sandbanks, the chain link ferry across to Studland is also a must. Lovely beaches on Studland but parking expensive unless a NT member.

Another thumbs up for free Hamworthy paddling pool.

Bovington tank museum is a good one for the boys.

Have fun

jenniemiller177

Upton Park is quite good as well. Plenty of space for the kids to run around.