Bournemouth - what's there for kids?

[bunny2]

Does anyone live in or near Bournemouth? We are moving there next month and I am keen to find playgroups, a day nursery and toddler friendly pubs. Any advice?

Bunny, I live in the New Forest, about 20 mins drive from Bournemouth. I don't know any playgroups etc. but I will ask our local pre school learning alliance lady if she knows who covers the Bournemouth area so I can put you in touch if that would help.
If you want to while away some time during the day, the aquarium by the main pier in Bournemouth is great, dd loves it and you can go round as many times as you want. Opposite this there is a Wacky Warehouse pub with play area.
Poole Park is good, with a good play area and train etc.
If you want to venture into the new forest I can let you have details of things to do and good pubs.
For a day out Paultons PArk (Junction 2 of M27) is a great Toddler size theme park. We have a season ticket there and dd never tires of it.
In terms of Nurseries etc. Dorset County Council should be able to supply you with a list of all those registered in the area. Hampshire certainly do and this is how I found dd's nursery.
Good luck with the move and please ask if I can find out any more for you. I love it down here and I hope you will be very happy.

Hi Viv

Thanks for the info, I know Poole park as my parents live in Poole, I shall certainly give Paultons a go, is it open all year? I will contact Dorset CC for a list of nurseries but would like to attend a mother and toddler group too - good way to meet people when you are new to town. We should be movning at the end of October and I have to admit to being a bit apprehensive but quite excited too.

bunny, could you get in touch with HV or doctor's surgery that you will be registering with? They may have lists of M&T groups.

Another good day out near Poole is Farmer Palmers - ds had a great time on the tractor trailer ride in the summer - DH came off looking quite green though!

Thanks Jodee - my toddler lovers anything to do with vehicles so the tractor sounds great. Will definately contact the hv too.

I live not far away either..my suggestions are:

Paultons Park, again we have a season ticket, my 3 year old loves it.
Moores Valley Country Park - great climbing frames/train/playground for all ages
Crabbing on Sandbanks beach (bacon works well to catch them)
Longleat is not far away
Boat trips from Poole Harbour
Acquarium
Poole Splash Down if they are good swimmers
Longdown Farm in the New Forest
Monkey World
Seredipidity Sams in Romsey (soft play area)

don't have much info though about schools in your area unfortunately. But its a great place to live, there are lots of activities and places to go close by.

Hi Eve Thanks for the list. I am looking forward to trying them all out. Do you live in Bournemouth? My parents have been there years but I always thought it was full of pensioners. Are there plenty of families with small children, if so where do they live?

I live about 25 mins from Bournemouth on the edge of the New Forest so don't know much about the area.

However a friend was considering moving there recently but to Christchurch but she wasn't able to get her 4 year ols daughter a reception place at any local schools...so there must be lots of people with young children!

bunny2 you are the luckiest person moving to B'mth... we pend a lot of time down there with our 1 and 2 year olds. You will not be short of things to do. My suggestions to add to the others already mentioned:

Bournemouth central library - state of the art glassy thing that opened in May complete with lifts and deluxe nappy changing room. Brilliant children's section with beanbags, rugs, and tons of books, music tapes, videos and story telling sessions. And won't cost you anything.

Russell Coates museum - never went to this for years, sounded very boring... but was rennovated recently with some lottery cash. Has a fantastic children's area they can colour in pictures, record and story and play with toys. Occasional workshops with local artists. Again, won't cost you anything.

Would definately second the Russel Coates museum dd loves it. In fact I'm in Bournemouth tonight for a concert at the BIC. When are you moving? I really hope it goes well and you settle into the area quickly. You know where we are if you have any more questions.

Thanks again. Im quite excited now, we should be moving in about 10 days time. Fingers crossed. The Russell Coates museum sounds great, I went there on a date years ago - it was a bit dull then but there again so was my date! I love arty stuff though- used to teach art amongst other things so I'll be there mucking in. As for the library ... bliss. here in Spain there are no libraries that I know of. I read OK magazine, its about as cultured as I can get.