How to book

You need to email leisure@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk to book places in advance. You need to state your:

  • name
  • address
  • telephone number
  • chosen workshop/s
  • number of spaces
  • child name/s

Bookings close on Wednesday 9 July and allocation will take place on Thursday 10 July 2025. 

After allocation, any remaining spare places will be advertised on our Artz + Sportz+ Facebook page.

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 £7.65 per child for 2/3 hours, £10.20 for 4 hours and £12.85 for 5 hours or more. There is a 20% subsidy for those on income-based benefits.

Advertised Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) events are free to families with a HAF code. 

Any HAF activities where a hot meal will be available, families who are not eligible for a HAF code the hot meal will cost £5. You will be given an order form and a choice to opt out of the hot meal.

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.

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.

a girl juming on a trampoline.

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.

Children outdoor activities.

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.

A boy holding a bow and arrow.
Children playing in the bouncy castle.

Child in the Wild, ‘The Great Eggscape!’


Date: Monday 7 April 2025
Time: 10am to 2pm
Age: 5 to 17 years
Not wheelchair accessible

Back due to demand. Join the Forest School Leaders for some Easter themed fun. With our support workers you will play in a woodland setting, working with tools and building dens. Take part in an Easter Scavenger hunt, enjoy a snack and hot cross buns toasted on the campfire and enjoy some outdoor Springtime nature crafts and activities. Come dressed for the outdoors and bring lunch.

Child in the Wild Forest School
Owermoigne
Dorset
DT2 8HY
What 3 Words: Vitamins riverbank overnight
child partaking in activities in the woods

Mexico Mission with Brave Bold Theatre

Date: Tuesday 8 April 2025
Arrival time: 1pm
Show time: 1:15pm to 3pm with interval 2pm to 2:15pm
Workshop time: 3:10pm to 4pm
Age: 7 to 18 years
Cost: Show only is £4.65 per child. Special offer, bring a sibling for free to the show. Booking essential.
Show and workshop is £7.65 per child.
Wheelchair accessible

Join us for fun live interactive theatre full of adventure, intrigue, and mind-bending plot twists. It will be a very relaxed performance catering for children with SEND with 1:1 support available with the Artz+ team and you can bring a sibling for free to the show. For parents who would like to stay they are welcome to stay and enjoy the show at no cost. 

After the show there will be an additional workshop, where we have 16 places available, so booking is essential. In the workshop you will be invited to get involved and investigate an art forgery case and try to crack the case. 

During the interval and before the workshop our Artz+ staff will organise some fun outdoor games to run off energy. Free parking and drop off. 

Dorchester Youth Association
Lubbecke Way
Dorchester
DT1 1QL
art workshop taking place with children

Felt bunnies, basketweaving, bouncy castle, and soft play fun with Houseworks

Date: Wednesday 9 April 2025
Time: 10am to 2pm
Age: 5 to 17 years
Cost: £10.20
Wheelchair accessible

Unleash your creativity and make some amazing crafts to take home. Jump, bounce and have a blast on our bouncy castle and enjoy a safe and fun soft play area designed just for you.

This event is part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for children with SEND, ensuring a day full of joy and laughter where you can be arty, play and make new friends. Hot meal available. 

Littlemoor Youth and Community Centre
Louviers Rd
Weymouth
DT3 6AY

image of needlefelt in the shape of bunnies

Mini farmer for a day at Flowerdew Farm

Date: Thursday 10 April 
Time: 10am to 1pm 
Age: 5 to 17 years
Cost: £7.65
Wheelchair accessible

Be a mini farmer today where you will meet and greet the animals, learning about the alpacas and goats. The farm staff will show you how to feed them and together in groups you will feed and water the animals. Make a scarecrow and have a go at ‘Welly Wanging’. Bring a packed lunch and we will picnic around a log fire with marshmallows on sticks and picnic games.

Flowerdew Farm
Hazel Lane
Puncknowle
Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 9BU

children with an alpaca

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Musical presented by WOW

Matinee performance

Date: Saturday 12 April 
Time: arrive at 1:30pm for 2pm performance, until 4pm with pick up at 4:15pm
Age: 5 to 18 years 
Cost: £10.50 which includes cost of ice cream
2 Wheelchair spaces available

We have 16 subsidised tickets available for children to be supported by Artz+ Staff to step into the magical world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as WOW brings Roald Dahl’s classic tale to life on the Weymouth Pavilion stage.

During the interval, staff will support our children as they enjoy an ice cream and drink.

Featuring a fantastic mix of original songs like “The Candy Man,” “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” and “Pure Imagination”, this show will be great fun for all ages and a magical Easter treat.

WOW is an award-winning youth theatre company based in Weymouth. 

Weymouth Pavilion
Esplanade
Weymouth
DT4 8ED 

charlie and chocolate factory poster
cast of charlie and chocolate factory

Street Arts, Street Dance and DJing event


Date: Monday 14 April
Morning session: Junior crew
Time: 9:30am to 12:45pm
Age: 5 to 11 years
Afternoon Session: Senior crew
Time: 1:30pm to 5pm
Age: 12 to 17 years
Price: £10.20 per child for those not on Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme plus £5 for a hot meal.
Siblings are welcome to join in the fun.
Wheelchair accessible

Do you dream of being a Street Dancer, DJ, or Street Artist? Now’s your chance to make it happen. Artz+ Sportz+ is teaming up with the Activate Performing Arts Remix Crew to bring you action-packed taster sessions with three different Artists this Easter holiday.

Get ready to Spin the decks with Dorchester’s very own Vinyl Van, bust epic dance moves with award-winning choreographer Isaac Farmer and create a street art masterpiece in hands on street art sessions. Your support worker will be there to ensure you have all the help you require. 

What to bring: A drink, some lunch, and a bag full of energy. 

You can read more about Activate’s Remix and Premix by visiting The Remix & The Premix - Activate.
 
Bay Studios
Weymouth College
Cranford Avenue
Weymouth
DT4 7LQ

Credit Brent Jones photos and Jayne Jackson
dj session taking place
Street dance session taking place

Sensory day at Prince of Wales School

Date: Thursday 17 April 
Time: 10am to 1pm
Age: 5 to 17 years 
Cost: £7.65
Wheelchair accessible

Experience three hours of fun with our Artz+ team at our sensory day. Children can enjoy a range of activities including free play, engaging games, soft play area, a sensory room, and swimming. It is the perfect opportunity for children to explore and have a great time. Bring packed lunch.

Prince of Wales School
Maiden Castle Rd
Dorchester
DT1 2HH 
Image of a sensory session taking place

Pizza Box Puppets, Pizza and Action Van Antics with Holly Miller and the Friendly Food Club (HAF) 

Date: Monday 28 July
Time: 10am to 3pm
Age: 5 to 17 years old
Wheelchair accessible

Come and create your very own ‘pizza slice puppet’ and pizza, complete with your favourite toppings.

It could be extra cheesy shortcrust or deep pan pepperoni with olives, the choice is yours. Get even more creative and design a logo for your take-away pizza box, and don’t forget to list all the colourful pizza ingredients on the menu.

Using cardboard, fabrics, newspaper and masking tape, it will be messy fun.

Make your own real pizza for lunch with the Friendly Food Club, and in the afternoon join in the outdoor activities with bat and field games, archery and of course the Bouncy Castle.
There will be games indoors if wet.

Durweston Village Hall 
Church Road
Durweston
DT11 0QA
Picture of a pizza slice puppet

Bounce & Sportz Sensory

Date: Tuesday 29 July
Time: Session 1 is 9am to 11:30am and session 2 is Midday to 2:30pm. Please state preference of session when booking. 
Age: 5 to 17 years 
Wheelchair accessible

Join us 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 coach Andrea Dabbs, who many of you will know from our team.

YMCA Dorchester
Sawmills Lane
Dorchester
DT1 2RZ
Picture of participants on trampolines

Mega Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Date: Wednesday 30 July
Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm
Age: 8 to 17 years 

Wetsuits on and buoyancy aids ready, take a bus journey to Portland, where you will be 
given a short safety briefing before boarding the giant paddleboard all as one group with 
the leaders and instructors.

You’ll paddle it like a raft, before having the chance to dip your toes or jump off into the sea.

The bus journey will be about 20 minutes each way. 

Bring a drink and snack.

Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre
Knightsdale Road
Weymouth
DT4 0HS
 
A group of people on a mega stand up paddleboard

Cycling & Frisbee Golf at Moors Valley

Date: Thursday 31 July
Time: 10am to 1pm
Age: 10 years and over 

Come to Moors Valley Country Park and enjoy a led cycle ride around the forest along the family trail up to Potterne Park. 

There is a selection of bikes to use including adapted cycles as well as standard two wheelers. 

We will swap around so that whilst one group is cycling the other group can try their hand at Frisbee (disc) golf. See if you can get your frisbee in the target net, how many throws will it take? 

Bring a drink and snack.

Moors Valley Country Park
Horton Road
Ashley Heath
BH24 2ET
 
Picture of a boy throwing a frisbee towards a target

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 July
From 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.

Mini Farmer for a Day at Flowerdew Farm

Date: Monday 4 August
Time: 10am to 1pm
Age: 5 to 17 years 
Wheelchair accessible

Be a Mini Farmer today! You will meet and greet the animals, learn about the alpacas and goats. The Farm Staff will show you how to feed them and together in groups you will feed and water the animals.

Have a go at ‘Welly Wanging’ and craft activities.

Bring a packed lunch and we will picnic around a log fire with marshmallows on sticks and play picnic games. 

Flowerdew Farm
Hazel Lane
Puncknowle 
Dorchester
DT2 9BU

Picture of a girl with a couple of goats

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.

Outdoor MultiSport Day

Date: Tuesday 5 August
Time: 10am to 3pm
Age: 7 to 18 years 

We apologise the activity and venue has been revised following publication of the programme due to illness

A fun, action packed day. Learn how to build a shelter and light a fire, traverse the wall, go through tunnels and swing from the low ropes course.

Why not try your hand at environmental art?

Adventure awaits.

Bring a packed lunch.

Leeson House
Langton Matravers
Swanage
Dorset
BH19 3EU

TEENZ Go Ape Adventure at Moors Valley

Date: Wednesday 6 August
Time: 10am to 1pm
Age: 13 years and over 

Get into your safety harness and spend time in the trees, starting on low ropes to build your confidence, then putting your climbing skills to the test as you explore the ropes course at Moors Valley.

Enjoy a drink or ice cream afterwards and if time allows explore the park.

Go Ape
Moors Valley Country Park
Horton Road
Ashley Heath
BH24 2ET
Picture of a couple of children on the rope course at Go Ape Adventure

Sensory Day

Date: Thursday 7 August
Time: 10am to 1pm
Age: 5 to 17 years 
Wheelchair accessible

Join us for three hours of non stop fun exploring the sensory room and garden and the great outside space at Mountjoy School.

The Action Van team will be making sure you have even more fun with extra sensory play equipment from the van. Bring a mid morning snack and chill out in the quiet room or out in the lovely fresh air.

Mountjoy School
Tunnel Road
Beaminster
DT8 3HB
Picture of a girl taking part in a sensory activity

Forest School Fun at Fontmell

Date: Friday 8 August
Time: 10am to 2pm
Age: 5 to 17 years 

What can you spot in our nature bingo game as we take a short walk along the top of Fontmell Down to the Forest School? Maybe a beautiful bug, some pretty flowers or soaring birds?

In Forest School we will make clay faces to take home, build dens, create some wild art using materials we find in the woods and toast marshmallows around the fire.

Time for free play too before heading back across the fields.

Bring a packed lunch.

Fontmell Down, nr Shaftesbury, meet in Fontmell Down Car Park (NT) - directions supplied with booking confirmation.
A picture of people creating wild art on the ground

Treasure Island with Treehouse Theatre

Date: Sunday 10 August
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm
Age: 5 years and over
Wheelchair accessible

Enjoy a pirate themed performance where colourful characters go on an adventure on the high seas in search of treasure, with all the fun of panto style audience interaction.

Young Jim Hawkins and his best friend Doctor Libby have set off on the adventure of their lives, in search of the legendary Pirate Treasure. But is danger lurking out there on the high seas? Is the charismatic Captain Silver and her pet parrot, Carrot all they appear to be? What will they find where ‘X’ marks the spot? And why is Jim not allowed to whistle?

If you love music, dancing and singing, this action packed show is not to be missed. Be part of the cast, and crew, and join them onstage if you wish as part of the adventure. This is an Artsreach performance and part of their summer programme.

Sixpenny Handley Village Hall 
Common Road
Sixpenny Handley 
Dorset
SP5 5NJ
Picture of actors involved in the Treehouse Island theatre production

Multi Sports and Creative Arts with Let’s Get Loud

Date: Monday 11 August
Time: 10am to 1pm
Age: 5 to 13 years
Wheelchair accessible

Come and join in lots of fun sports with the friendly, energetic "Let’s Get Loud" team.

Play a game you love or maybe try something new alongside new friends. Then get crafty and make something lovely from the arts activities on offer, while you take a break and recharge your batteries!

Bring a drink and snack.

Allendale Centre
Hanham Road
Wimborne
BH21 1AS
Group of children taking part in a sensory activity

Seaside Parade Hats and fun and games with Houseworks (HAF)

Date: Tuesday 12 August
Time: 10am to 2pm
Age: 5 to 17 years
Wheelchair accessible

Seaside Parade Hats

Celebrate all your favourite seaside things by creating a beautiful, brightly coloured carnival style headpiece to take home with you for your very own seaside souvenir.

Followed by bouncy castle fun and games. Lunch available at £6 extra cost or bring a packed lunch.

Event and lunch free for children who book with a HAF code.

TopClub
Bincombe Valley Children’s Centre
69 Louviers Road
Littlemoor
Weymouth
DT3 6AY
Picture of people taking part in some arts and craft

Dance Moves & Circus Grooves (HAF)

Date: Wednesday 13 August
Time: 10am to 3pm
Age: 5 to 17 years
Wheelchair accessible

Come and join us for a morning of dance, creativity and fun.

In this dynamic and inclusive workshop, we’ll be exploring dance and movement in many different ways.

We’ll explore fun dance sequences, get inspired by creative exercises and enjoy plenty of playful games along the way. Led by Emily Thompson-Smith from Dorset Youth Dance, the session is a great way to get moving and grooving, learn new skills and spark your creativity.

No previous dance experience needed. Just bring your energy and enthusiasm.

The Friendly Food will help you make your own pizza lunch, and in the afternoon join the Action Van staff for circus skills and indoor games.

Lunch included for all, event and lunch free for children who book with a HAF code.

Charminster Community Hall
Weir View
Charminster
Dorchester
DT2 9QY
Image of the dance instructor demonstrating the routine in front of a group of participants
Picture of all participants dancing

Sensory Session

Date: Thursday 14 August
Time: 10am to 1pm
Age: 5 to 17 years
Wheelchair accessible

Three hours of fun with our Artz+ Sportz+ team at our Sensory Session.

Children can enjoy a range of activities including free play, engaging games, soft play area, sensory room, garden play area and swimming. The perfect opportunity for children to explore and have a great time.

Bring a packed lunch.

Prince of Wales School
Maiden Castle Road
Dorchester
DT1 2HH
Girl playing in soft play area

TEENZ DJs, Decks and Design 
with Vinyl Van 

Date: Thursday 14 August
Time: 5pm to 8pm
Age: 13 years and over
Wheelchair accessible

Join the friendly crew at Vinyl Van and C Side for an evening of cool music inspired activities 
surrounded by the fabulous sound of ‘old school’ records.

Become a vinyl DJ and have a go on the decks or get creative and design your own album cover using craft and collage techniques. Or maybe just chill, enjoy the space and some belting tunes, whatever works for you.

Then head off for a delicious pizza to round off your evening out!

Vinyl Van
8a Pope Street
Brewery Square 
Dorchester
DT1 1GW
Picture of a person holding up a vinyl cover created by participants

Sensory Swim ‘n Play

Date: Monday 18 August
Time: 10:30am to 1:30pm
Age: 5 to 17 years
Wheelchair accessible

Join us for three hours of non stop fun with the Artz+ and Action Van team.

Children can enjoy the bouncy castle, swimming in the therapy pool, games and soft play.

There are dip in and out creative fun activities with artist Lucy Newnham, such as printmaking, spray art and nature paintbrushes.

This morning is perfect for children who love unstructured play, water and sensory activities. 

Bring a drink, snack and packed lunch.

Stour Connect
Stour View Close
Sturminster Newton
DT10 1JF
Swimmers taking part in sensory swim n play

Clay Modelling and Crafts (HAF)

Date: Tuesday 19 August
Time: 10am to 3pm
Age: 7 years and over
Wheelchair accessible

Come and enjoy a creative morning with artist and qualified teacher Sarah Redmond-Fareham and have fun exploring the wildlife that lives in and around the Jurassic Coast with her exciting Clay Workshop.

Delve into the past and make a dinosaur, a fossil or enjoy being inspired by the creatures that live beneath the surface of the ocean or our beautiful and wild coastline.

In the afternoon learn how to make lemonade and have a go at rag rugging with the Museum of East Dorset team. Lunch, which will be pizza, is available at £6.95 extra cost or bring a packed lunch.

Event and lunch free for children who book with a HAF code.

Museum of East Dorset
High Street
Wimborne
BH21 1HR
Picture of a girl giving detail to a clay turtle

TEENZ ForFit Taster; Spinning, Boxercise & Weights

Date: Wednesday 20 August
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Age: 13 to 18 years

An opportunity to try out the centre’s fitness activities. Coaches Sarah and Roxy, both former members of our support team, will take you through your paces and introduce you to what is on offer at their fitness and wellness centre.

Spin on the centre’s indoor bikes, take part in boxing drills and games in Boxercise and have a go at weight training. All activities will be suitable for complete beginners.

Bring a drink and snack.

ForFit Fitness
Cambridge Road
Dorchester 
DT1 2LR
Group of people taking part in spinning

Big Drawing & Bounce Fun

Date: Thursday 21 August
Time: First session is 10am to 12:30pm and second session is 1pm to 3:30pm. Please state your preference of session when booking. 
Age: 5 to 17 years

Use your whole body to create a larger than life piece of art in this amazing, fun workshop led by artist Jo Burlington from ‘Oops Wow’.

Have a go at drawing on the grandest scale ever, as you are swung over the floor, supported by a hammock. Hide in a tube to make a You (in a) Tube drawing. Draw around your body and transform into anything you can imagine.

Make sure you wear clothes that can get messy.

Bouncy castle to end the session. 

Bring a drink and snack. 

Bridport Youth & Community Centre
Gundry Lane
Bridport
DT6 3RL
picture of a particpant in a hammock swinging over, and drawing on a big canvas
picture of an inflatable bouncy castle

Watersports Day

Date: Friday 22 August
Time: 10am to 3pm
Age: 6 to 18 years

An engaging and exciting watersports activity day with some challenging and fun team games, combining the use of our most popular paddle sports equipment plus our large oversized Mega SUPs.

Guided and taught by our qualified instructors, the aim of the day is to ensure you have an amazing experience with us on and in the waters of Portland Harbour, learning and developing lots of new skills.

Bring a drink, snacks and a packed lunch.

Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy
Portland
DT5 1SA
group taking part in stand up paddleboarding

Child in the Wild

Date: Tuesday 26 August
Time: 10am to 2pm
Age: 5 to 16 years

Join us in the enchanting woodland if you like den building, bug hunting and nature crafts, plus lots of free play on the tree swing, hammock and slack line, and in the mud kitchen, digging pit, and more.

Finish the session with s’mores and hot chocolates around the campfire together.

Bring a drink, snacks and a packed lunch. 

Child in the Wild Forest School, Owermoigne. Directions will be provided with confirmation.
picture of a girl laying in a hammock

Travel Back in Time at the Ancient Technology Centre (HAF)

Date: Wednesday 27 August
Time: 10am to 3pm
Age: 5 to 17 years

Take a journey back in time and become a victorious Viking or a remarkable Roman for the day, at the brilliant and very exciting Ancient Technology Centre.

We will be having fun with some hands on farming and having a go at construction work making cob bricks, as well as cordage,making ropes, then playing, and winning, some hearty Viking games. And if time allows, they’ll even be a gripping story at the end of the day, to round off your time travel adventures.

Bring a drink and snacks.

Lunch included for all children, event and lunch free for children who book with a HAF code. 

Ancient Technology Centre
Damerham Road
Cranborne
BH21 5RP
external image of Ancient Technology Centre
a sign for the Ancient Technology centre which says, "This way to the past"

TEENZ Coasteering Adventure at Portland Bill

Date: Thursday 28 August
Time: 1:30pm to 4pm
Age: 10 years and over. Participants must be confident in the water. 

Calling all climbers, scramblers and swimmers.

This Coasteering activity is an exhilarating adventure that includes all the above as well as jumping into the water.

With the stunning and dramatic Jurassic Coast setting as your backdrop, on the Isle of Portland, what better way to explore the rugged landscape, in true adventurer style, under the expert eye of the experienced Adventure4All team.

Suitable for those who are comfortable in the water, happy with, not too big, heights and being in open water. 

Full length wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets supplied.

Adventure4All
Portland Marina
Osprey Quay
DT5 1DX
picture of a group in the sea, taking part in coasteering
Group of people just about to jump off some rocks into the sea

All-Dayer

Date: Friday 29 August
Time: 10am to 3pm. Book all day or half day only. If you book for all day then please bring lunch.
Age: 5 to 16 years 
Wheelchair accessible

10am to 12:30pm: Sensational Samba

Join Melody and the Artz+ Spotz+ Team for a fun morning playing some cool Samba rhythms on drums, bells, guiros and shakers. There’ll be plenty of sound and grooves to move to as 
we create our own Samba. 

Bring a drink and snack.

1pm to 3pm: Sensory Play and Games Session

Dip in and out of activities including bouncy castle, soft play and games with the fun, friendly, Action Van team. 

Bring a drink and snack.

Wyvern Academy
Dorchester Road
Weymouth
DT3 5AL
picture of a group taking part in the samba class
Group taking part in parachute games

TEENZ Coastal Explorer RIB Ride

Date: Monday 1 September
Time: 2pm to 5pm
Age: 13 to 18 years 
 

Take an exciting ride in a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) with Lyme Bay RIB Charters along the coast from West Bay to Lyme Regis, enjoy time on the beach in Lyme Regis before heading back along the Jurassic Coast keeping a watch out for wildlife.

Social time over soft drinks/ice creams in West Bay to finish.

Please note: This activity is subject to weather conditions.
 
It is not suitable for anyone with current or past conditions affecting the neck, back, spine, hips or knees.

Meet at West Bay, details provided on booking.
Side on picture of a rigid inflatable boat riding along the sea

Activate Performing Arts

Summer Arts Workshop 2025: A Magical Journey Through Time!

Date: 19 to 22 August
Time: Juniors, ages 5 to 11 years, 9:30am to 12:30pm. Seniors, ages 12 years and over, 1:30pm to 5pm
Age: 5 to 25 years
Cost: £10 per day or Free with a HAF passcode. 
 

Get ready for four fun filled days of dancing, music making, flag creating, and performing. This summer, we’re inviting you to be part of an exciting adventure where we explore the magic of growing up and the wonders of time.

This year’s theme: The Rite of Passage of Time

  • dance with amazing choreographers
  • make music and explore cool sounds in our drumming workshops
  • design and decorate your own flags
  • perform in a show for your family and friends at the Inside Out Dorset Festival!
Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a first timer or a returning star. We can also offer 1 to 1 support if needed. Just let us know how we can help. Since we’ll be working on a special performance, it’s best to come for all 4 days, but if that’s tricky, talk to us and we’ll see what we can do.

Interested in taking part? Complete the summer workshops booking form.

The Bay Studios, Weymouth College, Weymouth
Picture of a group taking part in a performing arts class
Arial view of a group taking part in a performing arts class

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.

Artz+ Sportz+ is funded by Short Breaks funding and organised by Dorset Council Cultural Services.

Join the Artz+ Sportz+ steering group

Are you passionate about shaping the future of Artz+ Sportz+? We need your voice.

What’s the Steering Group?

Our quarterly Steering Group brings together Parent representatives and the Artz+ Team to brainstorm and enhance our services. It’s a fantastic opportunity to make an impact.

We need you.

We’re on the lookout for two enthusiastic parents to join our team. Your commitment? Just four meetings a year, scheduled to fit around your busy life.
 
Next Meeting: 5 September 2025
Location: Dorchester
Interested? For more information, email Tracy Cooper at tracy.cooper@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Join us on Facebook

Keep up to date on news and events. Search for Artz+ Sportz+ and “like” the page to receive updates and to keep in touch with us. 

Stay updated

Join our mailing list by sending your name, address and email address to Artz+ Sportz+, Leisure Services, Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester. DT1 1XJ, or email leisure@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.