Toddler friendly days out in Dorset

[verytiredmummy1]

We are visiting Dorset with a toddler soon and would like some suggestions for some days out that are suitable with a toddler. We've done the sealife centre in Weymouth and my DD loved it.

Can anyone recommend something else? We've put aside some money aside to do it so don't mind the cost too much!

[coffeeisnectar]

Honeybrook farm near Wimborne, got a huge outside play area, indoor soft play plus of course lots of animals. Take some carrots for the donkeys, they really appreciate them. You can hold the guinea pigs and rabbits plus there are pony rides and a tractor ride around the whole site. Very cheap day out if you take a picnic but there is a cafe onsite.

Paultons Park is a bit further away but has Peppa Pig world if that's your toddlers thing. Quite pricey.

The aquarium in Bournemouth has otters and penguins and turtles. You can buy a ticket and go in and out all day on it so can go back for feeding times and go and have a picnic on the beach in between. Huge glass tunnel to walk through. Average costs.

Abbotsbury Swannery is further down towards Weymouth and although it's quite costly, the ticket gets you into the Swannery, the childrens farm and the tropical gardens. All three are great places to visit and you could easily do three days out on that. If you just want to do the children's farm then you can buy a ticket for that venue only. Lots of play equipment inside and outside plus animals. Not as good as Honeybrook but still a nice day out.

Adventures in Wonderland is a little theme park, out near Hurn Airport. Has lots of little rides for smaller children, a massive play area and is a good fun way to spend the day. Has a very large indoor soft play area too called Lemur Landings.

Monkey World is a great place and it's exactly what it says. It's full of monkeys and has an outside play area.

If you go to Poole you can get a ferry over to Brownsea Island (National Trust so free entry, just pay the ferry) and spend a day hunting for red squirrels, den building and exploring the beach. Beautiful place to go.

The Swanage railway is another one to think about if the weather isn't great, runs to Corfe and Corfe Castle is National Trust so free entry if you are a member.

Farmer Palmers is another children's farm place (I've not been there although it's highly rated).

If you need any other ideas, please shout. Beaches are plentiful and the New Forest is gorgeous so think about places like Brockenhurst where the ponies and donkeys wander freely in the village.

[verytiredmummy1]

Wow!! Lovely. Thank you for all of your ideas xx

[Willabywallaby]

Farmers Palmers is very good.