Dorset and The New Forest boasts a large number of attractions for the family, both outdoor and indoor.

Animal lovers can visit Monkey World in Bovington, recognised as a leading site for ape rescue and rehabilitation or Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park which operates alongside a genuine working farm.  To experience times gone by, take a trip on Swanage Steam Railway through some of Dorset’s most lovely countryside.  For an active day, clamber over the timber play structures at Moors Valley Park or just enjoy the forest walks.  Or see the world’s finest collection of Armoured Fighting Vehicles at the Tank Museum near Wareham.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND FAMILY PARK, Christchurch
An adventure park for younger children inspired by Lewis Carroll’s famous stories.   www.aliceinwonderlandpark.co.uk

OCEANARIUM, Bournemouth
Explore the marvels of the undersea world.

www.oceanarium.co.uk

VISTARAMA BALLOON, Bournemouth
Experience spectacular views with this tethered balloon flight.

www.bournemouthballoon.com

DORSET HEAVY HORSE AND ANIMAL CENTRE, near Verwood
The Centre's aim is not only to preserve and breed the different heavy horses, but also to give visitors the chance to share and delight in these magnificent animals.

www.dorset-heavy-horse-centre.co.uk

NEW FOREST OTTER, OWL AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PARK, Longdown near. Southampton
Set in 25 acres of ancient woodland where you will see Europe's largest collection of multi-specied otters, owls and other indigenous wildlife.

www.ottersandowls.co.uk/newforest.htm

THE NEW FOREST OWL SANCTUARY, near Ringwood
One of the largest collection of owls in Europe with daily flying displays.

FARMER PALMER'S FARM PARK, Organford, Poole
The Farm Park operates alongside a 170 acre family-owned working farm. www.farmerpalmer.co.uk 

MONKEY WORLD, Bovington
The park is home to a wide variety of rescued primates including Orang-utans, Gibbons, Woolly Monkeys, Lemurs, Macaques and Marmosets.

www.monkeyworld.co.uk

PAULTONS PARK, nr Romsey

The theme park for families with over 50 wonderful rides and attractions included in the price. Big Rides, small rides, birds and animals all set in over 140 acres of beautiful landscaped parkland.

SWANAGE STEAM RAILWAY, Swanage and Corfe Castle

A steam train ride through some of the Dorset’s most lovely countryside. www.swanagerailway.co.uk

PUTLAKE ADVENTURE FARM, near Swanage.
Make contact with a variety of friendly animals in a relaxed atmosphere. www.putlakefarm.co.uk
 

THE TANK MUSEUM, Bovington near Wareham
Over 300 vehicles on display, detailing the complete evolution of armoured vehicles. Tanks in Action Displays and Tank Rides available on certain dates.

www.tankmuseum.co.uk

TERRACOTTA WARRIORS

The only museum outside China exclusively dedicated to the amazing Terracotta Warriors in China. www.terracottawarriors.co.uk

WORLD OF TOYS & VINTAGE END OF PIER MUSEUM, Arne near Wareham.
Featuring Victorian Dolls and Musical Boxes, and thousands of toys of all kinds from 1850 to 1970.

ABBOTSBURY SMUGGLER'S BARN BY THE SEA
A superb soft play area inside the hulls of a Smuggler's Lugger and a Revenue Cutter. www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk

DINOSAURLAND FOSSIL WORLD, Lyme Regis
A museum featuring Jurassic fossils and dinosaurs - bring your fossils in for free expert analysis.

DINOSAUR MUSEUM, Dorchester
The incredible world of Dinosaurs comes alive in a new way that visitors of all ages will love and enjoy. Actual fossils, skeletons and life-size reconstruction's combine with audio-visual and hands-on displays to inform and entertain. www.dinosaur-museum.com

THE TEDDY BEAR MUSEUM, Dorchester
Discover the origins of the teddy bear and see hundreds of bears from the past century in atmospheric and evocative settings.

www.teddybearhouse.co.uk

THE TUTANKHAMUN EXHIBITION, Dorchester
Tutankhamun's tomb, treasures, and mummified body are superbly recreated in this spectacular exhibition – spanning time itself.  www.tutankhamun-exhibition.co.uk

WORLDWIDE BUTTERFLIES & WORLDLIFE, near Sherborne
Living butterflies, giant moths and exotic insects bring a taste of the tropics. www.worldlife.co.uk

DEEP SEA ADVENTURE AND SHARKY'S PLAYZONE, Weymouth
Two separate attractions under one roof: Deep Sea Adventure takes you on a unique journey, encountering underwater exploration and featuring "The Titanic Experience" and Sharky's Playzone is an all weather kids adventure play zone. www.deepsea-adventure.co.uk

DISCOVERY - BREWERS QUAY, Weymouth
With over 60 exhibits, Discovery offers hands on fun for everyone. See the world's weather patterns with the Satellite Weather Station, leave your shadow behind or mix up a friend's face with your own – plenty to do, so spend as little or as long as you like.  www.discoverdiscovery.co.uk

MOORS VALLEY COUNTRY PARK nr Ringwood

750 acres of woodland in the Valley of the Moors River; adventure play trail and tree top trail.

www.moors-valley.co.uk

WEYMOUTH SEA LIFE PARK
Exciting close encounters with marvels of marine life from shrimps to sharks, octopus to eels. A full programme of feeding demonstrations, talks and special presentations. www.sealifeeurope.com/uk/weymouth/home.htm