Summer is the best opportunity to get outside, get active, connect with your family and friends, and take notice in nature – some of the Five Ways to Wellbeing.

Physical activity is vital to the health and wellbeing of children and adults, and getting active as a family can make exercise more enjoyable. Spending time outside can benefit your mental health, as well as increase your vitamin D levels.

There are lots of exciting activities happening across Dorset that are fun for the whole family. So get your sunscreen, water, hats and sunglasses ready, and enjoy what's on offer in your community. 
 

Swimming for children and young people

Dorset Council residents under the age of 16 can access free swimming in some leisure centres across the area until 4 September. The offer does not extend to a free adult swim, but families can still enjoy the activity together.

Swimming gets young people active, and it can help boost their confidence around water. Discover what leisure centres are offering free swimming sessions.
 

Dorset’s orienteering courses

There are a variety of orienteering activities across Dorset that are fun, and free to use by anyone, anytime, and they are suitable for all ages and abilities. The aim is to navigate between checkpoints marked on a returnable map or downloadable Maprun app, and you can walk or run the courses.

Orienteering is good for both body and mind, and it’s an exciting and adventurous way to explore local green spaces and communities as a family. Find your nearest orienteering course.
 

10-minute Shake Up activities

These fun, free, and play-along games are excellent for motivating children to get active over the summer holidays. The 10-minute Shake Up activities are inspired by popular Disney characters, which are great for encouraging children to reach the 60-minutes of physical activity they need.

Plus, the whole family can take part in these games. Whether it’s in the garden, at the park, or indoors on a rainy day, the 10-Minute Shake Up games are fun for all.
 

Bournemouth Commonwealth games trails

Across five different parks in Bournemouth, you can take part in activities inspired by the Commonwealth Games . These trails are free to use until Friday 9 September – all you need to do is download the trail sheet and map to get involved. Discover which parks in Bournemouth are hosting Commonwealth trails.
 

Spend time in nature

Parks in Mind have a range of fun nature conservation activities happening across Bournemouth this summer. From mindfulness walks, arts and crafts, tai chi, frisbee, and gardening – these activities provide a combination of health and wellbeing benefits to anyone taking part.

The Parks in Mind activities are a great opportunity to meet new people, get active, give time, learn new skills, and take notice in nature – all the Five Ways to Wellbeing. These activities also help to make improvements to local parks for people and wildlife.
 

Learn new skills

There are a wide range of activities happening across Dorset Council this summer that are great for learning new skills. Children and young people with SEND aged 16 to 25 years can get involved in archery adventure at Carey Camp, sailing off the coast of Portland and multi-sports in Blandford. Discover all the exciting and free activities happening across Dorset for young people with SEND.