How to book
You need to email leisureWDWP@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk to book places in advance.
Due to high demand for places, you may not always get all the activities you request. We will offer all children at least one activity per holiday. This will be more in the 6-week holidays. We will confirm places by email after we have places for each child.
Unless otherwise stated, events cost £7.50 per child for 2/3 hours, £10 for 4 hours and £12.60 for 5 hours or more. There is a 20% subsidy for those on income-based benefits.
We will refund you if:
you cancel more than 2 weeks before an event
if we have to cancel an event
Parents need to stay for the child’s first session. This is so your child can get to know the team and to feel comfortable in this new environment. This also gives the staff the chance to get to know your child. It helps them to understand their needs for support in their next session. You will be allocated a support worker at this first session.
Artz+ Sportz+ sensory
These sessions are for children with more complex needs. They can get help from our team if available, or from their own personal assistant.
Bounce and Sportz sensory
Monday 28 OctoberFrom 10am to 1pm
Wheelchair accessible
YMCA
Sawmills Lane
Dorchester
DT1 2RZ
A perfect morning for children with sensory needs. Explore the space and equipment and join the Artz+ staff for games and sports activities in the centre’s gymnastics hall. You’ll love the floor trampoline and the opportunity to practise new skills with coaches Andrea Dabbs and Warwick Dabbs. We have an additional room booked for lunch and quiet space.
Trampolining, mini-athletics and games with Action Van
Tuesday 29 October
From 10am to 1pm
Age: 7 to 18 years
Wheelchair accessible
Sturfit
Sports Hall
3 Honeymead Lane
Sturminster Newton
DT10 1EW
Practice your trampoline skills with coach Andrea Dabbs. Challenge yourself on our fun mini athletics course, parachute games and other favourite games with the Action Van team.
Den building, nature activities and campfire
Thursday 31 October
From 10am to 1pm
Age: 5 to16 years
Leeson House
Field Studies Centre
Langton Matravers
Swanage
BH19 3EU
Explore the natural world in the lovely grounds of Leeson House with Dorset Council Tutor Matthew Smith. You will be able to have a go at making a den, pond dipping, orienteering creating some natural art and to join in around the campfire where you will learn fire lighting.
All-Dayer
Friday 1 November
Book for full day (bring lunch) or half day only
All day: 10am from 3pm
Half day: 10am to 12:30pm
Age: 5 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible
Bridport Youth and Community Centre
Gundry Lane
Bridport
DT6 3RL
Dancing puppets
From 10am to 12:30pm.Design and make your own mouth moving puppet with artist Holly Miller. Our team will be on hand to give you any help you need.
Bouncy castle and target games
From 1pm to 3pm.Enjoy an active afternoon having a go at boccia and indoor archery as well as having fun on the bouncy castle with Action Van.
Swim ‘n Play sensory
See how much fun you can have with diddy cars, slides, soft play and a bouncy castle. Afterwards, we will join the centre's SEN Fun Swim session in the main pool. Our team will join and support children in the pool. Please attend before and after the swim session if your child cannot change in and out of swimwear without assistance.
Monday 23 December
From 1pm to 3:45pm (pool session 2:30pm to 3:30pm)
Age: 7 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible, please ask about arrangements.
Bridport Leisure Centre
Brewery Fields
DT6 5LN
Family fun day
Christmas at Farmer Palmer's exclusive!Artz+ Sportz+ with Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF)
Tuesday 24 December
From 9:30am to 2pm
Wheelchair accessible
We’ve got Farmer Palmer’s all to ourselves again!
Activities include:
- meet lots of farmyard animals, rabbits and guinea pigs
- Christmas walkabout characters
- go-karts in the barn
- soft play area
- tractor and trailer rides for £1.50 per person, cash only
- Christmas arts and craft with REACH Creative Leaders
- chat to other families in the farm’s café (hot meals available or bring a packed lunch)
Child under 18: £10
Under 4s: Free
An adult must accompany children.
Additional adult: £10
Event and lunch free for families who book with a HAF code.
Booking essential.
Trip to the pantomime
Snow White (relaxed performance).
Expect stunning scenery, colourful costumes, toe-tapping tunes, hilarious comedy, and West End style special effects from this performance of the classic pantomime by the theatre company, Made to Measure. We are attending the relaxed performance as this is designed to be as inclusive and welcoming as possible. There are a limited number of wheelchair accessible seats.
Sunday 29 December
From 1:30pm to 4:30pm (pantomime begins at 2pm)
Age: 5 to 18 years
Wheelchair accessible
Tivoli Theatre
West Borough
Wimborne Minster
BH21 1LT
Junk winter puppets, bouncy castle and games
Join the creative Houseworks team for a chilled post Christmas session. Design, make and decorate your own winter-themed puppet by dipping into a whole heap of colourful materials and bits and bobs. Our team are on hand to offer any help you need. Activities will take place indoors but we may possibly venture outside if the weather is suitable.
Lunch available at £6 extra cost or bring a packed lunch.
Event and lunch free for children who book with a HAF code.
Monday 30 December
From 10am to 2pm
Age: 5 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible
Littlemoor Youth and Community Centre
Louviers Road
Weymouth
DT3 6AY
See a Show: Myths & Monsters
Friday 26 July
From 1:45pm to 3:15pm, the show starts at 2pm
5 to 18 years
Wheelchair accessible
Broadmayne Village Hall, Cowleaze Road, Broadmayne, DT2 8EW
Where can you find a creature that is half eagle and half lion? Or one that is half horse and half fish? Wait, that is impossible, or is it? Not in the crazy, magical world of ancient Greek stories, it's not! We are taking a group to see Squashbox Theatre's summer show; a quirky and ingenious blend of puppetry, storytelling, live music and comedy. Children will be supported by our team. This is an Artsreach performance and part of their summer programme (artsreach.co.uk).
On the ropes
Tuesday 30 July
From 10am to 1pm
7 to 18 years
Brenscombe Outdoor Centre Ropes Course, opposite entrance to Burnbake Campsite, Rempstone, Corfe Castle, BH20 5JH
This amazing high and low ropes course has something for everyone. Our two instructors will ensure that everyone, no matter their ability or confidence level, has exactly the right challenge. Climb, clamber and swing in this lovely forest setting. Bring lunch.
Into the Woods
Wednesday 31 JulyFrom 1:30pm to 4:30pm
5 to 16 years
Poole Forest School, Old Wareham Road, Beacon Hill, Corfe Mullen, BH21 3RZ
Join us in the woods for an afternoon of nature craft activities, tool work, den building and woodland play. Enjoy a campfire snack too.
Swim & Sportz
Friday 2 August
12 noon to 3pm, pool session 2pm to 3pm
7 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible
Bridport Leisure Centre, Brewery Fields, Bridport, DT6 5LN
Enjoy an active afternoon of bouncy castle and games. After a break, head to the pool for some splish splash fun with floats, woggles and balls.
Day at Carey: Dens, Low Ropes & Tunnels
Monday 5 August
From 10am to 3pm
5 to 16 years
Carey Outdoor Education Centre, Carey Road, Wareham, BH20 7PB
Build dens, create pictures and sculptures using natural materials and learn how to light and extinguish a campfire safely. Traverse the centre’s low ropes course and puzzle your way through the tunnels too.
Lunch available at £9.70 extra cost or bring a packed lunch.
Event and lunch free for children who book with a HAF code.
Woodland Wonders
Tuesday 6 August
From 10am to 1pm
5 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible
Bryanston Prep, Durweston, DT11 0PY
Join Forest School leader Dawn the Dove for a morning of craft activities, games, exploration and woodland play at this lovely site. Learn how to light and extinguish a fire safely and enjoy cooking a campfire snack. Bring lunch.
Sportz & Music Sensory
Wednesday 7 August
From 10am to 1pm
5 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible
Mountjoy School, Tunnel Road, Beaminster, DT8 3HB
Those talented musicians from Babigloo will deftly draw out your musical talent in a uniquely flexible and interactive way. Dip in and out of soft play, sports activities and games too. Lots of space to explore including the sensory room. Bring lunch.
Visit to Echo Fest: Art & Music Festival
Thursday 8 August
From 1pm to 5pm
11 to 18 years
Wheelchair accessible
Carey Outdoor Education Centre, Carey Road, Wareham, BH20 7PB
It's festival time and this one will be a highlight of the summer! We will be meeting you there and attending as a group supported by our team.
The festival will feature art and music workshops, performances, local bands, sport activities and street food. It is part of Dorset Council's Summer in Dorset programme and there will be lots of young people there who access this project. Expect a busy, lively atmosphere but we will have our own yurt to use as our base.
Free event for all participants. Please tell us your HAF code if you have one.
Street Art: Junk Modelling & Games
Friday 9 August
From 10am to 12:30pm
5 to 18 years
Wheelchair accessible
Wyke Regis Village Hall, All Saints' Road, Weymouth, DT4 9EZ
Help create a street of dreams by designing and making your own unique and colourful house from recycled materials. Dream big with artist Jo Burlington from Oops Wow Messy Art. There are sports activities and games too.
Wild in the Woods
Monday 12 August
From 10am to 2pm
5 to 16 years
Child in the Wild Forest School, Owermoigne (Drop off/meet location supplied on booking)
Join us in this lovely woodland setting for den building, exploration, and nature-inspired games and craft. End the session with a campfire snack. The site has a very smart composting loo. Bring lunch.
Trampolining, Indoor Archery & Boccia
Wheelchair accessible - please ask about arrangements
Tuesday 13 August
From 10am to 1pm
5 to 16 years
Sturfit, Honeymead Lane, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1EW
Pick up some new moves with some expert coaching on the trampoline and practice accuracy and co-ordination in archery, boccia and other target games. Bring lunch.
Climbing & Tunnels
Wed 14 August
9.30am to 12.30pm
7 to 16 years
Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre, Knightsdale Road, Weymouth, DT4 OHS
Tackle the centre's climbing wall with the help of the centre's instructors and squish, wriggle and slide through the caving tunnels.
Let's Get Loud: Sportz, Crafts & Games
Thursday 15 August
From 10am to 2pm
5 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible
The Hamworthy Club. Magna Road. Canford Magna, BH21 3AL
Those fun-loving leaders from Let's Get Loud have a fantastic day planned for us. There will be sports activities, such as handball, dodgeball, tug of war and racquet sports. Time to relax too with craft activities, as well as lego.
Lunch available at £6 extra cost or bring a packed lunch.
Event and lunch free for children who book with a HAF code.
Swim & Yoga Chill Sensory
Friday 16 August
From 10am to 2pm
5 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible
Prince of Wales School, Maiden Castle Road, Dorchester, DT1 2HH
Enjoy swimming, soft play and the sensory room in this safe and fun environment. Chill with Hollie Barber from Rainbeau Kids who will lead us in some yoga-based movement and relaxation.
Lunch available at £7 extra cost or bring a packed lunch.
Event and lunch free for children who book with a HAF code.
Paddleboarding & Giant SUP
Tuesday 20 August
From 9:30am to 12.30pm OR 1:30pm to 4:30pm (please state preference)
7 to 16 years
Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre, Knightsdale Road, Weymouth DT4 OHS
Head to the beach to practise balancing on your own paddle board. Friendly coaching for all, including complete beginners. There will be alternative centre-based activities including climbing if weather is unsuitable. Wetsuits and safety helmets provided.
Festival Fish, Bouncy Castle & Games
Tuesday 27 August
From 10am to 2pm
5 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible
Littlemoor Youth and Community Centre, Louviers Road, Weymouth, DT3 6AY
Join the friendly and creative leaders from Houseworks who will show you how to make some fabulous fish and waves to celebrate Dorset's beautiful coastline. Need to let off some steam? There will be a bouncy castle and some sports activities and games too. Outdoors or indoors if weather is unsuitable.
Lunch available at £6 extra cost or bring a packed lunch.
Event and lunch free for children who book with a HAF code.
RiversMeet Day Camp: Swimming, Sports & Craft
Wednesday 28 August
From 10am to 2pm, swimming 1pm to 2pm
7 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible - please ask about arrangements
RiversMeet Leisure Centre, Hardings Lane, Gillingham SP8 4HX
Centre coaches will lead us in an exciting mix of swimming, sports activities and crafts.
Lunch available in the centre's cafe at £6 extra cost or bring a packed lunch. Event and lunch are free for those who book with a HAF code.