Looking for things to do with children in Southbourne? From sandy beaches and woodland walks to mini golf, playgrounds, wildlife adventures and creative activities, there's plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Discover free family days out, rainy-day ideas and exciting attractions around Southbourne, Tuckton and nearby Christchurch. Whether you're entertaining toddlers, planning a weekend adventure or looking for something different during the school holidays, our guide brings together some of the best family-friendly experiences.
3rd November 2026
Southbourne is a wonderful destination for families, offering a mixture of beautiful beaches, green open spaces, traditional seaside entertainment and activities for children of different ages.
With the coastline just a short walk from the high street, we can spend mornings building sandcastles, afternoons exploring wooded trails and evenings enjoying ice cream overlooking the sea.
There are also plenty of affordable activities, from free playgrounds and nature walks to local library sessions and community events.
For families happy to travel a little further, nearby Christchurch, Mudeford and Hengistbury Head offer even more opportunities for adventure.
Here are some of our favourite things to do with children in and around Southbourne.
Best for: All ages | Cost: Free
There's nothing quite like a traditional seaside day out, and Southbourne Beach provides the perfect setting.
With its mixture of golden sand and shingle, the beach offers plenty of space for sandcastle building, paddling, beach games and family picnics.
Older children can enjoy exploring the shoreline or playing games on the sand, while younger visitors may be perfectly happy collecting shells and filling buckets with seawater.
The promenade also provides opportunities for walking, cycling and enjoying the coastal scenery.
During the summer, RNLI lifeguards patrol designated areas of Southbourne Beach, although visitors should always check the latest patrol arrangements and sea conditions before entering the water.
With toilets, refreshments and ice cream available nearby, it's an easy way to spend several enjoyable hours without travelling far.
Best for: Toddlers, younger children and nature lovers | Cost: Free
For something a little different from the beach, Fisherman's Walk offers a peaceful green escape between Southbourne and the clifftop.
This attractive park features woodland paths, open lawns, colourful planting and a historic bandstand.
It's a lovely location for a family nature walk, with children able to look for birds, discover seasonal flowers and explore the winding pathways.
We particularly love the idea of creating a simple nature scavenger hunt, encouraging children to spot different leaves, flowers and wildlife along the way.
At the clifftop, families will also find a children's play area and beautiful views across Bournemouth Bay.
The historic Fisherman's Walk Cliff Lift provides another memorable experience when operating, carrying visitors between the clifftop and the promenade below.
Best for: Children and families who enjoy friendly competition | Cost: Paid
If you're looking for an activity that children and adults can enjoy together, miniature golf at Café Riva is a lovely choice.
Situated on the clifftop overlooking Southbourne Beach, the café has an 18-hole mini golf course where families can enjoy a little friendly competition.
Children can practise their putting skills, challenge parents to a game and celebrate those occasional hole-in-one moments.
Afterwards, the café provides an excellent place to relax, with meals, drinks and ice cream available.
The nearby ice cream kiosk also sells beach essentials, making it convenient to combine mini golf with a trip down to the beach.
The course operates subject to weather and availability, so it's worth checking before visiting.
Images: Unsplash
Best for: Nature lovers and adventurous children | Cost: Free to explore; some activities paid
A visit to Hengistbury Head is one of the most rewarding outdoor adventures near Southbourne.
This beautiful nature reserve offers coastal paths, woodland, open heathland and spectacular views across Christchurch Harbour.
Children can enjoy spotting birds, exploring natural habitats and discovering the fascinating landscape surrounding the headland.
For a more educational experience, the Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre provides opportunities to learn about the area's wildlife, geology and prehistoric history.
Families can also enjoy a walk towards Mudeford Sandbank, where colourful beach huts line the waterfront.
During operating periods, the Hengistbury Head land train provides an alternative to walking the full route, making the journey an attraction in itself.
Images: Unsplash
Best for: Confident young cyclists and older children | Cost: Free with your own bikes
Southbourne's seafront is a wonderful location for a family cycling adventure.
The promenade provides a scenic route towards Boscombe and Bournemouth, with views across the bay and plenty of opportunities to stop for refreshments.
For younger children who are still developing their cycling skills, families may prefer a shorter section of the route, choosing quieter periods when pedestrian traffic is lighter.
We recommend allowing plenty of time for ice cream breaks, photographs and enjoying the coastal scenery.
Cyclists should follow the local promenade restrictions, give way to pedestrians and remain aware of seasonal crowds.
Images: Unsplash
Best for: Babies, toddlers and primary-school children | Cost: Free
Rainy weather doesn't have to mean staying indoors at home.
Pokesdown and Southbourne Library offers a welcoming environment for families, with children's books and opportunities to encourage a love of reading.
Regular activities have included Wriggle and Rhyme, a free interactive session for babies and toddlers featuring nursery rhymes, music and movement.
These sessions are particularly useful for parents and carers looking for affordable activities with younger children.
Tuckton Library also runs children's activities, including Lego sessions and a chess club for older children.
Schedules may change during school holidays, so check the latest programme before visiting.
Best for: Babies, toddlers and preschool children | Cost: Free or low-cost, depending on the group
Southbourne has a welcoming selection of community activities for families with younger children.
Local groups have included Penguins Toddler Stay and Play at Immanuel Church, offering toys, crafts, singing and opportunities for little ones to socialise.
Little Acorns Toddler Group at Citygate Southbourne has also provided sessions for babies, toddlers and preschool children.
These groups are a lovely way for children to make friends, practise social skills and enjoy activities in a relaxed environment.
Parents and carers can also benefit from meeting other local families.
For current sessions, see our What's On in Southbourne This Week guide.
Images: Unsplash
Best for: Children of different swimming abilities | Cost: Paid
For an active indoor outing, Littledown Leisure Centre in nearby Bournemouth offers swimming facilities suitable for family visits.
Swimming is a great way for children to build confidence in the water, develop new skills and enjoy exercise whatever the weather.
Families can look for public swimming sessions or organised swimming lessons, depending on their children's ages and abilities.
The centre also provides a convenient alternative when the sea is too cold or conditions are unsuitable for outdoor swimming.
Check the current family swim timetable, admission requirements and pool availability before visiting.
Best for: Creative children and older primary-school ages | Cost: Varies
For children who love drawing, painting and making things, Southbourne's community spaces and independent businesses occasionally host creative workshops and seasonal activities.
These might include arts and crafts, themed activities, creative sessions and special school-holiday events.
Local libraries are another good place to look for children's workshops and interactive activities.
We recommend checking the Southbourne Events Guide for upcoming family-friendly events and workshops.
Images: Unsplash
Best for: Primary-school children and traditional seaside fun | Cost: Free; equipment extra
Just a short journey from Southbourne, Mudeford Quay is one of the area's favourite destinations for a traditional family day out.
Children can enjoy trying to catch small shore crabs using baited lines and buckets, before carefully returning them to the harbour.
The quay's working fishing boats and beautiful views towards Hengistbury Head add to the seaside atmosphere.
Crabbing equipment is available to purchase locally, while nearby refreshments and public facilities make it easy to stay for several hours.
Families should always supervise children closely around the harbour walls and use hook-free equipment to protect the crabs.
Read our dedicated Crabbing at Mudeford Quay guide for advice on equipment, safety and responsible crabbing.
Best for: Toddlers and younger children | Cost: Free | Seasonal
During the warmer months, Quomps Splash Park at Christchurch Quay is a popular family attraction.
The outdoor water play area features fountains, water jets and a shallow paddling pool, providing plenty of opportunities for younger children to cool down.
The surrounding grassy areas are ideal for picnics, while the adjoining playground provides additional entertainment when everyone has finished splashing.
As the splash park operates seasonally, families should check the latest opening arrangements before visiting.
The 2026 season has now ended, with reopening information for 2027 still to be confirmed.
Find out more in our Quomps Splash Park Visitor Guide.
Best for: All ages | Cost: Free to explore; activities may cost extra
Christchurch Quay is an excellent destination for families looking for a mixture of outdoor activities and riverside scenery.
The large open spaces provide room for picnics and games, while the children's playground offers plenty of opportunities to climb, swing and explore.
Families can also watch boats travelling along the River Stour, stroll beside the water or investigate the historic surroundings of Christchurch town centre.
Seasonal boat trips and other activities provide opportunities to enjoy the riverside from a different perspective.
With public facilities and refreshments nearby, it's an easy destination for both short visits and longer family afternoons.
Best for: Adventurous families and children who love boats | Cost: Ferry fare applies
For children who enjoy unusual journeys, a passenger ferry from Mudeford Quay to Mudeford Sandbank is a memorable experience.
The short crossing passes over the harbour entrance, offering views of fishing boats, the coastline and colourful beach huts.
Once across, families can explore Mudeford Beach, enjoy a picnic or discover the surrounding coastal landscape.
It's a lovely combination of a boat trip and beach adventure, particularly during the summer months.
Ferry services are seasonal and weather-dependent, so always check operating arrangements before travelling.
Best for: Beach-loving families and children of all ages | Cost: Free
For another seaside adventure, Avon Beach in Christchurch is a fantastic nearby destination.
This attractive sandy beach overlooks Christchurch Bay and offers plenty of space for paddling, beach games and relaxing beside the water.
Seasonal RNLI lifeguards, nearby toilets and a selection of beachfront refreshments make it a popular choice for families.
Children can enjoy building sandcastles while adults take in the beautiful sea views.
The neighbouring promenade also provides an enjoyable walking route towards Mudeford Quay and Friars Cliff.
Best for: Younger children and families who enjoy outdoor activities | Cost: Free entry; railway rides paid
Littledown Park, a short journey from Southbourne, offers a wonderful combination of open green space, outdoor play and family attractions.
The park includes a children's playground, wildlife lake and a miniature railway, making it an excellent option for families with energetic younger visitors.
During summer, the outdoor paddling pool provides another opportunity to cool down, although opening dates depend on the season and weather conditions.
The miniature railway operates on selected days, subject to volunteers and weather, so it's worth checking availability in advance.
Families can also enjoy picnics, wildlife spotting and walks around the grounds.
Throughout the year, Southbourne hosts a selection of community events that can make family days out even more memorable.
The annual Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival brings music, dancing, vintage entertainment and family activities to Fisherman's Walk.
The Southbourne Food & Fun Festival also provides opportunities to enjoy local food, live entertainment and community activities, with the next programme awaiting confirmation.
Seasonal celebrations, including Halloween trails, Christmas activities and school-holiday workshops, offer further reasons to explore the area throughout the year.
Check our Southbourne Events Guide for upcoming events and family-friendly entertainment.
One of Southbourne's greatest advantages is how easily families can combine different activities in a single day.
A morning on Southbourne Beach could be followed by mini golf at Café Riva, while a walk through Fisherman's Walk provides an opportunity to enjoy green space away from the seafront.
Families with younger children may prefer a playground visit followed by ice cream, while older children might enjoy a longer adventure around Hengistbury Head or a ferry trip across Christchurch Harbour.
Many of the area's best experiences are completely free, making Southbourne a particularly attractive destination for affordable family days out.
Whether you're visiting for the weekend, planning the school holidays or simply looking for something new to do close to home, Southbourne and its surrounding coastline offer plenty of opportunities to create lasting family memories.
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