Family Fun in Poole

Boating lakes, beaches that shelve gently, an island with squirrels on it and a harbour full of boats to watch.

Poole is an easy town with children, largely because so much of what there is to do involves water and costs nothing.

Parks

Poole Park is the obvious one: a saltwater boating lake, a miniature railway, play areas and flat paths, all free to walk into. Upton Country Park is the bigger, quieter version.

Beaches

Hamworthy faces into the harbour, so the water is calm and shallow, with grass and a playground behind. On the bay side, Sandbanks shelves gently and is patrolled in season. See beach safety.

The island

Brownsea Island works as an expedition: a boat ride, red squirrels, peacocks and space to run. Book the boat ahead in summer.

When it rains

See wet weather fun. And whatever the weather, the lifting bridge on the Quay going up is free entertainment.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What can families do in Poole?

Poole Park has a boating lake, a miniature railway and play areas. Hamworthy Park has shallow harbour water and a playground. Brownsea Island is an outdoor adventure with squirrels and peacocks, and the boats leaving the Quay keep most children watching for longer than you would expect.

Which Poole beach is best for young children?

Hamworthy Park faces into the harbour rather than the open sea, so the water is shallower and calmer, with grass and a playground behind the sand. On the bay side, Sandbanks shelves gently and has lifeguards in season.

Is Poole good for a family day out in the rain?

Poole Museum is free and indoors, Lighthouse runs family programming, and the Dolphin Centre covers the practical needs. See the wet weather page for the full list.

What free things can families do in Poole?

Poole Park, Hamworthy Park, Upton Country Park and every beach are free, as is Poole Museum. Watching the lifting bridge open on the Quay costs nothing and reliably stops a child in their tracks.

Planning your visit?

Where to stay in Poole

Sandbanks hotels, harbourside flats a street back from the Quay and the quieter beds out at Hamworthy and Broadstone, with the areas each one suits.

Where to stay →