Things to Do in Weymouth with Kids: Our Family's Favourite Days Out

Discover Our Favourite Family Days Out in Weymouth

If you’re searching for the best things to do in Weymouth with kids, you’ve certainly got plenty of choice. From award-winning attractions and beautiful sandy beaches to hands-on adventures and traditional seaside fun, Weymouth has long been one of Britain’s favourite family holiday destinations.

We know that because we’ve experienced it from both sides.

Long before we moved to Dorset, Weymouth was where we spent many of our family holidays. Like many parents, we wanted places that would genuinely keep our children entertained during the school holidays, whatever the weather. It was during those early trips, staying in local Weymouth holiday cottages, that we fell in love with the area. Years later, after making Dorset our home and raising our family here, we’re still returning to many of those same attractions, sometimes with visiting friends and family, and often simply because they’re just as enjoyable now as they were then.

What we’ve discovered is that Weymouth’s best family days out aren’t necessarily the newest or biggest attractions. They’re the places where children can explore, discover something unexpected and create memories they’ll still be talking about years later. In fact, some of our children’s favourite holiday memories weren’t expensive days out at all, but simple pleasures such as crabbing in the harbour, riding the land train or trying to win enough tickets in the amusement arcades for a handful of sweets.

This guide brings together the family attractions we’ve genuinely enjoyed over the years. Rather than simply listing places to visit, we’re sharing the destinations we’d confidently recommend to friends and guests visiting Weymouth with children of all ages.

Spend a Day at Lodmoor Country Park: One of the Best Things to Do in Weymouth with Kids

If we had to recommend just one area of Weymouth for a full family day out, it would almost certainly be Lodmoor Country Park.

One of the reasons we love it is that you can easily spend an entire day here without having to move the car. Everything is within easy walking distance, making it ideal if you’ve got younger children, prams, or simply don’t want to spend your holiday driving between attractions.

Over the years we’ve done exactly that more times than we can remember. We’d often arrive in the morning, spend several hours exploring SEALIFE Weymouth, stop for lunch nearby at Top Cat Cafe, wander across to SandWorld, and then let the children burn off the last of their energy in the park before heading back to our cottage. 

Come Face-to-Face with Sharks, Seals and Sea Turtles

If you ask our children which attraction they remember most from their childhood, SEALIFE Weymouth would almost certainly be near the top of the list.

We’ve visited countless times over the years, from when they were young enough to be completely fascinated by clownfish and tiny seahorses, through to their teenage years, when they still insisted on walking through the shark tunnel on every visit.

One of the things we’ve always admired is how the attraction continues to evolve. Every few years, there’s something new to discover, so it never feels like you’re visiting the same place twice.

The most recent addition is the beautifully reimagined Night & Day Ocean Tunnel, which transforms throughout the day to recreate the changing life of a tropical coral reef over a full 24-hour cycle. Watching graceful green sea turtles glide overhead while blacktip reef sharks circle through the tunnel remains as impressive today as the original tunnel was when we first visited years ago.

Of course, SEALIFE isn’t just about the sharks.

Children can come face-to-face with playful penguins, curious otters, colourful tropical fish, rays, jellyfish and rescued sea turtles while learning about marine conservation in a way that feels fun rather than educational. One part of the day we always tried to time our visit around was the keeper talks and feeding sessions.

Watching the seals being fed was always guaranteed to draw a crowd, and even now it’s one of the highlights whenever we return. The keepers do a brilliant job of making the presentations entertaining while helping children understand more about the animals and the important conservation work behind the scenes.

For families visiting during the school holidays, we’d definitely recommend checking the daily talk schedule on arrival. It helps you plan your day and ensures you don’t miss some of the most popular experiences.

Another reason we recommend SEALIFE is that it suits a wide age range. When our children were toddlers, they would always end a busy day by cooling off in the splash zone and the pool within the attraction. 

Let Your Imagination Run Wild at SandWorld

Just a short stroll from SEALIFE lies another attraction that often surprises first-time visitors.

SandWorld is unlike anywhere else in the UK and has become one of our favourite recommendations for families seeking something a little different.

Using nothing but sand and water, internationally renowned artists create enormous sculptures that seem almost unbelievable until you’re standing beside them.

Every visit feels slightly different because the displays regularly change, giving returning visitors something new to discover. Children love wandering around, trying to recognise famous characters, animals and mythical creatures hidden among the sculptures, while adults are often just as impressed by the extraordinary craftsmanship.

What we particularly like is that SandWorld encourages children to be creative rather than merely looking at exhibits.

Depending on when you visit, there are often opportunities for young visitors to have a go themselves, learning basic sand-sculpting techniques and creating their own masterpieces. It’s a lovely change of pace after the excitement of SEALIFE and gives families a chance to slow down and explore together.

It’s also one of those attractions that’s good even if the weather isn’t perfect. While much of it is outdoors, there’s plenty to see indoors too, making it well worth considering if a typical beach day isn’t on the cards.

Pirate Adventure Mini Golf

If your children still have energy to burn after SEALIFE and SandWorld, there’s every chance they’ll spot Pirate Adventure Mini Golf before you do.

Located right beside SEALIFE, this pirate-themed adventure golf course has become another regular stop for our family over the years.

Like most families, we’ve never taken mini-golf too seriously. It’s usually less about keeping score and more about laughing at impossible shots, cheering lucky hole-in-ones and watching someone inevitably hit the ball in the wrong direction.

One visit that always makes us smile took place on an unexpectedly soggy summer afternoon. We’d almost written the day off because of the rain, yet ended up having one of the funniest family competitions we’ve ever had. It just goes to show that some of the best holiday memories aren’t always made under blue skies.

It’s also worth checking the SEA LIFE website before you visit, as combination tickets and family offers are often available, making it excellent value if you’re planning to enjoy more than one attraction.

There’s More to Lodmoor Than Attractions

One of the reasons we keep returning to Lodmoor Country Park is that it isn’t solely about ticketed attractions.

There’s plenty of open green space where children can simply run around, along with playgrounds, a miniature railway, a seasonal pitch and putt course, and pleasant walking paths linking everything together.

Explore Nothe Fort: An Adventure Our Children Never Grew Out Of

If there’s one attraction we’ve returned to more than any other over the years, it’s Nothe Fort.

Perched on the headland overlooking Weymouth Harbour and Portland Harbour, it’s one of those places that children experience very differently from adults. While the history is fascinating, our own children never thought of it as a museum. To them, it was a giant adventure playground, packed with hidden tunnels, mysterious passageways and places to explore.

Even now, whenever we walk through the huge entrance, we’re reminded of countless family visits during school holidays. It’s somewhere we’ve recommended to visiting friends with children time and again because it manages to entertain almost every age.

A Fort Built for Exploring

One of the biggest attractions for children is the maze of underground tunnels hidden beneath the fort.

There’s something wonderfully exciting about disappearing into the cool Victorian passageways, turning corners to discover another room or climbing staircases that suddenly lead out onto the open ramparts. Younger children love imagining they’re explorers or soldiers defending the fort, while older children become fascinated by the history behind what they see.

Another favourite is the Cold War Nuclear Bunker, tucked away within the fort. It offers a fascinating glimpse into a very different period of history and always sparks plenty of questions from curious youngsters.

Outside, the massive coastal guns and wide-open ramparts provide spectacular views across Weymouth Bay, Portland Harbour and the Jurassic Coast. On a clear day you can spend ages simply watching yachts, fishing boats, naval vessels and cruise ships passing in the bay. 

Holiday Events That Keep Families Coming Back

One of the reasons we’ve returned so many times is that Nothe Fort offers family fun events when it’s open. 

Throughout the school holidays, the team regularly organise themed events, interactive family trails and children’s activities, giving children an extra reason to explore every corner of the fort. Our children always enjoy following the family trails around the site, hunting for clues as they explore the tunnels and hidden rooms.

It transforms what could be merely a historical attraction into a genuine family adventure.

If you’re visiting during half term or the summer holidays, it’s always worth checking what’s happening before you arrive, as there are often special events included with admission. It’s also worth checking their what’s on section if you are staying in Weymouth during August, since Nothe Fort hosts a brilliant family-friendly event in its grounds. 

Don’t Miss the Fort View Café

After several hours of exploring, we nearly always ended up stopping at the Fort View Café.

On sunny days, one of our favourite spots is to sit outside in the old parade ground with a coffee while the children enjoy one last run around the open space before heading home. 

For us, Nothe Fort perfectly combines history, adventure and some of the best views in Dorset. It’s one of those rare attractions that genuinely keeps children entertained while giving adults plenty to enjoy too.

Weymouth Beach: Where Some of Our Best Family Memories Were Made

Ask anyone what comes to mind when they think of Weymouth, and they’ll likely picture its glorious golden beach.

For us, however, it’s far more than that.

Some of our favourite family memories were made here, not necessarily because of the sea.

What makes Weymouth Beach so special is that every visit feels different. One day you’re building sandcastles and paddling in the shallow water. The next you’re riding donkeys, watching Punch and Judy, eating ice cream on the promenade or trying your luck in the amusement arcades.

It’s traditional British seaside fun at its finest.

Ride the Weymouth Wheel

One of the newer additions to Weymouth’s seafront is the Weymouth Wheel, which has quickly become part of the summer experience.

Standing high above the beach in fully enclosed gondolas, it offers wonderful views across Weymouth Bay, the colourful Georgian seafront, the harbour, and across to Portland.

Children love spotting familiar landmarks from above, while parents finally get the chance to appreciate how beautiful Weymouth really is.

It’s suitable for all ages, including younger children, and even has an accessible gondola for wheelchair users. Perfect for anyone staying in our accessible accommodation.

Donkey Rides, Punch & Judy and Seaside Traditions

One of the things we love most about Weymouth is that it hasn’t forgotten its seaside heritage.

The famous donkey rides are still part of every summer, delighting generation after generation of children. Watching youngsters enjoy their first gentle ride along the sand feels wonderfully nostalgic and reminds us of holidays from years gone by.

The traditional Punch and Judy shows continue to entertain families too. Few seaside resorts have managed to preserve this much-loved tradition, making it a lovely experience for children discovering it for the first time.

Add in trampolines, the helter-skelter, funfair rides and the pirate coaster, and there’s always something happening along the beach.

If you asked our children what they remember most about Weymouth holidays, the answer probably wouldn’t be one of the big attractions.

It would be Alexandra Gardens Amusements.

No matter how much we’d done during the day, somehow we’d always end up here.

Their mission was simple: win as many tickets as possible.

Our children’s favourites were always the basketball games and the wonderfully addictive 2p horse racing machines. We can still remember them proudly counting up every last ticket before deciding whether to spend them on sweets, tiny toys or the inevitable prize that looked much better on the shelf than it did once we got home!

Those moments probably cost less than many attractions, but they’ve become some of the memories we still laugh about years later.

A Sweet Treat Before Heading Home

No family day at Weymouth Beach ever seemed complete without ice cream.

For us, there were usually two favourites.

If we wanted a traditional seaside cone, we’d head for Rossi’s Ice Cream, a long-established Weymouth favourite loved by generations of visitors.

If everyone fancied something a little more indulgent, Wafflicious was usually the unanimous choice. Their waffles, desserts and enormous milkshakes always disappeared remarkably quickly and became something of a holiday tradition for our family.

Sometimes it’s these little rituals that children remember long after they’ve forgotten what else they did that day.

Don’t imagine Weymouth has just one beach. There are many more, including great places for families to explore and spend a quiet day by the sea. And if you’re staying in one of our dog-friendly cottages, there are plenty of all-year beaches you can visit when Weymouth’s main beach doesn’t allow dogs. We’ve explored and spent many days on these beaches, so it’s worth reading our detailed guide.

Go Crabbing Around Weymouth Harbour

If someone asked us for the best free thing to do in Weymouth with kids, we’d probably answer with a single word.

Crabbing.

It sounds simple, but we’ve lost count of the afternoons we’ve spent leaning over the harbour walls, watching children squeal with excitement whenever another crab appears in the bucket.

If you haven’t brought any equipment, don’t worry. You’ll find several shops around the harbour selling crabbing lines, nets and buckets, including the RNLI shop, making it easy to join in.

Just remember to return your crabs safely to the harbour once you’ve admired them.

While you’re there, take time to wander among the colourful fishing boats, watch the RNLI lifeboat crews if they’re training, and soak up the lively atmosphere that makes Weymouth Harbour such a special place. If all that sea air has worked up an appetite, we’ve also put together our guide to the best places to eat in Weymouth Harbour, featuring many of our favourite cafés, pubs and harbour-side restaurants.

Sometimes the simplest family activities turn out to be the most memorable, and for us, crabbing has always been among them.

Meet Hundreds of Swans at Abbotsbury Swannery

Around a 20-minute drive from Weymouth, Abbotsbury Swannery is one of those places unlike anywhere else in the world.

It’s the only place in the world where you can walk freely through a colony of nesting mute swans, and even after several visits, it remains an extraordinary experience.

Our children always loved visiting, but one particular memory has become part of our family folklore.

Like many parents with a camera in hand, I thought I’d edge a little closer to photograph one of the newly hatched cygnets. Before I knew it, a very protective female swan had made it perfectly clear I wasn’t welcome! Needless to say, I retreated rather quickly, much to the amusement of the rest of the family.

It’s a story that’s still mentioned whenever we return.

Beyond the humour, though, it’s a wonderful attraction for families. During the spring and summer months, you’ll see hundreds of elegant swans nesting around the lagoon, while the famous daily feeding can be spectacular, particularly during the breeding season, when cygnets are everywhere.

Like many of our favourite attractions around Weymouth, Abbotsbury Swannery does an excellent job of keeping children entertained throughout the school holidays. Family trails, themed activities and interactive events run regularly, giving younger visitors plenty to look forward to beyond simply admiring the birds.

If you’re visiting nearby, it’s also well worth combining your trip with a visit to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, making for a fantastic full-day out. 

Challenge the Family at Globals Weymouth

One of the newest additions to Weymouth’s growing list of attractions is Globals, and we wish somewhere like this had existed when our children were younger.

We’ve visited ourselves and can confirm it’s geat fun.

Rather than traditional crazy golf, Globals combines interactive electronic games with cleverly designed courses that test accuracy, speed and just a touch of family competitiveness. Perhaps what impressed us most is that it’s just as good on a rainy afternoon as on a sunny day.

Every family holiday has at least one day when the weather doesn’t quite cooperate. Instead of wondering what to do, Globals offers families somewhere modern, energetic and genuinely different to spend a couple of hours.

After our visit, we wandered over to Nautico Lounge, one of our regular favourites in Weymouth town centre.

It’s exactly the sort of relaxed, family-friendly restaurant we love recommending. There’s plenty of choice for children, comfortable seating, a welcoming atmosphere and no pressure to rush, making it an ideal place to finish an afternoon of family fun.

Discover Weymouth from the Land Train

Sometimes it’s the simplest attractions that children remember best.

The Weymouth Land Train has delighted families for years, and we’ve lost count of how many times we’ve recommended it to visiting friends with young children.

We’ve taken our own children on it, we’ve taken relatives on it, and we’ve happily sat back while younger members of the family pointed excitedly at boats, beaches and the colourful Georgian seafront as it rolled past.

If you’ve got little legs that are starting to tire after a busy morning of exploring, the land train is a brilliant way to continue sightseeing without any complaints about walking.

The harbour route is particularly enjoyable, and the evening and twilight journeys have a lovely atmosphere during the summer months as the sun begins to set over Weymouth Bay.

Explore the Rodwell Trail by Bike

If your children enjoy cycling, we’d wholeheartedly recommend setting aside a morning or afternoon to explore the Rodwell Trail.

Following the route of the former railway line, it’s one of the safest and most enjoyable family cycle rides around Weymouth, with long traffic-free sections and beautiful views towards Portland Harbour.

When our children were younger, this was one of our favourite family bike rides.

We’d normally begin near Lodmoor, cycle through the country park, then join the trail and enjoy the relaxed pace all the way to Ferry Bridge.

The route is mostly flat, making it suitable for families, though there are a handful of road crossings where a little extra care is needed.

One of our favourite stopping points has always been Billy Winters, overlooking Hamm Beach. 

Whether it’s coffee and cake, lunch, or simply an excuse to sit outside and watch the windsurfers and paddleboarders, it’s the perfect place for a well-earned break before heading back.

If you’re staying in Weymouth and don’t want the hassle of transporting bikes, our concierge service can arrange for bike hire to be delivered directly to your holiday cottage, making it even easier to enjoy one of our favourite family adventures.

Escape the Crowds at Bowleaze Cove

Although Weymouth’s main beach deserves all its awards, there are times when we prefer somewhere a little quieter.

That’s when we often head to Bowleaze Cove.

Just a few minutes from the town centre, Bowleaze offers a completely different atmosphere.

Children love exploring the rock pools at low tide, while older children can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking and other water sports during the summer months. You can hire them directly at the cove. 

There’s also a small seasonal funfair nearby, giving younger visitors another reason to stay a little longer.

Because it’s often quieter than the main beach, it can be a lovely option during the busiest weeks of the summer holidays, particularly if your family enjoys adventuring rather than simply lying on the sand.

Sometimes the Best Family Days Are the Ones You Didn’t Plan

Looking back over the years, it’s funny how many of our children’s favourite memories weren’t necessarily the biggest attractions.

They still talk about trying to catch the biggest crab in Weymouth Harbour.

About the protective swan that sent Dad retreating rather quickly.

About winning enough tickets in Alexandra Gardens for sweets.

About walking through the shark tunnel for “just one more look.”

Or laughing our way around a rain-soaked game of pirate adventure golf.

Those are the moments that make family holidays so special.

Of course, Weymouth has some outstanding attractions, but what makes it such a fantastic place for families is that every day can be completely different. You can spend one day on the beach, another exploring tunnels beneath a Victorian fort, another cycling along traffic-free trails or meeting sharks, seals and swans.

Even after living in Dorset for many years, we’re still discovering new reasons to return—and that’s probably the best recommendation we can give.

Planning a Family Holiday in Weymouth?

One of the reasons we love recommending Weymouth is that so many of its best family attractions are just minutes apart. You can spend the morning exploring the underground tunnels at Nothe Fort, enjoy an afternoon on the beach, finish the day crabbing in the harbour, and still have plenty left to discover tomorrow.

If you’re planning your own Dorset escape, browse our collection of handpicked Weymouth holiday cottages, each personally selected for its quality, comfort and location. If you’d like to explore further afield, you’ll also find beautiful Dorset holiday cottages across some of the county’s most sought-after locations, from the Jurassic Coast and Portland to Dorchester, Purbeck and West Dorset.

Looking for more inspiration? We’ve created a growing collection of local guides covering everything from hidden beaches and family walks to historic castles, harbour restaurants and some of Dorset’s best days out, helping you experience the county like a local rather than simply ticking off the tourist attractions.

Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, we hope this guide helps your family create the kind of memories we’ve been lucky enough to make here over the years.

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