10 Things to Do with Your Family in Bournemouth

Set on the eastern edge of Bournemouth, the Tuckton Tea Gardens is where you can catch a ferry or rent your own boat to sail down the River Stour. Marking the end of the boating route, there's also a charming café serving coffee and snacks before you climb aboard. 

As you set off towards the centre of Bournemouth, you'll pass through other scenic areas such as Christchurch Quay, Hengistbury Head, and along the beachfront of Mudeford Sandbank. You can rent riverboats on an hourly basis, which can carry up to 8 passengers. Rowboats are also available if you prefer a slower journey.

Farmer Palmer's Farm Park attracts families looking to enjoy Bournemouth's countryside. Designed for kids under 8 years old, there are dozens of animals for the little ones to meet and feed, including donkeys, guinea pigs, alpacas and deer. Activities range from tractor rides and bouncy castles to pedal go-karts and expansive playgrounds. 

Farmer Palmer's onsite restaurant and cafe produce tasty and nutritious meals from seasonal ingredients, along with a selection of homemade cakes that make for a sweet treat. Picnic areas provide a pleasant spot for lunch when the sun is shining.

The Red House Museum and Gardens is where you can learn about the history of Bournemouth and its surrounding areas. Featuring a variety of historical displays and artefacts, the museum reveals stories about Saxon princes from a bygone age, as well as remarkable details about those who lived during the Iron Age.

The museum occupies a former workhouse dating back to the 18^th century. Its surrounding gardens are just as impressive, with a walled herb garden and a woodland pathway. As you wander through the tranquil landscape, you'll get a view of the Christchurch Priory, one of the longest parish churches in England. There's also a cosy cafe and regular family-friendly events to enjoy.

RockReef at Bournemouth Pier offers 28 indoor climbing challenges, including speed walls and jungle gyms. One of its highlights is the PierZip, the world’s first pier to shore zip wire, which spans over 250 metres and launches thrill-seekers out across the waves before arriving safely back on land. 

Kids can also find an underground caving labyrinth, an indoor obstacle course and a vertical drop slide. The onsite RockReef Cafe refuels your little ones with pizza, hot drinks and ice cream. Most of the facilities at RockReef are suitable for kids aged 8 and older.

Bournemouth’s Pause Cat Café operates as an equal parts cafe, animal welfare advocate, and a safe home for cats. It provides a warm spot for lunch with a furry friend. On the menu, you’ll find vegan and vegetarian dishes, produced from locally sourced and sustainably grown ingredients.  

Around 12 friendly cats roam the bright space – they often approach diners to say hello or play with the nearby climbing poles. If you do decide to visit with your family, be sure to check the website for details on bringing children into the cafe. 

The Boscombe Chine Gardens blend refined floral landscapes with a variety of recreational activities. As you roam the gardens, you'll come across towering chine gorges that are home to a diverse mix of native wildlife species. Found dotted along the pathways is a quiz on interesting details about the plants and animals within the complex.

There's also a water-themed playground, a mini-golf course, and a cafe, which serves cakes fresh from the oven and daily specials. You can find the Boscombe Chine Gardens just opposite Bournemouth Pier and the beachfront.

Bowl Central, previously known as Fun Central, offers a wide range of indoor games and activities for all ages. A throwback to the much-loved arcades of old, it was recognised for its massive gaming arcade, featuring classics such as Daytona USA and Time Crisis. 

The venue has a 6-lane bowling alley, a lounge and a cocktail bar. There's also a coffee shop that serves pizzas and panini. Make sure you work hard at achieving your high scores, as tickets you win from each game can be traded for great prizes. 

The Bournemouth Big Wheel is a towering landmark that makes for a nice spot for sunset viewing. Reaching over 30 metres tall, those who climb aboard are welcomed by spectacular views across Bournemouth Beach, stretching as far as Hengistbury Head in the distance. 

Each ride on this classic Big Wheel lasts approximately 10 minutes, with the enclosed gondolas providing a safe place to soak up the views. The Bournemouth Big Wheel is located at the end of Bournemouth Pier. Nearby, you'll find a variety of high-quality restaurants and eateries – you can choose to grab a table for dinner or order takeaways to enjoy on the beachfront.