Taking Tots To Dorset: A Family Adventure

Do you have trouble keeping the kids entertained on holiday? We know that taking younger children away can be a nightmare if you choose the wrong destination or resort, which is why you should make sure during the planning process that there are plenty of things to do.  For example, if you’re planning a trip to one of the holiday parks in Dorset, you’ll find an array of great facilities and entertainment within easy reach.

Abbotsbury Swannery

The huge colony of 600 mute swans at Abbotsbury Swannery must be seen to be believed, and it’s an experience the kids will never forget. If you visit at the right time (from around mid-May until the end of June), there’ll be plenty of fluffy baby swans to see. Make sure you’re there at either midday or 4pm – these times are when the swans are fed, and the children are invited to help.

It’s not just swans, either – there are plenty of other wild birds on site, and if your children are in an active mood there’s also a maze, a climbing frame and go-karts.

If you’re not sure your children will want to spend a full day here, you can buy a special ‘passport’ ticket that will also get you into the Abbotsbury Children’s Farm and Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens attractions nearby. This is a great way to fill a day with lots of variety so the kids don’t get bored, and with Abbotsbury close to popular destinations like Bridport and Weymouth, it’s a convenient distance from many of the holiday parks in Dorset.

UK Llamas

If you’re looking for a family day out with a difference, you can’t beat this – a chance to take a walk with a herd of llamas! Kids of all ages will love meeting, grooming and walking with these friendly, fluffy creatures. There’s a range of unique experiences on offer here, whether you’d rather stay on the farm and learn all about llamas or take a full day’s trek along the Jurassic Coast accompanied by the herd.

You’ll need to book ahead as the farm is not open to the general public, and some of the more strenuous walks may be unsuitable for younger children. However, with a little planning, this is a brilliant way to keep the kids entertained, and it’s not too far from most of the coastal holiday parks in Dorset either.

Monkey World

If you or your children are fans of the Sky TV series Monkey Life, you’ll know what to expect from this place – but even if you’re not, the name should give you some idea. Monkey World is a rescue centre filled with monkeys, chimpanzees, gibbons, orang-utans and other primates that have been saved from horrible conditions and given a new life in this sanctuary. These charming animals are amazing to watch and will keep the whole family enthralled.

There are plenty of on-site facilities that make this a great place to spend a day, with reasonably priced cafés and food kiosks as well as picnic areas and a gift shop. There’s also some fantastic adventure playgrounds in case your kids get jealous watching the monkeys swing around all day! If you’re staying in almost any of the main holiday parks in Dorset you’ll be ideally placed to reach the centre based in Wareham.

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Michael Paul is the Managing Director of Michael Paul Holidays, a holiday property agency offering a handpicked range of accommodation in wonderful UK locations. Whether you are looking for the best holiday parks in Dorset or the cosiest cottages and log cabins in Scotland, he and his team will find you that perfect property for an unforgettable trip.