Bournemouth in the rain

[Smarshian]

We are away for a week for a break in Bournemouth.
2 kids 5&6. Looks like the weather is going to be fairly drizzly for most of the week.
Any ideas for reasonably cheap things to do?
We hoped to spend some days on the beach but might struggle if it’s too wet!

The aquarium is quite good I recall..

Hopefully after the weekend the weather may improve for you. Look up museums, often free and you can walk around in the dry. Also swimming pools aren’t too expensive for a family swim. I hope you have a nice holiday.

The aquarium.
The amusements on the pier with 2p pieces.
Crazy golf in the pleasure gardens if not too wet.

If you have your car then a walk at Moors Valley country park?

Splashdown at tower park is better than LittleDown pool for water play Tower park also has bowling and a cinema as well as a soft play that may be suitable.

Thanks - yes we have a car so can travel a bit (also National trust passes - would you recommend Kingston Lacy?)

Splash Down in Poole (although check the height restrictions on the slides compared to your DC)

Oasis Fun has a soft play and bowling

Science Zone UK is great, highly recommend. Short opening hours though so check ahead

Indoor crazy golf (Mr Mulligan’s)
Cheap cinema tickets www.odeon.co.uk/offers-membership/odeon-kids/

This is something locals have wanted for years. Bournemouth in the rain is shit! Kingston Lacey is OK, but not loads for kids. 2 playgrounds but not much fun in the rain. Cinemas, soft play, splashdown etc..... are all good but can be pricey. Tomorrow is looking better though so get out and about tomorrow. Moors Valley, beach, Christchurch quomps water park and play park (free).

Kingston Lacey
Drive out to the Tank Museum or Monkeyworld
Splashdown and tower park
Salisbury is only 40mins away and has the cathedral, museum & a national trust

Rock Reef on the pier.

Thanks for all the ideas! We already have plans to visit Moors Valley and Splashdown this week. Tomorrow looks like it will be the best day so beach then.
Just hoping to fill some of the other days with cheapish options.
I can’t really seem to get a feel for the science centre - how long would you say we could spend there?

Shell collecting on Shell bay, just across the water at studland, or if you don't mind a bit more of a drive, fossil hunting at Charmouth or Lyme Regis (if you have some wet weather gear).

Steam train at Swanage - you could go up and come straight back or get off at Corfe castle if weather was ok.

We took DNephews when they were little, they had a sensory room which might be too young for your DC and a dinosaur digging sandpit thing. They loved it and were happy there for a couple of hours, which felt very good value for money.

I think they do bookable activities as well, so might be worth seeing if there are any on whilst you’re there

Monkey world isn't too far, appreciate that it's outside too though.

Farmer palmers

Great thread OP we are heading that way too this week. Such a shame about the rain.

What's Monkeyworld like if it's wet can anyone tell me please?

I recommend the East Dorset Museum in Wimborne OP. My kids really enjoyed it (aged 3 and 5 last year) Lots of stuff for them to play with inside. Dressing up, toys, small crafts and puzzles etc.

It’s outdoors but adventure wonderland is ace for little kids.

rock reef on the pier is good, there are a few different activities to do there

Farmer Palmer's is good but not what I would call a "cheap" day out. Would still cost over £50 for admission but there are parts that are covered so good for rain as you can go indoor/outdoor depending on the weather.
Flip out has just opened in Poole, similar price though but would be well suited to your kids ages.

Poole Park is nice. Few outdoor play areas, miniature railway (not sure when open though), mini golf, lake to walk round, cafe and soft play.

Upton country park good, all outdoor though so need coats. Cheap.

Mr Mulligan's crazy golf. Bit expensive but a cool experience all indoors, they also have ping pong and darts. (Book in advance it gets busy).

I personally wouldn't recommend oceanarium, it's expensive for what would be 45 minute experience (although it is an all day pass).

You didn't ask for food recommendations but would highly recommend Chez Fred for great fish and chips.

If I think of anything else I'll add!