Poole holds children’s attention well, mostly because of the boats.
The big one: Brownsea Island
A boat ride, red squirrels in the pines, peacocks that wander up to you, and 500 acres to run around. Allow three to four hours and book the boat ahead in busy periods. See Brownsea Island.
The free one: Poole Park
A saltwater boating lake, a miniature railway, play areas and flat paths. The park itself costs nothing. See Poole Park.
The one for little ones: Hamworthy Park
Faces into the harbour, so the water is shallow and calm, with grass, a playground and a paddling area behind the sand. Better than Sandbanks under about five. See Hamworthy Park Beach.
The indoor one: Poole Museum
Free, several floors, and a 2,300-year-old boat pulled from the harbour. See Poole Museum.
The free entertainment nobody expects
The lifting bridge on the Quay opening for masts. Costs nothing, takes five minutes, works every time.